Innovating Together: Etienne Marques and Ruchi Nayak Discuss The Catalyst

An interview with Etienne Marques, Founder and CEO of the Catalyst and Ruchi Nayak – Partner at The Catalyst

In this engaging interview, we speak with Etienne Marques, Founder and CEO of The Catalyst, alongside Ruchi Nayak, Partner at the firm.

They share their insights on fostering innovation and driving impactful change in today’s dynamic business landscape.

With a focus on collaboration and strategic thinking, they discuss the vision behind The Catalyst and the transformative projects they are spearheading.

What inspired you to start The Catalyst, and what was the initial vision for the company?

Etienne: The Catalyst was founded out of a passion for developing homegrown brands and helping them succeed in an increasingly competitive market.

From the beginning, our vision has been to create an agency that not only provides services but also partners with brands to shape their narratives, establish a strong presence, and drive meaningful engagement.

Over time, this vision has evolved. Today, we represent a diverse mix of both legacy and emerging brands, offering a strategic combination of traditional and modern brand-building techniques.

Our approach is holistic; we provide services such as press relations, community building, partnerships, influencer engagement, events, and more. This ensures that every brand we work with receives the right mix of visibility, credibility, and engagement.

Whether we are amplifying a brand’s story through the right media channels, fostering authentic communities, or creating impactful collaborations, The Catalyst is dedicated to helping brands define their unique identity and thrive in the market.

What challenges did you face in the early stages of building The Catalyst, and how did you overcome them?

Ruchi: In the early stages of building The Catalyst, one of our biggest challenges was standing out in a market saturated with agencies offering similar services. With so many competitors, it was essential for us to establish a unique value proposition and demonstrate why brands should trust us with their growth.

We overcame this challenge by leveraging the strength of our network and relationships across key mediums—such as press, communities, influencers, and partnerships.

Instead of simply providing standard PR or marketing services, we utilized these connections to create deeper and more impactful brand-building opportunities.

Our approach has always been grounded in authenticity and strategy, ensuring that every collaboration, media placement, and community initiative adds real value to the brand.

This commitment to trust and credibility has been crucial in setting us apart, enabling us to work with a diverse mix of legacy and emerging brands while continuing to scale and evolve.

Can you describe the core mission of The Catalyst and how it has evolved since its inception?

Ruchi: At our core, we believe in the power of authenticity and innovation. We are committed to sharing genuine stories that resonate with people and build lasting trust. Understanding that each brand is unique, we create personalized strategies that highlight what sets them apart.

We also prioritize staying ahead of industry trends, consistently incorporating fresh and cutting-edge techniques into our campaigns.

What challenges did you face in the early stages of building The Catalyst, and how did you overcome them?

Etienne: We started The Catalyst during the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented several challenges but also forced us to adapt and grow in unexpected ways. Like many businesses, we had to quickly transition to a remote working environment.

This shift was initially difficult, as it disrupted our usual workflow and team dynamics. However, we overcame these challenges by investing in digital collaboration tools and making a conscious effort to maintain strong communication through regular check-ins and virtual meetings.

Traditionally, we built relationships and expanded our network through in-person meetings, events, and conferences, all of which were put on hold during the pandemic.

To address this, we pivoted to virtual networking events, webinars, and online industry forums, allowing us to connect with potential clients and partners.

Social media also became an essential tool for building visibility and attracting new business. By staying attuned to the news and social media trends, we ensured our campaigns resonated with audiences and reflected the evolving cultural and emotional climate.

How do you define success for The Catalyst, both in the short term and long term?

Etienne: Success for The Catalyst goes beyond simply measuring numbers or client acquisitions; it’s about the impact we create for the brands we work with.

In the short term, we define success by the tangible growth and visibility we provide our clients. This includes securing meaningful press coverage, fostering strong community engagement, executing high-impact collaborations, and building influencer relationships that truly make a difference.

When our clients see real, measurable results, we know we’re on the right track. In the long term, success means establishing The Catalyst as the preferred partner for brands aiming to scale, differentiate themselves, and create lasting influence.

We strive to build a legacy of trust, innovation, and strategic brand development, where our relationships with media, influencers, and communities continuously deliver real value.

