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Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Vidya Mohan

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Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Vidya Mohan – Preeti Juneja Q. Who has been your biggest inspiration in your career, and why? My source of inspiration has varied depending on the phase of life I’ve been in. Most of the time, it has been colleagues turned friends who share similar values who’ve played a significant role in my journey. Spending time with nature also inspires me in unexpected ways. For eg: Hiking or Trekking has inspired me to let go of my fears, enjoy the journey and rely on myself till I reach my destination. Q. How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved over time? Initially, I would focus on setting goals and then do everything possible to collaborate along with the team and help deliver the best possible, which leans more towards ‘servant leadership style.’ Over the years, my leadership style has evolved to being more situational. Being agile to a particular situation, being clear and directional, being participative are some predominant traits. Q. What advice would you give young women looking to enter this field? Focus on developing authentic relations along with technical capabilities, which is the foundation for your career. Rest if you must, but never quit! Q. What skills do you think will be most important in the future? Communicating authentically, navigating ethical challenges around misinformation and data privacy Data analytics to tailor messaging and improve campaign effectiveness Content creation Strategic Thinking and problem solving Building relationships in a hybrid world Reputation management Crisis management On Leadership Lessons: Q. What is the most valuable leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career so far? Humility, character, values and convictions are non-negotiables. Q. How do you approach failure, and what lessons have you learned from it? Well, I whine for a while, then talk to myself for hours and remind myself that I’m an eternal optimist. So, I dare to hope, talk to people who give me hope and then act. It’s just not in me to give up easily to any situation that seems like a failure. I have seen some brilliant people failing so I’ve learnt that failure is situational and does not define a person’s ability to succeed. It’s always a matter of choice whether you want to get consumed by failure or take a chance to learn from it. Q. What strategies do you use to build trust within your team? Trust is based on instincts and not strategies. It is built on the foundation of being yourself and feeling psychologically safe. Q. Can you explain how effective communication impacted your leadership experience? Whether it’s an organisational change or goal setting for the team, effective communication helps in building and maintaining trusted relationships, clarity in thought and action, resolving conflicts and achieving common goals. Q. How do you empower others to take on leadership roles within your team? I empower them by communicating openly about what I see as their strengths and areas of improvement at equal intervals to manage personal and professional expectations, encourage them take on ownership in projects where their strengths will give them the confidence to lead, provide them with necessary support in challenging situations, appreciate their contributions and trust them to collaborate and do their best. DREAMWEB INDIA IS GRATEFUL TO VIDYA MOHAN  FOR HER VALUABLE TIME TO THIS REMARKABLE INTERVIEW. WE WISH HER SUCCESS IN HER FUTURE ENDEAVOURS. Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Do you have a question for Vidya Mohan ? Write to us at preeti.juneja@dreamwebindia.com About Author Vidya Mohan Vidya Mohan is Chief Corporate Communications, KPMG in India. She leads efforts in shaping the firm’s public image and managing its communication strategies. Proficient in crafting compelling narratives, managing crisis communications, executing integrated marketing strategies, fostering media relations, and leading corporate communication initiatives. 27th November 2024 Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Inspiring Women More Interviews Published by preetidwindia I’m an entrepreneur, a marketing specialist, and a blogger. I work to help companies, brands, people with marketing strategies. I envision everyone having a blog of their own. My efforts are focused on this vision. For this, I help my audience with blog set-up, content creation, and content marketing. View all posts by preetidwindia

