#222 Ananda Shakespeare's Insights on Media and PR

The Matrix Green Pill

About Ananda Shakespeare
Ananda Shakespeare is the founder and CEO of Shakespeare Communications, a leading public relations firm in Dubai. A former journalist with extensive experience in corporate and consumer PR, Ananda is a passionate advocate for ethical communication. Her career journey includes stints at renowned organizations such as BBC Radio 4, Time Out Dubai, and Middle East Economic Digest. With a focus on storytelling and authenticity, Ananda has successfully transitioned from journalism to PR, building lasting client relationships and championing causes close to her heart, such as sustainability and veganism.

About This Episode
In this episode of The Matrix Green Pill Podcast, host Hilmarie Hutchison sits down with Ananda Shakespeare to discuss her inspiring career journey. Ananda shares her transition from journalism to founding Shakespeare Communications, a move she describes as "accidental."

She reflects on her early days as a journalist in the UK and her eventual move to Dubai in 2005, where she worked with notable publications like Time Out Dubai. Ananda delves into the evolution of the PR landscape in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of digital strategies, influencer-led PR, and maintaining strong media relationships.

Ananda also discusses some of her most memorable campaigns, including the launch of cinemas in Saudi Arabia after a 35-year hiatus, and her involvement in COP28, advocating for plant-based initiatives. Her insights into networking, the power of storytelling, and ethical communication make this episode a must-listen for PR enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs

Quotes

1:13 - I've always wanted to be a journalist.

3:05 - I call myself the accidental PR.

4:28 - I'm very deadline driven.

4:48 - You have to really be able to pull out the stops and make things happen.

5:11 - It's very helpful to know and understand exactly what journalists want, down to the very details.

6:37 - There's more data-driven PR now, but still an emphasis on storytelling and authenticity.

7:53 - I think those relationships are really, really important to media relations.

8:58 - You really need to spend time networking I think that's vital and not always be at your desk.

10:38 - Always go over and above.

13:30 - Networking is key.

13:47 - You've got to have a very broad network to win business.

14:22 - Leverage your storytelling and your writing skills and you can build those networks and also go to industry associations and do courses to help your transition.

14:51 - You have to keep learning new tools all the time.

15:17 - There's also lots to learn, and for me, learning is one of my key values, so I enjoy learning new skills.

15:52 - Having an agency background and not just working in-house is quite important, because you learn so much. You continue to learn with every client you have, so you can't replace experience. The best place to learn about PR is certainly in an agency because it's fast-paced, you're working over a variety of clients.

17:55 - Internships experience, again vital. I'd really encourage the younger generation to come and work with us. We're not scary. We want to mentor. So, take the plunge, be brave.

22:55 - I'd really encourage people to live their dreams and consider starting their own business. It's very rewarding.

Useful Links

Website:https://www.shakespearecomms.com

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/shakespearecomms/

Facebook:

The Matrix Green Pill Podcast: https://thematrixgreenpill.com/
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Capitole

1. #222 Ananda Shakespeare's Insights on Media and PR (00:00:00)

2. PR and Journalism in Dubai Evolution (00:00:04)

3. Media Relations and Networking in PR (00:07:30)

4. Transitioning From Journalism to PR (00:12:12)