Jan 05, 2026

Lived, Not Learned

Pali Palavathanan

About this video

Description

Drawing on his background as a former child refugee in Toronto, Pali shares his personal journey and how it has informed his creative approach. With nearly 20 years collaborating with organizations such as the United Nations, GF Smith, Mayor of London, Climate Change Committee and the Venice Biennale, his firm’s ambitious projects are grounded in experience that is lived, not learned. In this talk, Pali argues that the most powerful storytelling today is purposeful, rooted in authenticity and empathy. Join him as he unpacks what it takes to build brands that do more than look good—they make an impact.

Pali Palavathanan

Pali has over 20 years of experience in the design industry and has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands including the United Nations, Virgin Atlantic, Amnesty International and the Guggenheim Museum. His firm TEMPLO is a cause-led branding and communications agency committed to using the positive power of design for social change. TEMPLO works in close collaboration and co-creation with chosen clients to deliver authentic, attention-seeking and impactful communications. Inspired by his childhood experiences growing up as a child refugee, he has partnered with the likes of the United Nations, Climate Change Committee, Amnesty International, V&A, International Truth and Justice Project and Venice Biennale to tackle issues across climate change, human rights and community empowerment. His work has won awards with The Art Directors Club of New York, Tokyo Type Directors, Benchmark and Design Week Awards. Pali speaks regularly on branding and design and has participated in events that include Brand New Conference (London and Chicago), London Design Festival Global Design Forum, the D&AD Graphic Gathering and the V&A Creative Quarter.