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Shailja Saraswati Varghese

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‘ET Panache Woman of the Year 2024’ by the Economic Times; ‘2024 Woman Advertising Maven Award’ by Adtech Today She has trained corporate professionals and mentored young entrepreneurs in areas like Advertising, Marketing, Consumer Understanding, Branding, Social Media. She has published in International Journals and presented papers in national and international conferences and is involved in international joint research projects in the area of advertising. She is a visiting faculty at management institutes of repute in India and overseas. Her teaching, research and consultancy interests are in the area of Advertising, Branding, and Social Media. A passion for storytelling and media-fueled her journey into the content industry. Starting in television, Shailja gradually transitioned into digital media, where she continued to make significant strides. Beyond content creation, her interest in personal growth led her to mindfulness, where she now shares her insights as a trainer and motivational speaker.In addition to her media career, Shailja is deeply committed to yoga and meditation. She believes mindfulness is a crucial tool for enhancing well-being in both personal and professional spheres. Shailja frequently conducts workshops on integrating mindfulness into daily life, sharing her learnings through her YouTube channel, where she discusses inspiring personal growth and motivation topics. Her success story reflects the importance of perseverance, personal growth, and a deep commitment to uplifting others. Recently, her contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards such as the ‘2024 Woman Advertising Maven Award’ by Adtech Today and the ‘ET Panache Woman of the Year 2024’ by the Economic Times. Shailja Saraswati continues to be a force of inspiration, both in the media world and beyond, using her platform to spark change and empower women everywhere. Her success story reflects the importance of perseverance, personal growth, and a deep commitment to uplifting others. Recently, her contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards such as the ‘2024 Woman Advertising Maven Award’ by Adtech Today and the ‘ET Panache Woman of the Year 2024’ by the Economic Times. Shailja Saraswati continues to be a force of inspiration, both in the media world and beyond, using her platform to spark change and empower women everywhere. Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Shailja Saraswati – Preeti Juneja Q. What inspired you to launch “Unstoppable Woman”? “Unstoppable Woman” is a collaborative platform dedicated to empowering women and sharing impactful stories of resilience and success. My inspiration comes from my mother, mentors, and industry leaders who have championed innovation. My spiritual approach to life, combined with mindfulness and self-mastery, has been a guiding force in my personal and professional journey. Q. Every life story offers something significant. What in particular interests you and why? Women supporting one another to create a strong network for navigating both personal and professional challenges is what interests me. Through my podcast, Unstoppable Woman, I aim to amplify the voices of strong, determined women from diverse backgrounds, fostering a community of support and inspiration. The podcast serves as a platform for celebrating triumphs, overcoming adversity, and driving positive change. Through this platform, ‘Unstoppable Woman’, I feel women from all walks of life come together to share stories, learn, and uplift one another. Q. It’s been an incredible year for you, with honors like the ‘2024 Woman Advertising Maven Award’ by Adtech Today; ‘ET Panache Woman of the Year 2024’. What is your message to young professionals? My message to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals is simple yet powerful – stay true to your passion and never give up, no matter the challenges. I believe in the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in an ever-changing industry. Q. When and How did your spiritual journey begin? My spiritual journey kicked off very early on in childhood, but I took notice of it during a tough time in my life. This is when I actively turned to meditation and mindfulness, which opened doors to deeper spiritual exploration. It’s been a transformative experience for over 2 decades now that’s brought me inner peace and a renewed sense of purpose. This is fundamental to who I am and where I am headed. Q. What is the future of content marketing? What AI capabilities, tools and techniques do you use to enhance content in your professional space? The future of content marketing looks bright, primarily due to AI advancements. I utilize AI tools like GPT-4 for efficient content creation and predictive analytics to identify trends and optimize strategies. AI also enables hyper-personalization, tailoring content to engage specific audience segments, while SEO tools help enhance reach by analyzing keywords and user behavior. Overall, integrating AI enriches the quality and effectiveness of our content, making it an exciting time in the field. Rapid-Fire:  What are the essentials for hosting a good podcast? To create a successful podcast, I believe it’s essential to know your purpose and target audience, which takes time to develop. Planning engaging content with high audio quality is vital, along with maintaining consistency and relevance in your episodes. Authenticity goes a long way; being yourself helps foster a genuine connection with listeners. Additionally, seeking organic promotional strategies before diving into sponsorships can make a significant difference. 2. With the rise of video marketing, do you think long-form blogs are gradually becoming obsolete? Regarding blogs, I see them as timeless. They not only enhance SEO but also provide detailed insights that remain valuable. The evolution of content formats tends to cycle, and I believe blogs will continue to coexist with newer media, such as video. 3. One book everyone must read? I would recommend everyone read “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. It offers profound lessons on justice, morality, and empathy, themes that resonate strongly with us today. One-Liners: 1.Storytelling is: The heartbeat of communication; it transforms facts into relatable, unforgettable experiences that resonate deeply with our audience. 2. A not-to-be-missed daily routine for mental health & wellness is: Grounding yourself in gratitude—just a few minutes each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for can shift your mindset and enhance your overall

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Nona Walia

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India’s Notable Personalities by BusinessTalkz Magazine in 2024 She is an active member of the National Council, WICCI Arts National Leadership Council (2024). As part of the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nona leads initiatives empowering women in Arts and Literature, helping to shape a global ecosystem that fosters creativity and collaboration across stakeholders and government initiatives. WICCI is a prominent national body championing women’s growth in the arts. In 2024, she was recognized as one of India’s Notable Personalities by BusinessTalkz Magazine and awarded the Top Voice Badge for content development on LinkedIn. A former Executive Editor of Conscious Carma, India’s first global e-magazine focused on Sustainability and Responsibility, Nona editorially highlighted issues surrounding Wellness, Sustainability, and Mental Health. Her current research area includes Wellness at Workplaces — exploring how fostering healthy, supportive environments is key to future workplace success. Nona is also a motivational expert, helping people live their best lives. A certified Wellness Warrior and blogger, she shares insights on health, well-being, and personal growth through her blog and YouTube channel. She has completed a Science of Well-Being course from Yale University and continues to inspire others through her wellness-focused content. Published Works & Contributions In addition to her books, Nona has written for Thrive Global, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Her Circle, contributing articles on mental well-being, personal development, and societal challenges. Her insights have also been featured in prominent publications like Midday Mumbai, where she was recognized as an inspiration for mental health. Nona’s journey in journalism spans over 24 years as a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, where she worked across multiple platforms including Times Life, Delhi Times, Economic Times, and Femina. She was also the editor for Rouge, a section focused on women’s empowerment. Her work has included breaking news, features, headline writing, and media relations, and she has coordinated the Times supplements across major cities. With a deep expertise in both print and digital media, Nona Walia continues to use her platform to advocate for mental wellness, sustainability, and women’s empowerment in arts and literature. Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Nona Walia – Preeti Juneja Q. Looking back on your journalism days, what topics did you enjoy covering the most? How does that compare to the content you curate now for social media? We live in times of rapid and dynamic change. Content is fast changing. Creating content for newspapers was a different experience. It was the golden period of lifestyle; the economy had opened up, and we were exposed to a different and new world. It was interesting meeting people and interviewing them — the newsmakers, changemakers, the pathbreakers. It was exciting being in the middle of the adventure of a newsroom. The pace and energy were always pulsating with action. Cut to now, writing on social media is a different experience. The reaction is immediate. The response is intense. You interact with people immediately. The wheels of content are always turning and churning. What works one day won’t work the next day. The algorithm is more dynamic. But a lot of stuff that gets boasted isn’t really good content. The authenticity of posts can be manipulated, which challenges authentic content creation. Q. How does someone even begin With so many new trends emerging in the wellness space? Tell us about your journey of cleansing the mind and owning your energy to bring the magic from within you. Everyone has their own unique personal wellness story. We live in extremely challenging times, and nothing is given. The wellness space is extremely new yet getting cluttered. Everyone needs to create their own wellness plan. Wellness is the core of my work, be it wellness at work, mental health, own your energy or creating their magic within — all my current writings are born from the will to bring change in people’s wellness curve. I believe that collectively, we can make a difference to make the world better. Quality of life will be directly dependent on the wellness quotient. Workplaces are also crucial spaces to make wellness more inclusive. Q. The hashtag “Women Empowering Women” is widely popular, but have you encountered real-life examples, either in your personal or professional life, that you’d like to share to inspire and encourage this movement? Right now, it’s a new movement—workplaces in the 90s or 2000s or even up until Covid did not resonate with this idea. If women were empowering women, there were some women bringing women down. I think this new wave comes with the philosophy that — all women can rise together. I think it’s powerful. I’ve experienced powerful women who helped me rise, and I’ve also experienced women who made me sink. You just have to find the right tribe. I hope this movement finds more power; more women can relax and not feel triggered or threatened. Q. Do you think influencer marketing is here to stay? What are your thoughts on its future? I’m highly sceptical of influencer marketing. I’d instead give all my vote to — more authentic marketing. We all take influencer marketing with a pinch of salt these days. The curve might soon change. I hear that influencer marketing is a rage now. Rapid-Fire: 1. What was the turning point in your life? When I lost my father.   2. Tips you would like to give budding writers? Write for yourself.   3. One area of interest you feel deeply connected to and continuously explore? Sustainability and wellness; Arts   4. As a solid media and communications professional, did a corporate communications or public relations role ever cross your mind? I do have a degree in Advertising & Public Relations. But I never really got a chance to be on the other side of things.   5. What quality can one develop over time that will help in life? Invest in Yourself.   One-Liners: 1. A dying art that you would like to promote: Handicrafts — anything that is created with hands is

