Archana Jain on purpose-driven communication, telling good stories, and why PR matters

In this episode of Out of the Clouds, host Anne Muhlethaler reconnects with Archana Jain, an accomplished PR and communications professional, and the founder of PR Pundit, one of India’s top integrated communications firms. Archana has been at the forefront of her industry since her early days in the field and is widely recognised as a leading personality in PR, communication and media. She has been acknowledged as India’s top 100 PR communications professionals, as well as among India’s 50 Most Influential Women in Indian Media, Marketing & Advertising (2019, 2020 & 2021) and featured in the “Top 100 Influential Game Changers List.”

Anne and Archana collaborated a few years ago, and got to know each other, back when Anne was heading global communications for French shoe designer Christian Louboutin. 

Over the course of this conversation, Archana tells the story of her beginnings in PR, how she went from consulting into working towards consumer-focused communication, to building her company and creating meaningful programs for the right audiences. 

She talks to Anne about why public relations still matters today, how it’s imperative for brands to be telling authentic stories and why PR is a long game - not a quick win, and current challenges given that it’s not an age-old profession. They also discuss changes in the media landscape and the rise of purpose-driven communications and community advocacy, in the age of social media. 

Archana also offers her thoughts on what it’s been like to be a woman at the head of her own business, how the landscape changed in the past twenty years, but also how she chose to  integrate flexibility and WFH capabilities for her team since 2004 - and how satisfying it’s been for her to be able to help women balance their personal and professional commitments. 

You’ll probably notice a loud peacock (or two) in the background, as some were roaming behind Archana’s home office during the interview. A good way to set the scene for this warm and in-depth interview with this influential entrepreneur. Happy listening! 

***

Selected links from the episode:

You can find Archana on IG @AJPundit and on Twitter @AJPundit

On LinkedIn Archana Jain 

Find out more about PR Pundit on their website http://www.prpundit.com/ - or on IG https://www.instagram.com/PRPundit/

The origin and meaning of the word Pundit - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pundit

Tripundra - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tripundra

Vogue India - https://www.vogue.in/

Adidas Run for the Oceans campaign - https://thecsrjournal.in/adidas-run-for-the-oceans-unites-over-87k-runners-across-india/

Archana's interview on CommSpeak with Amith Prashu - https://youtu.be/1Zn2uWJARo0

The German tampon PR campaign by Female Company via The Guardian

The exceptional Kate Winslet for L'Oréal campaign - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjcd6Xu4MYU

Parvati Valley - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parvati_Valley

Kashmir Shaivism - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashmir_Shaivism

The Hungry Tide, book by Amitav Ghosh https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4950.The_Hungry_Tide

A suitable boy, the book by Vikram Seth https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50365.A_Suitable_Boy

The Emperor of All Maladies, a biography of cancer, the book by Siddhartha Mukherjee https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7170627-the-emperor-of-all-maladies

***

If you enjoyed this episode, click subscribe for more, and consider writing a review of the show on Apple Podcasts, it helps people find us and also helps to secure future guests. Thank you  so much for listening! 

For all notes and transcripts, please visit Out Of The Clouds on Simplecast - https://out-of-the-clouds.simplecast.com/  

Sign up for Anne's email newsletter for more from Out of the Clouds at https://annevmuhlethaler.com. 

Follow Anne: 

Twitter: @annvi  

IG: @_outoftheclouds 

This episode is brought to you by Le Trente

Are you a purpose-driven individual seeking clarity in your personal narrative? Is your brand struggling to communicate authentically with your audience? Looking for a thought partnership that transforms how you connect with the world?

Le Trente is a global community that emboldens purpose-driven individuals and organizations to communicate authentically. Headquartered in Geneva but serving clients worldwide, we coach both individuals and brands through their communication journey—from identity exploration to strategy development—all grounded in mindful leadership and compassionate, holistic communication.

Our mission is to be a catalyst for positive change. We inspire open-minded people and organisations to build better worlds through community-building salons, strategic consulting, mindful coaching and storytelling.

Ready to transform your approach to communication and create ripples of positive change? Get in touch, we like to make magic happen. 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LE TRENTE HERE.
 

***

If you enjoyed this episode, click subscribe for more, and consider writing a review of the show on Apple Podcasts, we really appreciate your support and feedback. And thank you so much for listening!

For all notes and transcripts, please visit Out Of The Clouds on Simplecast - https://out-of-the-clouds.simplecast.com/

Sign up for Anne's email newsletter for more from Out of the Clouds at https://outoftheclouds.com.

Follow Anne and Out of the Clouds: IG: @_outoftheclouds or @annvi Or on Threads @annvi On Youtube @OutoftheClouds

For more, you can read and subscribe to Anne's Substack, the Mettā View, her weekly dose of insights on coaching, brand development, the future of work, and storytelling, with a hint of mindfulness.