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How does a central bank earn and maintain public trust over decades? What is the real art of crisis communication in the financial world? And how can communications leaders shape narratives in an institution as opaque and mission-critical as the Reserve Bank of India?

In this insightful episode of CommsCast – The Reputation Podcast powered by Adfactors PR, host Manibalan Manoharan, Senior Group Head – Digital at Adfactors PR, is joined by Alpana Killawala, veteran communicator and former Head of Communications at the RBI, who, for the past four years and more, serves as Strategic Advisor at Adfactors PR.

Alpana shares her learnings from working with six Governors of the Reserve Bank of India, shaping the RBI’s external and internal communication strategy during some of India’s most significant economic transitions. Drawing from her book A Fly on the RBI Wall, she offers stories, lessons, and behind-the-scenes insights on what it takes to communicate for a central bank that balances confidentiality with credibility.

Tune in to learn about:

• RBI’s evolving communication strategy
• How media relations were managed across governors
• Best practices in financial PR and strategic communication
• Transitioning from journalism to institutional communications
• Reputation management in high-stakes policy environments

Whether you're a communications professional, financial analyst, journalist, or student of public affairs, this episode offers a rare view into the storytelling and transparency that shape India's financial messaging.

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This episode of CommsCast – The Reputation Podcast powered by Adfactors PR features Aditya Chatterjee, author of The Evolution of Our Gods and Vice President at Adfactors PR, in conversation with Pavan R Chawla, Founder-Editor of Mediabrief.com.

Aditya shares the journey behind his remarkable book, which blends photography with deep insights into how India’s depictions of divinity have evolved over time. Described by kiran khalap as “seminal,” the book is built on more than 75,000 kilometers of travel and over 1,000 photographs, and it explores India’s spiritual and iconographic heritage in both visual and philosophical dimensions.

The conversation also explores reputation management in the age of AI, with Aditya highlighting why authenticity and curiosity are more important than ever for communications professionals.

The Evolution of Our Gods is a powerful reminder of the value of cultural understanding in crafting impactful communication.

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Episode 3 of CommsCast - The Reputation Podcast Powered by Adfactors PR features Sandra Stahl, cofounder of jacobstahl (now a Ruder Finn company), lecturer, and award-winning author, in conversation with Christina A Dsouza, Senior Account Director and Co-Lead of the Integrated Healthcare Practice at Adfactors PR. This episode explores Sandra’s three-decade-long career in public relations, particularly within healthcare, and her journey from the 1980s to becoming an agency co-founder.

The growing importance of reputation and communications: Sandra discusses her latest book, ‘Shifting Sands: Building Reputation in an Evolving Landscape’, highlighting the increasing significance of reputation in a world filled with grievances, misinformation, and rapid technological change. With India’s business landscape evolving, she emphasizes how strong communication strategies are essential for companies looking to attract investment and top talent.

New tools and technologies for communications professionals: The conversation delves into the latest tools in the communications industry, particularly AI, data analytics, and automation. Sandra stresses that while these technologies enhance efficiency, professionals must go beyond just using them—they must humanize the data, extract meaningful insights, and craft messaging that resonates with audiences.

The do’s and don’ts of reputation management: Christina and Sandra explore the critical aspects of reputation management, emphasizing authenticity, transparency, and proactive engagement. Sandra warns against inconsistent messaging and silence during crises, urging companies to communicate consistently and actively with their stakeholders.

The structure and accessibility of Sandra's book Shifting Sands: Sandra shares how ‘Shifting Sands’ is designed as a practical, non-linear guide for PR professionals. By focusing on clarity and accessibility, she ensures that readers can apply the book’s insights immediately, without being bogged down by industry jargon.

Balancing technology with human relationships in communication: Despite rapid technological advancements, Sandra asserts that strong human relationships remain at the core of effective communication. She highlights the need for PR professionals to stay informed about the evolving media landscape while maintaining personal, meaningful engagement with their audiences.

Insights from teaching experiences in India and the U.S.: Reflecting on her experiences as a lecturer, Sandra praises the curiosity and insightfulness of Indian students and emphasizes the importance of listening skills and empathy in PR. She believes young professionals must approach communication through the lens of their audience to be effective.

Future readiness and the role of PR in risk mitigation: Sandra outlines how communications plays a key role in future readiness and risk mitigation, helping companies navigate uncertainty through scenario planning and proactive messaging. She stresses that organizations must prepare for disruptions while strengthening internal communications to keep employees engaged.

The necessity of a strong reputation in today’s business landscape: Sandra reinforces that a strong reputation is not just a soft asset but a strategic necessity, impacting customer loyalty and financial success.

So here is Sandra Stahl in conversation with Christina A Dsouza, offering valuable insights from her book and experience. ‘Shifting Sands’ serves as a roadmap for navigating the complexities of communication in a fast-changing world. Listen to the episode, and share i