In the 66th episode of Jam with Sam, we had the privilege of hosting Subhobroto Chakroborty, a marketing strategist, digital growth expert, and founder of The Digital Fellow. His journey is one of persistence, reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to learning. From working odd jobs in school to leading marketing teams in top corporations and eventually launching his own consulting firm, Subhobroto’s story is a masterclass in resilience and adaptability.
In this candid conversation, he shares his experiences in corporate India, the evolution of digital marketing, and his unconventional approach to entrepreneurship.
From a Struggling Student to a Marketing Expert
Unlike the typical top-rank MBA success stories, Subhobroto’s academic journey was far from smooth. He openly admits to being an average student who failed multiple times.
However, his passion for creativity drove him to pursue painting and advertising. He started working in creative agencies while still in school, designing campaigns and painting advertisements. Despite not getting paid, these experiences shaped his early understanding of marketing and brand communication.
His persistence eventually led him to complete his MBA in marketing from ISWM and later from IIM Calcutta, adapting to the changing landscape of marketing with time.
The Corporate Rollercoaster: Lessons from Coca-Cola, ICICI, and More
Subhobroto’s corporate career began with Coca-Cola, a company he credits for teaching him discipline and resilience.
The Coca-Cola Experience: 18-Hour Workdays & Hardcore Sales
- Started as a junior executive and got promoted six times in five years.
- Worked 18-hour shifts, from managing distribution to cleaning fridges at retail stores.
- This hands-on experience built his deep understanding of consumer behaviour and brand positioning.
ICICI Bank & Reliance Communications: Corporate Chaos
- At ICICI Bank, he realized what NOT to do as a leader after experiencing toxic work culture and bad bosses.
- At Reliance Communications, he launched key services but saw the downfall of the company due to mismanagement.
Learning from Bad Bosses
Surprisingly, Subhobroto credits his worst bosses for teaching him the most valuable lessons. He explains:
- Bad leadership shows you what to avoid.
- Toxic work environments push you to think beyond corporate life.
These experiences eventually led him to quit the corporate world and venture into consulting.
Becoming “The Digital Fellow”: A New Approach to Consulting
After decades in corporate marketing, Subhobroto launched The Digital Fellow, a growth-hacking and digital strategy consulting firm.
Unlike traditional agencies, he follows a doctor-like approach:
- He doesn’t chase clients; clients come to him.
- Rejects 93% of potential customers because they either can’t afford his expertise or don’t align with his vision.
- Uses inbound marketing (instead of cold-pitching) to attract the right clients.
His firm focuses on:
- Helping brands and people grow digitally.
- Training CEOs and CXOs in digital transformation.
- Building thought leadership through content marketing.
Social Media, Growth Hacking & The Future of Digital Marketing
Subhobroto is a strong advocate for leveraging social media strategically.
LinkedIn is King
- He believes LinkedIn is the most powerful platform for professionals today.
- Prefers LinkedIn over Facebook and Instagram for its authentic business engagement.
- Gets 28,000+ views per post organically without paid promotions.
Growth Hacking = Smart Marketing
- Brands don’t need big budgets; they need smart strategies.
- Focuses on content marketing, SEO, and data-driven decision-making.
- Helps businesses scale without wasting money on unnecessary ads.
The Death of Traditional Marketing
Businesses need to adapt to digital trends or risk becoming irrelevant.
Philip Kotler rewrote his marketing book because the old principles don’t work anymore.
Rejecting the “Guru” Mentality & Continuous Learning
Despite his success in digital marketing, Subhobroto refuses to call himself a “guru” or “expert.”
- He believes learning never stops.
- Even business school professors are outdated—many don’t understand modern digital marketing.
- His advice: Read, experiment, and apply knowledge daily.
One of his favourite quotes:
“People upgrade their phones, cars, and houses—but they forget to upgrade themselves.”
Hobbies, Life Philosophy & Future Goals
Outside of work, Subhobroto is deeply passionate about:
- Photography & filmmaking – He has directed over 27 films.
- Painting & sketching – His company logo was hand-drawn by him.
- Charity & education – He believes in giving back through knowledge-sharing.
As for future plans?
- Expanding The Digital Fellow internationally (starting with Singapore in 2024).
- Training more CEOs and entrepreneurs in digital transformation.
- Writing a book on growth hacking and digital strategy.
Mastering Digital Growth & Reinventing Success
Subhobroto Chakroborty’s journey—from an average student to a corporate marketing leader and now a sought-after digital strategist—is a testament to persistence, adaptability, and continuous learning.
His unconventional approach to consulting, emphasis on honesty, and rejection of outdated marketing tactics make him one of the most respected voices in digital transformation today.
With The Digital Fellow gaining momentum, Subhobroto is on a mission to help brands and individuals navigate the ever-changing digital landscape—without falling for shortcuts and gimmicks.
As he puts it:
“It’s not about being the best. It’s about constantly learning and evolving.”
About Subhobroto Chakroborty:
Subhobroto Chakroborty is a marketing strategist, digital consultant, and founder of The Digital Fellow. With over 20 years of corporate experience in Coca-Cola, ICICI Bank, and Reliance Communications, he now helps businesses and leaders grow through digital transformation and strategic marketing. His work focuses on growth hacking, branding, and CEO-level digital training.