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Padmashri Shovana Narayan

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Celebrating 75 Years: Shovana Narayan, India’s most celebrated Kathak Guru A multifaceted pioneer, Shovana has left an indelible mark as a performer, choreographer, guru, researcher, organizer, and author. Her performances, which blend deep-rooted classicism with innovative artistry, are celebrated for their freshness and social consciousness. Since her debut in 1954, she has mesmerized audiences across the globe at leading national and international festivals. Her shows before Heads of State have been lauded as ‘captivating,’ ‘sheer poetry,’ and ‘sublime joy transcending boundaries.’ Shovana Narayan is renowned for her unique contributions to Kathak and beyond. She seamlessly balanced dual careers as a professional dancer and an Indian Administrative Service (IAAS) officer, achieving excellence in both fields. Her work addresses various social issues, including environmental concerns, women’s rights, and human rights, showcasing her commitment to meaningful causes. She has pioneered contemporary interpretations of classical literature and mythology, engaged in inter-faith and intercultural dialogues, and introduced innovative dance genres. Her service on various academic and cultural committees further underscores her influential role in shaping contemporary Indian art. Shovana Narayan stands as a paragon of Kathak. Her eclectic taste, bold views, and luminous personality continue to inspire and challenge audiences across generations. Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Shovana Narayan – Preeti Juneja Reminiscing About My Childhood Days: Academics and Dance I come from a family with a rich cultural heritage, particularly on my mother’s side. Our family embraced all of Saraswati’s arts, including scholastics, performing arts, visual arts, and more— essentially, all sixty-four Kalas. Every child in the family was immersed in these arts and trained accordingly, though the direction they ultimately took depended on their interests. Besides music and the performing arts, my mother’s interests included literature in Sanskrit and Hindi, and I grew up surrounded by the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, and Puranas. When I was around four years old, brimming with the boundless energy typical of children, I was introduced to the world of dance. My first guru, Guru Sadhna Bose, the renowned dancer and actress of that era, was taken aback when she first saw me. She told my mother in Bengali, “You didn’t bring a child; You brought a baby!” Besides training in dance, I also attended formal schooling at Loreto Convent, Calcutta. I fully immersed myself in dance, and I loved academics as well. Dance became my aatma – my soul, while the other activities continued to nourish my mind. Interestingly, I was also introduced to classical music. However, I never took it seriously, and my sister never pursued it in dance. We were given the opportunity to explore various fields, but we both had a strong inclination towards scholastics as well. As a result, we followed two parallel paths – one in the arts and one in academics – and both have continued to shape our lives. Reminiscing About My Childhood Days: Family and Personal Interests Women supporting one another to create a strong network for navigating both personal and professional challenges is what interests me. Through my podcast, Unstoppable Woman, I aim to amplify the voices of strong, determined women from diverse backgrounds, fostering a community of support and inspiration. The podcast serves as a platform for celebrating triumphs, overcoming adversity, and driving positive change. Through this platform, ‘Unstoppable Woman’, I feel women from all walks of life come together to share stories, learn, and uplift one another. I don’t come from a family lineage of traditional artists. My grandfather, my Nanaji, was a prominent figure in Indian history, serving imprisonment in 1919 during the freedom struggle and serving in the Central Assembly from 1922-23. Originally from Bihar, he was a great freedom fighter, a prominent lawyer, and a zamindar. Tragically, “not only did he die in 1930, but his two sons also lost their lives in the struggle for independence”. His younger sister was one of the first four female members of the Bihar Assembly in 1937 and notable in her own right. Given this rich legacy of nationalism, it is no wonder that the Bhagavad Gita was deeply ingrained in our lives, often sung at home, and became a significant part of my upbringing. As a child while I was singing ‘वनिता की ममता न हुई…’ and ‘हिमाद्रि तुंग श्रृंग से प्रबुद्ध शुद्ध भारती’ while also ‘Baba, Black Sheep Have You Any Wool’. My reading varied widely from Jai Shankar Prasad’s modern Hindi literature to Enid Blyton’s children’s books, and later included Shakespeare. At school, I loved physics, anything related to mathematics, and logic. This interest led me to pursue a PhD in Physics. By then, I had become recognized as a solo professional dancer. At one point, I pursued two careers simultaneously: dance and civil service.Today, my interests range from archaeology and history to anything logical and analytical. Anecdote I: I was 26 years old when my father died in a train accident in 1977. The next day, I gave the Agni. Later, my sister collected the Asthi and then went to Haridwar to complete all the final rituals. My mother was strong and gave me the courage: ‘This sorrow will not go away, but life will go on.’ I went to Mathura to perform at the festival only a few days after the tragedy. My parents gave me all the opportunities, with the only condition being, “Whatever you do, don’t do it half-heartedly. Do it well. Do it with depth. Do it with dedication. Do it with honesty and sincerity.” My Relationship With My Mother I remember this lesson vividly, as if it had happened just yesterday. I was eight years old then, deeply immersed in my studies, when my mother, a strict disciplinarian, suddenly came in, closed my books, and told me to leave. I was taken aback and scared, wondering what I had done wrong. She told me, “You aren’t studying; your mind is wandering”. I don’t want to hear you say that you have studied for so many hours. Nothing would have gone into your mind if I had

