R. Sridhar

I worked in Ogilvy & Mather, India for 25 years. I was a Director on the Board of the Indian Company. I had the privilege of being mentored by the likes of David Ogilvy (himself!), Drayton Bird and S R Ayer. Ogilvy encouraged his people to write. In fact he said senior people must write well and set an example. So I grew up on a diet of well written documents and books.

In one of his visits David Ogilvy presented me a copy of Obvious Adams by Robert Updegraf. It showed me how to simplify and clarify things during any situation. I read several books on good writing including Elements of Style. I wrote at every single opportunity. During this journey I also learnt about improving readability. I spent time understanding how to improve my readability score. Have been experimenting with software that help us in doing that. My latest find is the Hemingway App. At the end of the day I must write and must have something interesting and relevant for the reader. Apps can help us improve what is written. The idea, the plot is mine.

I started my blogs fairly early. I write blogs in my own site Ideasrs.com as well as in LinkedIn pulse. I often write notes in my Facebook page. I am surprised and delighted that I have a modest fan following! It is flattering, to say the least.

For the last 16 years I have been conducting Creative Problem Solving Workshops for my clients. Along the way I created a patented Toolkit and a process. Over 400 such workshops later I have written a book, a business fiction that shows how to unlock the real power of brainstorming. That should be out in the next couple of months.

When you work as long as I have, you not only gather a lot of experience but also collect a lot of stories. If only you keep your eyes & ears open. I have some great stories I share in my workshops.

So that is me. Advertising Man, Direct Marketing Expert, Innovation Facilitator, Consultant and Coach.

And now an aspiring writer.

Beginning of an exciting journey. Looking forward to it.