Missing Piyush Pandey

I am writing today’s Monday Morning Mojo with mixed emotions. Last week, Piyush Pandey, a long-time Ogilvy friend, cultural icon, great storyteller and all-around inspiring person passed away. I grew up in Ogilvy under his influence and looked forward to every encounter I would have with him. Post David Ogilvy, Piyush was critical to Ogilvy’s global reputation as a creative force in the marketing industry, and he created several high-impact, incredibly effective campaigns. Early in my career in Asia, I sat in a meeting when Piyush shared one of his latest spots. It was created for the Cancer Patients Aid Association, and I am linking it here. I am also sharing a full-page ad that ran in The Times of India about Piyush’s influence, and another video I found celebrating him. In the words of David Ogilvy, this “gentleman with brains”, Ogilvy’s preeminent master storyteller, will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.

Piyush Tribute

A World Series For The Ages

People who know me well, know I have a deep love for all things related to sports. I like the discipline that goes into making champions, watching great contests and delving into the stories. This year’s world series did not disappoint. Nearly every game (best of seven games in total) between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays were nail biters. Game 3, which went on for 18 innings, was an emotional rollercoaster, only to be outdone by a wild and crazy Game 7, the decider. Watching Japanese greats, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, was a treat. Throughout the seven-game duel there were several personal stories of the players that were truly inspirational and worth a broader share.

The Story of Toronto Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The first is the story of Vladimir Guerrero Jr, the Toronto Blue Jays’ first baseman. What moved me about Guerrero Jr. was not his incredible defense or his great hitting skill, but it was the story of his life. He was the only true Canadian on the Blue Jays roster, having been born in Montreal when his father was a professional baseball player for the Montreal Expos. Throughout the series, the story of Guerrero Jr.’s admiration for his father was played and replayed and a picture of him as a young child on the sidelines appeared often. I first thought this was fake news, but diving into his story, that picture says a lot about a young child’s dream and how he was making that come true. Here is a video of Guerrero Jr. speaking about his father, including that picture of him as a child, and what the World Series meant to him.

The Story of LA Dodger Will Klein

This story is amazing. Will Klein is the Dodgers’ relief pitcher who became a World Series hero after pitching four scoreless innings of relief in the Game 3 18-inning game. Originally a 2020 draft pick of the Kansas City Royals, Klein was acquired by the Dodgers in a trade in June 2025. Throughout his professional career he has been in the minor leagues, playing for Kansas City, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners and then the Dodgers. He has had an up and down year, being traded multiple times. Yet, in September 2025, he was called up to the Major League, after a strong performance in Triple-A, ultimately becoming a World Series hero in Game 3. Here is Will Klein reflecting on Game 3.

Toronto’s Trey Yesavage

Another crazy story is Trey Yesavage, a rookie pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who was selected in the 2024 MLB draft. In the 2025 postseason, he became a breakout star, setting several rookie records, including the most strikeouts in a World Series game. He began the 2025 season at lowest level of the minor leagues before being called up to the majors in mid-September. He was a huge star in this highly competitive series, yet makes the minimum of the salary cap. Here’s a clip of him reflecting on his performance.

Lots of emotion this past month, both bittersweet and celebratory. Wishing all of you a great month ahead.