REVATI ANILKUMAR PATIL

How do you navigate being your authentic self in corporate creative spaces?

To me, design is language. It’s how I see the world, how I hear it, and how I feel it. It’s my voice, wavelength, and source code to and from the universe. So every time I work on a project, I know I’m not only using design to give my brands a unique voice, but also I’m infusing them with a bit of my taste, perspective, language, and source code. My authenticity is the cypher that unlocks all those qualities in my work. It’s the key to my creativity.

“My authenticity is the cypher that unlocks all those qualities in my work. It’s the key to my creativity.”

How has your identity influenced the creative risks you take?

Brown parents! They’ve always inspired me to push my limits and not settle for what a woman can or should do. I was encouraged to study everything from math and chemistry to dance and military tactics. I was encouraged to live in different cities, countries, and explore different cultures. I was encouraged to take risks and stay true to who I am. So when it comes to making bold creative choices, it’s practically in my DNA.

“I was encouraged to take risks and stay true to who I am. So when it comes to making bold creative choices, it’s practically in my DNA.”

If you could change one systemic barrier in the creative industry, what would it be?

Settling for the ‘safe’ option. In a world of all-mighty algorithms, data-driven decisions, and copycat content, being distinct and true to your brand essence and audience shouldn’t be a luxury or a ‘nice-to-have’ or even ‘a risky’ option… it should be the only way forward. The real safe choice. You’re either leaving a mark… or just leaving. Too many clients and agency decision makers forget this fact.

What does leadership mean to you?

Doing the right thing. Even when it’s hard, even when it’s unpopular, even when it’s unclear, even when it’s tedious, even when it’s thankless. Win or lose, doing what you believe is right for your team, for your client, and for your work will always cement you as a strong, decisive, and enduring leader.

“Win or lose, doing what you believe is right for your team, for your client, and for your work will always cement you as a strong, decisive, and enduring leader.”

Who would you thank in your Next Creative Leaders acceptance speech?

My boss would love to get a shout-out, but he’ll have to wait. My grandfather is at the top of the list. His curiosity for culture, endless wanderlust, love for reading and drawing, and his overall wisdom, intelligence, and charm helped shape my passion for design, culture, and creativity. He was pretty stylish too, so he helped make me look good in more ways than one.