MinePRO Communications

The first public relations firm was founded in 1900 by Ivy Lee, a former journalist who is called the “father of public relations.”
The public relations industry is most famous for its intense competition and excellence. MinePRO Communications Private Limited has emerged as an industry leader, setting new benchmarks in strategic communication and client service.
At the steering wheel of MinePRO Communications is Mr. Ketan P. Sawant, the visionary Vice President. Mr. Sawant has played a major role in the company’s growth and reputation. His dedication to his strategic thinking and leadership skills has moved MinePRO up the ladder of success.
The company’s services include media relations, crisis management, corporate communications, and digital PR. MinePRO helps its customers build strong relationships with their stakeholders to improve brand reputation and achieve their goals by with strategic planning, innovative approaches, and deep industry knowledge.
Mr. Ketan P. Sawant is featured in our prestigious edition of “The Most Influential VP Setting the Bar for Excellence in 2024”. Discover the lessons, challenges, and invaluable advice from this visionary leader. Stay tuned for an inspiring tale of entrepreneurship and learn how Mr. Sawant has raised the bar in the public relations industry.

Prime Insights: Can you briefly describe your career journey and what led you to become a Vice President (VP) in your organization?

My career journey has been a progressive one, filled with deep commitment in the field of public relations and communications. I began my PR career in 2008, where I honed my skills in client servicing and media relations. With each passing year, my responsibilities grew, and I took on leadership roles that made me learn how to handle various client portfolios and surpass challenges. My zeal to excel, strategic thinking, and ability to lead teams effectively led me to my current role as Vice President at MinePRO Communications Private Limited, where I head the Real Estate and Infrastructure vertical.

Prime Insights: What core values do you believe are essential for a VP to successfully head a team?

The core values that are essential for a VP are integrity, accountability, and collaboration. Integrity strengthens trust, accountability leads to ownership, and collaboration channels team toward common goals and excellence.

Prime Insights: How do you define and measure success in your role as a VP?

Success as a VP is the achievement of strategic goals, client satisfaction, and the development of my team. I measure success through KPIs like client retention, new business acquisition, and successful method execution. Team growth and morale are also important factors of our success.

Prime Insights: What are the key strategies you have used to ensure your team consistently meets and exceeds performance targets?

I have made sure that my team consistently meets and exceeds performance targets by setting clear goals, having regular reviews, and prioritizing professional development. I advocate for communication and innovation to motivate team members to always bring new ideas.

Prime Insights: Can you share a specific challenge you faced in your role as VP and how you dealt with it?

One of the major challenges I faced was solving a huge crisis for a high-profile client in the real estate sector. The situation demanded quick decisions and strategic conversation to manage the client’s reputation and mitigate potential damage. I led my team in developing a crisis management plan that involved proactive media engagement, clear messaging, and transparent communication with stakeholders. Through careful planning and execution, we were able to protect the client’s reputation and even strengthen their brand image in the long run.

Prime Insights: In your opinion, what are the most critical leadership qualities that a VP should possess in today’s competitive environment?

As a VP in today’s competitive environment, I must be adaptable, foresighted, and emotionally intelligent. I channel industry changes, anticipate challenges, and create a positive work environment, so that my team thrives and builds strong stakeholder relationships.

Prime Insights: How do you use innovation and creativity within your team to maintain an edge?

I encourage creativity in my team by having direct and open communication and collaboration. I create a culture where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas. Regular brainstorming sessions and workshops inspire creativity. I recognize and reward innovative ideas to motivate my team.

Prime Insights: Can you describe a project you spearheaded that had a significant impact on your company’s growth?

I spearheaded a targeted business development strategy to expand our client base in the real estate sector. We got high-value mandates, boosting our revenue and market presence by leveraging our expertise and building strong relationships. From earlier 3 clients, this initiative enhanced our reputation as a leading real estate PR firm.

Prime Insight: How do you ensure continuous professional development for yourself and your team members?

Continuous professional development is important for being relevant in this changing field of public relations. I make certain of this by investing in regular training programs, workshops, and industry conferences for myself and my team members. I nurture a culture of learning and lead by example, encouraging team members to pursue certifications.

Prime Insights: What steps do you take to maintain a work-life balance while handling the demanding responsibilities of a VP?

I manage my time and delegate work to maintain a work-life balance. I set clear boundaries and promote a work-life balance within my team by providing flexible work hours and time for personal life.

Prime Insights: How do you stay ahead of industry trends and incorporate them into your strategic planning?

I read publications, attend conferences, and do networking to stay updated with trends. I tell my team to do the same and share insights in strategy meetings. We apply trends to our strategic planning to make sure that our communication strategies are current and forward-thinking.

Prime Insights: What advice would you give to aspiring VPs who aim to set the bar for excellence in their careers?

My advice to aspiring VPs is to be adaptive, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of a strong team. Excellence is not just about one person’s achievement but about inspiring and leading others towards a common goal. Always be open to new ideas, look at challenges as opportunities, and prioritize integrity and transparency in all your professional dealings.

Prime Insights: How do you approach decision-making when faced with high-stakes situations?

I carefully analyze high-stakes situations, consult with key stakeholders, and make swift decisions. I weigh risks, consider long-term implications, and seek team input. Once decided, I communicate, take responsibility, and ensure alignment with strategic goals.

Prime Insights: What role does collaboration with other departments play in achieving your objectives as a VP?

Collaboration with other departments is essential for achieving our objectives. In my role, I work closely with various departments such as marketing, sales, and operations to make sure that our communication strategies are in sync with the broader goals of the organization. This cross-functional collaboration allows us to create more integrated and effective campaigns using diverse expertise and achieve our performance targets more efficiently.

Prime Insights: Can you share an example of how you’ve navigated organizational change and what you learned from the experience?

One notable experience involved navigating a major organizational restructuring that impacted our team dynamics and workflow. I focused on transparent communication, keeping my team informed and engaged throughout the process. I streamlined operations with new processes and tools. Learned the importance of flexibility, planning, and emotional support during change.

Prime Insights: How do you prioritize and manage the various responsibilities that come with being a VP?

Prioritization is key to managing the diverse responsibilities of a VP. I start by identifying the most critical tasks that align with our strategic goals and allocating resources accordingly. I also delegate effectively, empowering my team to take ownership of specific projects while providing guidance and support as needed. Regular check-ins and performance reviews help me stay on top of ongoing initiatives and ensure that we are on track to meet our objectives.

Prime Insights: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement as a VP so far?

My greatest achievement as a VP has been leading my team through a period of significant growth and transformation. Led the team through major growth, expanding clients and reputation in real estate and infrastructure. Success reflects strategic planning, business development, and crisis management, a testament to my team’s dedication.

Prime Insights: How do you ensure that your leadership style aligns with your company’s mission and vision?

I believe leadership is about aligning personal and team objectives with the company’s mission and vision. I use a collaborative approach with open communication and shared goals. I regularly engage my team to discuss our vision and how their work contributes to it. I foster transparency and respect to encourage team ownership and commitment to long-term goals. I reflect on my leadership practices to adapt to the changing needs of the company and industries we serve. This keeps my team motivated, focused, and aligned with our mission to deliver exceptional value.

Prime Insights: Where do you see yourself and your team in the next five years, and what are your plans to achieve those goals?

I envision leading my team to become a trusted partner in the PR industry, recognized for our innovative strategies and client service. I plan to invest in continuous learning and professional development to stay ahead. We will explore new sectors and expand our client base. We will achieve sustainable growth and become leaders in the industry by encouraging innovation and agility.