Ultimately, success means that The Catalyst is not just another agency but a force that shapes the industry and helps brands leave a lasting impression.

What role does innovation play in your business model, and how do you foster a culture of creativity within your team?

Ruchi: Innovation is at the core of everything we do. Our business revolves around finding fresh and creative ways to tell stories that resonate with people and differentiate us in a crowded market.

We foster an open and collaborative environment where our team feels encouraged to think outside the box and share their ideas.

By embracing new technologies, tools, and trends, we are able to implement cutting-edge strategies for our clients.

By promoting the exploration of new concepts and valuing individual perspectives, we cultivate a culture where creativity flourishes and innovation arises naturally.

Can you share an example of a project or initiative that you are particularly proud of at The Catalyst?

Etienne: One of our most challenging projects involved managing a crisis for a high-profile client who was facing a serious reputational threat. The situation required swift action, thorough research, and a well-planned strategic response.

By maintaining transparent communication with the media, key stakeholders, and the public, we were able to mitigate the damage and rebuild the client’s image.

This experience underscored our team’s ability to remain calm under pressure and deliver results when it matters most.

How do you approach sustainability and social responsibility in your business practices?

Ruchi: At our agency, we are deeply committed to sustainability and social responsibility, which we actively incorporate into our business practices. We strive to make our operations as eco-friendly as possible by utilizing digital tools to minimize paper waste and promoting remote work to reduce our carbon footprint.

Additionally, we collaborate with clients who share our dedication to creating a positive social or environmental impact.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make an impact in their industries?

Etienne: For aspiring entrepreneurs, my top piece of advice is to concentrate on solving a real problem or meeting a genuine need in the market.

The most successful businesses are founded on ideas that resonate with people and provide something valuable. Don’t be afraid to take risks, but ensure they are calculated. Research and understand your industry, competitors, and customers to make informed decisions.

Ruchi: My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to stay true to your vision while also being flexible enough to adapt as you grow.

The path to success is rarely straightforward, and you will face challenges along the way. Embrace these moments as opportunities to learn and refine your approach.

It is also important to surround yourself with a strong support network—whether that includes mentors, a reliable team, or like-minded peers—because building a business is not a solo journey.

How do you see The Catalyst evolving in the next five years?

Etienne: “Over the next five years, we envision The Catalyst evolving into a powerhouse for brand building. We plan to expand our services, strengthen our global network, and set new benchmarks in the industry.

Our goal is to deepen our expertise in press, community building, influencer relations, partnerships, and events while incorporating emerging digital and experiential strategies.

We aim to not only adapt to the changing landscape but to shape it—helping brands navigate modern marketing through cutting-edge collaborations and immersive brand experiences.

Geographically, we see an opportunity to extend our reach beyond our current markets, collaborating with brands on a more global scale while maintaining our strong relationships in media and influencer networks.

Additionally, we want to support more homegrown brands, assisting them in breaking barriers and gaining international recognition.

Ultimately, The Catalyst aspires to be more than just an agency; we want to be a strategic partner that helps build brands with impact, authenticity, and long-term influence.”

What are some key lessons you’ve learned as founders that you would like to share with others in the startup community?

Etienne: One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is the significance of resilience. The startup journey is full of ups and downs, and things often do not go as planned.

You will encounter challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt, but how you respond during these times ultimately shapes your success.

We have come to view failure as an opportunity to learn and adapt, which allows us to pivot quickly when necessary.

Surrounding yourself with a supportive team and maintaining focus on your core vision are essential for navigating difficult times.

Ruchi: Building strong relationships is essential, both with your team and your clients. Trust and open communication form the foundation of any successful business.

As partners, we have learned that the best results come from collaboration and leveraging each other’s strengths.

It is also crucial to listen to your clients and be adaptable to their needs. Being responsive to change and continuously innovating will help you stay ahead of the curve.

Ultimately, it is about staying true to your values, being persistent, and maintaining a long-term vision.

As we wrap up, Etienne and Ruchi emphasize the importance of adaptability and creativity in achieving sustainable growth, inspiring future leaders to embrace innovation.

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