“A once-in-a-lifetime, unique experience” - On Brand with Jimmy Fallon contestant Rajesh Srivastava shares his experience of the show 

Rajesh Srivastava from On Brand with Jimmy Fallon | Image via Instagram/ @onbrandagency
Rajesh Srivastava from On Brand with Jimmy Fallon | Image via Instagram/ @onbrandagency

After receiving early recognition for his innovative, theory-based approach, On Brand with Jimmy Fallon star Rajesh Srivastava, a marketing professor and social media specialist, became well-known to fans. Even though the fourth episode marked the end of his adventure, Rajesh left with more than just TV exposure; he also learned a great deal about marketing, collaboration, and the impact of delivering a story in front of millions of people.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime, unique experience. I’m a professor teaching a class, and here I am, in front of Jimmy Fallon on a primetime television program. I had so much fun doing it.”

Being a part of the show meant more to Rajesh than simply competing; it meant putting his daily lessons about branding with creativity and sincerity into practice. Since then, his experience on the NBC reality show has been used as a case study in his lectures to teach students that when preparation and enthusiasm come together, opportunities might present themselves without warning.


Rajesh Srivastava on his On Brand with Jimmy Fallon journey

Rajesh Srivastava didn’t hesitate to step far beyond the safety of his classroom when On Brand with Jimmy Fallon knocked on his door. Rajesh is known for his enthralling teaching style and saw the NBC initiative as an opportunity to connect the theory with on-ground reality. From his time at some well-known companies, and while pitching ideas under enormous pressure, he began to learn a lot about perseverance, how things can adapt, and the vagaries of creative marketing.


How Rajesh landed on On Brand with Jimmy Fallon

Rajesh Srivastava had no intention of participating in a reality show. Instead, after observing his success with social media marketing, the show's producers got in touch. For someone who teaches digital storytelling and customer interaction, the opportunity felt like it was built for them. For Rajesh, it was an opportunity to show how contemporary marketing concepts transcend textbooks, not merely to perform.

“I didn’t apply. They contacted me, and it’s marketing, my area of expertise. I teach a course called Social Media Marketing, and I thought this would be a great experience.”

Rajesh transformed his scholarly understanding into on-camera inventiveness through On Brand with Jimmy Fallon. In addition to broadening his professional horizons, the exposure encouraged his pupils to approach real-world marketing with the same zeal and curiosity that he instills in the classroom.


Lessons learned and memories that last

Rajesh Srivastava left the show with spirit and head held high, even after the elimination. It was daunting to compete in front of established brands, but he enjoyed the behind-the-scenes experience and the connections he formed. According to him, it was a good reminder that "learning and growing and just wanting it" are better parts of success than only winning.

“Why regret?... Just because I got eliminated doesn’t mean I’ve lost. I learned so much and I had so much fun. I made friends with the other contestants, and we’re in a group chat."

Rajesh emphasizes that marketing is about connection, teamwork, and ongoing learning, both on screen and in real life, by drawing on his experience with On Brand with Jimmy Fallon as a teaching tool.


Watch On Brand with Jimmy Fallon on NBC.

Edited by Gouri Maheshwari