The rise of women-led PR firms in India: A testament to leadership and innovation
The PR industry – fast-paced, dynamic, and rooted in strategic storytelling – has seen a surge in women-led firms that are not only redefining the industry, but also setting new standards in brand communication, crisis management, and digital strategy. With women making up approximately 73% of PR professionals in India, it’s evident that they have carved a strong presence in this field.
However, despite their dominance in the workforce, women remain underrepresented at higher leadership levels. The PR industry presents a unique contrast – while women thrive in key operational and strategic roles, the journey to executive leadership often remains challenging. Yet, an increasing number of women entrepreneurs are breaking barriers, establishing their own firms, and driving innovation in the digital age.
What makes PR a space where women excel as entrepreneurs? How do they navigate challenges and bring a fresh perspective to corporate storytelling? This article delves into the success stories of women-led PR firms, highlighting their contributions, leadership styles, and the impact they are making in India’s communication landscape.
Women in PR: A Natural Fit for Leadership
Public relations is inherently a relationship-driven industry, demanding strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and crisis-handling capabilities – areas where women have historically excelled. Women entrepreneurs in PR leverage these strengths to build trust-based client relationships, craft compelling narratives, and navigate complex reputation challenges.
The success of women-led PR firms can also be attributed to cultural and societal shifts. Over the past two decades, increased female participation in media, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship has fostered an environment where women in PR can rise to leadership roles. Many female PR professionals, after gaining substantial experience in large agencies, have ventured out to establish their own firms, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to the industry.
Voices from Women Leaders in PR
“PR firms today are filled with women in leadership roles, and it’s no coincidence. PR is about trust, storytelling, and long-term relationships—areas where women excel. Their ability to handle crisis communications, shape brand narratives, and foster client trust makes them indispensable.
The industry’s emphasis on collaboration over hierarchy has enabled women-led firms to thrive. At Media Mantra Group, we believe diverse leadership drives strategic thinking, with many key roles held by women who shape campaigns and build lasting partnerships.
PR values expertise over legacy, allowing women to rise based on merit and innovation. The flexibility and demand for inclusive perspectives have strengthened their presence. Women in PR aren’t just thriving—they’re defining its future.”
Sanya Bajaj, Founder, Column Inches:
“Women are naturally intuitive when it comes to listening, nurturing relationships, and don’t shy away from pointing the spotlight to the person in front of them. PR is all about collaboration, maintaining relationships, bringing people together, shaping narratives, ensuring rightful expectations for clients and media houses. I have a team of 20, of which 18 are women! Women have always been forces of nature, look at our history and culture, be it Malala, Oprah, or even our mythology, like Gandhari, Sita, and Draupadi. Women are both fierce and nurturing, supportive yet assertive, simple yet enigmatic. In PR, this balance helps us navigate complex narratives, drive creative strategies, and build trust. It’s what makes us exceptional storytellers and powerhouses in this field.”
“PR is a profession that inherently appreciates relationship-building, storytelling, and crisis management—domains where women tend to excel. Beyond that, what differentiates women in PR leadership is their capacity to introduce new perspectives, emotional intelligence, and a strategic mind to brand communication. In India, the growth of the PR sector went hand in hand with women entering leadership positions in media, corporate communications, and entrepreneurship. PR is not only a profession for women but also a means of creating something of their own—a business in which intuition, adaptability, and effective stakeholder management are the drivers of success. We at PRandit have established our success on credibility, innovation, and long-term reputation management rather than merely good storytelling. This skill to craft narratives with depth and intention is the reason why women-led PR firms are successful today.”
“PR has historically been a women-dominated industry, perhaps due to qualities like communication, relationship-building, patience, and crisis management, which are often associated with women. However, PR has evolved beyond media relations into a strategic, data-driven field that encompasses brand engagement, campaign creation, and reputation management. Success in PR isn’t about gender—it’s about adaptability, creativity, and the ability to craft compelling narratives that drive real impact.”
Shruti Mishra, CEO & Founder, Image Stereo Marcom:
“PR isn’t just an industry where women thrive—it’s where they shine. With storytelling, trust-building, and crisis management at its core, PR aligns naturally with women's strengths. Empathy, deep relationships, and adaptability give them an edge in shaping narratives and managing reputations. Historically, women have played these roles in families, communities, and businesses, making PR leadership instinctive. In a digital age driven by connection and authenticity, women are not just breaking barriers—they’re setting the standard for great PR.”
“Women have the potential to be great entrepreneurs in every field. While PR does see a larger female workforce—perhaps because it appears to be a natural fit—it actually demands immense grit, adaptability, and determination to succeed and stay ahead.
