‘The comms world is fast and unforgiving, but also incredibly rewarding’

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, often blending empathy with innovation in ways that make communication more real, more inclusive, and more powerful for everyone. 

In this Women Achievers series, we honour and celebrate the achievements and innovation of an emerging comms professional, Jhanvi Thakkar, Senior Manager, Communication at Meesho, who is shaping the industry’s narrative, driving meaningful change, and creating positive impact. She was bestowed with the ‘Emerging Leader in Corp Comm’ award at the 5th edition of e4m PR & Corp Comm Women Achievers' Awards 2024.

Excerpts:

How has been your journey in the communications industry? Share your experiences and challenges as a woman leader.

It’s been a wild, fulfilling ride — equal parts daunting and exhilarating. I began in client servicing, which felt like being thrown into a crocodile swamp with no life jacket. Handling multiple clients was like a crash course in time management, emotional intelligence, and resilience — a decade’s worth of experience packed into just two years.

During those early years, I worked with a wide range of brands — from fashion (Fossil), to entertainment (Star World, Disney), hospitality (Sula), tech (IBM), and e-commerce (Amazon). That diversity gave me an incredible lens into how brand narratives shift across industries, and taught me how to tailor communication strategies with agility and nuance.

My stint at Amazon taught me to operate at scale. Every festival, especially Diwali, was a whirlwind — fast-paced, high-stakes, and deeply collaborative. And now, it’s been nearly four years at Meesho. Being part of a high-growth startup has helped me understand the language of funding, ESOPs, and hyper-growth — all while building narratives that are honest, strategic, and sharp. Corporate and crisis PR have stretched my thinking in the best way possible.

The challenges have been intense — aggressive timelines, big audacious goals, and very little room for error. But I’ve been lucky to have incredible mentors and some truly inspiring women leaders guide me along the way. Each of them taught me to zoom out, think strategically, and keep moving — no matter how steep the climb.

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

One of the biggest shifts has been in how women show up at work — more assertive, more vocal, and unapologetically owning their space. We're seeing more women challenging the status quo, leading from the front, and mentoring others along the way.

But what still needs work is creating safer spaces for women to fail forward, take bold bets, and bounce back. We also need to ensure equal visibility and recognition, especially in rooms where key decisions are made. Representation matters, but so does influence — and women should have both.

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

• Strategic thinking: The ability to zoom out and connect dots across brand, business, and reputation.
• Assertiveness: Speaking up with clarity and confidence, especially in high-stakes or high-pressure moments.
• Strong stakeholder management: You need to influence without authority and build trust across CXOs, media, and teams.

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

Build from the ground up. Representation at leadership starts with inclusion across levels. When women see other women in decision-making roles, it creates a culture of possibility.

It’s also critical to create flexible pathways to leadership — mentorship programs and most importantly, inclusive leadership that doesn’t mistake visibility for value. Retaining women isn’t just about benefits; it’s about trust, fairness, and respect.

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

Be on your toes — the comms world is fast and unforgiving, but also incredibly rewarding. Work hard, stay curious, and always bring your A-game.

But also: make it a point to be seen. Do stellar work, but ensure it gets noticed — in a subtle, graceful way. Visibility isn’t about being loud, it’s about showing up with consistency and owning your wins. And lastly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Curiosity is your superpower.

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

Elated and deeply honoured! Being recognised alongside such trailblazing women is humbling. This award is a celebration not just of my journey, but of every person who’s mentored, challenged, and supported me along the way.

It’s also a reminder that there’s still so much to learn, so much to do. I hope this inspires more young women to enter the field, stay the course, and build meaningful narratives that shape business and marketing.