The Art & Science of Sustainable Brands: Vaibhav Dholakia’s Journey from Creative Passion to Boardroom Purpose

How a creative entrepreneur learned to master branding, sustainability, and leadership—with the Directors' Institute as a catalyst

Introduction 

In a world where brands must balance creativity with conscience, Mr. Vaibhav Dholakia stands out as a rare force of nature. With over three decades of experience in marketing, sustainability communication, and business strategy, he has crafted a unique path—from pharmaceutical sales to founding Brandure, one of India’s top ESG-driven creative agencies. A physics graduate turned marketing visionary, Vaibhav brings a cross-disciplinary mindset to brand storytelling, ESG reporting, and corporate identity.

Key Achievements of Vaibhav Dholakia

• 33+ Years of Industry Experience

  From pharma sales to creative direction, marketing, and ESG leadership.

  
  

• Founder of Brandure (est. 2015)

  Built a national-level firm specializing in sustainability storytelling and ESG reporting.

  
  

• Mastered Graphic Design at Age 44

  Reinvented his creative skill set to lead by example and upskill his team.

• $Multi-Million Brand Campaigns

  Delivered purpose-led strategies that combined design, governance, and business growth.

• Boardroom-Ready with Strategic ESG Focus

  Combines branding insight with governance fluency, stakeholder engagement, and long-term value creation.

From Medical Sales to Market Leadership in Branding

Mr. Dholakia's career trajectory of more than three decades cuts across industries—healthcare and technology to marketing and sustainability. However, it was in 2015, when he established Brandor, that his personal interest lastly merged with professional ambition.

Though he had experience in branding, content, and communication, he openly explained how he did not have one key creative skill—graphic design. At 44, he returned to school, alongside teenagers in his design classes. That single act changed what it means to be a learning leader in this day and age.

“When I founded Brandor, I lacked graphic design skills. So, at the age of 44, I joined a design academy with school and college students. That learning changed everything.

The Core Philosophy: Learn First, Earn Later

Perhaps the most memorable point that Mr. Dholakia made on his podcast was his growth philosophy—both personal and corporate:

"The word 'learn' contains 'earn'—that's the formula."

He is convinced that sustainable success requires a culture of perpetual learning. It is that very mindset he has instilled very deeply within Brandor's DNA. His employees are cross-trained way beyond rigid graphic design. They now produce ESG reports, virtual videos, and connected sustainability campaigns.

The secret? He established a learning environment prior to establishing a business empire.

Branding Meets Sustainability: Communicating with Purpose

With Brandor now being a leader in ESG and sustainability reporting, Mr. Dholakia reiterates that real impact is more than just releasing ESG reports or checking CSR boxes.

"ESG reports need to have a theme. They need to tell a story, not data."

His methodology is to conduct sustainability communication as music—various instruments (stakeholders, formats, metrics) singing in harmony on one inspirational theme. It is this emotional intelligence blended with branding science that makes his work different and successful.

Boardroom-Ready: How the Directors’ Institute Accelerated His Vision

Having run an agency that works with leading companies on ESG strategy, Mr. Dholakia's next move obviously is in the direction of the boardroom—a place where strategic decisions regarding brand reputation, ethics, and sustainability are in focus.

Welcome to the Directors' Institute.

He describes his initial impression of the Institute as “extremely positive,” citing its structure, responsiveness, and stakeholder engagement. What stood out most was how the Institute matched its brand promise with consistent delivery—exactly the principle he follows in his own business.

How the Directors’ Institute Supported His Evolution:

• Boardroom Readiness: Despite decades of C-suite experience, Mr. Dholakia credits the Institute for offering him deeper, more nuanced exposure to governance, ESG integration, and director responsibilities.

• Real-World Learning: Interactive sessions and boardroom simulations have helped him understand not only the role of directors but how to embed sustainability at the core of board decisions.

• Networking & Mentorship: The ecosystem exposed him to cross-industry insights, potential mentors, and collaborations—all critical for strategic thinking and long-term growth.

What’s Next for This Creative Leader?

With a firm footing in ESG communications and now equipped with boardroom fluency, Mr. Dholakia sees himself shaping governance from the top down. He aims to bring creative storytelling and sustainability intelligence to boardrooms—ensuring that organizations don’t just comply with ESG, but embody it.

Conclusion: Branding, Learning & Leadership Converge

Vaibhav Dholakia’s story isn’t just inspiring—it’s a template for the modern leader. One who doesn’t separate profit from purpose. One who sees creativity as a strategic asset. And one who understands that sustainable branding is as much about behavior as it is about visuals.

As his journey continues, it’s clear that the Directors’ Institute has played a catalytic role—bridging experience with governance readiness, and passion with board-level influence.

Ready to explore your boardroom potential? Learn more about the Directors’ Institute programs: www.directors-institute.com

Catch the full episode:  The Art & Science of Sustainable Brands | Vaibhav Dholakia

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