Shumail Shikarpuria serves as the Chief Marketing Officer and Regional Partner for Vitruvian Agency. With offices strategically located in the UK, Dubai, Houston, and New York, he oversees operations that have supported over 200 companies in maintaining a strong online presence. Specializing in a fusion of public relations and marketing consultancy, Shumail leads Vitruvian in its mission to not only provide marketing services but also to serve as a strategic partner for businesses seeking to amplify their market presence. His expertise spans various domains, including campaign management, B2B marketing, marketing management, search engine optimization (SEO), digital marketing strategies, paid media, marketing campaigns and brand development.
Throughout his tenure, Shumail has been instrumental in driving Vitruvian’s growth trajectory, implementing effective marketing strategies that align with clients’ objectives and contribute to their success. Under his leadership, Vitruvian continues to evolve as a leading force in the industry, empowering businesses to thrive in today’s competitive market landscape.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts with a short workout followed by a nutritious breakfast to fuel my morning ahead, usually consisting of fresh fruits and a cup of coffee. By 8:30 AM, I’m already diving into my emails and checking in with the various teams working across different parts of the country and nearshore locations, ensuring alignment on ongoing projects and handling any urgent matters. Throughout the morning, I prioritize tasks, setting specific goals to accomplish by noon. By midday, I take a short break to recharge with a light snack and maybe a short walk to refresh my mind. As the afternoon progresses, I engage in collaborative meetings, brainstorming sessions, and strategy discussions with the team, using Google Meet calls or Slack to connect seamlessly despite geographical distances. I also allocate time for learning and professional development, whether it’s attending webinars or diving into industry research to stay updated. Client meetings are also a crucial part of my day, where I focus on understanding their needs, providing updates on project progress, and addressing any concerns they may have. As the evening approaches, I wrap up any remaining tasks, concluding my workday somewhere around 7 PM. Dinner is a time for relaxation and unwinding, often enjoying a home-cooked meal or catching up with friends over a virtual gathering. After dinner, I take some time to plan for the next day, organizing tasks and setting priorities to ensure a smooth start in the morning.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life involves a systematic approach that combines creativity with strategic planning. As a marketer, I start by brainstorming ideas and evaluating their feasibility, considering factors like market trends and audience preferences. Then, I develop a comprehensive plan outlining the steps needed to execute the idea successfully. At Vitruvian, we encourage an environment of innovation, where every team member is welcome to contribute their unique insights and ideas. By utilizing our collective expertise and resources, we transform concepts into tangible outcomes that drive results for our clients and progress their businesses.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the growing emphasis on sustainability in business practices. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, companies are increasingly adopting eco-friendly initiatives, from sustainable sourcing to carbon-neutral operations. Additionally, giving back to society is also an integral part of my sustainability perspective. Whether it’s through supporting local communities, participating in environmental clean-up efforts, or contributing to social causes, I look within the society to make a positive impact beyond just our business operations. This trend not only benefits the planet but also presents opportunities for innovation and differentiation in the market. At Vitruvian, we’re excited to work with clients who are committed to sustainability, helping them improve their efforts and communicate their eco-friendly initiatives effectively to their target audience.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I call it “micro-tasking.” Instead of tackling large tasks all at once, I break them down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Throughout the day, I allocate short bursts of focused time, typically around 25 minutes, to tackle these micro-tasks. This approach helps me maintain high levels of concentration and motivation, as I feel a sense of accomplishment with each completed task. Additionally, it prevents burnout and allows for better flexibility in handling unexpected interruptions or shifting priorities.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Never stop dreaming and never stop pushing to pursue your passion. Stay curious and open-minded, as the world is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to discover. You should embrace every opportunity to learn more about technology and the digital age. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone, as it’s often where the most growth occurs. Above all, trust in your abilities and never underestimate the power of your dreams.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
One belief I hold that may not be widely shared is that failure is not only inevitable but also essential for personal growth and success. While many people fear failure and strive to avoid it at all costs, I believe that failure provides invaluable lessons and opportunities for self-improvement. Acknowledging failure as a natural part of the learning process can lead to greater creativity, adaptability, and ultimately, achievement. Instead of viewing failure as a setback, I see it as a stepping stone towards greater outcomes.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
The one thing I repeatedly do and highly recommend to everyone else is to learn one new thing every day. Whether it’s a new skill, a piece of trivia, or an insight into a topic of interest, continuous learning keeps the mind sharp, expands knowledge, and fosters personal growth. By dedicating just a small amount of time each day to learning something new, we can continuously enrich our lives and stay curious about the world around us.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I find it helpful to take a step back and prioritize my tasks. I start by identifying the most important tasks that need immediate attention and break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This helps me regain clarity and focus on what needs to be done first. Additionally, I find that taking short breaks to recharge my mind and body can be beneficial. Whether it’s going for a walk, practicing mindfulness, or simply stepping away from my desk for a few minutes, giving myself permission to take breaks allows me to return to my work with renewed energy and focus. Lastly, I often find it helpful to reach out to a colleague or friend for support or perspective. Sometimes, talking through my thoughts and feelings with someone else can provide valuable insight and help me gain a fresh perspective on the situation.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Networking has really helped me grow my business and advance in my career. Making connections with other people in your field or industry. By talking to them, sharing ideas, and learning from their experiences, you can get valuable advice and opportunities. Networking has helped me meet new clients, find mentors, and even get job offers. It’s all about building relationships and staying connected with others who can help you succeed. So, don’t be afraid to reach out, attend events, and connect with people online. You never know where it might lead!
