How Ranganathan Somanathan went from self-doubt to Campaign’s 50-Over-50 winner
Client spotlight: How I helped Ranga turn decades of leadership into a legacy story and earn his place on Campaign’s 50 Over 50 list.
We were both excited when Ranganathan Somanathan contacted me about entering for Campaign Asia-Pacific’s 50 Over 50.
Then came the hesitation.
“Do I still count?”
“Is this just a vanity list?”
“Does my story even matter now?”
As his friend, personal branding coach, and former colleague, I knew exactly what to say.
I told him he did not just belong on that list. He represented everything it should stand for. While the industry rightly celebrates Gen Z creators and startup founders, we often forget who built the foundations they now stand on.
People like Ranga. People who have led at the highest levels, without chasing the spotlight.
For over two decades, Ranga held CEO roles at both Omnicom Media Group and Publicis Media across Singapore and Malaysia, where he guided some of the region’s most influential teams and clients through rapid shifts in the media and marketing landscape.
He is now Billups' Chief Global Growth Officer, the world’s leading independent out-of-home (OOH) agency. In this role, he collaborates across strategy, product, and client development to scale Billups’ global presence, bringing innovation, measurement accountability, and deep strategic thinking to the evolving OOH space.
He’s also co-founder of RSquared Global Ventures, where he mentors early-stage martech companies in media, data, content, and commerce. He helps tomorrow’s leaders accelerate growth with clarity and purpose.
But when we sat down to work on his 50 Over 50 entry, none was front and centre.
What was? Self-doubt. Modesty.
And the quiet question that haunts even the most accomplished among us:
Is it too late for me to show up again?
We started on the entry three days before the deadline. We submitted it on the final day.
And just last week, Ranga was named one of Campaign’s official 50 Over 50 honourees. Not for nostalgia. Not for tenure. But for continued relevance.
Because here is the truth. He is not done. He is still building, still growing, and still lifting others.
That is the real story. And if you take away one thing from this spotlight, let it be this: If you do not claim your story, someone else will.
As a personal branding coach and ghostwriter, I work with senior leaders who have done the work but never told the story.
They have led billion-dollar portfolios, built winning teams, and mentored hundreds, but hesitate to write about themselves on LinkedIn. They worry if they missed their moment… when they are just starting.
Personal branding is not about self-promotion. It is about self-definition. It is about making your legacy visible, with language that feels true to who you are.
Ranga, thank you for trusting me. You earned every word of that entry and what is coming next.
If you are a founder, executive, or builder over 50, would you like to know if your story still matters?
It does. And it is only just beginning.
Ready to elevate your brand and communication?
I can help you sharpen your narrative, amplify your leadership voice, and build a powerful personal or organisational brand whenever you're ready. When you book any of the following services, you will receive a free copy of The Ultimate Storytelling Playbook, my signature ebook packed with frameworks, prompts, and templates.
1. Storytelling and communication strategy
A 90-minute deep dive into your brand and communication goals. You will get a storytelling audit, a custom narrative blueprint, and a follow-up action plan with milestones and KPIs. Ideal for brands, startups, executives, and marketing teams looking to refine their message and drive meaningful engagement.
2. Leadership communication coaching
Monthly one-on-one coaching designed to help you lead with clarity and confidence. Includes public speaking prep, media interview training, script and speech reviews, and on-call support for key communication moments. Perfect for founders, leaders, and executives preparing for high-visibility platforms.
3. LinkedIn personal branding strategy
Build a credible, consistent presence on LinkedIn with a personal branding audit, monthly strategy sessions, profile optimisation, and a structured content framework. Designed for entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and executives ready to establish their voice and grow their influence.
4. Brand narrative workshops
Align your entire team around a unified brand story. This full-day workshop (virtual or in-person) includes team exercises, custom storytelling templates, and a post-workshop communication plan. Ideal for leadership teams, agencies, and marketing departments looking to strengthen internal and external messaging.
If you have been sitting on your story, waiting for the right time to come out clearly, this is your invitation.