Offbeat: PopSockets’ Sakket V Rao - An observer of stories

Adgully’s special feature section – ‘Offbeat’ – offers a glimpse into the lesser-known facets of well-known industry leaders. We delve into areas that are not usually highlighted in regular media coverage – from their childhood memories and secret skills to how they unwind from their hectic schedules, and much more.

In a candid interaction with Adgully, Sakket V Rao, Head of Brand & Consumer Engagement at PopSockets, shares insights into various aspects of his life – wearing the CMO’s hat, the best piece of advice he has received, his go-to mantra to de-stress, acquiring new skills, and much more…

What makes you, you?

A slice of gratitude toast generously spread with humility jam, topped with curiosity sprinkles, and a drizzle of kindness honey is what makes me, me. I add a garnish of creativity and a pinch of living-in-the-present to complete the recipe.

I’m an observer of stories – in people, moments, and life – and I translate them into words, visuals, or experiences like poetry, ads, or storytelling projects. I’m either deeply engaged in thought or fully immersed in the present. It’s hard to box myself into a definition because I’m constantly evolving, but my core ingredients – authenticity, empathy, and an insatiable thirst for living in the present – remain constant.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I’ve held onto wasn’t something I received directly, but rather a collection of lessons gathered over time, often from the internet or fleeting moments of inspiration.

I’ve come to deeply value the power of gratitude and grace. One quote that always stays with me is from Shah Rukh Khan: “Life is fair to everyone. In the end, sabke saath accha hi hota hai. If it’s not good, it’s not the end.” In this case, the “end” is contextual and not the standard understanding of time or linearity as we think of it.

It’s a reminder that life’s challenges, even when they feel unfair, are often preparation for something more beautiful and meaningful. What feels wrong in the moment might just be context – a step in a larger, unseen journey toward growth or joy. This perspective keeps me grounded and hopeful.

What’s your go-to mantra to de-stress?

My go-to mantra to de-stress is to allow myself the time and space to process what I’m feeling. I’ve learned that emotions, like pressure in a closed container, need to surface before they can be released. When I’m overwhelmed, I remind myself to pause and let the steam out – whether that’s through a good cry, writing a poem or letters (yes, I write letters), a walk, or simply sitting in silence. Suppressing emotions only delays the inevitable, making them harder to handle later.

Instead, I acknowledge them without judgment. It’s okay to feel anger, sadness, or frustration – it’s a sign that something within me needs attention. By giving these emotions space to breathe, I can approach them with clarity rather than being consumed by them. This process grounds me, and once I’ve allowed the storm to settle, I find the calm to think clearly and move forward with purpose.

What is the latest new skill you’ve acquired?

The latest skill I’ve acquired is surprisingly fun – lip-syncing songs! It’s been a great way to unwind, add a bit of rhythm to my day, and just have a laugh. It has reminded me how small, lighthearted things can bring so much joy.

On the work side, I’ve been diving deeper into using AI tools effectively in both creative and practical ways –  I even have a paid ChatGPT subscription (wink wink).

How are you currently utilizing AI in your life or work?

From drafting content, writing scripts, and managing campaigns to brainstorming innovative ideas, AI has become an integral part of my workflow. It helps me save time and focus on the bigger picture, whether it’s creating impactful marketing strategies or fine-tuning campaign details.

On a personal level, I’ve started using AI for organizing my day-to-day tasks, keeping track of wellness goals, and even exploring creative outlets like generating artwork for projects. It’s exciting to see how technology can be both practical and inspiring, helping me stay productive while sparking new ideas. AI feels less like a tool now and more like a partner that makes life easier and more creative.

How do you stay adaptable in a rapidly evolving tech environment?

A LinkedIn recommendation once jokingly called me a Tech Messiah, and I think it’s rooted in how deeply I’ve been immersed in technology for over 20 years – right from exploring software, apps, and Windows tools to integrating tech into both personal and professional life.

