In a world where advertising agencies often blend into a homogenous landscape, Magic Mango stands out with its unique origin story, people-centric approach, and a drive that challenges industry norms. Sugibun Sathiamoorthy, Co-founder and Full-time Chef, and Shehantha Fernando, Co-founder and Managing Director, share the moment when the agency emerged from a serendipitous moment under a mango tree, symbolizing the birth of an idea that would grow into a successful venture. Their journey, marked by an unwavering commitment to their team and clients, has led them from the quiet streets of Nawala to the global stage. 

What was the idea behind the conception of Magic Mango?

The name Magic Mango was born from a whimsical moment under a mango tree, inspired by a mango falling onto a car. We joked about being inspired by a mango, much like Newton was by an apple. This quirky name even led people to mistake us for an ice cream company.

Our agency was a reaction to the prevailing culture of agencies in Sri Lanka. We wanted a better way of doing business, one that didn’t involve endless nights and weekends at the office, sacrificing personal lives for work. We aimed for a balance, a healthier approach that still embraced hard work.

Magic Mango’s foundation was built on being people-centric. Our goal was to reduce our team’s stress and help them achieve their dreams, whether that meant supporting their families or their personal goals. This ethos extended to our leave policy, which was more flexible than conventional norms, to the extent of unlimited sick and casual leave, when required.

Tell us about those magic moments, the milestones and achievements in your journey thus far. 

Magic Mango’s success hinges on its people. Big names from established local and multinational agencies chose to join our small, independent agency, despite its lack of a prestigious clientele or a fancy office in Nawala, an area not known for advertising agencies. Our journey wasn’t about winning big clients; it was about attracting talent willing to bet on us. This was our magic moment. Clients approached us, not because of aggressive pitches, but because they wanted to work with us. As we approach a decade of business, we’ve never chased after clients; they come to us. This approach defines our philosophy: good advertising doesn’t need self-advertising.

Turning away big corporations and listed companies in our first year was a testament to our strength. We prioritized quality work and a peaceful working environment over mere financial gain. 

Ralston Joseph, Group CEO and Andrew Ebell, Group Executive Creative Director, joined the discussion to explain the magic behind the agency and its plans for the future.

What differentiates Magic Mango from other ad agencies?

The biggest difference is that the two biggest functions, Creative and Account Management, work as a collaborative, cohesive unit. A refreshing change from the typical “them and us” divide. We are also deeply committed to our clients’ businesses, prioritizing their success beyond just profit. This enables us to maintain strong, trust-filled relationships, cultivating an atmosphere of confidence and partnership. Uniquely, we even recommend other agencies when a better fit exists, showcasing our industry integrity. Internally, we focus on team unity and nurturing talent at all levels, including promoting young members to senior positions and offering international opportunities. Embracing adaptability, we move staff across the different verticals of the group, from the OG Magic Mango to our group companies Popkorn (Digital), Pimpl (Design) and even Slot Machine (Production), responding dynamically to industry shifts. While Magic Mango may seem fun and casual on the outside, we sustain a rigorous and challenging work culture, balancing enjoyment with a serious commitment to quality and innovation.

Can you share insights into your strategy to venture beyond Sri Lanka’s shores?

Motivated by Sri Lanka’s economic challenges and the desire to connect with international clients, we embarked on a journey of international expansion. Starting with Dubai, we are looking to expand to Europe and Africa by 2026, but our work (magic) has already spread across four continents, with work for Toyota just launched in Japan and will roll out across Asia, the Middle East and Africa in 2024.

This growth isn’t just a physical expansion but an opportunity to cultivate a global community of innovative talent. As we continue to venture into new markets, we’re excited about the prospects of further global engagement, the development of our workforce, and the evolution of our company’s global impact.