Media Maestro in Focus: Meet Mr Javed Kotyad

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing and media production, there’s one name that shines as bright as a Hollywood marquee: It is none other than Mr Javed Kotyad. With over 15 years of pioneering experience in the media and entertainment arena, his journey is one of star-studded collaborations and industry triumphs.

Imagine working side by side with luminaries like Will Smith, AR Rahman, and Jay Shetty – it’s not just a dream for Mr Kotyad, it’s his reality! With a magician’s touch, he has seamlessly woven his talents into the realms of the entertainment elite, crafting narratives that transcend borders and cultures. From backstage whispers to on-set magic, his collaborations are the stuff that legends are made of.

Join in this exclusive interview of Mr Kotyad’s awe-inspiring journey, where we’ll peel back the curtains on his achievements, challenges, and the pulse of the media industry. From rubbing shoulders with icons to weaving narratives that resonate across borders, his story is a testament to the magic that happens when innovation meets dedication. Stay tuned as the feature promises to captivate, inspire, and reveal the artistry behind the Program Manager II at Oracle – a true media maverick! Edited excerpts from the interview. Read On.

Tell us more about your educational background. How did a Mumbai boy reach the Middle East?

After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media and Advertising from Kishinchand Chellaram College, University of Mumbai, I relocated to Dubai in 2007. While in the university, I gained experience across departments such as production, copywriting, and post-production through internships with various companies. Additionally, I worked as a freelancer on multiple short films which gave me an understanding of the media landscape. This allowed me to identify my areas of interest. Besides, during the course of my internship, some of my ex-colleagues informed me about the flourishing media industry in the Middle East. As a result, I moved to Dubai and began working as an editor for MTV/Nickelodeon Arabia.

What were some of the most memorable projects you have worked?  How did they impact your career?

I consider myself fortunate to have worked with renowned individuals like Will Smith, AR Rahman, and Jay Shetty, among others. In addition, I have contributed to content for Porsche, Netflix, Showtime, Spartan Games, Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, MX Player, and more. These have enabled me to progress in my career.

Can you share a particular project that proved to be a turning point? Learning from that.

One of my favourite projects was working alongside Will Smith. I had the opportunity to collaborate with him on the post-production of his latest documentary series, Best Shape of My Life, as well as promotional content for the movie Fresh Prince of Bel-Air 2. These experiences greatly enriched my professional portfolio and taught me valuable skills.

How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration among cross-functional teams?

As a Program Manager, I ensure seamless communication and collaboration among cross-functional teams by fostering an environment of transparency and shared objectives. Regular team meetings, status updates, and project management tools facilitate the exchange of information. Furthermore, everyone understands their contributions toward project success by aligning all teams with a shared vision and clearly defined roles. The key is encouraging an open culture where concerns and innovative ideas are welcomed. By maintaining available communication channels, resolving conflicts promptly, and providing necessary resources, I ensure that project timelines and deliverables are consistently met, resulting in successful project outcomes.

How do you identify potential risks? What strategies do you employ to mitigate them?

Effective risk management requires proactive planning and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances during the project. The key is to think ahead of time, proactively analyse potential challenges and derive proactive solutions to prevent lurking risks. By always having a plan B ready, we safeguard ourselves against uncertainties, ensuring adaptability in the face of unforeseen risks.

Please share some life lessons for students from your career.

Content and marketing professionals often need to develop fresh and creative ideas. I recommend embracing your creativity in academic projects and extra-curricular activities. Be open to adapting to new learning methods, technology, and academic challenges. Also, staying up-to-date with current events and developments can broaden your knowledge. Remember to remain humble and open to learning, develop a lifelong learning mindset, and seek wisdom beyond the classroom.

How were your years at Apeejay, Nerul? Any anecdotes to share?

My school days at Apeejay, hold a unique place in my heart as the most cherished and memorable period of my life’s journey. These years were a time of exploration, growth, and forging lasting friendships. My closest friends to date are the ones I made during my school days. We still talk and laugh about the things we did during school times.

Despite not being a top academic performer, I discovered a passion for extracurricular activities, such as sports and annual literary meets. I remain in touch with some of my teachers, including Prabhakar sir, who encouraged sports participation, and Bahar ma’am, who motivated me to develop my art skills.

Overall, the school provided me with ample opportunities to showcase my talents which led me to represent the Indian Indoor cricket team as one of the three selected students in 1999. Playing cricket is something I still enjoy whenever I get a chance. Looking back, the nostalgia of my school days is a testament to its impact on shaping my character and setting the stage for a fulfilling career.