Dr. Ankoor Dasguupta, Chief Experience Officer at Garage Collective, is a multifaceted marketing leader and certified executive coach with 24 years of cross-media experience spanning print, digital, mobile, and events. He has been instrumental in launching global IPs like ad:tech, iMedia, and TechCrunch in India, while shaping purpose-driven narratives across the brand and agency ecosystem. In this conversation, Ankoor reflects on unlearning as a superpower, building with instinct, and creating experiences that leave a lasting impact

You’ve been part of the core teams that launched global IPs like ad:tech, iMedia Summits, and TechCrunch events in India. What were some of the key insights you gained about building platforms that genuinely engage audiences?

First of all, I am grateful to have got these opportunities. This was many years back. The best part has been the opportunities disguised as challenges. The breaking through every micro and macro challenge almost on a daily basis has been the most magical part of this journey. See, it was a small lean team with each one of us being commandos in our own way. I used to head servicing and this experience of launching and scaling international event IPs taught me the depth of the word ‘servicing’. Gradually I got roped in to multiple aspects of production and then content. The applied learning has been immense and intense.

If I got to put few key insights I gained from this, that would be –

•       Learn to listen and understand the problem statement at hand. Then, move to the second part – there is always a solution, so finding that swiftly got into my DNA.
•       Events are about experiences. See, people come to events to speak, to meet new people, make business upside and meeting long lost industry friends. That experience creation is what I was a part of in our team. The insight from here is, in daily micro moments, always being in the pursuit of creating an experience for someone, be it your colleague, your client, your management.
•       The third one is that is it is okay to have fear, but acknowledge and recognize where the fear is stemming from. Every event brings in something new and there could be an inherent fear of something new. Don’t fight the fear, face the fear, even if it is asking a question. Go ahead and ask. No one will die.
•       Finally, I have learnt a lot by raising my hand where no one else did. So, when there is a job to be done, raising my hand always helped me face my fears. Because, I got those opportunities.
  

As someone who blends advertising expertise with coaching and leadership, how do these disciplines inform each other in your current role as Chief Experience Officer at Garage Collective?

A wonderful question! My practice of unlearning quickly helps me in learning more from everyone. At Garage Collective, we work as one team with high energy and passion to solve each day. Our Founders Saurabh Gupta and Anjali Chauhan are wonderful human beings, magical leaders and seasoned veterans who I learn from as well. My practice as an ICF accredited coach in leadership & communication has helped me with three key aspects (apart from many others) in my transformation journey. One is listening to listen and not rushing to speak, second is always being in touch with the child in you, third is being getting rid of unconscious biases. We all play different roles daily, however, since we usually spend more time at work, we need to understand the complexities of every person (including our clients) being unique in their own way and this helps navigate conversations better. Like we say at Garage Collective – This is Where Magic Happens! (because we believe in magic and we are always in pursuit of creating magic)

What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken in your professional journey, and how did it shape your perspective moving forward?.

I see work-related risk through a different lens. Every moment involves making choices, and at a micro level, there’s a risk we face every day. I’ve simply normalized it for myself.

That’s what makes things easier. I tend to trust my instincts when it comes to taking action. For instance, I’ve moved cities three times for work—each time, it was a complete shift, lock, stock, and barrel. My wife has always been my pillar, including when we moved with a newborn. I had more than one senior industry peer tell me I was making a bold choice by relocating with family and that I should reconsider. But I don’t overthink or procrastinate.

Was I scared? Absolutely. Juggling family responsibilities and professional demands during those transitions was intense. I was trying to be a good husband, a good father, a good leader—and fundamentally, a good human being. But I moved ahead and made those two big city shifts.

Did it change my perspective? Substantially. It made me more self-aware and helped me tap into deeper, previously unexplored emotions, which eventually shaped the emotional intelligence I now rely on.

What’s more, the experience became a catalyst for improving how I build and nurture relationships—both personal and professional. I became a better listener.

Someone once told me: “If you hit your rock bottom, the only way is up.” I’ve had my rock bottom which maybe I’ll share in another interview

You wear two hats as a marketer and as a certified executive coach. What inspired you to pursue both, and how do they complement each other in your daily work?

Advertising and marketing have been central to my journey and it continues to be a fulfilling one. I believe the coach in me was always present; I just came to fully understand the difference between a mentor, a trainer, and a coach much later in life. So, when I came across ICF, I chose without overthinking to pursue it. That intensive study turned out to be truly transformational.

To me, there has to be a way to give back to the universe, and coaching is one of those ways—by supporting executives wherever they may need it. Even the best coaches have a coach, and I certainly do.

In terms of how it complements my work, wearing the coach’s hat deeply informs how I approach business. It sharpens my ability to identify opportunities, initiate meaningful conversations, nurture relationships, and—most importantly—listen to listen, not to speak.

One of the most powerful insights I’ve gained through coaching is this: not everyone is coachable, and that’s perfectly okay.

What does success mean to you today, especially after having worn multiple hats across industries and roles?

I’d keep this short. To me, it is more important to have one’s values intact and head held high. Success to me is the ability to give. I am grateful that I am a giver. Any kind of success acts as instant boost of energy, so using that energy wisely is important

Based on your wide-ranging experience, what would be your top piece of advice to young marketers starting out in today’s rapidly evolving landscape?

I don’t prefer giving advice—what worked for me may not work for someone else, as every journey is unique. That said, one thing I can share is: don’t dwell on the past. You’re only as good as yesterday. Staying present and grounded in the moment has always helped me. Maybe give that a try.