#WeLeadComms: Vandana Subramanian

Bangalore-based communication leader Vandana Subramanian is the first #WeLeadComms honoree of 2026.

Vandana is a communications leader who brings together strategic clarity, narrative depth and creative intelligence to transform how organisations communicate, connect and inspire. With experience across global companies and diverse industries, she has built a reputation for translating complexity into communication that drives alignment, strengthens culture and influences behaviour.

Vandana’s perspective is shaped by a richly diverse background. Growing up across different regions of India and fluent in multiple languages, she developed an early awareness of cultural nuance, audience mindset and contextual communication. As the eldest sibling, she naturally stepped into leadership and responsibility—skills that now define her approach: calm, clear, adaptive and grounded in empathy.

Across her career, Vandana has delivered high-impact communication across the full spectrum—corporate communications, internal communication, leadership messaging, change communication, culture storytelling and employer branding. She has shaped organisational narratives, built leadership communication frameworks, strengthened employee engagement and elevated employer value propositions to attract and retain talent. Her work is anchored in a core belief: communication is not a downstream function but a strategic engine that shapes culture, reputation and organisational momentum.

Vandana is also the creator of Conversations with Chikku, a storytelling platform where creativity meets communication insight. What began as simple sketches has evolved into a distinctive narrative format that uses everyday moments to illustrate essential communication principles—making complex ideas relatable, visual and memorable. It reflects her ability to find meaningful stories in the ordinary and convert them into learning.

Her curiosity is continually fuelled by varied interests—reading, fitness, fiction, anime, travel, long drives, cooking and music—each broadening her perspective and influencing the originality she brings to her work.

Across every environment, Vandana stands out for her ability to merge strategy with humanity. She leads with intention, listens with curiosity and delivers with impact—bringing clarity, culture and narrative strength wherever the work demands.

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#WeLeadComms is a partnership between Strategic and IABC, recognizing communication leaders worldwide for the courage, initiative and leadership we bring to our daily work.

Written by: Editor