Weekends are all about downtime. After a week full of work to meet deadlines, everybody needs some breather to relax and recuperate. From watching a favourite web series to planning a vacation, weekends are designated as family and me time. Ramya Ramachandran, Founder and CEO, Whoppl, talks to BrandWagon Online about her weekends, favourite vacation destination and more.
What is the one thing you like to do when not working?
One thing I love to do when I’m not working is to play a sport. I’ve always been a badminton player, then got into pickleball, and recently started padle. For those one and a half to two hours on the court, I’m fully focused and disconnected from work. There’s a unique thrill in learning a new sport and the rush from both serotonin and dopamine. Plus, it’s a great cardio workout that’s fun! Fitness is really important to me, and playing sports is the perfect way to stay active and enjoy it.
How do you spend your weekends?
My weekends are pretty varied—no two are the same! If it’s a long weekend, I’ll often jet off to explore a new city, try out local cuisine, or just unwind and recharge. On a typical weekend, though, I might read a little, spend time outdoors, play a game, or just chill with friends. It’s all about balancing relaxation and adventure.
What are your favorite gadgets?
Two gadgets I absolutely love are my SmartWatch and AirPods. The Watch is brilliant for its ease—it lets me take calls on a run without needing my phone. It helps me stay on top of my goals. It not only tracks my movement, calories burned, but also heart rate functions. As for AirPods, their noise-canceling feature is a game-changer, letting me create my own space anywhere. Both simplify life and work in ways that make a real difference for me, and I use them extensively.
Given an option to choose another career, what would it be?
If I weren’t an entrepreneur, I’d probably be in Advertising. Advertising & Marketing is my passion, and I love the thrill of bringing a brand to life. Being a marketeer, helping a brand find its voice, and connecting it with people is something I could see myself enjoying deeply.
Which is your favorite vacation spot?
I’m drawn to relaxing beach destinations with great food and a vibe. I’ve been loving Bali for its perfect mix of mountains and beaches. It’s easy to unwind there, with plenty of natural beauty and an inviting culture that makes it easy to feel at home.
A TV show, a movie, and an ad campaign you highly recommend
One show I’d highly recommend is F1: Drive to Survive. It’s thrilling, engaging, and gives you insights into teamwork and strategy. I think it’s converted many fans to F1 who weren’t interested before, thanks to its exciting production and the high-stakes drama and fast paced episodes.
I also enjoyed the recent film Lapata Ladies, which felt refreshingly wholesome.
One ad campaign I really admire is the Decoded campaign by Jay-Z with Bing. The execution and creativity behind it were exceptional, making it a perfect example of a 360-degree campaign. I often use it as a case study to illustrate how to fully engage an audience across multiple platforms.