I’m not a fan of categorizing entrepreneurship or leadership by gender. However, I do believe that women bring a unique level of empathy to business—an invaluable quality when it comes to building and leading a company.”
Komal Lath, Founder, Tute Consult:
“Women bring their greatest strengths to the table—multitasking, patience, and the ability not just to handle but to truly manage tasks, which is at the heart of communications. They are inherently wired and conditioned for this (not that men can't, but women excel), making the profession a natural extension of their personalities. At a leadership level, it’s a fair game—leadership and meticulousness transcend gender, though women often take a larger share. Historically and culturally, we have been tuned to ‘make it happen,’ and that’s where the subtle yet significant difference lies.”
“PR is fundamentally about storytelling, relationship-building, and emotional intelligence—qualities that many women naturally bring to the table. Our ability to read emotional cues, build authentic connections, and manage complex relationships makes us well-suited for leadership in this industry
To truly capitalize on women’s strengths, companies must go beyond recognition and actively foster diverse leadership at all levels. I’ve seen firsthand how equitable policies and inclusive environments enhance not just workplace culture but also business performance. The progress is encouraging, but there’s still significant room to grow. When organizations champion women’s advancement, the benefits extend far beyond individual companies—to the entire economy.”
Ishita Singhal, Founder, Sass Communications:
“PR is built on communication, relationships, and trust—things women naturally excel at. We are intuitive, adaptable, and great at crisis management, which are critical in this industry. Historically, women have always been strong storytellers, whether in families or communities, and that extends to PR. Over time, more women have seized leadership roles in the industry, proving that they not only belong here—they lead here.”
“PR is built on trust, strong instincts, and the ability to read people; things women have been doing forever, whether in business or life. The field demands quick thinking, problem-solving, and a strong network, and many women naturally lean into these skills.
For generations, women in India have juggled multiple responsibilities, managing conversations, diffusing tensions, and bringing people together. These skills aren’t just helpful in PR; they define the profession. Women don’t only build relationships, they sustain them. And in a business where credibility and trust matter most, that’s a game-changer. It’s no surprise that so many women have built successful PR firms.”
Sonam Shah, Founder & CEO, Treize Communications:
“PR is an industry where women naturally thrive as entrepreneurs. Strong media relations, a core aspect of PR, align well with women’s innate ability to build and nurture connections. Women-led PR firms are on the rise, offering flexibility that supports work-life balance while running a business. The industry’s structure allows women to choose their clients, set their schedules, and manage commitments efficiently. Additionally, PR firms require relatively lower initial investments, making them a practical and empowering choice for women entrepreneurs.”
Women Shaping Corporate Narratives in India
Women-led PR firms are making remarkable strides in shaping corporate narratives, especially in industries where storytelling plays a crucial role in brand positioning. These firms bring a fresh perspective to PR campaigns, emphasizing inclusivity, social impact, and authenticity in ways that redefine corporate communication.
From crisis management to thought leadership initiatives, women leaders are revolutionizing how brands engage with their audiences. In sectors like technology, manufacturing, and finance—where communication was traditionally driven by numbers and performance—women-led PR firms are infusing brand messaging with human-centric storytelling, making it more relatable and engaging.
Women’s Strength in Corporate PR
Sonam Shah of Treize Communications, shares her perspective: “Today, there are more women-led decision-making roles at the C-Suite level. As the founder of a PR firm specializing in corporate PR, I can confidently say that what we do is not extravagant—we simply ensure that everything is executed correctly and on time. PR is a time-sensitive field, and it’s crucial to maintain the right messaging, strategy, and storytelling within the required timeline.”
Women also bring empathy and emotional intelligence to their execution, which works wonders for brand building and reputation management. And perhaps most importantly, many women genuinely enjoy what they do, which adds even more value to the work we create.
A New Wave of Corporate Storytelling
Sanya Bajaj of Column Inches highlights this transformation, “There’s a wave of freshness across the economic ecosystem. New-age startups are disrupting traditional business legacies, and corporate narratives are evolving in tandem. Be it the way we communicate through emails or interact with journalists, the relationships we cultivate and the strategies we develop are being redefined.”
Media has historically been male-dominated, but PR thrives on relationship-building. Startups no longer want the traditional approach; they are open to taking risks, trying new strategies, and embracing authenticity. Women in PR are leading this change, particularly young agencies that understand the power of organic media through genuine storytelling.
Humanizing Brand Messaging
Shalu Jha of PRandit Solution echoes this sentiment: “Women-owned PR agencies are transforming how brands communicate by integrating authenticity, diversity, and purpose-driven storytelling. Our focus goes beyond securing press coverage—we craft narratives that create real impact. In traditionally male-dominated sectors, we are seeing a shift in how companies approach their brand voice.”
