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Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations – Out In India

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I hope everyone has had a good Christmas and now enjoying the time off before we hurl ourselves into 2023. I thought I would take this quiet moment of reflection between Christmas and the New Year to get around to updating everyone about my book, Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations, which was published in India on 23 November 2022 by Jaico Publishing.

You will immediately notice that the book has a different cover and is one that has been designed to suit the Indian market. I just love the way on the front cover, if you notice, the line that says ‘For sale in the Indian Subcontinent only’ – that to me, makes this my book extra special. On a personal note, to have my book published and sold here, is a fairy tale come true. I spent my teenage and young adult life in India, where we had books published by Jaico on our bookshelves. Never in my wildest dreams, did I think that one day, I too would have my book published by the highly regarded publishing house.

I wanted to make this edition of the book special, and I decided to include three new interviews with business leaders that will be of interest to the market here. One interview is with an award-winning luxury British Ayurvedic wellbeing brand that has a strong Indian heritage; the other is with one’s of France’s influential ESG and CSR thought leaders and activists, who has worked in India, and the third interview is with a multi-award-winning Indo-German sustainable fashion brand that is doing great things.

I could not be prouder to have my book published in India, a country that was the first in the world to implement a national CSR law in 2014. A region that is a superpower, and has the fifth largest economy in the world, according to the International Monetary Fund. This means my book could not be timelier, because it is now vital for all national and international brands and businesses in India, to authentically commit to their CSR initiatives and build CSR into the heart of their brands and business strategies, and my book explains how to do this with purpose.

The Indian Government has started to raise consumer awareness, with its efforts toward reducing the country’s carbon footprint. Currently, India is the world’s third-largest emitter of carbon dioxide, after the US and China. According to an Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India and PricewaterhouseCoopers International report, landfills are brimming with so much urban waste that by 2050, India is going to need a landfill that’s the size of its capital, New Delhi. Indian consumers aren’t ignoring these horrifying numbers anymore.

More and more consumers are becoming aware of their choices and realising that whether it is clothes that they decide to throw away, nothing ever really goes ‘away’, it all ends up in a landfill. Human activities are clearly harming the global environment and brands have no choice but to migrate to sustainable solutions and work towards building a circular economy. Information is not only to educate people about environmental issues but also to guide them on how they can make a difference every step of the way.

In October 2022, PM Modi launched Mission LiFE movement (Lifestyle for the Environment), which is an India-led global mass movement that will nudge individual and collective action to protect and preserve the environment. PM Modi said the mantra of Mission LiFE is ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ and “Connects the powers of the people for the protection of this earth and teaches them to utilize it in a better way. Mission LiFE makes the fight against climate change democratic, in which everyone can contribute within their capacity. It inspires us to do all that can be done in our everyday life to protect the environment…and that the environment can be protected by making changes in our lifestyle.”

PM Modi added that the mission emboldens the spirit of the P3 model, Pro Planet People, uniting the people of the earth as pro planet people, uniting them all in their thoughts. It functions on the basic principles of ‘Lifestyle of the planet, for the planet and by the planet’…making my book both timely and relevant to the Indian market. Jai Hind!

 

Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations

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A reminder of why this book is important and relevant to your business, and your work.

 

There Is Nothing Like The Royal Air Force

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I have to say since I founded Serendipity PR and Media, I have had the privilege to meet some inspiring people, attend great gatherings, international travel for client work, speak at events featuring great minds…and I think on Friday 18 March, is one of my best moments. As you can see here, I was delighted to have been photographed with the Royal Air Force (RAF) at the Women in Conversation (WiC) event that I was moderating for Asian Voice newspaper.

It was the first WiC event, after a two-year hiatus due to the global pandemic, and there is a lot of time to make up for, as since 2019 the work on equal pay for equal work or for more diversity of the boards of companies has been stalled. This WiC event was back, bigger and bolder, with a strong panel that included acclaimed British singer songwriter, Rumer; award winning celebrity jeweller, Sam Ubhi, and Sahera Chohan, a business coach who was a TV presenter. We also heard from Group Captain Joanne Swainston, who spoke about some of the strides that have been made in the RAF towards diversity and inclusion.

The conversation we had struck a chord with the audience, and you always know it is a good event when the questions keep coming.

I think I also need to mention that having the RAF associated with the event was tremendously special. When I mentioned to people prior to the event that the RAF were supporting it, people were immediately in awe and impressed. It reinforced the idea to me how respected, trusted and loved the RAF is to many. Especially in this day and age, when sadly there are few organisations that we can truly say that we trust and hold in high-regard…but the RAF is one such institution.

Book, Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations Shortlisted

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This has been a good news week and humbling set against all the devastating news that is happening in Ukraine right now. The book, Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations, which was published in 2021 has been shortlisted by the UK Business Book Awards.

