Armaan Grew Netflix and IMDb – Then Started an MBA | Manchester MBA Voices | Ep. 3

Why It Matters

His blend of hands‑on media experience and MBA training shows how creative talent can drive strategic growth in global entertainment platforms, a model increasingly valuable for marketers navigating digital ecosystems.

Key Takeaways

• From film sets to Netflix, Armaan leveraged hands‑on experience.
• Built Netflix India YouTube channel from scratch, treating it as editorial platform.
• At IMDb, forged 1,500‑2,000 partnerships across India's multilingual entertainment sectors.
• MBA at Alliance Manchester broadened strategic toolkit, bridging creative and analytical mindsets.
• Diverse cohort collaboration taught him to solve problems with unique storytelling lens.

Summary

The Manchester MBA podcast features Armaan Raj Dua, a branding and marketing professional who rose through Netflix and IMDb before enrolling in the Alliance Manchester Business School MBA program.

Armaan recounts how a college internship on the set of Netflix’s "Sacred Games" sparked his passion for storytelling, leading to a national‑award short film. He then launched Netflix India’s YouTube channel from the ground up, treating it as an editorial hub, and later headed IMDb’s India expansion, securing 1,500‑2,000 partnerships across the country’s diverse language markets.

Memorable moments include securing a partnership with Shah Rukh Khan for the film "Jawan" and filming with Hrithik Roshan at his Mumbai home, underscoring the reach and credibility he built for IMDb. He also highlights the intense, sleep‑deprived days hopping between sets of directors Neeraj Ghaywan and Anurag Kashyap.

Armaan’s journey illustrates how creative, on‑the‑ground experience can translate into data‑driven marketing leadership, and how an MBA can fuse storytelling instincts with rigorous business strategy, preparing leaders for the evolving entertainment landscape.

Original Description

Listen to the audio version of this episode: https://manchestermbavoices.transistor.fm/episodes/armaan-grew-netflix-and-imdb-then-started-an-mba

In this episode, Riya sits down with Armaan Raj Dua to explore his journey from Mumbai’s entertainment industry to studying at AMBS. From working on Sacred Games — Netflix India’s first original series — to growing Netflix's YouTube subscribers to 17-18 million and scaling IMDb’s brand partnerships, Armaan shares behind-the-scenes insights from the world of streaming, storytelling, and digital media.

The conversation also dives into imposter syndrome, navigating business school without a traditional background, the future of AI and creativity, and the lessons that transformed his perspective on strategy and leadership.

Plus: a chaotic coffee quiz, reflections on career pivots, and advice for anyone considering an MBA.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(00:44) - Meet Armaan: from Mumbai to the entertainment industry

(02:10) Working on Sacred Games, Netflix India’s first original series

(07:17) Building Netflix’s YouTube presence and creating viral pop culture moments

(08:23) Scaling IMDb’s brand presence and leading major entertainment partnerships

(13:22) Starting the AMBS journey without a traditional business background

(19:20) Honest conversation about imposter syndrome during the MBA

(20:54) The AMBS professor who completely changed Armaan’s perspective on strategy

(22:59) AI, creativity, and whether technology can replace human storytelling

(27:56) The coffee quiz begins

(31:50) Advice for anyone wondering whether an MBA is right for them

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