PRmoment India

In the second episode of 30 Years On, Avian founder Nitin Mantri is candid about the deal that folded his agency into We.  On why he picked culture over the bigger cheque, who else courted him, and why he'd still choose the same route over an IPO today. 

Thank you for listening to the PRmoment India podcast. Follow us on Twitter @PRmomentIndia. Write to paarul@prmoment to be featured on the podcast.

Thirty years ago, the "boots on the ground" reality of Indian public relations was a physical endurance test. Success wasn't measured by clicks or impressions, but by the grit it took to fight for a time block on a shared fax machine or the patience to wait ten minutes for a modem’s screeching hiss to finally yield an internet connection. We carried our lives on 4.5-inch floppy disks and spent our afternoons in sweltering cyber cafes.

Vineet Handa, the founder and CEO of Kaizen, has lived this evolution from the ground up. Having entered the industry during the exhilarating post-liberalization boom, he has seen the landscape shift from thermal paper to Large Language Models. Under his leadership, Kaizen transformed from a lean team of 34 people on March 31, 2020, to a global powerhouse of over 250 professionals today. But as we look toward 2030, Vineet’s journey reveals a profound truth: while our tools have moved from the fax to the algorithm, the fundamental drivers of success have remained remarkably constant.

Thank you for listening to the PRmoment India podcast. Follow us on Twitter @PRmomentIndia. Write to paarul@prmoment to be featured on the podcast.

Thank you for listening to the PRmoment India podcast. Follow us on Twitter @PRmomentIndia. Write to paarul@prmoment to be featured on the podcast.

Thank you for listening to the PRmoment India podcast. Follow us on Twitter @PRmomentIndia. Write to paarul@prmoment to be featured on the podcast.

Thank you for listening to the PRmoment India podcast. Follow us on Twitter @PRmomentIndia. Write to paarul@prmoment to be featured on the podcast.

Thank you for listening to the PRmoment India podcast. Follow us on Twitter @PRmomentIndia. Write to paarul@prmoment to be featured on the podcast.

Thank you for listening to the PRmoment India podcast. Follow us on Twitter @PRmomentIndia. Write to paarul@prmoment to be featured on the podcast.

This episode explores the challenges and opportunities in the PR industry with Jaideep Shergill, co-founder of Pitchfork Partners. Jaideep discusses market dynamics, talent acquisition issues, and the importance of strong financial management, all while highlighting potential growth sectors, particularly among Indian family businesses.

• Challenges of starting a PR firm in the current landscape
• Importance of talent acquisition and retention in PR
• Financial management as a critical aspect of sustaining a firm
• Trends in industry consolidation and market opportunities
• Pitchfork Partners’ transition from strategy to execution
• The role of personal interests in enhancing professional perspectives
• Future prospects for PR firms focusing on family-owned businesses

Thank you for listening to the PRmoment India podcast. Follow us on Twitter @PRmomentIndia. Write to paarul@prmoment to be featured on the podcast.

What happens when you merge four companies in five years? Discover what it takes to be a leader through this with Deepshikha Dharmaraj, the 'merger queen' and CEO of Burson Group in India. As she navigates the way of maintaining a strong company culture while embracing global innovation, Deepshikha reveals the transformative impact these mergers have had on making Burson a front-runner in the PR industry. She shares her strategy behind retaining the powerful Genesis name in India and how it plays a vital role in client trust and brand equity.

In a world where PR agencies face the challenges of a fluctuating economy, how do they thrive? We explore this question by examining the strategies implemented for managing projects and resources effectively. From upskilling talent to leveraging AI and machine learning for actionable insights, the conversation illuminates the path forward in key areas such as data analytics, advocacy, and crisis management. Insights into staffing flexibility and retaining top talent through innovative programs reveal how agencies can adapt to ever-evolving client needs, even as the Global South experiences its own shifts.

Gender diversity in leadership isn't just a goal—it's a necessity for success in the PR landscape. Deepshikha candidly discusses the hurdles and advancements in promoting female leadership in India, the importance of male allies, and policies that foster an inclusive environment. By sharing her own experiences, she underscores the benefits of balanced gender representation in leadership roles. 

Deepshikha's anecdotes, from yoga to coffee shop explorations, round off the conversation, providing a glimpse into the life of a leader who balances a demanding career with personal wellness.

Thank you for listening to the PRmoment India podcast. Follow us on Twitter @PRmomentIndia. Write to paarul@prmoment to be featured on the podcast.

Ever wondered what sets top consulting firms apart when it comes to public relations? Join us as we uncover the secrets with Vandana Chopra, Partner and Head of Brand and Communications at KPMG India. Vandana dives deep into the changing landscape of PR, contrasting the comprehensive business solutions offered by consulting firms with the often narrow focus on media visibility seen in traditional PR agencies. We probe into why PR firms need to develop domain expertise and a nuanced understanding of business to truly elevate their role and justify higher retainers. Plus, get an insider's take on the surge of ex-journalists shifting to corporate communications and whether they're well-prepared for this transition.

Gain actionable insights from Vandana Chopra, as she shares crucial strategies for excelling in the PR world. Discover why clarity of thought, analytical prowess, and strategic planning are indispensable. Vandana emphasizes the power of data-driven insights and efficient time management, particularly within large consulting firms. Learn how to build a strong, reliable team and why delegating responsibilities is key to thriving in a corporate setting. Vandana's rich experiences offer a masterclass in leveraging domain expertise to sharpen communication strategies and deliver impactful business solutions. Don't miss this enlightening conversation packed with valuable lessons for PR professionals aiming to up their game.

Thank you for listening to the PRmoment India podcast. Follow us on Twitter @PRmomentIndia. Write to paarul@prmoment to be featured on the podcast.