At ISBR Business School, students recently experienced an inspiring expert talk on branding and marketing titled “Stories, Swiggy & the Secret Sauce of Branding.” The session was led by distinguished ISBR alumnus Mr. Arpit Sood (PGDM 2022–24), who is currently Assistant Manager – Brand Marketing at Swiggy. This engaging lecture offered fresh perspectives on branding strategies, storytelling in marketing, and the future of digital branding—all of which are crucial for aspiring management professionals.
Branding vs Marketing: The Clear Distinction
Mr. Sood opened the session by clarifying the difference between branding and marketing. While branding builds identity, trust, and perception, marketing focuses on promotion, reach, and conversion. This distinction, he explained, is critical for business leaders who want to create long-term brand equity instead of relying solely on short-term sales.
Key Visuals and Storytelling in Branding
One of the highlights of the talk was the emphasis on Key Visuals (KV) as the foundation of every campaign. By narrating Swiggy’s journey, Mr. Sood showcased how visual storytelling not only reinforces brand recall but also creates lasting consumer impressions.
He further elaborated on Swiggy’s rebranding strategy, which integrated Instamart, Genie, Dineout, and Scenes under a single master brand. Campaigns like the Swiggy Instamart mango print ad were discussed as stellar examples of combining relevance, creativity, and consumer appeal.
The Future of Branding: Personalization & Digital-First Stories
Looking toward the future, Mr. Sood highlighted personalization, community-building, and digital-first storytelling as the core of modern branding strategies. He stressed that successful brands of tomorrow will not just sell products but will build emotional connections and create experiences that resonate with consumer lifestyles.
Personal Branding and LinkedIn for Career Growth
The session also encouraged students to focus on personal branding. Mr. Sood emphasized the importance of leveraging LinkedIn for networking, visibility, and professional growth. Just as companies build strong brands, individuals too must invest in personal credibility and presence to thrive in competitive job markets.
ISBR Alumni Impact: Bridging Classroom and Corporate Learning
This expert talk “Stories, Swiggy & the Secret Sauce of Branding” at ISBR not only offered practical industry insights but also inspired students by showcasing the journey of an alumnus who is excelling in the corporate world. It reinforced ISBR’s mission of connecting classroom learning with real-world applications and preparing future leaders in business and management.
About ISBR Business School: ISBR Business School, located in Bangalore, India, is a premier institution dedicated to providing world-class education in business and management. Accredited by the NBA and recognized by the Association of Indian Universities and the Ministry of HRD, Government of India, ISBR has consistently been ranked as a platinum institute by AICTE-CII. With a diverse student body, a strong emphasis on industry collaboration, and a curriculum designed to foster innovation and leadership, ISBR Business School is committed to shaping the business leaders of tomorrow. The school’s robust placement record and partnerships with top global companies underscore its commitment to excellence and career readiness for its students