This award is a reminder to keep showing up, learning & giving back to the PR & Corp Comms

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.

So, to celebrate the spirit of the women leaders who are breaking barriers in the PR and Corp Comm industry, exchange4media launched the 5^th edition of e4m Women Achievers' Awards 2024. In this series, we honour and celebrate the achievements of Tanmana Rath, Lead- Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, TERI. She is the proud winner of the ‘Communicator of the year (Corp Comm professional)’ award at the 5^th 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?

I come from an era when communications was often seen as a glamorous but not always serious profession—one that wasn’t considered the most conventional path for women. So, when I chose to specialize in Public Relations while pursuing my degree in Journalism, it didn’t sit well with everyone. My maternal grandfather, in particular, had his reservations. But standing firmly by my side was my father—my unwavering supporter and the one who always believed in me. His faith in my choices became the foundation of my journey, and his encouragement continues to be my greatest strength.

On the professional front, my journey in communications has been a roller coaster—filled with learnings, challenges, and deep fulfilment. What was once seen as a dazzling field quickly revealed itself to be one of rigour, resilience, and strategy. Along the way, I’ve met incredible colleagues—some now close friends, others inspiring mentors. I genuinely love what I do, and that, to me, is a privilege.

I’ve worked on both sides—agency and in-house. While agency life offered pace and variety, in-house communications gave me a seat closer to the table, with a growing role in shaping business strategy. A particularly memorable chapter was my stint at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), where I had the chance to work alongside some remarkable women professionals.

Of course, it hasn’t always been easy. I’ve seen the shift from lone female board members working in silos to more balanced, collaborative leadership teams. And, as a mother to both a daughter and a son, I feel a strong responsibility to foster inclusive workplaces and shape narratives that reflect our differences with respect and empathy.

In earlier years, women couldn’t speak openly about challenges at work, which made the day-to-day harder. I’ve faced my share of bias, the pressure to constantly prove myself, and the challenge of stepping into spaces where women were few. But every obstacle has only strengthened my resolve—to keep learning, keep contributing, and help create space for those who come next.

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?

In recent decades, the leadership landscape has evolved meaningfully, with more women breaking barriers to take on influential roles. Globally, leaders like Sheryl Sandberg, Mary Barra, and Indra Nooyi have shown what’s possible. Closer home, trailblazers such as Madhabi Puri Buch, Arundhati Bhattacharya, Shobhana Bhartia, and Padmaja Chunduru continue to inspire. Their journeys reflect the progress we’ve made—but also remind us that the road to gender-balanced leadership is still complex, with many systemic challenges yet to overcome.

Over the years, I’ve seen a shift—from token representation to more meaningful inclusion, from having to conform to being able to show up as our authentic selves. There's greater awareness today, more women-friendly policies, and louder conversations around equity and inclusion.

That said, challenges remain. Unconscious bias still shapes decisions, pay equity is far from achieved, and societal expectations make balancing ambition with personal responsibilities harder for women. We need stronger allyship, flexible work cultures, and support systems that help women not just enter, but thrive—through every stage of their journey. Representation must come with real voice and influence.

The journey continues, but the momentum is promising—and I remain hopeful.

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

To succeed as a woman leader in PR and communications, one needs a well-rounded mix of various skills. Strong communication, strategic thinking, and decision-making are essential, as is the capacity to build, motivate, and lead diverse teams. Equally important are emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience—qualities that help navigate the dynamic and high-pressure nature of our industry.

Personally, I believe women bring some innate strengths to the table—especially the ability to multitask and collaborate with empathy. We’re natural team players, often leading by example and inspiring trust and loyalty rather than commanding it. This creates deeper connections, stronger teams, and lasting impact. In many ways, the value women leaders bring goes well beyond the bottom line—it’s about building cultures that are inclusive, resilient, and purpose-driven.

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

To attract and retain more women in leadership, companies need to offer flexibility—not just in policy, but in mindset. There are stages in a woman’s life—marriage, motherhood, caregiving—that call for understanding and support. A little compassion during these transitions can make all the difference between staying the course and stepping away.

In my experience, working with the realities around us—rather than resisting them—often leads to better outcomes. When workplace and family support come together, women are far more likely to grow and lead. 

Alongside this, organisations must address unconscious bias, ensure equal pay, and invest in mentoring and career development. Inclusion shouldn’t be a checklist—it should be how we work.

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

Communications is neither a glamorous world nor an easy profession; it demands resilience, creativity, and a constant willingness to learn & adapt. It demands sharp research, continuous reading, and just as much groundwork to get the job done. It is a journey of continuous learning and sharing.

Key qualities include clear and concise communication, an ear to the ground, strong networking, alertness and the ability to adapt their message to the audience. Additionally, creativity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build relationships are crucial for success in this field.

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

Winning the 5th edition of the e4m PR & Corp Comm Women Achievers Awards 2024 fills me with immense gratitude and joy. This recognition from e4m and the esteemed jury is truly humbling—it feels like a quiet nod to the many unseen hours, the late nights, the stumbles, the learnings, and the love I’ve poured into this journey. I’m deeply thankful to the mentors who guided me, the teams who believed in me, and the peers who inspired me along the way. More than anything, this award is a reminder to keep showing up, keep learning, and keep giving back to the ever-evolving world of PR and Corporate Communications.

To every woman carving her path in this field—your voice matters, your work counts, and your perseverance will light the way for others. Let’s keep lifting each other as we rise.