It is such a proud moment for me and the book, for it to be acknowledged and to be shortlisted, alongside a strong list of books and authors.

There are 15 global interviews in this book and I was lucky to interview these brilliant minds, as their wisdom and knowledge makes the book. I was also incredibly lucky to have environmental journalist, Lucy Siegle write the foreword for the book, which gives it context.

When I was writing the book, we were going into a global pandemic and I had no idea at that time, how much the pandemic would influence the book. COVID-19 has accelerated the need for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and put it high on the agenda for all types of businesses and sectors. Now more than ever, it is important for all organisations to have authentic CSR at the heart of both their business strategy and brand.

There is also a special chapter on India within the book, which for me is an important part of the book because we can learn so much from the East. In this chapter, I have interviewed an Indian Yogi, who talks about CSR and mindset, and that CSR is a shift in thinking for all entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business leaders, across all sectors and regions.

On a personal note, this book has been an achievement, because when writing it, I had just lost my mum. At that time I had this block in my head, where the words did not make sense. I now realise, that I was writing through grief.

I feel like a winner, and I have no fingers crossed. My hope now is that more people buy the book so that we can make the changes that this planet so desperately needs.

 

Women in Marketing Awards 2022: Serendipity PR Awarded A Commendation For Storytelling

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Last night I was at the Women In Marketing  (WiM) Awards, which was back after a two-year break due to the global pandemic and it was a brilliant affair, filled with lots of good people, particularly women doing remarkable things. Breaking stereotypes and making change.

I was shortlisted in the Storyteller category and was awarded a commendation.

I am very proud to be acknowledged as the stories I write and the podcasts I do are always about corporate social responsibility, climate change…things that matter.

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Central London team recognised a need for women in the industry to be acknowledged, celebrated, and empowered to fulfill their potential. This led to the setting up the first WiM event to coincide with International Women’s Day on Work-Life Balance. Since then, the annual WiM events have grown and tackled topics such as ethical marketing, the creatives, branding, and diversity in marketing, with the purpose of provoking discussion and inspiring women in the industry and the wider business community.

The popularity of the events led to the introduction of the first WiM Awards in 2010, where past award winners have included senior executives from Burberry, Google, Facebook, Hearst UK, Unilever, Diageo, IPG, SAP, Live Nation, and WPP.

Over the years, WiM has enjoyed the support of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the Marketing Academy and sponsor organisations such as ITV, Mondelez, Vodafone, HPInc, and IPG. And the support of some very special individuals: Gail Gallie, co-founder of Project Everyone, Sarah Speake, Daryl Fielding, Antonio Lucio, and Heide Gardner. WiM has evolved over the past decade, and now serves a global network of influential individuals across the sector.

Chartered Institute of Marketing -CIM – Sustainability Summit, 31 March, London

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Spring has sprung and we are re-emerging from this global pandemic, which means real-life events are back with a wonderful bang! Between March and April, I have a few events coming up, including this Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Sustainability Summit on 31 March in London.

The number of challenges we face is overwhelming at the moment. However, the environmental challenge (the biggest challenge) is one we can ALL do something about both individually and collectively.

If you want to:

  • Learn more about how you can become carbon literate, why it is so important, and the opportunities it brings?
  • Dive into and explore and understand the circular economy?
  • Hear all about the importance of effective communication, how to talk about sustainability, the power of authentic storytelling and the significant role marketing has in changing the course we are on?
  • Find out what initiatives and solutions are out there to support you and your business on your sustainability journey, no matter what point you are at?

Then come along to CIM | The Chartered Institute of Marketing which has a host of amazing people – Sue Fennessy, James George, Michelle Carvill – MA, FCIM, Author, Emily Laws, John Grant, Helen Hepworth FCIM, Phil Korbel, Jennifer Wilson, Purpose Disruptors (with more names to be announced) all eager to share and drive change for a better future.

Come and ask questions, get involved in discussions, and most importantly grow your sustainability network to help support you and your business moving forward. For more information and to book click here – https://bit.ly/35GkIAE

We all need to drive change for a better future. The United Nations climate panel warned us on 28 February in its major new report that it released, that climate change is upon us and humanity is far from ready,

Shortlisted for Women in Marketing 2022 Awards: Storyteller of The Year

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Well, am over the moon to let you all know that I have been shortlisted for this year’s Women in Marketing (WiM) Awards, in the category of Wim Storyteller of The Year, which recognizes my corporate social responsibility, climate change, and sustainability interviews and news pieces that I have been writing over the years.

This year’s WiM Awards are entitled, Hope, Humanity & Healing and it is extra special as is back after a two-year hiatus.

