#WeLeadComms: Sankalp Shukla

Today’s #WeLeadComms honors go to India-based communication leader Sankalp Shukla.

He shares his story here:

“I am a strategic corporate communications leader with over 17 years of experience in building brands, shaping leadership narratives, and driving corporate reputation across diverse industries, including manufacturing, energy, technology, apparel, aerospace, infrastructure, and public sector enterprises. Being recognized as a recipient of the prestigious Mint 40 Under 40 Award has further reinforced my commitment to creating meaningful business impact through strategic communication.

“Currently, I work as Deputy General Manager – Corporate Communications at Epsilon Carbon, where I lead integrated communications across multiple businesses within the Epsilon Group. My work encompasses corporate branding, media relations, digital communications, CEO profiling, crisis communication, employer branding, CSR communications, internal communications, and thought leadership. My focus is on building strong, future-ready brands while positioning our businesses as category leaders in emerging sectors such as electric mobility, battery recycling, advanced materials, and aerospace.

“My journey began in journalism, and that foundation continues to shape the communicator I am today. Working as a journalist with The Times of India taught me to identify stories that matter, ask the right questions, understand diverse stakeholder perspectives, and communicate with clarity, credibility, and purpose.

“Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with organisations undergoing significant transformation. Whether it was repositioning brands during periods of change at Siemens Enterprise Communications, strengthening iconic consumer brands such as Raymond, Park Avenue, and ColorPlus, or enhancing the corporate reputation of Aarti Industries through leadership-led storytelling and integrated communications, I have consistently believed that enduring brands are built on authentic narratives.

“One of the defining moments of my career came when a media announcement from Epsilon Advanced Materials was acknowledged in the joint statement issued by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and the President of the United States. It was a powerful reminder of how strategic communication can contribute to conversations of global significance. Another memorable milestone was seeing LICO Materials recognised as one of India’s most promising battery recycling startups, with our exhibit being visited by the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

“Beyond the corporate world, I have always been a storyteller at heart. Long before I entered communications, photography became my medium of observing, understanding, and narrating stories. As an award-winning photographer, my work has been exhibited and published across renowned galleries in London, Paris, Rome, and Los Angeles. I am also the author of three Hindi poetry collections and a co-author of short stories featured in three anthologies, with my literary work earning me a state-level award for creative writing. Whether through poetry, photography, or prose, storytelling has taught me the importance of authenticity, emotion, and human connection.

“For me, communication is far more than creating visibility. It is about building trust, shaping perception, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and delivering measurable business outcomes. I believe the role of modern communicators extends far beyond messaging, we are strategic advisors who help organisations navigate complexity, inspire confidence, and build brands through storytelling.”

+++