Latest news with #brandbuilder
Entrepreneur
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Entrepreneur
Saif Ali Khan aka Nawab of Pataudi Turns a Year Wiser – And Richer in More Ways Than One
In a nutshell, Saif Ali Khan stands as a prime example of how a star can evolve into a brand-builder, all with precision, patience, and a bit of royal flair You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. On August 16, Bollywood actor and the Nawab of Pataudi, Saif Ali Khan, turns 54. Known for his versatile roles and sharp business instincts, Saif has built a portfolio that spans films, heritage tourism, lifestyle brands, and real estate. Saif Ali Khan is the son of veteran actress Sharmila Tagore and the late cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. The actor has not just inherited a rich legacy but also a reputation to build. What we can surely say is that, just like his father, Khan has a persona that reflects his identity, heritage, and long-term credibility, and that shows his royal approach towards business. "I'm not interested in chasing trends. I'd rather be true to my personality and let that reflect in my work and choices," the Kal Ho Naa Ho actor once said in an interview, summing up his approach to entrepreneurship. Heritage Meets Business Saif's involvement in leveraging and maintaining properties that he is blessed to have gotten from his ancestors is not just sentimental. The actor surely knows how to reflect a trend among modern entrepreneurs and has made sure to blend his personal legacy with commercial vision. "The Pataudi Palace is not just a piece of property; it's a part of my family history. Preserving it is as important to me as any role I've played," Saif has once said in a media interaction. Old-School Investment Philosophy Saif treats legacy like a living, breathing brand, be it maintaining the Pataudi Palace or leveraging his heritage for tourism and hospitality projects. And we all know that it's a long game that grows more valuable with time. He's more focused on growing his business, reflecting his own sensibilities in an old-school approach that won't fade away like the latest Instagram trends that last for a while. In his own words, "I don't see myself as a businessman in the traditional sense, but I do believe in making choices that grow in value over time." In a nutshell, Saif Ali Khan stands as a prime example of how a star can evolve into a brand-builder, all with precision, patience, and a bit of royal flair. As he steps into another year, he appears poised to explore even more in premium lifestyle ventures and heritage tourism, making sure his brand is as enduring as his on-screen charm.
Fast Company
4 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Successful branding campaigns require a human touch
When was the last time a brand didn't just catch your eye, but moved you—made you feel something real? Today, AI can produce logos, taglines, and campaigns at lightning speed. Algorithms can replicate styles, test headlines, even mimic tone. But as branding becomes more automated, a deeper question emerges: Can machines truly connect with human experience? Or does meaningful branding still depend on uniquely human emotions like empathy, intuition, and lived understanding? After 15 years of building brands across continents and causes, I've learned that the most powerful branding isn't about perfection. It's about presence. When we show up—really listen, engage, and understand—branding becomes a bridge to transformation. Empathy isn't programmable Consider Sonia, a single mother in Delhi, India, who handcrafts beautiful bags. Her skill was undeniable, but her work was invisible to the market. She didn't need a new product to attract customers—she needed a platform. We helped craft Saffron, a brand that honored her artistry and gave her a place in the conversation. What followed wasn't just commercial growth; it was a personal awakening. Branding turned her story into strength. AI can't do that. It doesn't ask how someone feels, or why their work matters. It optimizes—but it doesn't understand. Intuition creates belonging In Hanoi, Vietnam, a small café run by recent graduates struggled to stay open. They had quality coffee and a noble mission—providing jobs for youth—but no clear identity. We repositioned the space as Friends Coffee Roasters, a name that invited connection and warmth. The transformation was immediate. Customers showed up, reviews surged, and the café became a local favorite on TripAdvisor. A new name didn't just save a business—it saved a dream. Branding didn't just describe what they sold; it reflected who they were becoming. Culture is not universal Technology can scan trends, but it can't live inside a culture. That matters—because branding without context can flatten identity instead of elevating it. In the Villa Rica region of Peru, the Yanesha tribe cultivates organic coffee to fund community development. Yet selling unbranded bulk beans kept them trapped in poverty. Working with the tribe, we codeveloped Tierra Fuerte, a brand rooted in resilience and sovereignty. With it came more than just packaging—it brought pricing power, dignity, and visibility. A similar challenge arose in Mongolia, where limited access to fresh produce was impacting health. Partnering with local stakeholders, we created Smart Berry to introduce strawberries grown in high-tech smart farm. The brand became more than a product—it sparked a national conversation about wellness, youth aspiration, and modern agriculture. In both cases, cultural insight—not code—was the true catalyst. Final thoughts These experiences remind us: While AI is a tool, human intelligence is the soul of branding. The ability to read between the lines, to feel the emotional undercurrent, to design not just for markets but for meaning—those are still human strengths. When branding is approached with care, it can uplift. It can build local economies, support social missions, and shift narratives. It doesn't just sell—it serves.
