In Rising Stars: The Gen Z Takeover, we spotlight the fearless, emerging voices reshaping the future of advertising and marketing. Gen Z talent isn’t just entering the industry — they’re redefining it. With fresh ideas, bold visions, and a desire to break down barriers, these rising stars are ready to call out what’s broken and build what’s next. 

Here’s what Aishwarya Tardalkar has got to say. 

What sparked your passion for advertising and marketing? (Give us a glimpse into your story - what motivated you to join this fast-paced industry?)

My passion for advertising and marketing was ignited during a pivotal time in India's advertising landscape, around 2015 to 2018. During this time, growing up in Mumbai, I witnessed a revolution where adland was actively challenging societal taboos related to gender norms, menstruation, and female autonomy. These weren't just ads; they were cultural conversations happening in front of my eyes, and I was starting to see that people were really taking them seriously. It was a powerful moment of realization - that storytelling, when done right, can engrain messages in our daily lives, impact our psychology, and ultimately drive the needed change. This motivated me to use the power of media to create positive, powerful, impactful narratives to help break down social stigma, societal taboos for my generation and beyond. 

What’s a brand or campaign that really nailed it with your generation, and why did it resonate? (Give credit where it’s due! What did they get right - and what can other brands learn from it to truly connect with Gen Z?)

Bodyform has really stood out to me, particularly with campaigns like 'Blood Normal' and 'Womb Stories,' because they've managed to nail something that I think my generation is desperately craving realness. As a zennial, I’ve grown up seeing so many brands gloss over the realities of having a body, or shy away from topics that are considered 'uncomfortable.' Bodyform, on the other hand, has fearlessly tackled subjects that are rarely discussed in mainstream advertising, and they’ve done it in a way that feels both empowering and genuinely authentic. They've sparked necessary conversations that other brands have shied away from, and they've done it in a way that empowers women to feel seen, heard, and understood. They're not just selling products; they're pushing for a societal shift. 

Let’s talk about diversity: What’s one uncomfortable truth about DEI in advertising that people aren’t saying out loud? (We all love the buzzwords, but what’s the real tea on where the industry is falling short — and how do we x it?)

The most glaring, yet whispered, truth about DEI in advertising is this: We’re often mistaking window dressing for structural renovation. We celebrate a 'diverse' cast in the ad, pat ourselves on the back, then go back to business as usual in the boardroom, where the decision-makers still look remarkably homogenous. We need to measure more than just faces. We must move beyond a superficial focus on faces and embrace a more nuanced and holistic approach to measuring inclusion. This entails a rigorous examination of pay equity, promotion rates, and retention rates – metrics that offer a tangible glimpse into the equitable distribution of opportunity within our organizations. Critically, we must also prioritize the qualitative assessment of how included employees feel. Do they experience a sense of belonging? Do they feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives without fear of marginalization? Real change, by its very nature, is messy. We will inevitably make mistakes, offend some people, and navigate uncomfortable conversations. However, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to prioritize genuine progress over the illusion of perfect optics. Only then can we dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality and build a more inclusive and equitable industry for all. 

What’s one thing senior leaders need to stop doing immediately if they actually want to keep Gen Z talent? (Time to flip the power dynamic. What would make you feel seen, heard, and valued in this industry?)

Cut the BS. Simple. Senior leaders need to stop paying lip service to the values and start reflecting them in their actions. Today, no one is easily fooled by empty promises or performative activism. We see through the carefully crafted PR statements and glossy diversity reports if they aren't backed up by concrete changes within the organization. Ultimately, this is where authenticity will matter for every leader at any level in the business. It’s not about sounding good, it's about being good. Show, don't tell. Or we will walk.

Finish this sentence: “In 10 years, the advertising industry will be ________ — unless we change ________ now.” (No pressure, but we’re counting on your generation to shape the future. What’s at stake, and how do we make it better?)

I think, in 10 years, the advertising industry will be an echo chamber of fragmented narratives, actively contributing to societal polarization — unless we change our fundamental approach to power, inclusion, and authenticity, and ethical storytelling now. What’s at stake is more than just our relevance, but also that we stop pushing people further apart and start creating authentic messaging. To make it better, we need to challenge harmful stereotypes, promote genuine conversation, and recognize that we are all complex microcosms.

This isn’t just a spotlight on emerging talent — it’s a reality check for the industry. Gen Z is bringing the heat, and we’re listening. Stay tuned for more no-holds-barred insights from the future leaders of advertising. Each Rising Star keeps the chain going by nominating who’s next — and the revolution continues.

The Female Leaders’ Club and Creative Equals are partnering on an incredible series which aims to amplify the voices of the next generation of leaders in the advertising and marketing industries. This collaboration is dedicated to creating a dynamic platform where fearless, emerging talent can share their insights, ideas, and visions for the future.

As part of this initiative, we are shining a spotlight on the Gen Z rising stars who are not just entering the industry — they are redefining it. With their fresh perspectives, bold creativity, and determination to break down barriers, these future leaders are ready to call out what’s broken and build what’s next. Together, we aim to empower these young voices to challenge the status quo, inspire change, and shape the future of the industry.