Mumbai: On this International Women’s Day 2025, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women across the world. From breaking barriers to leading change, women continue to redefine possibilities and shape a future that is inclusive, diverse, and full of opportunity.
This year, let’s not just acknowledge their contributions but actively champion their voices, aspirations, and rights. Because when women rise, the world rises with them. Here’s to progress, equality, and an unstoppable future—driven by women, for everyone.
Nikky Gupta is an entrepreneur, strategist, and change maker who has redefined public relations with a people-first approach. At just 26, she founded Teamwork Communications Group (TWC) with Rs 8,000, determined to build a platform that fosters meaningful communication. Over the past 15 years, TWC has established itself as India’s first healthcare-specialist PR agency, working closely with leading hospital chains, pharmaceutical companies, and advocacy groups. Expanding its reach beyond healthcare, the agency has made a strong impact in education, lifestyle, and corporate sectors, helping brands strengthen credibility through strategic storytelling and well-structured outreach.
With a deep understanding of market trends and media landscapes, Teamwork Communication Group crafts compelling communication strategies that help brands connect with their target audience effectively. Our expertise spans multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, technology, finance, lifestyle, real estate, hospitality, and CSR initiatives. We take a tailored approach to every client, ensuring that our campaigns align with their business goals and market positioning.
At Teamwork Communication Group, we believe in the power of storytelling and the impact of strategic communication. Our team of experienced PR professionals, journalists, digital strategists, and media experts work collaboratively to create innovative campaigns that drive visibility and engagement. We pride ourselves on:
Through years of expertise and successful campaigns, Teamwork Communication Group has established itself as a trusted partner for brands looking to strengthen their public image and reach a broader audience. Our commitment to excellence, creative storytelling, and strategic communication ensures that our clients receive the best-in-class PR services that drive growth and brand recognition.
Her career began in journalism, where she sharpened her ability to construct compelling narratives. Identifying the need for specialised communication, she transitioned to public relations. Her expertise in crisis communication, reputation management, and large-scale advocacy campaigns has contributed to shaping industry narratives and driving policy discussions.
Nikky has also co-founded the Integrated Health & Wellbeing Council, a platform dedicated to healthcare advocacy and awareness. Her ability to adapt to shifting industry dynamics and embrace innovation has kept her ahead of the curve. Whether leading crisis communication efforts or introducing new engagement strategies, she enables businesses to stay agile and effective in their messaging.
Nikky’s leadership is not confined to business growth. She has cultivated a workplace culture that values inclusivity, empathy, and mentorship. She actively supports women at every level, guiding them toward leadership roles and encouraging an environment where ambition and talent are nurtured. Her approach ensures that success is shared and opportunities are accessible to those willing to learn and grow.
A mother of two, she continues to balance responsibilities with a passion for learning, evolving with every new challenge, and assuring her work makes a lasting difference.
Nikky Gupta Co-Founder & CEO, Teamwork Communications Group in conversation with Kalpana Ravi on the challenges over the years women face, has it changed with the changing times or women still have to work doubly hard to prove themselves…..
What are some of the biggest challenges women still face in leadership roles, and how can organisations foster real change?
Women in leadership often face double standards. Confidence is seen as arrogance, decisiveness as being difficult. They have to prove themselves repeatedly, while men in the same roles are trusted by default.
So, how do organizations foster real change? First, they need to stop treating gender diversity like a box to check. Just hiring more women or promoting them to leadership roles doesn’t mean much if their ideas are overlooked, their authority is questioned, or they have to work twice as hard for the same acknowledgement.
Real change occurs when companies actively challenge bias at every level; who gets promoted, who gets heard in meetings, who’s given leadership training and mentorship. It means focusing on establishing women in leadership. It also means creating a culture where they don’t have to second-guess every decision just to avoid being labelled “too aggressive” or “too emotional”.
Women still handle a disproportionate share of caregiving, so rigid work structures make leadership harder to sustain. If companies want more women at the top, they need to make space for them to lead without hesitation, without unnecessary scrutiny, and with the same level of trust that their male counterparts receive.
With evolving work environments, how can companies better support women in achieving a healthy work-life balance?
Support means giving women the freedom to manage their schedules without guilt. Too often, they carry the invisible load…juggling responsibilities at work and home while feeling the pressure to be everywhere, doing everything. Flexibility shouldn’t be a privilege; it should be standard practice. No one should have to choose between showing up for their families and showing up for their careers.
Companies that truly care about balance focus on outcomes, not hours logged. They create environments where taking time off doesn’t mean falling behind, and career growth isn’t tied to being constantly available. I always say, work should fit into life, not take over it. When people feel supported, they give their best, at work and beyond.
How can media and advertising play a stronger role in shaping positive and empowering narratives for women?
Women don’t need to be framed as exceptions or inspirations to be taken seriously. They’ve always been capable, but media often chooses to highlight struggles over achievements. The focus should be on their expertise, leadership, and impact, not whether they’ve managed to “break barriers”.
Genuine representation happens when women are shown as decision-makers, innovators, and thought leaders without needing to justify their place. Media shapes perception, and if those in charge of storytelling make better choices, the message to society changes too.
As more women enter STEM and digital fields, what initiatives can help bridge the gender gap in these industries?
Well, hiring isn’t the problem, retention is. Women leave STEM jobs at a higher rate because of unequal opportunities, lack of mentorship, and workplaces that don’t create space for them to grow.
Companies need to ask why talented women are stepping away instead of assuming they aren’t interested. Support calls for equal funding, strong professional networks led by those who’ve been through the system, and policies that allow them to advance without obstacles.
What steps can individuals and businesses take to empower women towards greater financial literacy and independence?
Financial independence comes from knowledge and confidence. Many women earn well but hesitate when it comes to investing or negotiating. That hesitation comes from years of being told money decisions aren’t their responsibility.
Businesses can help by being transparent about pay, offering financial education, and ensuring women are part of key financial conversations. On a personal level, it starts with open discussions…sharing insights, asking questions, and normalising financial decision-making as something everyone should be involved in.
