Uprising: Neelanjan Sengupta’s Quest for Novelty

For Neelanjan Sengupta, account executive at The Public House, the road to advertising wasn’t meticulously planned – it was a journey shaped by curiosity, creativity, and an obsession with doing things wholeheartedly. As someone who has lived in multiple countries and dabbled in everything, from music to photography, Neel brings a unique perspective to his role in account management, blending a business mindset with an eye for the creative.

Growing up, Neel was the kind of kid to never shy away from new things. Whether it was picking up different instruments, experimenting with photography, or just diving into a new passion on a whim, he was always ready to bravely throw himself towards novelty.

“My dad was always the one pushing me to get out there and try all sorts of things. He’s always had my back, no matter what random hobby or goal I got into,” Neel says. That sense of freedom and encouragement led him to explore a wide range of interests, but a focus on creativity emerged. While he was eager to try new things, he was never someone to do them halfway.

“I’ve always been a hard worker – I don’t like doing things halfway. Whatever’s in my hands, I make sure to give it my best and do it with my whole heart.”

His love for music became a defining part of his early years. From playing guitar and drums in high school bands, to competing in battle-of-the-bands competitions, some of Neel’s fondest memories stem from long jam sessions with friends. Football was another passion, though he admits his support for Manchester United has made that love a bit more painful in recent years.

Photography, too, held a special place in Neel’s heart. “There was a time when I was convinced I’d be a photographer – something about travelling and capturing moments for a living just felt so exciting.” 

Despite his creative leanings, Neel also had a deep interest in business, heavily influenced by his father’s career in finance. “I grew up seeing how businesses run, but the corporate world felt a bit too serious for me. Then I came across account management in advertising, where you handle business, but also get to bring creative campaigns to life. It felt like the perfect balance.”

That realisation led him to pursue a degree in business administration with a focus on marketing in Bangalore, India, before heading to UCD Smurfit Business School in Dublin for a master’s in digital marketing. It was during his undergrad that he had his first real introduction to advertising – an industry that struck him as the perfect blend of strategy and creativity. “Wait… you’re telling me people get paid to do fun, creative stuff?” he recalls thinking. From that moment, he knew he wanted in.

Neel’s career in advertising kicked off in Dublin at The Public House, where he started as an account management intern. “This is actually my first job ever – not too bad for a first gig, right?” he jokes. Within two months, he was offered a full-time role as an account executive, and he’s been working on exciting campaigns ever since, including projects for Redbreast Irish Whiskey and Cadbury Ireland.

His first campaign – an out-of-home campaign for Cadbury – was a trial by fire. “I got thrown right into it not long after my internship ended, but it was a huge learning experience. Looking back, I can already see how much I’ve grown.”

Despite being relatively new to the industry, Neel is already looking ahead to what’s next. “I haven’t worked on a project that has completely changed my career yet, but I can feel it coming soon.”

Coming from a childhood of endless exploration, Neel hasn’t changed when it comes to his curiosity – today, what excites him most about advertising is its unpredictability.

“Every day is different and totally unpredictable, which I love. No two days are the same, and it never gets boring.”

He thrives in an environment where no challenge is the same as the last, even if it means dealing with curveballs. “It can get difficult, but honestly, it’s kind of fun tackling those curveballs. It almost feels like a challenge or a game at times!”

He credits much of his professional growth to his mentor, Terri Turner, business and operations director at The Public House. “She’s been an amazing mentor and has really helped me get better at what I do. She’s always upbeat, on top of everything, and watching her work has taught me a lot.”

Neel’s background – having lived in multiple cities in India, Saudi Arabia, and now Dublin – has given him a broad, multicultural perspective. “Moving around all the time definitely shaped me. It kept me on my toes, made me comfortable with change, and honestly, taught me to just roll with whatever life throws my way.”

That adaptability has served him well in a constantly evolving industry.

“I know I have to keep learning and pushing myself. I’ve definitely put some pressure on myself to keep improving, but I kind of enjoy that pressure. It keeps me from staying stagnant.”

When he’s not working, you’ll probably find Neel playing guitar, planning his next trip, or diving into his favourite music. “Travel is a big one for me – I’m really making an effort to do more of it this year. There are so many places on my bucket list.”

Ultimately, what drives Neel is a relentless desire to be the best version of himself, and his age-old craving for novelty and challenge. “The drive to not be average or mediocre really pushes me. I want to get better every day, reach new heights, and make the most of my potential.”

For someone who’s just getting started, it’s clear that Neel has no plans of slowing down. And if his trajectory so far is anything to go by, it won’t be long before he’s making an even bigger mark on the industry.