Himanish Ashar, Sr. Creative Director at Leo Burnett Mumbai, and the Next Generation of Advertising

Himanish Ashar has worked on some of Leo Burnett India’s most influential and highly awarded campaigns, including “The Missing Chapter.” After beginning his career as an intern, Himanish worked his way up the ranks, producing creative work for some of Leo Burnett’s major clients like P&G, McDonald’s, Amazon, Twitter, and more. In fewer than four years, Himanish was promoted to Sr. Creative Director, where he’s won a Cannes Lions Grand Prix and numerous industry awards from The One Show, D&AD, Clio, Dubai Lynx and Spikes Asia.

Now, he leads the Innovation Lab for Apollo 11—a specialized division of the agency for young people with backgrounds in aerospace, engineering, and environmental science, designed to solve human and brand problems using scientific methodologies.

We connected with Himanish to learn more about what inspires his creativity, his most rewarding and inspirational work, and advice he has for future generations.

Where do you find creative inspiration?

Inspiration is everywhere. We’ve all been taught that. But for me, inspiration is a mindset. It’s when I want to feel inspired that I will be inspired. Whether that’s watching a movie at 2 in the morning or talking to a stranger in the park—only when I want to be inspired am I inspired all the time.

What’s been the proudest moment of your career thus far?

Leading the Innovation team “Apollo 11” at Leo Burnett Mumbai. We are a team of engineers, product designers, coders, and designers. This year, we won a Grand Prix at Cannes for Sustainable Development Goals, proving that anybody creative who wants to make a difference can do it.

What creative work are you most proud of from Apollo 11?

The Missing Chapter, which won a Grand Prix at Cannes Lions and two Grand Prix at Spikes Asia, which secured Leo Burnett India as Agency of the Year in the Region. Brands like P&G have the power to influence lives, and to impact the lives of over 20 million girls is something even bigger than advertising.

How can advertising impact the future?

The campaign Earth Hour from Leo Burnett Australia was extremely eye-opening and powerful. If anyone ever asks you if advertising can make a real difference, just ask them if they’ve participated in Earth Hour. An idea that is continued by a majority of the world only proves the power of advertising by the simple act of turning off a switch.