Newsletter
Palak Kapadia of Amazon Brand Innovation Lab on Opening Doors for Diverse Creatives
And caring about the work and the world
Palak is a copywriter for Amazon Brand Innovation Lab. Previous stints include YouTube Creative Studio, Wieden+Kennedy and Droga5. Additionally, Palak has worked for Google’s RARE Leadership Accelerator, helping creatives from non-traditional backgrounds break into the industry.
We spent two minutes with Palak to learn more about her background, her creative inspirations and recent work she’s admired.
Palak, tell us …
Where you grew up, and where you live now.
I grew up in Mumbai, India, and live in Manhattan. Both are cities for dreamers, because they have a certain air of possibility—like something wonderful could be just around the corner. I am in love with that feeling.
How you first realized you were creative.
My fourth-grade teacher loved an essay I wrote and read it to our class. My mom still has it saved.
A person you idolized creatively early on.
Enid Blyton. I was introverted, and spent the better part of my childhood in the company of The Twins at St. Clare’s and going on adventures with The Famous Five.
A moment from high school or college that changed your life.
Moving to New York as a part of my Miami Ad School program. I thought I would stay for three months, six tops. Five years later, this city has given me life-changing career opportunities and an incredible community of friends. It’s where I met the love of my life. We’re getting married soon.
A visual artist or band/musician you admire.
I’m obsessed with Mira Mariah aka Girl Knew York.
A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.
I finally finished watching The Bear and it was worth the anxiety. Cousin’s story is probably one of the best-written arcs on TV. I’ve never gone from loathing to rooting for a character so hard.
One of your favorite creative projects you’ve ever worked on.
I had the dream opportunity of working on a YouTube Shorts campaign for Taylor Swift’s single “Anti-Hero.” I like to pretend she personally reviewed my copy.
A recent project you’re proud of.
Our film for Young Lions aimed at introducing high school students to creative careers. It won a Gold and gave my partner Catarina Barcala and me the opportunity to go to Cannes for the first time.
Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago.
#LikeAGirl by Leo Burnett is one of my all-time favorites. It inspired me to join the industry.
Someone else’s work you admired lately.
“WoMen’s Football” by Marcel Paris. It’s such an incredible use of technology to further important conversations.
Your main strength as a creative person.
I care a lot. About the work. About the world. About the people I create for and and those I create with.
Your biggest weakness.
Chronic Imposter Syndrome
A mentor who helped you navigate the industry.
Sakshi Choudhary, group creative director at Ogilvy Chicago, holds me to very high standards and holds my hand every step of the way. I’d be lost without her.
How you’re paying it forward with the next generation of creatives.
Having lived and worked on three continents, I’m all too familiar with the concept of being the “other.” It drives me to hold doors open for people from diverse backgrounds. I prioritize making myself a resource for mentorship and guidance for international creatives as they navigate their immigration journeys. I have been a teacher with The Workshop, a free and remote portfolio program.
What you’d be doing if you weren’t in advertising.
Writing a book on a balcony in Paris.
2 Minutes With is our regular interview series where we chat with creatives about their backgrounds, creative inspirations, work they admire and more. For more about 2 Minutes With, or to be considered for the series, please get in touch.
