“In the digital age, a brand’s trust is its biggest currency—and a founder's story is the headline.”

ANUP SHARMA is a veteran communication strategist with over 25 years of experience, has shaped India’s public discourse through the lens of reputation, trust, and digital storytelling.

- Anup Sharma

A trusted advisor to global institutions like the World Bank, WHO, UNICEF and various Indian ministries, he has also shaped impactful campaigns for brands like Coca-Cola, Google India, and senior political leaders.

Recognized among the top 100 PR influencers globally, Anup brings strategic clarity, narrative depth, and a sharp understanding of trust-building in the digital age. Known for his strategic clarity and relatable wit, Anup currently serves on the board of Centre for Empowerment & Development Studies (CEDS India) and mentors young professionals and advises organisations on reputation and trust in the age of AI and attention deficit. An MBA in Advertising & PR, he is also a columnist, visiting faculty, and curator of events like TEDx and literary festivals.

Q. You started in advertising, dabbled in TV production, and then embraced PR and strategic communications. What made you commit to this profession?

A. I often say I didn’t choose organisations; it happened organically. In the late ‘90s, India was at the cusp of a media explosion. Satellite television was expanding, and dot-com start-ups were sprouting up every week. What fascinated me wasn’t just media creation—it was understanding audience psychology and insights. That curiosity led me through early stints at boutique advertising agencies and on television production houses. I later pursued an MBA in PR and Advertising to sharpen my strategic lens. The turning point was when I realised communications is the bridge between impact and intention. It’s where narratives shape reality.

Q. You’ve been part of various programs for WHO, the World Bank, and also the Ministry of Urban Development. What’s the strategic difference in working with the government, multilateral development organisations versus start-ups or corporates?