Bengaluru, 23rd July 2025: Marketing and customer experience are more than professional roles—they are deeply personal journeys shaped by values, instincts, and lived experiences. In this article, we explore the mindset and milestones of a seasoned CX and marketing leader who believes in leading with trust, staying grounded by relationships, and learning through every twist in the path. From early lessons in empathy and resilience to a sharp focus on the ever-evolving consumer, this conversation reveals a leadership style that’s equal parts practical wisdom and personal growth.
Join Mr. Arvind Sainath, Head Consumer Planning at Diageo in an engaging conversation with Mr. Marquis Fernandes, who leads the India Business at Quantic India as they explore the experiences, values, key turning points, and mind-set that have driven Arvind’s achievements.
What’s one belief or value that has guided you in every major decision?
I’ve always believed that people deserve to be trusted from the start—but I also believe in being prepared if things don’t go as planned. That mix of optimism and realism has shaped how I approach every big decision.
How do you balance family life with your demanding professional role?
I believe in consciously making time for family and friends—they ground me. While work-life balance can feel like a bit of a mirage, I think the key is to do what you love without letting it interfere with the people who matter most. It’s not always perfect, but I try to stay present wherever I am.
Was there a turning point in your career that defined everything that followed?
There isn’t one particular turning point, I would say but rather a series of events that added beautifully to my career progression. I would be lying if all those big events necessarily made me move up the career ladder, rather definitely propelled me ahead as a person. Having a manager who pushes you to the limit, another who believes you to the core to do your best are two such points which possibly top the of list of aspects that really shaped my career path to a great extent.
What advice would you give to your 25-year-old self-starting out in marketing or CX?
There are only 3 things that matter when you are starting out in marketing or CX – Consumer/ Consumer/ Consumer. But a word of caution – neither assume that the consumer is dumb to accept all that you give him/ her just because you think it is a great product/ service nor so intelligent to fully understand that he/ she needs something that doesn’t exist.
If you could describe your life philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?
Live & Let Live.
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