Ad land’s young guns: Rahul Karthikeyan, CMO, InterviewBit and Scaler

Rahul Karthikeyan, Chief Marketing Officer, InterviewBit and Scaler, has been shaping the future of tech education through impactful marketing strategies and brand innovation. With extensive expertise in driving growth and building global brands, Karthikeyan has been instrumental in growing Scaler into the largest player in the software upskilling sector in the country. His brings real-world marketing expertise to his teaching at Scaler School of Business, inspiring future leaders with actionable insights. With over a decade in edtech, Karthikeyan has achieved milestones like scaling Scaler’s batch sizes from 250 to 1,000 learners.

In conversation with Adgully, Rahul Karthikeyan, Chief Marketing Officer, InterviewBit and Scaler, speaks about his passion for leveraging technology and provides insights into creating meaningful connections with learners which has has set a benchmark in the edtech industry, empowering professionals to unlock their true potential.

You are now balancing a dual role as CMO of InterviewBit & Scaler and a teacher at Scaler School of Business. Can you share how you have integrated your industry expertise into your teaching to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders?

As the CMO of InterviewBit and Scaler and a Scaler School of Business (SSB) teacher, my industry expertise directly enriches my teaching. My approach is rooted in blending theoretical concepts with practical, real-world applications. For instance, when discussing marketing frameworks, I use case studies from my experience — scaling brands or designing impactful campaigns — to bring lessons to life. I focus on actionable insights, helping students understand what works, what doesn’t, and why. This equips them with knowledge and a mindset to adapt and lead effectively in dynamic environments. Teaching, for me, is an extension of my mission to nurture and empower young talents.

What does a typical day look like for you? Could you walk us through the 5–7 key activities you prioritise to ensure productivity and alignment across your roles?

My day typically starts with reviewing key metrics from the previous day and aligning the team to our marketing goals. By noon, I engage deeply with my teams to tackle challenges and drive strategic discussions. Afternoons are often dedicated to the Scaler School of Business, refining strategies and creating aspirational content. Later in the day, I collaborate with the creative team on campaigns and messaging, ensuring alignment with our vision. Evenings usually involve working closely with product and sales teams to refine user journeys and forecast outcomes. Despite a usually packed schedule, I ensure evenings are reserved for family - my wife and my boy Togo - offering a much-needed balance.

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in the edtech space, and how did you prepare to transition from your previous role at Upgrad to your current responsibilities?

My entry into edtech began with Career Forum in 2007, where counselling students and parents gave me a deep appreciation of the transformative power of education. This belief in democratising education aligns well with Scaler's mission, too. Transitioning from UpGrad to Scaler wasn’t a shift but a conscious doubling down on a mission I deeply believe in. To prepare for this, I immersed myself in understanding learning journeys, focusing on impactful storytelling and marketing. It’s been a natural and fulfilling journey of amplifying educational opportunities.

Throughout your journey, did you have any mentors or role models who played a pivotal role in shaping your career? How did their guidance influence your decisions and growth?

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my career. From Vishal Chinchankar, who shaped my leadership skills during my time at GroupM, to Anshuman Singh, our Co-founder at Scaler, whose visionary creativity has played a significant role in our growth, each mentor has profoundly influenced me. I’ve drawn lessons on articulation, strategy, and resilience, which have been instrumental in my growth. Inspiration also comes from Sachin Tendulkar’s unmatched dedication and leadership under pressure. The 1998 Sharjah match during the Coca-Cola Cup, where Sachin played a legendary innings against Australia under immense pressure, left an indelible mark on me. It reminded me of the power of resilience and leading by example, lessons I strive to embody in my professional journey.

With such a dynamic career, how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance? Could you share some of your go-to practices for managing stress and ensuring personal well-being?

Switching off after work is a non-negotiable for me. Evenings are dedicated to my wife - Karishma, and my boy, my dog - Togo, providing essential rejuvenation. Physical fitness also plays a pivotal role in managing stress. I work out five days a week with a trainer, ensuring consistency. Travel also gives me a mental reset, with annual breaks helping me return with clarity and focus. Typically, around October, I take a 10-15 day break regardless of my responsibilities, ensuring a complete disconnection to recharge and reflect. A combination of fitness, family time, and a long-term perspective energises me and balances me.

Could you highlight some of the key milestones or achievements in your career so far? How have these moments defined your professional growth and aspirations?

Leading Scaler’s evolution into a dominant force in tech upskilling has been a defining milestone for me. In this space, Scaler stands unmatched, particularly in the software upskilling sector, where we’ve grown batch sizes from 250 to 1,000 learners each. To put it into perspective, the second-best in the industry would be around 300-350, highlighting the significant edge in what we've built over the past 3-4 years.

This growth reaffirms the importance of perseverance and the power of building from scratch, which has been the core of my journey. Crafting and scaling brands from 0 to 1 is something I’ve learned to master, and it’s become one of my greatest passions. For nearly a decade, I've embraced the journey of building and delivering long-term value from the ground up.

Another pivotal moment in my career was my transition into leadership at GroupM. This shift allowed me to take a more business-focused approach to marketing, further solidifying my belief in creating value and connecting with the audiences.

How do you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry like edtech? Are there specific resources, strategies, or habits you rely on to remain informed and relevant in your roles?

Staying relevant in a fast-evolving industry requires continuous learning and experimentation. My two-hour commute is a golden opportunity to consume diverse podcasts, from business to sports, extracting inspiration from varied fields. Networking with peers, attending industry forums, and reading trend analyses also keep me informed. Encouraging my teams to embrace failure fosters innovation and agility, ensuring we remain adaptable and forward-thinking.

What fuels your passion for empowering learners and professionals through platforms like InterviewBit and Scaler? How do you ensure you continue to grow and make an impact in such diverse and demanding roles?

The transformative power of education fuels my passion. Witnessing learners achieve breakthroughs, whether landing a dream job or mastering new skills, reaffirms my commitment to creating impactful platforms like Scaler and InterviewBit. Every effort, be it crafting relatable content, mentoring, or designing aspirational campaigns, is aligned with outcomes that empower individuals. Growth, for me, is about leaving a meaningful legacy that shapes careers and transforms lives.