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Renuka Puri

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Late Shri Arun Jaitley, pre-budget She was born in Himachal Pradesh and later pursued graphic design at Arts College, Chandigarh. After working in an advertising agency and freelancing for several magazines and the U.P. Tourism Department, Puri joined The Indian Express in 1997. Puri has covered many subjects, including political developments, cultural events, and fashion shows. It marked her entry into more challenging news coverage, and she later pushed to cover high-profile events like Fashion Week, where she pioneered greenroom photography. Nirbhaya case in 2012, Delhi Renuka Puri’s work has been recognized for its depth and quality, earning her a spot as one of Fuji Films’ “super six women photographers” in 2005. Today, she continues to capture compelling stories through her lens, contributing significantly to Indian journalism​. Renuka Puri is known for her ability to capture the essence of a moment, offering readers a visual narrative that complements the newspaper’s written content. Her photographs have contributed to the coverage of significant national events and have been widely recognized for their quality and depth. Hon. Pratibha Patil, 12th Former President of India Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Renuka Puri – Preeti Juneja Q. How did you get started in photography? I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Chandigarh. After completing my degree, I struggled to find a job in the photography field. So, I decided to try my luck at an advertising agency that needed some images. When I showed them my work the next day, my boss remarked, “You’re in the wrong profession, Renuka. You should be in photography.” For a moment, I thought he was implying that he didn’t want me there. So I asked, “What do you mean by that? Are you suggesting I should quit?” He responded, “No, not at all. I believe your photography is powerful, and there aren’t many women in this profession.” He was the one who suggested I pursue photography. When I mentioned that I didn’t have any contacts, he recommended I visit Rashtriya Sahara, where a friend of his worked, as they were preparing to launch an English magazine. I took my portfolio there, and the person in charge reviewed my work. Although the magazine’s launch would take some time, he advised that I start freelancing with them in the meantime. Soon after, I began freelancing for them. Early in my career, I covered live cricket events. My mentor at the time suggested I pursue journalism, recognizing that sports wasn’t my primary focus. He introduced me to someone at The Financial Express, where I trained for a year before moving to The Indian Express in 1997. I’ve been working here ever since. Q. If you were to use photography as a medium to influence society or create change, what would you focus on? I’m eager to photograph issues related to women. There’s still so much I want to explore in this area. Women as a subject in photography are incredibly powerful and colorful. My first book was on Tihar jail. I met so many different kinds of women over there. Few were guilty, and few were not, but they were happy. Living To The Fullest, Tihar Jail After that, I worked on a project for an NGO focused on mentally challenged women, which resulted in another great book. A writer, a painter, and I were given the task of capturing their life stories through art. This was a meaningful project which I feel found me, rather than the other way around. I photographed the first battalion of BSF women stationed at the Wagah border. These powerful women, who leave their families behind to serve our country, inspire me to pursue more projects focused on women. I met Mary Kom and began following her career, and we’ve since become good friends. I’ve built up a great collection of her photographs, but I haven’t displayed them anywhere yet. Mary Kom, the sporting mother at home In my job, I also get a chance to meet parliament women. On Jaya Bachchan, she knows photography. And I have got (rare) lovely pictures of her smiling and laughing. Q. In photojournalism, where the same subject often appears in multiple newspapers, how do you make your work stand out from the rest? What goes through a photographer’s mind in these situations? Yes, yes, you are right. Sometimes, photography is accidental also. And sometimes it depends on what kind of a position you are getting. Some may think it’s a wrong position to stand, but it’s a good position for you. Everybody chooses the camera angle: right, left, down, or up. And it’s totally up to the event, like what kind of an event. And you have to be very quick. Immediately, you have to decide whether I stand here or right. Anecdotes: The Prime Minister tweeted one of my photographs and asked my office to present him with that picture. The story goes like this: After an all-party meeting, when everyone had their cameras down, I decided to follow the Prime Minister. I’m not sure why I chased him, but then I noticed a glass door ahead of me. Through the reflection on the glass, I captured an intriguing shot of the Prime Minister with all the MPs visible in the background. It turned out to be a very interesting photograph. In a particular event like The Padma Shri, where you must photograph only the awards, you must still be very careful about your right and left and what is happening there. Q. Tell us about places that were not very much explored, that you had the opportunity to visit and photograph early in your career? Tihar Jail is one of them. At Tihar, women have a beauty parlour. They celebrate Karwa Chauth and Rakhi. Bollywood has given us a different perspective on the jail, so I think that was a very different place for me to shoot. That’s why I decided to show the actual thing to everyone, not just the Bollywood picture.