In industries like deep tech, Web3, and sustainability, trust and education are crucial for audience engagement. Women-led PR firms are ensuring that corporate messaging isn’t just about visibility but credibility. Today’s brands must stand for something meaningful, and our role is to help them communicate innovation, sustainability, and social impact in ways that truly resonate.
The Power of Empathy in PR:
Transforming Corporate Storytelling
Nikky Gupta from Teamwork Communications Group further emphasizes the impact of women-led PR firms: “Women-led PR firms are transforming corporate storytelling in India by fostering a more authentic, engaging, and human-centric approach to brand communication. PR is no longer just about polished statements and data-heavy messaging—it’s about building genuine connections.”
In industries once dominated by numbers and jargon, PR is evolving into a medium for real, relatable stories. Women-led firms are shifting the focus from mere product promotion to creating meaningful impact. They are making technology less intimidating, finance more accessible, and encouraging brands to address real-world issues that matter. And that shift? It’s nothing short of powerful.
Driving Meaningful Brand Engagement
Shruti Mishra of Image Stereo Marcom reinforces this evolving landscape: “Women-led PR firms are reshaping corporate narratives in India by embedding brand messaging with authenticity, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of stakeholder engagement. Their leadership is particularly transformative in traditionally male-dominated sectors like finance, manufacturing, and technology, where communication has long been rigid and transactional.”
Great PR isn’t just about visibility; it’s about resonance. Women leaders bring a unique ability to craft narratives that don’t just inform but connect and inspire. By prioritizing transparency, inclusivity, and social impact, they are helping brands move beyond conventional corporate speak to build trust and credibility with diverse audiences.
As businesses increasingly recognize the power of meaningful narratives, women leaders in PR are not just managing reputations; they are shaping the way corporations engage with the world.
Challenges Faced by Women-Led PR Firms
Despite the growing presence of women entrepreneurs in public relations, significant challenges persist. Gender biases, societal expectations, and structural limitations continue to shape the way women-led firms operate. Access to funding and securing large-scale corporate retainers remain uphill battles compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, breaking into traditionally male-dominated sectors such as finance, technology, and infrastructure demands extra effort and strategic positioning.
“Bias still exists—clients question if a women-led firm can handle high-pressure industries,” says Ishita Singhal. “Business networks remain male-dominated, making funding and scaling harder. But results speak louder than anything else.”
While women-led firms have excelled in sectors like consumer brands, lifestyle, and healthcare, earning trust in industries long dominated by men often requires overcoming skepticism. Nikky Gupta, Co-Founder, Teamwork Communications Group, highlights this challenge: “People assume women-led firms handle lifestyle brands but hesitate with finance or tech clients. Access to big budgets and high-stakes mandates takes longer. Women juggle leadership with societal expectations, making networking and risk-taking tougher.”
The issue extends beyond business operations to societal perceptions and workplace inclusivity. Sanya Bajaj, Founder, Column Inches, notes, “Legacy firms dominate PR with more resources and influence. Women still face pay gaps, domestic responsibility biases, and client skepticism, especially in tech. Workplace inclusivity and respect for boundaries remain major issues.”
Yet, women-led PR firms continue to redefine the industry by showcasing expertise and resilience. Shalu Jha, Founder, PRandit Solution, emphasizes, “Sectors like tech, Web3, and deep tech are often assumed to be male-led, but we’ve proven expertise isn’t defined by gender. Scaling a PR business means competing with global firms, evolving with media trends, and balancing growth with client expectations.”
The evolving gender dynamics in PR suggest that while change is happening, it remains an ongoing process. Women-led firms are not just breaking barriers—they are setting new benchmarks for success in the industry.
Staying Ahead in the Age of AI and Digital Disruption
With AI and digital transformation reshaping the PR landscape, women-led firms are at the forefront of innovation. They are adopting cutting-edge technologies, leveraging data-driven insights, and exploring new-age storytelling formats to maintain their competitive edge. From AI-powered sentiment analysis to real-time media monitoring, these firms are integrating digital tools to enhance their strategic planning and execution.
Social media and influencer marketing have also become integral to PR strategies, and women-led firms are adept at utilizing these channels to create impactful brand narratives. The ability to blend traditional PR with digital-first approaches has positioned these firms as industry leaders in an ever-evolving media ecosystem.
