When I started working in PR, I was reporting to a woman boss: Jaideep Shergill

Women deserve to be celebrated yesterday, today, tomorrow, and every day. They are the most altruistic form of humans and the foundation of society who make immense contributions to the growth of others. Whenever required, they use their power, talent, and spirit to support and nurture remarkable talents through their continuous support. Although their support may often go unnoticed, their impact is steadfast and remarkable.

In our 'In Her Footsteps' series, we aim to pay tribute to women and their invaluable contributions by featuring prominent male leaders and their perspectives on the women they admire, as well as the impact these women have had on their personal and professional journeys.

Today, we have Jaideep Shergill, Founding Partner, Pitchfork Partners, who shares his experience of working in an industry where women make up a significant portion of the workforce. Furthermore, he honors all the women who pitch with passion lead with grace, and inspire us.

Edited Excerpts:

1. Who do you consider your primary female role model and how has she played a significant role in your success?

I would say that the women in my family have played the biggest role in my accomplishments. While this may be a common sentiment and most people are likely to choose their grandmother, mother, wife, or daughter as their female role model, the same holds true for me.  These women in my family not just tolerated but supported my ambitions, my extended absences, my relentless focus on work, and, most importantly, me. I would not have reached where I am today without this support. My wife and daughter, in particular, are the biggest sources of motivation and inspiration for me; and they do it by just being themselves. They genuinely care and are not afraid of expressing their honest feelings. Their presence serves as a constant reminder for me to embrace my own humanity.

2. What specific lessons or qualities have you learned from the women you've worked with or encountered throughout your career?

I am glad that I work in an industry where women make up a significant portion of the workforce. In fact, women constitute approximately two-thirds of the employees in most PR agencies, and this is the case within our organization too.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with several remarkable women colleagues and leaders. Most people are not aware that when I initially started my career in PR, quite often I was reporting to a woman boss, and that was a valuable learning experience for me.

If I had to choose the most important learning from working alongside women, it would be the art of multitasking. Women effortlessly balance professional responsibilities with familial duties, caring for children and elderly parents while excelling in their careers. Their ability to manage multiple responsibilities with utmost finesse is truly admirable. Women also have a strategic approach to work, with a remarkable knack for prioritization and problem-solving. In doing this, they set the bar high for efficiency and adaptability – qualities that I try to emulate in my own professional journey.

3. What unique qualities or perspectives do women bring to the PR industry, and how has this diversity contributed to the success of your agency?

In the field of public relations, the term 'public' emphasizes the significance of great people skills. Women, known for their empathy and interpersonal skills, bring valuable perspectives, establishing better ties with both clients and co-workers.

At our organization, women are the driving force, not because they make up the majority of our employee capacity, rather, it's their innate capability to get things done. Their ability to multitask is unmatched, spearheading various internal activities and employee engagement alongside exceeding client expectations. These unique qualities that women bring to the table, including empathy and organizational skills, are instrumental in the PR industry's success.

4. How do you ensure that women are given equal opportunities for career advancement, leadership roles, and recognition within your organization?

At Pitchfork Partners, we prioritize merit and performance before gender. We ensure that everybody who excels is duly recognized and is provided with opportunities for career advancement. This is extended to every employee who demonstrates the skills and capabilities necessary to drive the company forward.

Furthermore, we are committed to creating an environment that promotes equality in all aspects. This includes pay equity, which ensures that compensation is proportional to abilities, experience, and contributions. Overall, our commitment to an inclusive, equal environment ensures that everyone, regardless of background or identity, has equal access to career growth, leadership positions, and recognition.