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Ahtushi Deshpande

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Author, Speaking Stones: Rock Art of Ladakh HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BOOK First-ever visual documentation of Ladakh’s petroglyphs on such a scale using special photography techniques. Illustrated maps 260 photographs Well researched text and bibliography International recognition Solo exhibition in Paris in November 2024, alongside the book release. Foreword by His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. Additional foreword by Martin Vernier (HIRADa founder) Her work has been featured in various travel and lifestyle magazines, including Outlook Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Marie Claire, Design Today, and more. Ahtushi was recognized as one of India’s top 80 photographers, with her work featured in a book and exhibition celebrating 75 years of Indian photography, published by Museo Camera, the Centre for the Photographic Arts. The travelogue “To the Land of Snow,” which details high-altitude solo trekking, has become required reading in high school literature classes. Her photography encompasses a broad range, including travel, documentary, food, architecture, events, and hotels. Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Ahtushi Deshpande – Preeti Juneja Q. How did you get started in photography? My interest in photography began in a home where creativity was appreciated. My avid hobbyist photographer father transformed our store into a darkroom. The heady mix of developing chemicals and the mysterious red glow of the darkroom fascinated me. Watching the image magically appear on paper when he left his prints for washing in the bathtub was surreal, and this early exposure to photography ignited a lifelong passion within me. I saved up for my first SLR camera when I was 17. However, it remained a hobby until 2004, when I turned my passion into a profession after a stint in television. I started working with Outlook Traveller magazine as a travel writer and photographer. My debut travel feature, “To the Land of Snow,” on the Milam Glacier trek, was published by Outlook was later also incorporated into Tamil Nadu’s high school English curriculum. Though I explored various roles within the field of photography, including paparazzi (IIFA Awards) and commercial work, my true love has always been travel and documentary photography. Once I had found the perfect confluence of my passion for trekking with my work as an adventure travel writer and photographer, I’ve never looked back. Q. If you were to use photography as a medium to influence society or create change, what would you focus on? I believe in using photography to influence the world and foster positive narratives through my journey. By turning my passion into a profession and exploring new subjects like rock art, I’ve demonstrated the potential we all have within us. My book on the rock art of Ladakh showcases how dedication to one’s passion can lead to meaningful outcomes. This particular project showed me the value of sharing the histories and cultures of places that inspire me, such as Ladakh, hoping that it will do so for my audience as well. Additionally, during my 1st cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment in 2015, I documented my journey through chemotherapy, capturing the process of hair loss and regrowth. This project, titled “The Color of My Cancer,” was exhibited by the Tata Memorial Breast Cancer Initiative, revealing a perspective on cancer that extends beyond the disease and delves into a more vulnerable reflection of both loss and renewal. It aimed to challenge the myths surrounding cancer, confront the associated stigma, and rise above the fear. By focusing the lens on my own experience, I sought to be a catalyst for change and inspire others. Q. Tell us about your book, “Speaking Stones: Rock Art of Ladakh” The inspiration for this work came from discussions with my friend Viraf Mehta about the presence of petroglyphs in Ladakh. When I first saw these petroglyphs in 2011, it was like I had been struck by a lightning bolt – Ladakh’s rugged, isolated terrain seemed an unlikely setting for such ancient artistry. Yet, there they were: these mysterious, mask-like symbols and abstract engravings of animals etched into rock – remnants of a prehistoric world previously unknown to me. This stirred something deep within me and I knew I had to document these extraordinary panels. The book provides a glimpse into the ancient artistry carved into the rugged rock surfaces of Ladakh, a high-altitude desert with a history that extends beyond its known narrative. Each site showcases its unique style and execution, underscoring Desmond Morris’s idea that artistry is an inherent human trait, regardless of material conditions. Despite the lack of funding and the difficulties of scouting expansive sites without GPS, I have managed to represent every region of Ladakh. I undertook 18 trips to Ladakh, with 14 of these trips focused solely on photographing this art. After completing my shoots in 2019, the challenge shifted to curating thousands of images into a cohesive book. Over the past five years, I have worked to make this relatively obscure subject accessible, combining my unique perspective with detailed research from academic papers, international publications, maps, travel insights, and contextual information. a) What makes it a unique piece of work? It is the first of its kind work in the mainstream in India by a non academic looking at the subject through the lens of art. As the first comprehensive monograph to cover all regions of Ladakh, it offers detailed illustrated maps, relevant context, and a modern geographical perspective that links the ancient past with the present. Featuring over 260 color photographs, including some previously unseen, the book provides a fresh and accessible view of a subject that remains relatively obscure, even within Ladakh. This project transcends traditional documentation, positioning photography as a powerful tool for both education and conservation. It pioneers the use of night photography and other innovative techniques to capture these ancient artworks specifically in this region. As the first major Indian contribution exploring rock art through the lenses of art, photography, and travel, the book stands out for its originality and personal aesthetic. The book offers a fresh perspective on Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage and

