Effective communication goes beyond mere message dissemination: Vibha Bajaj
Vibha Bajaj won the ‘Mentor of the Year in Corp Comm’ at the e4m Women Achievers’ Awards 2023
The PR and Corp Comm industry is filled with unpredictable moments and to move forward in such moments women leaders play an important role. So, to celebrate the spirit of the women leaders for mentoring the next generation of professionally in the PR and Corp Comm industry, exchange4media launched the 4th edition of e4m Women Achievers' Awards 2023.
The awards honoured the remarkable contributions of numerous incredible women leaders, achievers, and trendsetters who have shattered glass ceilings, overcome challenges, and paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in the PR and Comm Industry.
In this series, we honour and celebrate the achievements of Vibha Bajaj, Head and Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Communications, American Express. She was awarded as ‘Mentor of the year in the Corp Comm’ at the 4th edition of e4m Women Achievers’ Awards 2023.
Excerpts:
Congratulations on your win at the e4m PR & Corp Comm Women Achievers Awards 2023. How do you feel?
Thank you. Winning the Women Achievers Awards is truly incredible—it's both humbling and empowering. It feels like a validation of all the hard work and dedication I've put into my career and beyond. I'm immensely grateful to exchange4media for shining a light on the impactful work within the PR community.
These awards aren't just about individual achievements; they're about celebrating the diverse contributions women make across various fields. They inspire us all to keep pushing boundaries, embracing diversity, and striving for excellence. I'm beyond honored to be in the mix, and it only fuels my fire to keep advocating for positive change.
What inspires you on your journey and endeavors?
What inspires me the most is the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives, whether it's within organizations or entire communities, through strategic communication and storytelling. There's something magical about shaping perceptions, driving change, and amplifying important messages. Staying on top of emerging trends and technologies is crucial, but what really gets me going is collaborating with a diverse bunch of folks who share that same hunger for success.
In what ways have you witnessed the PR and corporate communications industry change and evolve over the years? What global practices would you see implemented in India?
Over the years, I've witnessed a profound transformation in the PR and corporate communications industry, largely driven by technological advancements and the constantly evolving media landscape. What was once dominated by traditional methods such as press releases and media pitches has evolved into a vibrant environment where authenticity and community engagement take center stage. Today, effective communication goes beyond mere message dissemination; it's about crafting purposeful strategies and narrative that can flexibly adapt to regulatory changes and unforeseen challenges.
In the digital space, controversies can swiftly escalate through complex network of intermediaries, shaping public perceptions in real-time. These intermediaries are both content consumers and content publishers. Hence, mastering digital communication and fostering genuine connections within specialized communities are paramount. With the proliferation of media platforms—from podcasts to social media—it's imperative to navigate this diverse landscape using a blend of traditional and modern communication approaches.
When it comes to implementing global best practices in India, I advocate for embracing data-driven decision-making and embracing transparency in communication efforts. Moreover, incorporating diversity and inclusion in communication strategies can ensure that messages resonate with a broader audience in the Indian context, amplifying the impact of PR initiatives.
Tell us about your most valuable learning from the industry. Where do you foresee the PR and comms industry in the coming days?
If there's one thing I've learned in this wild ride, it's that being flexible, building solid relationships, and thinking outside the box are absolute game-changers. The future? Well, it's all about being adaptable, tech-savvy, and always hungry to learn. The industry's evolving faster than ever, and those who can keep up with the pace will be the ones leading the charge.
What would be your message to the future generation of professionals?
To all the future PR rockstars out there: Embrace the chaos, keep that curiosity alive, and never stop growing. This industry is a wild ride (dynamic), but with the right mindset, the sky's the limit. Build those connections, stay open to new ideas, and remember, your voice has the power to shape the world. So, keep pushing, keep dreaming, and above all, keep communicating.
