Leaders

Regardless of how efficiently an organisation is run, the desired outcomes are elusive if the target audience remains unaware of the brand, it’s success and contributions to the society. This is where a leading communication agency takes control: effective campaigns lead to shareability, conversation and eventually, an unfair share of attention, it needs in this cluttered world. The current market is highly dynamic, and it requires strategic thinking and focused approach to enable fluency in a brand and none can do it better than a communication agency that knows the business.

Presenting Lintas Live, a fully integrated creative led digital first PR agency that provides end-to-end solutions with the philosophy of powering 'Ideas that create Talkability'. Gunjan Kar, Director-Communications, has helped some of the country’s most prestigious brands articulate their value proposition and navigate their communication needs. As one of the largest PR agency embedded in a full-service diversified communications group for the last two decades, it is recognized as a leading PR firms in India.

Gunjan has been awarded with the Leading Women Communication Officers– 2022 title and has helped Lintas Live achieve unparalleled feats in the sector. Currently, in conversation with Gunjan Kar, we learn in detail about the company’s offerings, its milestones and her journey to success. Here’s the highlight from the interaction.

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience that you bring to the table

I am a Commerce student with Masters degree in Business Administration with over 14 years of experience in communications industry. The conjunction of these two helps in providing tangible and strategic direction to brands. Especially the management degree gives me the analytical skills on what is best suited for the brand.

I started my PR career with Perfect Relations. I was keen to learn and aggressive in my approach to grow and upskill. I remember taking up challenging tasks voluntarily, never say no and keep pushing myself till it is done. I am thankful for that grind and push. It helped me immensely to build confidence and take newer responsibilities.

In 2011, when I was planning to get back into the communication industry after a sabbatical, I got an opportunity to work with Lintas, and the rest, as they say is history and here I am today with one of the best communication agency leading a consumer and lifestyle vertical at Lintas Live.

I consider myself lucky that I had an opportunity to work with some of the best minds and brands, from the industry. Every organisation that I have been associated with, has provided me with great opportunities and valuable learnings.

Tell us about the various roles that you play as the director – communications

In my past experience, I have worked on across industries and sectors. At Lintas Live, I am an integral part of leadership team and been instrumental in Category creation, Brand reputation, and new Business Development. I use my learnings and strength in empowering brands using right mix of traditional, digital and creative platforms.

"As the fully integrated creative led digital first pr agency, lintas live is recognized as one of the leading pr firms in india"

Just like many of my peers, I have seen the evolution of communication from being a news driver to a storyteller. Clearly, I see and perceive my role differently than I used to once upon a time. Today, I find myself to be more of a creator and an across platform storyteller.

How do you successfully mitigate the challenges you face?

I do not address them as challenges, they are my push buttons, which helps me start and restart. I see my journey from passion & learning – to resilience & commitment. For me challenges are like running a marathon – if you have a blueprint in your mind; you will cross the finish line. As a marathoner myself, I never give up and keep pushing myself till I succeed.

Last two years have taught all of us to face challenges head on and a never give up attitude. We went through a tectonic change and had to evolve to maneuver through these shifting sands. As a leader I had evolved too.

I strongly believe that learning between leaders and team members should be reciprocal and collaborative. It is also imperative to have the right set of members in your core team, who believe in the same brand’s philosophy and passion. While hurdles are inevitable, having this support system can help overcome them and scale.

What would your advice be to young women and girls who also aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

Working women, Entrepreneurs, and Mumpreneurs, all these come with an unconscious gender bias, judgement and unsolicited advice. It certainly is not an easy road to the top. What I have learnt all through and my advice to young women and girls is, you are the best person to decide what is best for you as only you can understand all the ins and outs. Keep your focus and learn how to prioritise and not expect perfection at every stage.

Don’t be a student of the school of Hard Knocks. Reach out for help and experienced insights early and often – you don’t have to learn all of the lessons on your own. I’m blessed to have been surrounded by a number of fantastic mentors and colleagues who have helped me achieve more than I could have by myself.

Lastly, as a marathoner, I tell myself all the time, when you have big goals it doesn’t matter how hard or how many times you fall down. Your purpose will get you on your feet again and your drive will keep propelling you forward so you can achieve great things. It is always – Mind over Body.

Gunjan Kar, Director - Communications, Lintas Live

With an experience of over 14 years in the integrated marketing communication industry, Gunjan is quite adept at developing, directing and implementing strategic communication programs in line with brand’s objectives across many industries. She has been empowering many brands using right mix of traditional and digital platforms and designed differentiated strategies for many first-generation entrepreneurs to take the big leap in brand positioning.

Passion: Marathons and travelling