TheCconnects: Hussain, it’s a pleasure to sit down with you today. Your journey in digital marketing is inspiring, to say the least. Can you walk our readers through how you went from your early career to founding 366DigitX and becoming a recognized leader in the industry?
Kalsekar M. Hussain: Thank you for having me! My journey has been a blend of curiosity, grit, and a constant drive to create impact. I started with a Bachelor’s in Business Management Studies from Anjumans, followed by a PGDBA and an MBA in Marketing. Early on, I was fascinated by how businesses could connect with people through storytelling and strategy. My 17-year corporate career gave me a front-row seat to the evolution of digital marketing, back when social media was just MySpace and Orkut! I worked across industries, honing my skills in brand positioning and campaign execution. But the entrepreneurial itch was always there. In 2018, I took the leap and founded 366DigitX, a full-service digital agency built on the idea of delivering measurable growth through creativity and technology. It wasn’t easy leaving a stable career, but the support of my family and clients gave me the courage to build something that truly reflects my vision for the future of marketing.
TheCconnects: That’s an incredible transition. Who would you say has been the biggest influence in shaping your approach to both life and business?
Kalsekar M. Hussain: Hands down, my father. He’s been my guiding light. He taught me the value of integrity, hard work, and staying grounded no matter how high you climb. His ability to balance family and business, while always prioritizing relationships, left a deep imprint on me. In business, I’ve also drawn inspiration from leaders like Seth Godin, whose focus on authentic storytelling resonates with my belief that marketing is about building trust, not just selling products.
TheCconnects: Speaking of challenges, every entrepreneur faces hurdles. What’s been one of the biggest obstacles you’ve encountered, and how did you navigate it?
Kalsekar M. Hussain: Client retention in a competitive digital landscape is a constant challenge. Early in 366DigitX’s journey, we lost a major client due to budget constraints on their end. It was a gut punch, but it taught me resilience. I doubled down on understanding our clients’ pain points and delivering tailored solutions. We revamped our approach, focusing on data-driven strategies and personalized campaigns, which not only won back trust but also attracted new clients. That experience reinforced the importance of adaptability and proactive communication in sustaining long-term partnerships.
TheCconnects: That’s a powerful lesson. What other key insights have you gained from your career that you’d share with someone just starting out?
Kalsekar M. Hussain: One big lesson is to stay humble and curious. Overconfidence can blind you to new opportunities or emerging trends. I’ve also learned the importance of clear boundaries between business and personal relationships, it keeps both sides healthy. Another key takeaway is to always secure advances in deals; it’s a practical way to ensure mutual commitment. Lastly, never stop learning. The digital marketing space evolves so fast, whether it’s AI, Web3, or new platforms, staying ahead means staying curious.
TheCconnects: Let’s talk about the digital marketing landscape today. What do you see as the biggest challenge brands face in this space?
Kalsekar M. Hussain: Brands today struggle with cutting through the noise. Consumers are bombarded with content, and attention spans are shorter than ever. The challenge is creating authentic, engaging experiences that resonate on a personal level while navigating privacy regulations and platform algorithms. Many brands also grapple with omnichannel consistency, ensuring their message is cohesive across platforms like social media, email, and websites. It’s about understanding your audience deeply and using data to deliver value, not just ads.
TheCconnects: How does 366DigitX help brands overcome these challenges?
Kalsekar M. Hussain: At 366DigitX, we focus on three pillars: strategy, creativity, and technology. We start by diving deep into a brand’s audience, using data analytics to understand behaviors and preferences. From there, we craft campaigns that are not only visually compelling but also strategically targeted. For example, for a client like MKS Jewelry, we built a mobile-first campaign that boosted their online conversions by 40% through personalized ads and seamless website optimization. We also leverage AI tools for predictive analytics and automation, ensuring our clients stay ahead of trends while maintaining authenticity. Our goal is to turn pain points, like low engagement or poor lead generation, into growth opportunities.
TheCconnects: That’s impressive! You’ve worked with some big names like Exalt Club and Faiv Trading CC. What’s the secret to securing and retaining high-value clients?
Kalsekar M. Hussain: It’s all about trust and results. High-value clients want partners who understand their vision and deliver measurable outcomes. I focus on building relationships, not just closing deals. That means listening to their needs, being transparent about what’s possible, and consistently over-delivering. For instance, with Exalt Club, we designed an omnichannel campaign that aligned with their brand values, resulting in a 25% increase in customer retention. Regular check-ins, detailed reporting, and a willingness to pivot when needed keep clients coming back.
TheCconnects: You’ve been recognized as one of the top 100 smartest digital marketing leaders by the World Marketing Congress. How did that moment feel, and what does it mean for your mission?
Kalsekar M. Hussain: Receiving that accolade in 2020 was surreal. It was validation of the hard work my team and I put into pushing boundaries. More than the recognition, it reinforced my mission to create value, not just for clients but for the industry and community. Awards like that open doors to share knowledge, which is why I lecture and mentor aspiring marketers. It’s about giving back and elevating the field.
TheCconnects: Outside of work, you’re involved with the Khidmaah Foundation and Khabreeman News. How do you balance your professional life with these passions?
Kalsekar M. Hussain: Balance is tricky, but it’s about purpose. My work with the Khidmaah Foundation, our nonprofit, is deeply fulfilling, it’s a way to give back through education and community support. Khabreeman News lets me explore storytelling in a different way, amplifying voices that matter. In my free time, I recharge by networking at industry events, reading about emerging tech, or just spending time with my four kids. They keep me grounded and remind me why I do what I do.
TheCconnects: That’s a beautiful perspective. For aspiring entrepreneurs in digital marketing, what advice would you give to help them stand out?
Kalsekar M. Hussain: First, master the basics, understand SEO, analytics, and content strategy inside out. Then, find your niche. The digital space is crowded, so specialize in something you’re passionate about, whether it’s influencer marketing or AI-driven campaigns. Build a personal brand that showcases your expertise, share insights on platforms like LinkedIn or X. Most importantly, focus on relationships. Clients and collaborators value authenticity and reliability over flashy pitches. And don’t fear failure, it’s your best teacher.
TheCconnects: One last question: where do you see 366DigitX in the next five years, and how do you plan to shape the future of digital marketing?
Kalsekar M. Hussain: In five years, I see 366DigitX as a global leader in innovative, purpose-driven marketing. We’re already exploring AI and AR to create immersive brand experiences, and I’m excited about integrating Web3 for decentralized campaigns. My goal is to make 366DigitX synonymous with trust and innovation, helping brands navigate the complexities of the digital world while staying true to their values. The future is about creating meaningful connections, and we’re ready to lead that charge.
TheCconnects: Hussain, your passion is infectious. Thank you for sharing your insights and vision with us. We’re excited to see where 366DigitX goes next!
Kalsekar M. Hussain: The pleasure’s mine. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in digital marketing!