It is such a great feeling to be shortlisted, especially, as my work has been valued by a panel of judges. It has made all those moments of hustling, chasing those interviews, being away from home…worth it!

The Awards take place on 2 March, so fingers crossed till then!

Goodbye 2021 and Happy New Year

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Well, I have not written anything for a long time here and apologies for that, but the latter part of the year became extraordinarily busy with client work, book work and teaching. By the time December arrived, there was still no sign of things slowing down. Christmas suddenly had arrived, and a few days before Christmas eve, I decided to down tools till January arrived, otherwise, I knew I would completely miss out on the feeling of Christmas that I love.

Serendipity PR was featured in the Women of the City Magazine, which was such a coup and helped create lots of book and business opportunities.

One of the highlights of 2021, was that I attended COP26, where I was in the blue zone with the world leaders. I managed to hustle and get into the opening session with Sir David Attenborough, Prince Charles, and other world leaders. It was an incredible and lasting experience. I also had the unexpected moment to meet Prime Minister Modi and have my photo taken with him!

COP26 itself was very chaotic, frenetic, and disorganised. But amid all this noise, there was an underlined message, that kept cropping up at the World Leaders plenary sessions and at the fringes, which is this – all businesses have an important role to play in helping to shift the climate change needle within the next ten years. World leaders acknowledged that there are businesses with more wealth and resources than most governments, who can invest in finding new technologies and renewable energies to fight climate change and these businesses needed a seat at the table. Along with the big businesses, the world leaders also spoke about how it was important for small businesses to have authentic corporate social responsibility, which proved to me how relevant and important my book is – Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations.

At Serendipity PR, we had the opportunity to work on some fabulous client projects, which included working on the curry awards again for the third year running, which is always a joy to be able to champion the best curry houses on our high streets. In other client work, we not only managed to generate 52 pieces of international coverage for Constructive Voices but also helped to create new business opportunities by creating relevant media partnerships.

There have been lots of good things that happened this year, despite living parts of the year in lockdown with limited travel. It has been a kinder year, which has sown seeds for new things in 2022.

Happy New Year All!

 

Waterstones, Enfield, 30 September from 6.30pm to 8.30pm

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Life has been slowly limping back to some kind of normal and as our children head back to school and we master a hybrid working from home and office, we are also now experiencing events. So, am very excited to announce that I will be hosted by my local Waterstones in Enfield, for their very first book event since the pandemic, which will also be my first face-to-face book event since the book was published this February!

It will be a small gathering of people who are interested in corporate social responsibility, ethical business, and of course in my book itself, Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations.

If you would like to know more about the event and perhaps even join me on 30 September do drop me a line at sangeeta@serendipitypr.co.uk

 

Ethical Consumer Week 2021 Closing the Climate Gap, 16 to 22 October, 2021

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Ethical Consumer Week is returning for a second year and I am pleased that I will be part of the week, running a session about corporate social responsibility (CSR), based around my book, Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations, and I will be joined by social founder, James Thirlwall, founder of animalltea, an ethical tea company.

This year, Ethical Consumer Week will be looking at what it will take to bridge the gap? How can businesses, governments, and consumers work together to make the change required? And what might a fairer, more equitable world look like on the other side?

What’s special about Ethical Consumer Week is that people can sign up and pay what they feel for their tickets for each event.

In the session, I am hosting with James,  entitled, How to put CSR at the heart of your company and maximize the business benefits? We will be discussing how now, more than ever, it is important for all types of businesses to have authentic CSR initiatives that are not a publicity spin. Research shows that CSR improves long-term business performance and that consumers are more likely to buy from companies with strong ethical values. Customers and employees are speaking with their values as well as their wallets!

CSR is a critical part of a company’s performance and reputation. In this webinar, you will learn how to incorporate CSR values into a business strategy and brand. You will also understand the difference between CSR and PR.  This will enable you to create strong, enduring brands, where the PR and marketing flows from the CSR values, benefitting your business, employees, customers, and investors.

 

 

James will be sharing his insights about starting an ethical and purpose-led brand. James launched animalltea during the global pandemic and has CSR baked into its business strategy. animalltea is a UK speciality tea company that uses 100% of its net profit to fund wildlife conservation. All its teas are pesticide-free, organic or biodynamic, and what’s special about this brand is that it exists to protect wildlife, supports sustainable farming, and wants to inspire a love of nature in our communities  –  all through tea.

We’re not on track to meet global emission reduction goals and we need everyone on board to make the impact needed. This includes all types of businesses. CSR is the future of business, and it is the time for all types of businesses to have CSR as the lifeblood for all their customers and employees.

Click here for more details about the session and how to book, and we hope to see you there!

Here’s a link to know more about my book, Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations