Hi, I'm Manish.

How does someone become an operations specialist in the creative field? After all, “creative” and “operations” don’t often go hand in hand. Here’s my story…

I struggled in school, but art was always my strength and my passion. As a teenager, I became fascinated by typography and discovered Letraset books, which showcased a variety of typefaces. Inspired, I spent countless hours in my sketchbook, replicating and creating words in different typefaces entirely by hand.

Determined to become a graphic designer, I enrolled in a foundation course at Berkshire College of Art and Design, studying design, typography, and printing. But before I could finish, I was offered a job at a local book design firm, beginning my career in the creative industry at just 17.

…And I was fired after three months.

It was a humbling moment, but also the wake-up call I needed. I approached my next role, at a local B2B advertising agency, with newfound focus. One of the founders had recently invested £16k in an Apple Mac—a tool the team hadn’t embraced yet. He wanted a junior designer eager to use it, and I was thrilled to oblige.

As Macs became integral to creative agencies, my experience made me valuable, and I found better opportunities in London. But it didn’t take long to realise something: I wasn’t a great graphic designer. And who wants to be mediocre at their job?

I knew I needed to find a new niche—something I now advise agencies to do if they want to excel. I discovered I had a knack for managing creatives, which led me to studio management and, eventually, a leadership role at Design Bridge and Partners, one of the world’s largest design agencies.

There, I rose to Executive Operations Director before moving into consultancy. Today, I use my operational expertise to help agencies streamline their processes, improve profitability, and achieve their goals.

Though some may see me as a management consultant type, at heart, I’m still a creative. My experience on both sides of the industry gives me a unique perspective: I understand the challenges and aspirations of creatives, and how to balance them with the demands of operational excellence.

Looking back, it’s no surprise I ended up in the creative industry—it was always my calling. While the boy drafting type in his sketchbook might be surprised at where I’ve landed, I think he’d be proud. I truly love using my experience to help creative agencies succeed every day.

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