In this thought-provoking episode of CoBB, hosts Sudeep Chawla and Sharavana Raghavan explore the crucial distinction between designation and role — and why understanding what you actually do is far more important than the title on your business card.

Inspired by a powerful anecdote shared by Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, this conversation unpacks how leaders and marketers alike can unlock clarity, contribution, and career growth by answering one deceptively simple question: What is your role?

Whether you’re a founder, brand manager, or corporate leader, this episode challenges you to reflect not just on your expertise, but on how you’re showing up for your team and business today.

KEY THEMES EXPLORED

Designation vs Role

Your title stays constant, but your role evolves with the needs of the business. This distinction is critical for professionals in fast-changing environments.

The ‘Improvement Manager’ Mindset

Rajiv Bajaj’s personal journey from “Managing Director” to identifying as an “Improvement Manager” illustrates how clarity of role can sharpen your impact.

Role Evolves with Product Lifecycle

From insight manager to coordinator to performance improver, your role must adapt as the product moves through its lifecycle.

Purpose Drives Role, Not the Other Way Around

Taking a cue from Simon Sinek’s ‘Start With Why’, this episode repositions purpose as an internal compass for contribution, not a branding gimmick.

Philosophy Meets Practice

What do JFK, Munnabhai, and Krishna have in common? They all point to one truth: your role is about what you do, not what you are called.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Designations Are Static. Roles Are Dynamic.

What the company calls you may not change for years, but what the company needs from you can change tomorrow.

Evaluate Your Daily Contribution

Ask yourself: “What did I actually do today?” and “How many times did I deliver on my core role?”

Role Is Determined by Context

Your role isn’t just defined by your skills, but by what the situation and the team require most right now.

Purpose Is Personal, Not Promotional

Your “why” isn’t a UN cause. It’s a grounding belief that aligns your work to your impact, internally first and externally later.

Growth Begins With Self-Awareness

Recognizing when your role must shift, and acting on it, is the hallmark of effective leaders and brand builders.

QUOTES

• “Your designation might remain the same for years. But your role could change every few months, and it must.”
• “Don’t confuse what you’re called with what you contribute.”
• “Purpose is not a brand campaign. It’s a compass for your role.”
• “Know your role. And you’ll always rock and roll.”

Don’t miss this episode if you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “This isn’t in my job description” and are ready to redefine how you contribute to your brand, team, and business.

As always, send your feedback and topic suggestions to mail@cobbcast.net!

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CREDITS

- Album Art & Design by ting.in

- Voiceovers by Anjale Stephanos

- Music from Zapsplat.com