Tehseen Zaidi, Head | Communications - Syngenta India Pvt Ltd has been recognized as Most Inspiring Communication Professional of the Year - 2022, Delhi by Business Mint

Tehseen Zaidi is a communications professional. she has worked at the cutting edge of journalism, PR, and advocacy communications while handling an array of industries, including agriculture, FMCG, aviation, and automobiles, across my professional paths. Her expertise comes from deep analytical capability, policy analysis & advocacy evaluation, strategic communication, and media network.  

Numerous years of continuous engagement with corporates, government, and policymakers have enabled me to build a vast network of influencers at all levels of the economy. I have also demonstrated capabilities in organizing and executing advocacy-based conferences, event-centric brand & marketing engagements, press conferences, and media familiarisation trips.

My professional experience grew richer through 15 years across industries like media, public relations, and NGOs. As a seasoned communications professional and a former journalist, I worked with NDTV 24x7 for over a decade handling various portfolios from reporting to corporate communications, research, and lining up panelists for prime time and weekend special programs. I was the editorial producer for NDTV’s flagship programs like ‘The NDTV Dialogues’, ‘Your Call’, 9:00 pm news, and ‘Left, Right, and Centre. However, I delivered exceptional results while handling my core responsibility of the channel’s PR, tie-ups, holding statements, and Press Releases.   

As a specialist in revamping communications, I restructured communications from reactive to proactive at Sasakawa India Leprosy Foundation. I moved on to Syngenta India to rebuild the communications and media relations for the organization.

I strongly support women’s and child’s rights, gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. These are the social aspects close to my heart, and I appear regularly as a panelist or speaker for these topics at various events.  While working with NDTV, I developed strong professional relationships with Ministers, Members of Parliament, Socialites, Celebrities, and Senior Editors who are key assets for public affairs and helpful to any organization centered on communications or public relations. My specialization includes strategic communications with expertise in media relations, government relations, liaison, social media management, and networking. 

I have bagged many awards and accreditations for successful social media campaigns and effective communications and secured the limelight for the brands I have represented. I evolved as a Public Affairs and Communications Specialist by acquiring crucial skills like brand management, networking, leadership, and team building. I have had many milestones during my professional stint with various organizations. Still, the absolute pleasure was doing my bit by helping my women colleagues grow and carve a niche for themselves while honing their skills. 

I am still working towards leaving a mark in the industry and setting a roadmap for aspiring communications professionals. It not only takes professional expertise but a sense of belongingness towards the employer and a sense of responsibility towards society to be a communication and public affairs, expert. Hence, Public Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility go hand in hand. 

I firmly believe that I have balanced belongingness and responsibility to derive maximum benefit to the brand and the best outcome for society. My achievements may not have come easy to me, but I know rugged roads usually take us to beautiful destinations. Though I have evolved to be an expert, the journey continues!