In our ongoing series spotlighting young talent in the industry, Branding in Asia presents “One Under 30” – a special feature focused on rising talent in the advertising & marketing world – one person at a time.
This time we talk to Owais Rawda, Communications Manager at Begin in Karachi, Pakistan.
During our conversation, he shares how he got his first break in the industry, where he draws inspiration, what he loves about the job, and more.
When asked what he loved about his job, he told us, “It’s like working as a brand ninja; effective, focused, and rarely seen.”
The Basics
Name: Owais Rawda
Age: 29
Agency: Begin
Position: Communications Manager.
Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan
Current Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Education: Iqra University, BS Media Sciences (Advertising), 2018
Seven Questions
How did you get your first break in the industry?
I got my first break when a close friend, Abdun Nafay, introduced me to the world of communications agencies. Until then, I had little idea how these agencies worked behind the scenes to shape public perception.
That introduction opened up a completely new way of thinking. I realized how communications function like the backbone of a company. It’s not always visible, but it silently holds everything together, especially in terms of reputation and brand image. That’s when I knew this was the space, I wanted to grow in.
What is your personal mantra?
“Good communication is like oxygen — invisible, but essential.”
Communications function like the backbone of a company. It’s not always visible, but it silently holds everything together.
It’s something I live by. The most effective communications work is rarely loud. It quietly sustains everything. From internal culture to external reputation without needing the spotlight.
From what person, place or thing have you drawn your greatest creative inspiration?
I’ve always found creative inspiration in Steve Irwin, the Australian wildlife conservationist who had this rare ability to make people care about animals and nature just through the way he told stories.
What stood out to me was how he explained complex things in a way that was simple, emotional, and still informative. That’s something I try to apply in communications as well, building narratives that are clear, and relatable, even if the subject is technical or behind the scenes.
What do you love about the job?
What I love most is how our work quietly moves the needle. Not just for marketing teams, but across entire organizations. Communication isn’t always front-facing, but when it’s done right, the impact is massive. I love working behind the scenes, watching the ripple effect unfold, how something we planned quietly in a meeting room ends up influencing public opinion, building trust, and even shifting narratives.
I love working behind the scenes, watching the ripple effect unfold, how something we planned quietly in a meeting room ends up influencing public opinion, building trust, and even shifting narratives.
It’s like working as a brand ninja; effective, focused, and rarely seen.
What about your job are you not so crazy about?
If there’s one thing I’m not crazy about, it’s the time zones and scheduling chaos. In communications, especially when dealing with international publications, your calendar is never really your own.
A journalist might reply at 6 a.m. or follow up at 9 p.m., and you have to respond promptly, because timing can make or break a story. It keeps things exciting but definitely messes with any idea of work-life balance.
What is some work you’ve done that you’re most proud of?
One of my proudest moments was getting U.S.-based press coverage, not for a client, but for myself. It was a personal milestone to be seen as someone worth quoting in international publications.
I’m also proud of leading the communications push behind Begin acquiring the streaming rights to PSL in Pakistan. The news made it to Variety as an exclusive and was picked up by around 10 international publications. We were the only streaming company featured alongside global players, and we managed to beat out larger MNCs for attention.
Another high point was handling media for OMNI Racing during the Dubai Endurance Championship Round 1. We secured wide-reaching coverage, from podcast in F1Weekly.com to interviews with The Brown Car Guy, along with features and interviews in local publications. By the end of it, OMNI Racing was the most talked-about team in the championship, and that visibility mattered.
If you had to choose another career what would it be?
I’d probably be a wildlife documentarian and bird conservationist. I’ve had a passion for birds for as long as I can remember, and I’m especially focused on protecting local species in Pakistan.
I’m passionate about promoting ethical birdkeeping, where the goal is to preserve wild bird populations, not harm them. My aim would be to raise awareness about the importance of protecting their natural habitats and ensure that aviculture practices contribute to conservation efforts rather than threatening them.
