'I aspire to help shape the next generation of leaders, just as my mentors did for me'

The PR industry is ever-evolving and one thing is clear about its future that young professionals are the new driving force of its growth, innovation, and success. As young professionals take the reins and enter the workforce, they bring with them new ways of thinking, communicating, and connecting with audiences. So, to honour the talented, new age talent of the PR & Comms industry, e4m launched the 4^th edition of PR & Corp Comm 30 under 30 Awards.

In this series, the winner of e4m PR & Corp Comm 30 under 30 Awards Nileema Mandal, Senior PR Manager, Universal Communications talks about her win, inspiration, passion for the industry, and future goals.

Excerpts:

How does it feel to be recognized as one of the top 30 under 30 professionals in the PR and Communications industry, and what does this achievement mean to you?

Ans: Being recognized as one of the top 30 under 30 professionals in the PR and Communications industry is truly an honor.  It was one of my mentors, Krutika Ganatra who always encouraged me to participate. It has boosted my confidence in my skill set and reinforced my gratitude towards the mentors who have guided and shaped my journey. Reflecting on the process of filling out my nomination, I gained a deeper appreciation for how far I’ve come. This recognition not only fills me with immense pride but also motivates me to give back to the community. I aspire to help shape the next generation of leaders, just as my mentors have done for me. It also made my family, friends and colleagues happy and we all did a happy dance for my win! Grateful always. 

What new trends and innovations would you expect to see in the PR and Communications industry in the next 5 years, and how do you plan to adapt and evolve to stay ahead?

 Ans:  In the next five years, I anticipate that the PR and Communications industry will continue to evolve with an increased focus on digitalization. Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, and social media trends like Influencer Marketing, User-Generated Content (UGC), and More Innovative IP's driven. It will reshape how we engage with audiences. The industry will rely more on AI to analyze large datasets, optimize campaigns, and craft personalized communications at scale. To stay ahead, I plan to continuously upskill myself in these technologies and explore innovative ways to integrate them into PR strategies with my skill set and professional understanding from campaign to campaign. Furthermore, I believe it's crucial for teams to be proactive in adapting to these changes. Companies should foster a culture of continuous learning and provide training so that their teams remain at the forefront of these trends, driving creative and effective PR campaigns.  

As a rising star in the industry, what skills or areas do you identify as crucial for your continued growth and success, and how do you plan to develop them?

Ans: I believe it's crucial to have a holistic understanding of how to promote a project across all channels. In today’s interconnected world, a PR professional must not only grasp the core principles of public relations but also understand how marketing, digital strategy, and content creation work together. Staying ahead of the curve requires learning new approaches to digitalization, including meme marketing, influencer partnerships, and crafting engaging digital content that resonates with both audiences and the media. It is also important to work in tandem with the media to figure out newer ways to build the brand/ actors/ films through their mediums which is win-win for both.  I recognize the importance of honing my people management skills. Building strong relationships with clients, media, colleagues, and stakeholders is essential in PR, and this is an area I continually focus on improving. I plan to develop these skills through ongoing learning, with project experience, and seeking mentorship from leaders in the industry. By expanding my knowledge 360 degree and enhancing my leadership abilities, I aim to continue growing and contributing to every project I am associated with. 

What impact do you hope to make in the PR and Communications industry in the industry 5-10 years from now?

Ans: The role of a PR involves mastering a few arts and one of them could be achieving a robust mindset to work in any crisis situation with patience and calmness. While I believe my experience has taught me this in my foundation years, I want to further excel into it.  When I entered the industry, I always had a guiding force, a mentor and few good friends and I want to give back the same. I look at nurturing talents, giving them experiences that they would want to pass on and thus make it a fashion of giving back in terms of knowledge and developing skill set.  In the next five years I look at having a position which is more permanent which will amplify my career in terms of diverse roles.

 On a personal front I look at spending time with my family, friends and for that matter with myself too while I ace at my career.