Adaptability for me comes naturally because I’ve always approached technology with curiosity and excitement. It’s not just about staying updated with trends, but understanding how each new tool or innovation can make life more efficient and meaningful. Whether it’s experimenting with AI, refining social media strategies, or leveraging tech for creative work, I see every advancement as an opportunity to learn, grow, and simplify challenges, both big and small.

What pep-talk do you give yourself before an important meeting or presentation?

Over the years, my pep talk has evolved with me. It used to be filled with worry – “What if I mess up? What if they notice my mistakes?” – but now it’s a lot calmer and more forgiving. I remind myself, “You’ve prepared, you’ve done your best, and that’s what matters. If something is left out, you can always address it afterward.”

I’ve learned to focus on being present rather than perfect, trusting the effort I’ve put in and knowing there’s always room to refine and improve later. It’s a warm reassurance that takes the pressure off and helps me walk in with confidence.

If you weren’t wearing the CMO’s hat, who would you be?

If I weren’t wearing the CMO’s hat, I’d still be a storyteller, just in a different form – perhaps a filmmaker (I write and direct ads even today), an author, or even a photographer (I take stunning phone portraits even today).

Storytelling has always been at the heart of what I do, whether it’s creating campaigns, writing poetry, or capturing the beauty of everyday moments. I’m fascinated by the way stories connect us, revealing layers of emotion, perspective, and shared humanity. Even in my current role, I see myself as a storyteller – crafting narratives that resonate with audiences. If not in marketing, I’d still be chasing stories, finding new ways to bring them to life and share them with the world.

Which is your go-to/ favourite product from PopSocket’s collections?

My favourite products from the PopSockets collection are the combination of the MagSafe PopGrip and PopSockets Phone Cases.

Together, they’re the perfect blend of style, utility, and personalization. Just like I change my wallpaper to suit my mood or the occasion, I love swapping out my grips and cases to reflect what I’m feeling. Whether it’s a bold, colourful grip for an energetic day or a sleek, minimal case for a more professional look, this combination lets me mix and match effortlessly. The ease of swapping grips and pairing them with cases that perfectly align with my mood or the season makes my phone truly feel like an extension of me. It’s not just about protection or convenience; it’s about making my phone uniquely mine every single day.

Please share the best marketing campaign done for PopSockets in your tenure.

The Amazon Great Indian Festival Campaign stands out as a highlight during my tenure. The campaign combined influencer-driven storytelling with a strong digital strategy, effectively showcasing our MagSafe collection alongside flagship phone launches like the iPhone. What made it special was how we tailored the messaging to highlight the entire PopSockets ecosystem – how PopGrips, PopWallets, and PopMounts work seamlessly together to elevate the phone experience.

The results spoke for themselves: the campaign drove triple-digit growth in sales during the festival period and boosted awareness of our MagSafe products significantly. Not only did it perform exceptionally in terms of numbers, but it also reinforced PopSockets as a must-have brand for smartphone accessories, creating a lasting impression with customers who experienced the perfect blend of functionality and style.

If you wanted to give your brand a tagline, what would it be?

If I had to give PopSockets a tagline, I honestly couldn’t settle on just one – I have two that perfectly capture what the brand and its products stand for:

1. “PopSockets: Made for Life, Styled by You.”

This reflects how PopSockets products – whether it’s the MagSafe PopGrips, PopWallets, or PopMounts – fit seamlessly into your everyday life while letting you personalize them to your style.

2. “PopSockets: For Every Moment, Every Day.”

This speaks of the practicality and thoughtfulness behind every product. From a grip that helps you multitask on the go to a wallet that keeps your cards handy or a mount that simplifies hands-free use, PopSockets are designed to complement every moment of your day, whether it’s work, play, or relaxing at home.

Together, these two taglines sum up the essence of PopSockets: products that are practical, stylish, and an essential part of your daily life, built to make every moment easier while reflecting your unique style.

Also Read: Offbeat: Why Piramal Finance’s Arvind Iyer wants to be a psychologist