Archana Jain's 34-year's journey to becoming the leading lady of PR

In today’s e4m PR & Corp Comm Luminary series, we engaged in a candid conversation with Archana Jain, CEO, PR Pundit Havas Red.

Archana Jain stands as a towering figure in the PR industry. With over 34 years of experience, her journey from the hotel industry to becoming the leading lady in PR is truly exceptional. She has played a pivotal role in the evolution of PR in India, transforming it from traditional media relations to a strategic function essential for building and nurturing brand reputation. Her deep industry knowledge and innovative approach have made her a respected mentor and a trailblazer in shaping the future of PR. Her journey is a shining example of how passion, continuous learning, and embracing change can lead to a rewarding and influential career.

In this piece, you’ll explore Archana Jain’s journey and learn about how she has challenged the status quo, and redefined PR.

Her Impressive Career Trajectory in the PR Industry

Reflecting on three decades in the profession, she describes it as deeply fulfilling, enriched by the evolution of the PR industry since she began in 1990. "The diversity of clients and campaigns that I have steered in this tenure and the stakeholders that I have engaged with have made it the most rewarding experience," she shares.

Archana has witnessed and contributed to the PR industry’s growth in this perriod. She notes that the profession has moved beyond the traditional responsibilities of media relations and crisis management. "PR is no longer seen as mere spin doctoring or a tool for managing crises. Instead, it is recognized as a strategic function essential for building and nurturing reputation."

Early in her career, inexperience was often a hurdle, but today, the industry sees it differently. "Companies value fresh perspectives and innovative ideas tabled by young PR practitioners," she explains, adding that this advancement has created a more dynamic and forward-thinking industry. Jain also believes that the rise of these young voices opens doors to promising opportunities and ensures that the future of PR is bright and full of potential.

From Inception to Transition from PR Pundit to Havas Red PR Pundit

Archana's decision to leave her consultancy job in 1998 and establish PR Pundit was fueled by a desire to push the boundaries of public relations and introduce new avenues of innovation in the industry. With 7.5 years of experience under her belt, she noticed that most PR firms at the time were heavily focused on corporate PR. This observation inspired her to embark on a new path, one that would benchmark consumer PR, an area she believed held immense potential for creating genuine brand trust and influencing consumer behavior. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, she shared, "I was keen to drive true brand preference by creating compelling consumer campaigns that would create brand trust and move products off shelves and into customers’ carts & hearts."

PR Pundit quickly established itself as a pioneering force in consumer PR, and fostered a legacy of 25 years as a strong and independent brand in the Indian market. "Among the PR independents in India, we have built a strong brand and have carved a unique place in the industry," Archana reflects on the company’s success.

However, as the company approached its 25th anniversary, Archana saw the need to evolve further. In 2023, she decided it was time to transition from a ‘Domestic Independent’ entity to a ‘Global and Networked’ one by partnering with Havas Red, to ensure continued growth for both her people and the organization. She shares that the alignment with Havas Red was a natural progression, as both entities shared an similar calling and a commitment. Jain stated, "The business and cultural synergies with Havas Red forebode well for the future. We share an entrepreneurial spirit and values of creativity and innovative agility. There was synergy in our ethos and desire to nurture brand journeys to fame, walking the talk of ‘Undeniable Passion’, ‘Fearless Ambition’ and ‘Incredible Ideas’."

Her Vision for PR Pundit

For Archana, the journey of PR Pundit has been one of passion, purpose, and positioning. From its inception in 1998, PR Pundit was envisioned as a brand that would symbolize excellence in public relations, standing for "the best in class. It is a defining brand that represents the values of innovation and customer centricity, " Jain reflects.

The name "PR Pundit" was carefully chosen to embody the expertise and cultural depth that the firm brings to the table. "When I set up PR Pundit, our country was opening its doors to private investment from the world, across segments. Hence we felt that having a name that symbolises our understanding of the craft and the country would be most appropriate," she explains.

As India’s global stature continues to rise, Archana anticipated the need for a strong international alliance. By partnering with the global communication network Havas, PR Pundit is not only ready to harness cross-border engagements but also help domestic brands expand their realm of influence in international markets. "We believe this will bridge the need gap for many domestic brands seeking to grow their global footprint," Jain notes, highlighting the strategic vision that continues to drive PR Pundit forward.

Her Mission to Empower Women in the Workplace

As per her three decades of journey, Jain explains that gender equity has often been a distant goal in the PR industry. However, amidst the differences, she stands out as a leader who not only talks about change but actively creates it.

Recognizing the historical challenges women have faced in the workplace, she highlights the importance of having strong female role models to inspire the next generation. "There has always been gender inequity in leadership. This has therefore resulted in the industry lacking strong role models to inspire the next generation. Women led enterprises become magnets for other women and nothing is more inspiring than seeing how women are taking risks and building enterprises," she illustrates.

Moreover, her efforts to empower women is reflected in the very fabric of her company. "85% of the practitioners at PR Pundit Havas Red are women," she proudly notes. To accommodate the unique challenges women often face, Jain shares that in her organization, she has welcomed women back into the workforce after they have taken a break to nurture a family by providing flexibility in work schedules and work from home, from as early as 2004.

In the corporate realm, leadership is often defined as dictating from above. However, Archana has redefined this scenario with her collaborative approach, "Culture flows from the top. Hence at PR Pundit Havas Red, our leadership team believes in leading from the front. We do not throw rank and are always prepared to roll up our sleeves and work alongside our team," she asserts.

How Does She Keep Herself Energized After 30 Years in PR

After three decades in the PR industry, one might expect a waning of enthusiasm, but for Archana, the opposite is true. Her energy and motivation are continuously fuelled by the dynamic interaction with her team and clients. She states, "I derive my energy and innovation from my team (especially the young) and our clients." This vibrant exchange of ideas and perspectives inspires her to challenge the status quo.

Moreover, Archana’s approach to storytelling is deeply rooted in the everyday experiences and lessons she encounters. Her ability to draw on these experiences ensures that her work remains fresh and impactful, even after 30 years in the industry.

Her Blueprint for Young Women Professionals in PR

Archana is a remarkable mentor who inspires the path of numerous young women professionals by encouraging them to break free from conventional paths and forge their own successful routes. In this respect, she reflects, "Committed and passionate hard work has earned me confidence and respect for brands and organizations. Also offering solutions that are contextually relevant and insight-driven deliver impact."

For aspiring women entrepreneurs, Jain offers invaluable advice, “Believe in your idea, do not give up and persevere until you succeed; build a team allowing them legroom to grow; adapt with changing times.” She emphasizes the importance of self-belief, urging women to "dare to dream – dream for themselves." According to her, self-doubt is often limiting, but women should not hesitate pursuing an opportunity, own something unexpected, or create something new to move forward.