The Role of AI in Modern PR
Puja Pathak of Media Mantra Group shares, “The way PR functions today is completely different from what it was even five years ago. AI, digital PR, and performance marketing aren’t just buzzwords; they’re key components driving changes in how we communicate and build reputations. Many women-led firms today are ahead of the curve because they bring a mix of strategic thinking and adaptability. The best PR is no longer restricted to just media placements; it’s about using data to predict audience behavior, leveraging AI-driven tools for sharper messaging, and ensuring that digital narratives align with business goals. Here at Media Mantra Group, we’ve embraced this shift by integrating AI-powered insights into our campaigns. Whether it's tracking media sentiment in real-time, using performance marketing for precise audience targeting, or employing risk assessment tools to preempt crises, we ensure that technology works with us, not instead of us. Our expansion into Dubai and the MENA region is another example of this forward-thinking approach, allowing us to bring cutting-edge PR solutions to global clients.”
Balancing AI with Human Creativity
Think Ink Communications & Think Talkies’ Radhika Nihalani underscores the significance of adapting to AI while preserving human ingenuity, saying, “I think businesses, led by both men and women, are at the beginning of the AI revolution. While no amount of AI can replace the human mind and its limitless possibilities, it is imperative for founders to adapt to this changing environment and use the tech outburst that we are witnessing right now to improve efficiencies. Media monitoring, analysis, a base level of content creation, and more allow teams to focus more on creative ideation and strategy, improving the overall quality and effectiveness of campaigns. By fostering a supportive ecosystem for women in PR, India can unlock new opportunities for leadership, innovation, and meaningful brand storytelling in the years to come.”
Nikky Gupta of Teamwork Communications Group highlights the synergy between AI and human connection, pointing out, “PR is evolving fast, and the smartest firms know how to adapt without losing their core strengths. AI is great for crunching data and predicting trends, but PR still relies on people. Women-led firms are utilizing AI tools to refine strategies, but they know that technology can’t replace intuition. The focus is on making campaigns sharper, personalizing messaging, and using insights to predict conversations before they happen. The biggest edge? The ability to blend tech with instinct—balancing data with storytelling, automation with real human connection. That’s how brands stay relevant, and that’s how PR keeps evolving.”
Women Leaders Navigating Digital Transformation
Meanwhile, highlighting the gender disparity in PR leadership, Akshaara Lalwani of Communicate India notes, “The PR industry is experiencing a complete digital revolution that's changing everything about how we communicate. While technology adoption itself isn’t gendered, there’s still a significant imbalance in who’s leading these tech-driven changes. Women make up roughly 89% of PR professionals yet hold only about 30% of senior leadership positions. Despite these challenges, women-led PR firms are exceptionally good at navigating digital transformation. We integrate technological capabilities with strong emotional intelligence, creating multi-dimensional campaigns that move seamlessly between platforms.”
Bloomingdale Public Relations’ Diana Fernandes emphasizes continuous innovation, saying, “AI and digital disruption are reshaping PR across the board, regardless of leadership gender. To stay ahead, PR firms must continuously innovate, think beyond traditional strategies, and embrace technology to drive impactful results. Success in this evolving landscape lies in the ability to merge human creativity with data-driven intelligence, ensuring long-term relevance and impact.”
A Personalized Approach in a Tech-Driven World
Shalu Jha of PRandit Solution believes in maintaining the human touch in PR, “The PR landscape is changing fast, and female-led agencies are not only keeping pace—we are driving it. AI takes over media monitoring, sentiment tracking, and content automation, but the human touch of trust-building, relationship-forging, and storytelling is more important than ever. At PRandit, we embrace a forward-thinking methodology with a personal touch, ensuring storytelling is not lost. PR is not merely about companies anymore—it’s about the leaders who run them. Women-owned businesses are assisting executives in establishing strong, credible personal brands, making them thought leaders within their own space.”
Blending AI with Emotional Intelligence
Ishita Singhal of Sass Communications underscores adaptability. “We adapt fast. AI and data are changing PR, but the essence of the job—understanding people—remains the same. Women-led firms are embracing tech, but not at the cost of human connection. We’re using AI for insights, automation for efficiency, but keeping creativity, storytelling, and emotional intelligence at the core,” she adds.
Speaking about the integration of AI in PR, Image Stereo Marcom’s Shruti Mishra highlights, “The rise of AI and digital disruption is transforming PR, and women-led firms are staying ahead by blending emotional intelligence with technology. By leveraging tools like ChatGPT for content generation, Meltwater for media analytics, and Sprout Social for social listening, they are refining audience engagement and ensuring sharper, data-driven storytelling. AI isn’t here to replace PR; it’s here to enhance it by being a helping hand. Beyond AI, these firms are pushing the boundaries of digital PR through interactive content, immersive storytelling, and real-time audience engagement. By combining automation with emotional intelligence, they maintain authenticity while scaling impact.”
As AI continues to redefine PR, women-led firms are proving that the key to success lies in leveraging technology without compromising the human essence of storytelling. By balancing data-driven intelligence with creativity and emotional intelligence, these firms are shaping the future of the industry, ensuring relevance, authenticity, and innovation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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