FUSION
People. News. Information.
VICKRAM AGARWAL
VOLUME 18, ISSUE 5
The power of persistence
2021
By Ramya Ramanathan
Group Publisher Sanjay Agnihotri
MasterCard, later, I moved to Canada and led the Black Rock Marketing Group as managing director. This summer, I transitioned back from agency to client side and am now the newly appointed vice president of marketing at Credit Canada. Along this colourful journey, I also founded the parenting company Daddy’s Digest, which was acquired earlier this year.
Editor Ramya Ramanathan rramanathan@metroland.com Editorial Design Safi Nomani Sr. Ad Manager Ricky Bajaj rbajaj@metroland.com Tel: 905 273 8170 Assistant Manager Laura Jackman ljackman@metroland.com
What inspired you to launch Daddy's Digest?
When my daughter was born, my wife and I shared the highs and lows and really invested ourselves in her growth and development. Unlike my better half who had access to resources and a community, I had no support system. As an entrepreneur, I had no choice but to seize the opportunity. My own struggle inspired me to build a father-focused parenting company.
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Did you face any major challenges when you came to Canada?
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Vickram Agarwal with his family
I
ndian-born Vickram Agarwal is a global citizen. Raised in India and the Middle East and educated in the UK, he started his marketing career with General Motors in Dubai. A digital and technology entrepreneur, in 2011, he founded Stroke Consulting with a client portfolio that included some top brands. He is also the proud founder of Daddy’s Digest, an online platform that bridges the parenting gap through the creation of expert and usergenerated content. In 2019, he moved to Canada with his wife and daughter and took the helm of the Black Rock Marketing Group as partner and managing director. He is currently the vice president of marketing at Credit Canada, a nonprofit credit counselling agency whose mission is to help people get out of debt.
Tell us about yourself
I am a third culture kid – I was born in India, raised in the Middle East and educated in the U.K. My wife and I met in Dubai, but she was born and raised in Ottawa. Our long-term plan always included building a life in Canada. In 2019, after nearly a decade together, we made the big move with a two-year-old in tow.
Tell us about what you do
I started my career with General Motors and after a few years in manufacturing, I moved to automotive retail with Volkswagen. In 2011, I quit my job and started a digital marketing consultancy. After nearly nine years and clients like GMC, Chevrolet, Fiat, Kawasaki and
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 18 Issue 5 | 2021
Moving to Canada was the best decision we could have made as a family, and we don’t doubt it for a second. Though, if anyone tells you that life as a new immigrant is easy, they would be lying. Try converting your driver’s license or leasing a car without a credit score… it will bring great appreciation and empathy to the challenges faced by new immigrants. I learned quickly that persistence is the key to success in Canada. I made over 600 job applications the first time around and that led to four callbacks and ultimately three interviews. I am resilient by nature, so I chose to see everything as an opportunity. It helped me gain perspective and stay sane.
What are your future plans?
I’ve just started a new role as the vice president of marketing at Credit Canada. Our mission is to help people get out of debt, so they can get back to life. I am excited for the opportunity to positively influence the lives of Canadians and make a difference through my work.
What drives you?
I am driven by the desire to make a difference. I try to live a life of purpose. I need challenges and complexity to feel like I am growing. At work, I am passionate about data and delivering positive outcomes.
What is your advice to immigrants and newcomers?
Be persistent and stay hungry. Canada is the land of opportunity and a place where fortune truly favours the bold. Reach out to as many people as you can, ask for advice and mentorship. Be vulnerable and receptive to this new experience.
