In a world driven by hyperconnectivity and disruptive change, few individuals manage to navigate the complexities of multiple sectors while maintaining an unwavering sense of purpose. Unmish Parthasarathi, Founder and Executive Director of Picture Board Partners, stands as a rare beacon of multidisciplinary excellence. A strategist, innovator, mentor, and storyteller, he brings a transformative vision to the Gaming, Education, Media, and Sports (GEMS) sectors—backed by a career that spans continents, cultures, and iconic global organizations.
Unmish Parthasarathi: A Global Mindset Born from Local Roots
Born in Delhi, Unmish Parthasarathi’s early years were shaped by a strong foundation in academics and sports. His pursuit of intellectual and athletic excellence led him from the revered halls of St. Stephen’s College to the storied quadrangles of Cambridge University and the analytical corridors of London Business School. But it wasn’t just about prestige—it was about purpose. His education was a springboard for a life driven by curiosity, creativity, and cross-cultural understanding.
His initial professional journey was just as rich. From editorial stints where he earned a rupee a word to becoming a trusted voice in boardrooms across London, New York, Johannesburg, Dubai, and Singapore, Unmish’s trajectory has been anything but conventional.
Engineering Strategy Across the Value Chain of Sport
Unmish Parthasarathi’s career in the sports industry is a masterclass in functional versatility. He has uniquely contributed across three critical segments of the value chain—content, strategy, and monetization.
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At IMG Media, he immersed himself in content creation, shaping narratives that captivated audiences globally.
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With platforms like BBC, SABC, and ESPN STAR Sports, he orchestrated strategic frameworks that enabled meaningful fan engagement.
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At the International Cricket Council (ICC), he helmed digital monetization, unlocking new revenue avenues for one of the world’s most beloved sports.
In every role, he brought not just technical skill but a deep understanding of consumer behavior, media evolution, and the nuances of cross-cultural communication.
Unmish Parthasarathi: The Genesis of Picture Board Partners
In 2019, he turned entrepreneur and launched Picture Board Partners, a boutique strategy, innovation, and venture development firm based in Singapore. The vision? To help businesses in the GEMS sectors grow their relevance, reach, and revenue across Asia and Europe.
But Picture Board is more than a consulting firm—it is a creative engine, an incubator of ideas, and a platform for impact. Unmish’s clients range from VC & PE firms, sports leagues, edtech startups, OTT platforms, to gaming innovators. With his trademark blend of analytical depth and creative flair, he helps them validate opportunities, scale with precision, and enter markets with confidence.
Wisdom from a Practitioner: From Product to Proposition
Unmish often emphasizes that building a product isn’t enough; the real challenge lies in transforming that product into a compelling proposition. “It’s a leap many entrepreneurs underestimate,” he says. “Technology gets you started, but marketing, pricing, repeatability, and customer empathy are what drive scale.”
His observations on Asian vs Western media landscapes are deeply insightful. “Asia isn’t just about TV. OTT, print, radio, and community events all play a role. The media ecosystem is fragmented, and that’s a huge opportunity if you understand how to tailor your message,” he explains. “In the West, scale is linear. In Asia, it’s mosaic.”
Mentorship, Advocacy, and Social Impact
Beyond business, Unmish is deeply committed to mentorship and entrepreneurship development. He serves as a Venture Partner at Jungle Ventures, a Charter Member of TiE Singapore, and a personal mentor to several startups across MediaTech, SportsTech, and VideoTech.
His dedication to sports for social development is equally inspiring. Since Rio 2016, he has been associated with the GoSports Foundation, which supports Indian athletes. In 2022, he was appointed Chairman of the Governing Board, a role that reflects his vision for integrating professional excellence with community upliftment.
Listening: The Most Underrated Superpower
Unmish Parthasarathi often credits his success to a deceptively simple skill: listening. “Listening isn’t about waiting your turn to talk—it’s about ensuring your message is understood and retained by the listener. Communication is only successful when the message is not just delivered, but absorbed and acted upon.”
In an era of constant digital noise, this principle forms the bedrock of Unmish’s approach to leadership, innovation, and client engagement.
Unmish Parthasarathi: Championing Change in the GEMS Sectors
Unmish’s core mission with Picture Board Partners is to foster change that is data-informed, people-centered, and future-ready. Whether it’s improving fan experiences in sports, enabling personalized learning in education, scaling digital platforms in media, or unlocking monetization strategies in gaming, his focus remains consistent: impact through insight.
He also remains a sought-after voice in global forums, offering perspectives on GenAI, women’s sports equity, and digital governance. His leadership in establishing the New Directors Network in Singapore reflects his commitment to building a new generation of competent, inclusive, and tech-savvy board professionals.
A Life Beyond Work: Cricket, Family, and Camaraderie
Despite his global profile, Unmish stays grounded. A passionate cricket fan, he remains loyal to the Rajasthan Royals, while his wife and daughter cheer on the Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals—a light-hearted rivalry that reflects the harmony of diverse opinions in his household.
His humility shines through in anecdotes—like reminiscing about his early days writing for an Indian newspaper for one rupee a word. “Every word counted,” he says with a smile. “It still does.”
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