Book Review: ‘Culture Eats Creativity for Lunch’ by Arvind Wable

Book Title: Culture Eats Creativity for Lunch: The Ulkaway
Author: Arvind Wable
Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Number of Pages: 160
ISBN: 978-9361567940
Date Published: Jul. 5, 2024
Price: INR 230

Book Review

“Culture Eats Creativity for Lunch: The Ulkaway,” by Arvind Wable, an alumnus of prestigious institutions such as Mayo College, St. Stephens, Delhi School of Economics, and IIM Ahmedabad, brings his extensive four-decade experience in advertising and marketing to the fore, having served as CEO at FCB Ulka and FCB Singapore – offers an insider’s perspective on one of India’s most innovative companies, showcasing its journey to extraordinary success. The book not only narrates the story of a firm that thrived from its inception but also delves into how new leadership transformed its culture, creating a company that emerged stronger and more dynamic than ever before.

In the late 1980s, Ulka underwent a leadership transition, rebranding to FCB Ulka, focusing on strategic brand-building and global network integration. The agency’s unique culture, rooted in trust, collaboration, and values, led to sustained growth and success in the advertising industry. Its strategic approach to advertising, emphasizing brand solutions and creative excellence, resulted in significant market success for clients like LML scooters and Whirlpool. The book “Culture Eats Creativity for Lunch” highlights the importance of strategic thinking and consumer insights in achieving marketing objectives.

Author Wable’s narrative also provides an in-depth look at the values that Ulka prioritized, such as trust, collaboration, and interdependence, which contributed to minimal attrition and long-term employee commitment. The book further examines Ulka’s alignment with the Clan culture type, emphasizing collaboration, teamwork, and nurturing within the organization. This unique culture, combined with a strategic approach to advertising, set Ulka apart in the industry and drove its market success. It also highlights Ulka’s journey under Anil Kapoor’s leadership, underscoring the importance of strategic thinking, creativity, and deep consumer insights in achieving marketing objectives.

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“Culture Eats Creativity for Lunch” stands out for its comprehensive exploration of organizational culture and its impact on success. Wable discusses the Competing Values Framework, a widely implemented approach to measuring and managing culture, and dedicates a chapter to how to measure and manage organizational culture. This analysis is invaluable for readers interested in culture change. Overall, the book is a warm, engaging, and insightful illustration of how to achieve dramatic cultural change from an insider’s view, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in organizational success and culture.

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