In this candid and compelling TEDx talk, marketing trailblazer Rekha Rao, Founder & CEO of OON, unpacks a journey rooted in childlike obsession, challenged by conventional expectations, and shaped by unwavering self-belief. From cutting out ads at age 10 to building the world’s first women-led integrated marketing collective, Rekha’s story is one of courage, creativity, and relentless curiosity. She shares how early dreams often collide with societal norms—and why asking “why not?” instead of just “why” can rewire your life’s trajectory.Rekha’s path wasn’t linear. She faced academic setbacks, career detours, and dismissive mentors. Yet each stumble became a stepping stone. Whether navigating the high-stakes world of advertising, shifting into client-facing roles without prior experience, or pulling off a national campaign derailed by tragedy, Rekha learned to lead through resilience, not rules. Her talk is filled with practical wisdom: start small (even with a scrapbook), embrace redirections, and let your work—not politics—speak for you.At its heart, this talk is a powerful call for young dreamers and professionals alike: You don’t need to fit the mold to make a mark. You just need the audacity to ask: “Why not me?” Rekha Rao is the Founder and CEO of OON—the world’s first women’s collective providing integrated marketing communications solutions. With a powerhouse background in brand storytelling, reputation management, crisis response, and strategic content, she has led award-winning campaigns across global, regional, and local markets. Under her leadership, OON has earned 125+ accolades, becoming a force in shaping narratives that matter. Rekha’s mission goes beyond marketing—she’s creating space for women to lead, collaborate, and redefine the communications landscape with creativity, empathy, and impact. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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