'Modern women can become thought leaders with correct use of technology and communication'

Women have played a huge role in shaping the communications industry, even if their stories haven't always been at front. The industry has several remarkable women whose talent shape our world and make communication more real, more inclusive, and more powerful for everyone. 

So, to celebrate the spirit of the women leaders and veterans who are breaking barriers in the PR and Corp Comm industry, exchange4media launched the 5th edition of e4m Women Achievers' Awards 2024. 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 Comms Industry.  

In this series, we honour and celebrate the journey and achievements of Prof. Ramola Kumar, Dean at The Delhi School of Communication. She is a veteran academician with more than 3 decades who started her career at The Institute of Management Studies, Bikaner as the Head of Department in 1984. Moreover, she is also the leading women who laid the foundation of Delhi School of Communication (DSC), one of the premier institutes in the country in mass media studies and integrated communications, three decades ago. 

At the 5^th edition of e4m PR & Corp Comm Women Achievers' Awards 2024, she was honoured with the ‘Educator of the Year' award for educating and building a new generation of communications professionals. 

Excerpts:

How has been your journey in the Communication industry?

I helped to lay the foundation of the Delhi School of Communication (DSC), an autonomous pvt. Institute, 30 years ago. The DSC program was an absolutely new field specifically in Integrated Marketing Communications and with newer job options. As a woman, stepping into a new arena and setting academic policies, procedures & course structures, to meet global standards was a challenge. Being the Dean of academics’ people would question my capability, whether deliverables were possible or not, whether one could manage post graduate students and how to plan & strategize the future of the institute. Making the course competitive at par with national & global standards-one had to research in-depth about advertising / PR and other related programmes.

Marketing this unheard of, new field of education was itself a challenge. Looking at old and new media for advertising this program and daily keep a check on multiple variables required up-to date knowledge and the ability to think on ones’ feet, then use the data available for day to day functioning and futuristic thinking, taking the program forward.

What shifts and transformations have you observed for women in the workplace over the last few decades, and what do you think still needs improvement?

Women today are occupying senior management positions. They are also “thought leaders” of the future. They have a wider perspective on issues and are intuitively stronger, I dare say. These qualities facilitate them in their work.

Today women are earning members of their families and want more freedom of expression, to take critical decisions at work and at home. Women have been given mentorship roles in organisations, they have learnt to use new technology & implement change. They exercise more convincing power and are enthusiastic to evolve, they want to be seen and heard.

Culturally, in India even working women are still seen as running their home and family alongside a stressful day. Dual/Triple responsibilities cause other problems. Work load needs to be shared. Women also need to be respected and heard, more and more.

What are the most important skills and qualities that women leaders need to succeed in the PR and comms industry?

A). The most important skills required by women to succeed in the PR and Communication industry:

- Patience, perseverance and passion, these 3 qualities combined can lead to success in any field.

An understanding of one’s own “self - image”, how do you see your self today how do you want to be seen as … 3 years, 6 years, 9 years later - these are critical thoughts that can carry you forward. One needs to understand and analyse these issues, dispassionately and critically, to be able to take corrective measures for one’s future.

Imaging and its perception w.r.t oneself & others plays a very critical role in PR. Needless to pay PR also entails - a sophisticated sense of dress and demeanour. The choice of correct words, gentle yet firm, clarity and conviction in thought & speech are important language parameters in PR. To think - pause before you say anything or take action, these are

critical communication skills in PR & in managing corporate reputation. Build your language skills, expand the minds horizon.

To be rooted & stand your ground during a crisis situation is important. With the highly dynamic business environment one needs to be able to handle crisis situations intelligently keeping in mind corporate goals & all PR strategy tools & techniques relevant at that time.

What suggestions would you give to companies who want to attract and retain more women in leadership positions?

While hiring & retaining good talent, company’s may want to consider the technology specifically AI-chatgpt & related tools used in facilitating language, speed and efficiency in output. AI can also help in strategizing and thinking what to say & how to say it, with measureable results. But the mind must engage & be used to the fullest to plan the best strategy. AI can never replace the magnificent human brain. If it is constantly used, it brings out the genius, in human endeavour.

What advice would you offer to young women who are starting their careers in the communications industry?

I think today’s women can become “thought leaders” “with the correct use of technology and communication. They have a lot more at their disposal to think - plan - do any work, with impactful results.

Lastly, how do you feel as a winner of the 5th edition e4m PR & Corp Comm Women Achievers Awards 2024?

Winning the 5^th edition of e4m PR & Corporate Communication Women Achievers Award 2024 was a wonderful moment in my life. It was a great surprise and quite unexpected

Hence full of immense satisfaction at having travelled this Journey - quietly and with god’s grace.

“Thank you” to all my students, past & present, all the corporates & Judges who see me -deserving this prestigious award.