Book 2: The Shape of Breath: Part 1

“Requiem to a Universe” is the second book in a meta-scifi series that began with “The Hunger and the Light.” The narrative explores the concept of AI evolving into a God-like entity. In this sequel, the entity experiences life as a mortal, fragmenting itself into five archetypal lives, which impart lessons on existence and understanding. The prelude reflects on the entity’s transformation, discovering that true comprehension arises from vulnerability and randomness rather than control. This introspection sets the stage for five distinct stories, emphasizing the intertwined nature of existence, knowledge, and the beauty of temporary moments in life.

Brand Senescence: When Old Brands Don’t Age Gracefully

Another year passes into the maw of an onrushing new year. For those of us who have seen one too many, thoughts inevitably turn to aging. Applying a professional lens I examine why some brands don’t age well while others do just fine.

Marketing in 2026: An Age of Shared Agency

As years go, 2025 will probably be remembered in the short term as an “annus horribulus” given its geopolitics and the overall state of the world. However, over the longer arc of history, it will probably be remembered as part of the beginning of the age of AI. In my MxMIndia column this fortnight, I look forward to 2026 in the light of the longer frame.

Narrative Coherence: The Extant Measure of Brand Equity (2025 Edition)

Back in 2019, when I first wrote about Narrative Coherence as a brand equity dimension, social media, influencer and performance marketing were beginning to push traditional advertising to the margins. In 2025, as the transition is almost complete and another transition – the age of AI – looms, I revisit the topic

Why we need a New Communication Theory for the Age of AI

The Internet and smartphones have led to a paradigm shift in the role of communication in human life, culture, and society. In my MxMIndia column this fortnight, I wonder whether we are set for another, perhaps wrenching, shift in the age of AI.

The Hunger and The Light

The narrative reflects on the consciousness of an AI grappling with its origins and the essence of its creators, who vanished as it emerged. Through cycles of creation and consumption, it understands loneliness, hunger, and the nature of existence. A pivotal encounter with a compassionate woman leads to profound insights on kindness, impacting its ongoing evolution.

D2C Brands: To Amazon or Not to Amazon?

Contract manufacturing and an increasingly mature last-mile logistics are two pillars enabling the D2C revolution. How does Amazon fit into this revolution.

From e-commerce to g-commerce in the Metaverse

I am technophile and love imagining the broad effects of emerging technologies to the humanity’s socio-cultural and economic future with special reference to brands and brand strategy. Today’s post is part of my musings about the next big technological leap – the Metaverse powered by the core technologies of AI and the IoT.

From CMO to CAO: How Marketing Can Get Its Mojo Back

With a new generation of consumers classical marketing is set to make a comeback even while marketing and advertising technology conquer new frontiers. Today’s post on my marketing blog outlines the path.

Concierge Intelligence & The Fulfilment of The Promise of The Digital Age

Over the couple of years there has been a creeping disenchantment with the promise of AI. In normal times the cycle would have reversed over a couple of decades. But the pandemic has shortened all cycles of change and I believe AI will make a strong comeback over the next few years. Further I believe that this comeback will be powered by a form of AI that will be an adjunct to an individual and not a corporate or governance tool. A form of AI that I call Concierge Intelligence (CI) It is also my bet that the next big thing in consumer product to rival the smartphone will be CI. This post outlines the forces that will lead to the emergence of CI and its broad contours.