MAM
“AI is set to simplify how we predict, analyse & personalise content:” Sakshi Darpan
Mumbai: Sackberry, a personal branding agency, helps founders, CXOs, professionals, and coaches elevate their online presence. Crafting compelling narratives that showcase each client’s unique expertise, shapes the digital identities of industry leaders.
As trends like storytelling, LinkedIn marketing, and video content evolve, Sackberry remains at the forefront, ensuring clients stay authentic and impactful in a tech-driven world where personal branding is key to success.
Indiantelevision.com’s Suman Baidh caught up with Sackberry founder Sakshi Darpan to talk about the evolving landscape of personal branding, the role of digital platforms in shaping online identities and more…
On key trends that you have seen shaping the future of personal branding, particularly for Indian professionals
Looking ahead, some key trends shaping personal branding for Indian professionals include storytelling that adds value, showcasing your uniqueness, and staying consistent. Video content and LinkedIn influencer marketing are also big trends shaping the future of personal branding. Just keep being authentic and true to yourself– that’s what really makes an impact!
On the cruciality of personal branding for professionals in leadership roles today and the impact it has on their careers and businesses
For professionals in leadership, personal branding is huge! How you present yourself can really shape how people perceive you as a leader. Being transparent and sharing valuable insights really builds trust and authority. And leaders who share their experiences and wisdom often become the go-to voices in their fields. So, rather than pretending to be something you’re not, showcasing your genuine self can open doors to new opportunities and make a big impact on your career and business. This includes building partnerships, improving your company’s reputation, and creating career advancements.
On the most common challenges that professionals face when trying to build a personal brand, especially in a fast-paced market like India
One big challenge is staying consistent. People often think it’s all about the numbers, but it’s really about making genuine connections. Many find it hard to show their vulnerable side, they think that it would expose a bit too much to the world but being open and authentic helps you connect with others and build a stronger brand.
On common mistakes that individuals should avoid when crafting their personal brand
I would greatly suggest individuals avoid these mistakes: not posting regularly, missing their target audience, posting just to fill space, sticking too rigidly to one topic, and not sharing relatable stories. Being genuine and relevant is what makes a difference.
On individuals leverage personal branding on LinkedIn to generate leads and grow their business
To generate leads and grow your business on LinkedIn, first figure out who your target audience is and make sure you’re reaching out to them. Engage with thought leaders by commenting on their posts and share content that’s not just about personal stories but also offers real value. Connecting with LinkedIn influencers can also help get your name out there and build your brand. These strategies can help you build a stronger presence and attract new opportunities.
On important is authenticity in personal branding and helping your clients maintain it while building their brand
Authenticity is what we call the crux of personal branding. Without it, it’s tough to make real connections or build a network. I guide my clients to be authentic by encouraging them to share their personal stories, including their ups and downs. It’s about mixing in real-world experiences, talking about successes and struggles, and being open about strengths and weaknesses. It’s like doing a personal SWOT analysis and using that to add real value to their brand.
On the personal branding industry evolving in the next 5-10 years, particularly with the rise of digital platforms
In the business world, where everyone’s trying to stand out, personal branding is set to become even more important over the next 5 to 10 years. It will keep evolving with tech, especially with AI making things more personalized and the rise of video and evolving trends, it’s clear that the landscape will keep changing. But what remains static is Authenticity, consistency and transparency. These are must-haves in personal branding, no matter how many years come and go or how trends evolve.
On AI impacting the personal branding landscape and professionals prepare for it
As I mentioned earlier, AI is set to simplify how we predict, analyze, and personalize content. LinkedIn’s new video feature is already making waves, helping users boost their reach and engagement. This trend will be a big plus for professionals looking to build a strong brand. To stay relevant and visible, it’s important for everyone to adapt to these emerging trends and make the most of them.
Brands
ZEEL transfers syndication business, invests Rs 505 crore in IP push
Restructuring, stake buy and FCCB moves signal sharper content strategy
MUMBAI: In the content economy, owning the story is half the battle monetising it is the real game, and Zee Entertainment Enterprises is doubling down on both. The company has approved the transfer of its syndication and content licensing business to its wholly owned subsidiary ZI-IPR Enterprises, alongside an investment of Rs 505 crore aimed at strengthening its play in content intellectual property (IP) acquisition, management and monetisation. The move, effective April 1, 2026, will see the business transferred on a slump sale basis at book value, including all associated assets, liabilities and commercial rights effectively consolidating IP operations under a more focused structure.
At its core, the restructuring signals a strategic shift. As content consumption increasingly fragments across digital and global platforms, the value of IP lies not just in creation but in how efficiently it can be distributed, repackaged and monetised across markets. By housing its syndication engine within ZI-IPR Enterprises, ZEEL appears to be building a more agile and scalable ecosystem, one that can better extract value from its vast content library while adapting to evolving distribution models.
But the company’s ambitions are not limited to restructuring. ZEEL has also approved an investment of up to Rs 20.09 crore in Culture of Real Experiences (CORE), acquiring a 51 per cent stake in the entity. The move expands its footprint into the broader creative and experiential space, suggesting a push beyond traditional broadcasting into areas where content, culture and immersive experiences intersect.
At the same time, ZEEL has moved to tidy up its financials, approving the redemption of $23.9 million in outstanding foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) and cancelling an unused $215.1 million commitment. The twin steps are expected to ease pressure on its treasury, freeing up capital and improving financial flexibility as the company invests more aggressively in its IP strategy.
Taken together, the decisions reflect a company in recalibration mode streamlining legacy structures, sharpening its focus on content ownership, and exploring new avenues for growth. In a market where the lines between television, streaming and experiential entertainment are increasingly blurred, ZEEL’s latest moves suggest it is not just creating content, but building a system to make that content travel further and pay better.
