We are at par with the world regarding global practices: Pooja Chaudhri

To celebrate the spirit of Indian women leaders who embody resilience, determination, and the ability to break barriers in the PR and Corp Comm industry, exchange4media launched the 4th edition of e4m Women Achievers' Awards 2023.

The awards honoured remarkable contribution 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 feature and celebrate the achievements of Pooja Chaudhri, Executive Director, Concept PR, who was awarded as the ‘Mentor of the year in PR’ 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. I am delighted to be chosen by industry peers, as a mentor. Mentorship is very close to my heart, and it helps me share my experiences to help empower young people navigate the rapidly changing PR landscape. It’s important to share one's lessons and learnings with others, and help them discover and also go beyond their potential. 

What inspires you on your journey and endeavours?

I am an incurable optimist and believe that difficulties are just opportunities in disguise. At the same time, I love what I am doing, and it’s not just a job or chore for me. So, I enter each day with a sense of adventure, inspiring me to do what I do best. 

Every year, I set up personal and professional goals to achieve and then diligently work towards achieving them.

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?

One of the most significant changes I have seen over the years is that PR and Corporate Communication are now seen as part of the strategy planning process, not just an extension of execution. Also, every few years, we see disruptions such as new age media, digital-first approach, Artificial Intelligence(AI), and Machine Learning (ML). As communication experts, we must be agile enough to adapt and excel in such epochal changes. I think we are at par with the world regarding global practices. The only areas where I feel we need more time are using big data and AI to predict responses among target audiences.

Tell us about your most valuable learning from the industry. Where do you foresee the PR and comms industry in the coming days?

The most valuable learning, in my opinion, is that Reputation is built brick by brick and not created overnight. As custodians of our clients’ reputation, we must also remember that it is easier to harm reputation than to build it, so everything we do, must take cognizance of the clients’ Reputation needs to be preserved at any cost. I see the pace in the PR and Comms industry picking up even more, and communication strategies are becoming more focused on smaller sets of targets. There will be more customisation of messages, delivery of those messages, and even their timing.

What would be your message to the future generation of professionals?

I advise young entrants to be their usual selves and not playact. If you don’t know anything, ask questions, reach out to people you think are experts and seek their guidance. It's important to have a curiosity and thirst for knowledge, to have a zest for life, and a hunger to excel.