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Bridge India Event: I’m In Conversation with Anita Kaushal, Co Founder, Mauli Rituals, 16 February at 6.30pm

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I have a love and an interest in wellbeing and Ayurvedic products.

If you are curious about Ayurveda, join me for this special event where I am speaking with Anita Kaushal co-founder of the multi-award-winning Mauli Rituals, which is one of my favourite Ayurvedic brands. Heralded by Vogue UK, Tatler, Harpers Bazaar, and others it is a fabulous brand with lots of soul.

I got to know the brand first before I met Anita Kaushal and I had the privilege of interviewing Anita for the Indian edition of my book, Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations and I fell in love with this brand more!

There’s so much to learn and know about Anita, Ayurveda, and her very successful brand, as Mauli Rituals is one the first Ayurvedic brands to enter the UK market… I am pleased to be back in conversation with Anita on 16 Feb at 6.30pm hosted by Bridge India

So if you are interested in wellbeing, want to know more about Ayurveda or just want good company and conversation, come along. Book via Bridge Indiahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bridgeindia/

 

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.

 

Elena Fernandes, The Supermodel Who Works To Fund Her Charity Work

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I don’t always get time to write about the things I am up to and the people I meet, but I could not let this event I did for Bridge India, slip by, when I interviewed, supermodel, actress, social media influencer and philanthropist Elena Fernandes. Why? Well, it wasn’t just because Elena so charming to interview, but completely candid, interesting, and thought-provoking. The evening, Elena inspired us all in the room with her heart and passion.

Elena was born in London to a Peruvian mother and Indian father. She still lives in London, and today is a globe trotter, working out of London, Dubai, Mumbai, and New York. Elena’s impressive career started with a 12-page editorial for Vogue India, has graced the front covers of big magazines from Vogue, GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar and has been featured in advertising campaigns for well-known brands such as Adidas. Elena is leading the life, that some of us probably dream of – walking the red carpet, attending the British Fashion Awards, Cannes Film Festival, as well as the fashion week schedule.

And there’s something for Bollywood lovers too, Elena has a flourishing film and tv career, with her first role was with Dharma Productions’ “Kapoor & Sons” and has since starred in Housefull 4 and Jawaani Jaaneman. Her starring role in ‘Cheat India’ was well received and is currently in talks to appear in multiple big budget film projects in India and abroad.

Elena has beauty and brains, holding a Law degree from Kings College, University of London, and is very proud of her philanthropic work.

One of the things that struck me about Elena before I got to meet her, was all the different roles that she had, which got me thinking…most of us think when we are growing up that we want to be a lawyer, a teacher, a nurse, doctor – it’s just one thing. I was curious and my first question to Elena was “when you were growing up, did you say, I want to be whatever I want to be?” and her answer was “Yes”, she explained that she believed that we all can be who and what we want to be, irrespective of what age we are, and that we are constantly evolving.

My interview with Elena criss-crossed a whole host of topics from the challenges she has faced to her proudest moment, and what it was like working in Bollywood. We also chatted about whether the modelling industry has really changed to be inclusive and diverse. My takeaway is that colour still matters and while there has been some shift in thinking, a real change of mindset is needed for inclusivity and diversity to become normalised in this fickle industry.

I really wanted to explore Elena’s philanthropic work, which is very important to her, and she has set-up your own charity, iAmChange, which looks after stray animals in India. Elena’s passion really comes through when she talks about her charity work and the causes close to her heart. She told us that she worked to fund her charity work and causes. That’s what drives her.

I wanted to know who was inspiring Elena right now and I loved her answer, it was fresh and honest, it was a simple, “Me.” It was pure. It made me realise we should all be able to say that, but we don’t allow ourselves to acknowledge how far we have come, what we have done or the wins that we have had in our lives.

The final bit of wisdom that Elena gave us is if people try to put you down, question your dreams, your success, or just give you any negativity, “Remember it is their problem, not yours.”

 

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.

 

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!

 

Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations – Now in the US

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