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Neha Mathur Rastogi (Special Series)

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Founder, WordsWork Communications Consulting Co-chair of Sports Committee, FICCI Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Neha Mathur Rastogi – Preeti Juneja Q. What motivated you to pursue a career in PR? Tell us your story. I was always fascinated by the power of the written word. I wanted a career that was both creative but also with exposure to the corporate world. After narrowing my interest largely to mass communications, I did a couple of internships during my undergraduate to narrow my interest in PR. From there on, I chose to specialise in PR for a postgraduate course and have never looked back for over 20 years. To a certain extent you need to be built to suit this industry. If you thrive in building connections and have a knack for being a people person, this career would be ideal for you. Q In your view, how is PR and Digital Marketing related? As the communications industry evolves, the lines between PR and digital marketing are definitely getting blurred. There is an inherent symbiotic relation between the two, and hence, it is wise to align both to build a holistic communications strategy. Q. What are the best practices for posting news on social media? The most critical aspect of news in social media is that it needs to be highly current and relevant. Beyond a particular shelf life, news loses relevance on social media very quickly compared to traditional mediums. Typically, when we post news on social media, a link back to the story if on a digital medium is suitable; a carousel of high-quality and legible print stories is also an excellent way to do a ‘media watch’ format post. We also do Linkbacks to the publication’s social media handles. Q. Do you have a role model within your industry who has inspired you? How has that person influenced and inspired you? Ms Prema Sagar has been a long-term influence in my life. I am impressed by her ability to balance an incredible career with grace and dignity. Additionally, I am super impressed with Mr. Madan Bahal from Ad Factors. Building such a formidable independent firm quietly and growing beyond global standards is extremely impressive. Q. What advice would you offer to young individuals interested in joining this profession? If you’re someone who enjoys a healthy balance between creativity and a corporate environment, PR could be the perfect career for you. In this industry, we value people with fortitude and a can-do attitude. While media knowledge, writing skills, and client management capabilities can be acquired, those with excellent people skills have a distinct advantage. Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Do you have a question for Neha Mathur Rastogi ? Write to us at preeti.juneja@dreamwebindia.com About Author Neha Mathur Rastogi Neha Mathur Rastogi, the Founder of WordsWork Communications Consulting, brings over 18 years of expertise in public relations, corporate brand communications, and media planning. As the strategic and content lead for all WordsWork clients, Neha excels at client service and consistently exceeds expectations. She established WordsWork in 2009 and has quickly led impactful communications campaigns across lifestyle, corporate, public diplomacy, and sports sectors. With a strong background in sports, Neha has represented the Indian Olympic Association and several national federations, including those for Hockey and Football. Her extensive experience includes managing public diplomacy efforts for the Embassy of the Netherlands – Foreign Investment Agency and the Embassy of France. She has also directed thought leadership campaigns for Thomson Reuters and the PHD Chamber of Commerce. Neha’s public relations career began at Genesis Burson-Marsteller in India and continued with Burson-Marsteller in London. 31st July 2024 Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Inspiring Women More Interviews Published by preetidwindia I’m an entrepreneur, a marketing specialist, and a blogger. I work to help companies, brands, people with marketing strategies. I envision everyone having a blog of their own. My efforts are focused on this vision. For this, I help my audience with blog set-up, content creation, and content marketing. View all posts by preetidwindia

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Tarunjeet Rattan (Special Series)

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Managing Partner, Nucleus PR Founder, PRPOI Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Tarunjeet Rattan – Preeti Juneja Q. What motivated you to pursue a career in PR? Tell us your story. Storytelling and the possibility of telling more stories that create an impact motivated me to join PR. Like most people from my generation, PR was a happy discovery for me once I joined mass communication. It was an aberration from the army of engineers and doctors produced by science streams from my graduating year. Once I entered the industry, I was fascinated by the impact PR can create. As a science geek fascinated by the nuances of communication, I was fortunate to have good mentors who taught me the ropes and I went through my baptism by fire in the industry. I have taken these learnings and imbibed them into my venture – Nucleus PR and other industry initiatives like PRPOI, and networks I am a part of like PRBI and PRCAI, where I endeavour to create a better community and industry for talent to work in. Q In your view, how is PR and Digital Marketing related? Both PR and digital Marketing shadow each other. Both deal with creating perceptions and impacting consumer behavior. However, they differ in terms of their overall purpose. While Digital Marketing aims to create visibility with the right target audiences and moments, PR endeavours to build brand trust and reputation. When both work together, they can create real brand impact. Q. What are the best practices for posting news on social media? While there are umpteen articles you will find on this subject on the internet, my experience has helped me collate these 3 ground rules that you can follow on amplifying news Understand the medium you post the news on and craft a relevant hook that works for that platform’s audience. For example, LinkedIn requires a different hook than Twitter/ X. Be respectful of the news outlets’ efforts. Each one has worked hard on their story and has served their readers. They will share the stories with readers according to their preferences. So, if this is behind a paywall, don’t take screenshots of the story and post them. You can take a screenshot of the headline as it is visible on the paywall page and post it. Please share a link with your followers and let them decide whether they want to pay for the story. Acknowledge the news outlet and journalist on the post with tags Q. Do you have a role model within your industry who has inspired you? How has that person influenced and inspired you? I have been fortunate to have strong women leaders who have chosen to give me their time to mentor me. As an industry, we deal with people and the perceptions that people make. While it is easier to deal with the latter, what exhausts you is the first one. Burnout is a common challenge in our industry, as the demands of managing interpersonal relationships can become overwhelming for many professionals. So, learning was essential to survive and thrive in the business. While I have had a lot of good people from brands I worked with, journalists who interacted with me and PR teams I worked with, friends and colleagues, family and friends who shared their expertise with me, motivated me and furthered my understanding of ‘people’ in the ‘people business’, two individuals have had a profound impact on me – Lorraine Mendes and Deepshikha Dharmaraj. Both these mentors have had a huge influence on understanding people and dealing with them. They continue to inspire me with their journey. Q. What advice would you offer to young individuals interested in joining this profession? There is so much I can say about this question! But instead, let me share 5 pertinent evergreen pieces of advice that will help them in the future. PR is a strategic communications field that requires a deep understanding and nuanced analysis of human behaviour and societal impact. Three skills that will always give you the edge – reading, writing, listening EQ is a worthwhile skill to develop Identify and work with a mentor periodically who will help you upskill to the next level A PR job does not demand a mass communication degree. It requires adaptability, learnability, and a great attitude. Everything else is teachable. For more, I will direct their attention to PRPOI – India’s largest PR community that is dedicated to upskilling professionals continuously. Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Do you have a question for Tarunjeet Rattan ? Write to us at preeti.juneja@dreamwebindia.com About Author Tarunjeet Rattan Tarunjeet has dedicated over two decades to the field of communication, encompassing PR, journalism, and events. Her journey began in premier agencies and corporate houses, but she soon ventured into entrepreneurship, founding the highly regarded boutique firm, Nucleus PR. Through her work, Tarunjeet has amplified the voice of the PR community and furthered this impact by establishing Public Relations Professionals of India (PRPOI), a dynamic 10,000-strong community focused on upskilling the industry. As a board member of the esteemed global PRBI network of founder-led boutique agencies, she has made significant contributions on an international scale. Her exceptional work in PR, industry contributions, and entrepreneurial achievements have earned her numerous awards over the past two decades. This year, for the fourth time, she was named the ‘Top Influencer in the country’ in PR by a leading publication. Recognized as a PR expert, her insights are frequently sought after by the media. With a degree in Mass Communication and Digital Marketing from prestigious Indian institutions, Tarunjeet is also an NLP practitioner. She uses her skills to delve into conversations, simplify communication, and build strong brand reputations. As a thought leader, she blends her expertise in communication marketing, branding, digital, industry insight, and research with her passion for storytelling to enhance brand reputations. Her extensive experience and data-driven insights have helped her cultivate a strong reputation among her impressive roster of clients 24th July 2024

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Priyadarshani Sharma(Special Series)

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Communications Lead – Roche Diagnostics India and Neighbouring Markets Member, WICCI PR and Digital Marketing Council Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Priyadarshani Sharma – Preeti Juneja Q. What motivated you to pursue a career in PR? Tell us your story. Everyone has a story, and I get to be a part of it. PR also offered me a profession without any specific vertical/ industry boundaries. In my 19 years, I have worked across a wide spectrum of industries, and that has helped me gain a working knowledge of each of them—technology, hospitality, pharma, logistics, and real estate. It has allowed me to gain a peripheral vision of how these industries interact with the larger macroeconomic picture and helps me join the dots. Q In your view, how is PR and Digital Marketing related? In today’s world, these lines are blurring more and more, especially when discussing B2C. We go where the audience is, and most are on either social media platforms or accessing digital platforms for all their needs, from health to banking to shopping. The difference is in the objective of the communicator and that shapes the storytelling irrespective of the platform. Q. What are the best practices for posting news on social media? When it comes to posting news, one must follow the 5W & 1H – who, what, when, where, why and how—again going back to the objective of sharing ‘news’ to ‘inform’ a specific audience and what we expect this audience to do with this information. Given the nature of social media, what changes is how we deliver it. To begin with, it needs to be catchy, creative, crisp, etc. The great thing about social media is that it allows you to target specific audiences to deliver the same ‘news’ to different audiences customized to their behaviour patterns/preferences for consuming news. Q. Do you have a role model within your industry who has inspired you? How has that person influenced and inspired you? I have been extremely lucky to have worked closely with not one but several inspiring leaders – from PR and outside. The lessons I have learnt from them have helped shape who I am today – as a professional and human being. I carry with me the lessons of humility, authenticity, evergreen curiosity and patience that I hope will help me pay forward to the community what I have received from my seniors. Q. What advice would you offer to young individuals interested in joining this profession? We are living in very exciting times. There is a lot of disruption and promise of more with technology pushing boundaries and opening new vistas. My advice to young professionals would be to stay curious and embrace change. Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Do you have a question for Priyadarshani Sharma ? Write to us at preeti.juneja@dreamwebindia.com About Author Priyadarshani Sharma Experienced integrated communication expert with a keen eye for detail and over 19 years of experience. Specializing in designing communication strategies that deliver measurable results through creative storytelling. Senior-level advisor skilled in managing issues and change, enhancing media presence, and boosting employee engagement. Priyadarshani has been promoted to Communications Lead for Roche Diagnostics India and Neighboring Markets. Having been with Roche for 5 years, she previously served as the Cluster Communications Head for India, the Middle East, and Africa (IMEA). In her previous role, she led internal and external communications for over 75 countries within the IMEA region. Industries served: Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Information Technology, Logistics, Education, and Non-Government Organizations. 17th July 2024 Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Inspiring Women More Interviews Published by preetidwindia I’m an entrepreneur, a marketing specialist, and a blogger. I work to help companies, brands, people with marketing strategies. I envision everyone having a blog of their own. My efforts are focused on this vision. For this, I help my audience with blog set-up, content creation, and content marketing. View all posts by preetidwindia