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One significant failure in my career occurred during the early stages of developing our business’s values and culture. My co-founder and I faced a critical decision when presented with a lucrative opportunity to partner with a client offering substantial financial benefits. However, upon closer examination, we discovered that the client’s expectations were unrealistic and bordered on treating our team as mere machines, neglecting their well-being and dignity.
To overcome this, we made a conscious decision to decline the collaboration, prioritizing our team’s welfare, work culture, and long-term vision over short-term financial gains. This experience taught us the importance of maintaining integrity and staying true to our values, even when faced with tempting opportunities. It reinforced the significance of nurturing a healthy and respectful work environment, where our team feels valued and supported. Ultimately, this decision strengthened our commitment to partnering with clients who align with our values and respect our team’s contributions.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea I’m willing to share is a subscription-based service that connects small business owners with industry experts to guide them through their progress chart annually or quarterly. This platform would offer personalized advice and insights tailored to the specific needs of each business, helping them navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. By subscribing to this service, entrepreneurs can access valuable expertise and resources to fuel their growth and success.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
My productivity becomes 10x more efficient with NIFTY, a versatile software that streamlines project management and collaboration. With teams spread across the world, NIFTY helps me stay organized and keep track of tasks effortlessly. I use it to create detailed project plans, assign tasks to team members, and set deadlines. The integration with Slack and G-Suite is especially helpful, as it allows for seamless communication and file sharing within our team channels.
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
Oh, let me tell you about the best $100 I’ve spent recently – it was on an instant camera! Yep, I’m talking about those retro-style cameras that instantly print out your photos. As I am a fan of photography, I’m always looking for moments to capture without any filters or edits, just spontaneous fun! On my recent family trip, I took it with me and this instant camera has included an element of fun and excitement to the experience. Plus, it’s a great way to disconnect from screens and truly be present in the moment. Every time I look back at the photos I took, I’m reminded of the joy and laughter shared with loved ones, making it the best $100 investment for preserving memories that will last a lifetime.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?
One of my favorite books is “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechte. This book has had a big impact on how I lead, especially in terms of understanding money and running a business. It taught me the difference between assets and liabilities, and the importance of working hard and being disciplined. Another influence on my entrepreneurial journey has been Gary Vaynerchuk’s teachings, particularly his encouragement to take risks. This has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and seize opportunities with confidence and innovation. I also believe in the idea that failure is just a redirection, which has helped create a work culture where my team feels accepted and motivated to take risks and learn from their experiences.
As for podcasts, one that I highly recommend is “Great Creators” hosted by Guy Raz. In this podcast, Raz interviews CEOs of some of the world’s most famous brands, delving into their stories and how they made their companies household names. With over 400 episodes, listeners can learn about the founders of companies like Dippin Dots, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and PayPal, and the inspiring journeys that led them to success.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Although I don’t get much time to watch series, when I do I prefer watching documentaries or educational content. Recently, I enjoyed “The Playlist” series, which is a documentary about Spotify. It follows a Swedish tech entrepreneur and his partners as they set out to revolutionize the music industry with a streaming platform. It’s fascinating to learn about the journey behind one of the most popular music platforms today.
Key learnings:
• Networking is crucial for professional growth, providing valuable opportunities and insights.
• Continuous learning is essential for personal development, whether through books, podcasts, or experiences.
• Embracing failure as a learning opportunity can lead to growth and innovation.
• Prioritizing tasks and taking breaks when feeling overwhelmed or unfocused helps maintain productivity.
• Investing in tools or resources that enhance productivity and facilitate collaboration can significantly impact workflow efficiency.