Inspiring Women

Inspiring Women Every Wednesday: Deepa Dey (On World PR Day)

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Head Communication & Sustainability, Nutrition and Special Projects at Hindustan Unilever Limited Let’s Get Inspired In Conversation with Deepa Dey – Preeti Juneja Q. What motivated you to pursue a career in PR? Tell us your story. My career in comms was totally unplanned, and the decision to join PR was also sudden. In fact, when I joined, I was not even aware of the discipline and what it entails. After doing my Masters in English, I was keen to pursue journalism and was working as a stringer with The Economic Times in Calcutta while doing my MPhil. The need to be self-reliant pushed me to join Amrita Bazaar Patrika as a part of their relaunch team. Soon, I learned that The Statesman was hiring, and I applied and was among the four people selected. At this juncture, I got a call from a headhunter who told me about the opening at The Park Hotels. I went for the interview and was offered the job – someone decided to take a punt on a newbie, and there I was! And here I am! Q In your view, how is PR and Digital Marketing related? I prefer to look at this question differently. Instead of looking at it from the input side, which is what this question is trying to do, I prefer to look at it from the other side – what is the best route for the message to land well with the stakeholder? It is best to start with what the expectation is from the comms outreach – is it product/service uptake, awareness generation, or issue management? Once that is defined, the route to take there will be easy. For a startup that wants to focus on product uptake, it is best to use digital platforms to do performance marketing and not worry about large format stories in pink paper. But for a company that wants to bring about policy changes to support business growth, large format stories and edit pieces are critical. Insta reels may not necessarily help in that space. It is always better to clearly articulate what “win” looks like before choosing the pathway towards it. Q. What are the best practices for posting news on social media? News in today’s world is emerging from smart devices connected to the ubiquitous network. Everyone is documenting the world around and sharing this. Various social media platforms that we use are, inadvertently, becoming aggregators of these contents. Algorithms are pushing content to us, and we are all living in a bubble. In a world like this, companies and brands have limited options for “posting” news. The current focus should be to shape the ‘views’ – through a set of outreaches including media and influencer engagement. These would include direct contact programmes, information dissemination through company own assets, compassionate & efficient consumer care, authentic engagement with shareholders / regulators etc. Q. Do you have a role model within your industry who has inspired you? How has that person influenced and inspired you? A day that I don’t learn, is a day wasted. I am privileged to have had many inspiring bosses, peers, and agency partners. With my deepest gratitude I share a few names – this is just a sampler – the menu is very large. We should be grateful to have had excellent role models in Prema Sagar, Madan Bahl and Dilip Cherian who have paved the way for us. Among my peers I have deep respect for Meenu Handa, Senjam Rajshekhar, Rachana Panda, Leslie McGibbon, Helen Wailes, Parul Kumar, Phil Thompson, Maria Potter, Bernadette Murdoch, Colin DSilva, Minari Shah, for the stature and strategy that they have infused into PR in India and overseas. For Nitin Mantri, Rakesh Thukral, Amit Mishra, Deepshikha Dharmaraj, Aseem Sood and Vandana Sandhir – I hold a special place in my journey – they have been dear friends and astute professionals. I am deeply honoured to have worked (and partied!) with Natasha Pal, Vijay Chako, Zeenat Khan, Sangita Kuriakose, Rikhil Seth, Dolly Tayal, Atul Sharma, Divya Bakshi, Kuheli Roy, Sakshi Mathur, Sindhu Manivannan, Sashikant Someshwar, Tarundeep Singh, Rupa Nair, Tanya DeSousa, Shaoli Das, Kinshuk Gupta, Divya Bahri and my all my ‘Dare Devils’ from Airtel. These are great professionals, and they are my people. My biggest champion and teacher in the profession has been also my ‘life’ coach – Nikhil Dey – I learn from him every day in so many ways. And I must mention one other! Q. What advice would you offer to young individuals interested in joining this profession? The sweet spot is the one between Content & Context. Understand the latter. Train yourself to raise the bar of the former. Be brave, and mighty forces will come to your aid. Always be kind. Lead with empathy. Work smart. Party Hard. Cause nothing is promised. Not even a day. Share this article Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email WhatsApp Do you have a question for Deepa Dey ? Write to us at preeti.juneja@dreamwebindia.com About Author Deepa Dey Deepa Dey, an integrated communication, sustainability, and advocacy professional with over 30 years of experience, started her career as a journalist with a pink paper in Kolkata while pursuing her Master’s in English Literature. Deepa’s career has spanned diverse industries, from infrastructure to consumer healthcare, showcasing her adaptability and versatility. She has held leadership positions at renowned companies such as The Park, SpiceJet, Airtel, GSK, and HUL. In addition to communication, she has worked on Online Reputation Management, Advocacy, CSR / sustainability, Culture building and large-scale change management for industry-defining M&As (GSK-Novartis; GSK-Pfizer, GSK-Unilever). She is a practising Mental Health Champion and an LGBTQI+ ally at her current organisation. In addition to this, she is passionate about mentoring and has been actively mentoring organisations and individual mentees for over four years. She also received many industry awards, including the Maestro Award – 2023 (E4M), Lifetime Achievement Award -2022 (E4M), and the Top Comms Professionals in India (Reputation Today – 2017, 2020) & Exchange4Media (2022). Deepa

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