Archana Jain’s story is a masterclass in rewriting the rules. A PR powerhouse, entrepreneur, and unapologetic lover of her gorgeous grey locks; she’s built a career on creativity, curiosity, and a refusal to conform. Inspired by a childhood of travel and books she found her calling in telling lasting stories. 

Archana has built more than a company—she’s built a culture of resilience and reinvention. Today, she leads PR Pundit, a 200-strong team with women at its heart (76% and counting!), offering second chances and smashing stereotypes along the way.

Her style? Effortlessly timeless. Her home? A sanctuary of courtyards and calm. And her playlist? A mix of Louis Armstrong’s soul and Taylor Swift’s sass—because every great story needs a killer soundtrack. Archana’s world is a testament to living with intention. She reminds us all that success isn’t about fitting in—it’s about standing out, gracefully and unapologetically.

JODI: Let’s kick things off with a classic: How would you describe yourself in a nutshell? What’s the first thing people should know about you?
ARCHANA: A devoted PR Practitioner and an entrepreneur. A woman who loves her grey locks!

JODI: Were there early influences—like books, people, or places—that first sparked your curiosity about communications or storytelling? Did you ever imagine yourself in a career like this? 
ARCHANA: Travel and books have always inspired me to think out of the box. I remember reading Margaret Mitchell’s ‘Gone with the Wind’, Leon Uris’ ‘Exodus’; and Jane Austen’s classics to ‘A Suitable Boy’ by Vikram Seth and used every available occasion to travel across India and even to far-off lands like Norway in the late 80’s. This combination of travel and books has not only built my curiosity to learn but also helped me communicate creatively.
Archana wears our Myna Wrap Dress

JODI: As a woman entrepreneur, what’s one challenge you faced early on that ended up shaping your career? And in a male-dominated industry, did you feel a little extra pressure to prove yourself differently? Has that influenced how you now support other women in the workplace? 
ARCHANA: More than gender, age was a constraint in my early years as an entrepreneur. Remember it was ahead of the start-up era and businesses wanted to see silver and experienced faces in the boardroom. While we cannot ignore gender equity across the globe at workplaces, what is more worrisome is the gender inequity in leadership. So it’s important for women to have strong female role models to inspire other women. That is a huge responsibility to shoulder.

Women-led enterprises become magnets for other women and I have contributed in small measure to empower women at PR Pundit. 85% of the practitioners at our company are women. We have welcomed women back into the workforce after they have taken a break to nurture a family by providing flexibility in work schedules and work from home to them, from as early as 2004.

JODI: Managing such a big team is no easy feat! What’s your secret for keeping everyone inspired and motivated daily?
ARCHANA: We are a 200 people strong team, with 170 practitioners who engage with clients to understand their needs and craft meaningful PR programmes to elevate perceptions and level up conversations. I believe culture flows from the top. My leadership mantra is collaboration and leading by example and from the front. I do not throw rank and I am always prepared to roll up my sleeves and work alongside my team. The language is never “xx works for me”; it’s always “xx is my colleague”.

JODI: They say entrepreneurs are lifelong learners. What’s something new you’re excited to learn or master right now?
ARCHANA: The possibilities that open up with the use of AI are extremely exciting. I am also ideating on a reverse mentoring programme.

JODI: Growing older is often seen as a loss of youth, but what’s something you feel you’ve gained with each passing year?
ARCHANA: As we age, we accumulate a wealth of valuable experiences and insights that contribute to our wisdom. This understanding of life allows us to make more informed decisions. I have also become more empathetic and compassionate. Ageing has accorded me a greater sense of self-acceptance. I have become more comfortable in my own skin, embracing my flaws and celebrating my unique qualities. This self-assurance adds great confidence and builds resilience.

Archana wears our Myna Wrap Dress 

JODI: How has your personal style evolved over the years—has it become more daring, refined, or even simpler? 
ARCHANA: I would say it has become well-defined. I think over the years you know what suits you much more.

JODI: Is there an age or moment when you felt most “yourself” in terms of style and identity? How does that style choice make you feel now?
ARCHANA: At 40. Embracing my greys. My personal sense of style was never trendy and erred on the side of timelessness, which continues to date.

JODI: You’ve seen style come and go—what’s one classic piece of clothing or accessory that you believe will never go out of style?
ARCHANA: A well-cut blue blazer

JODI: Do you think there’s a piece of clothing or accessory that represents the wisdom or power of age?
ARCHANA: Pearls

JODI: How has ageing influenced your perspective on beauty and self-care in new or unexpected ways?
ARCHANA: As I noticed wrinkles and lines, I started to become more regimented about moisturising my skin; using a night cream. Similarly, thinning of my hair has forced me to nourish my hair more frequently.

Archana wears our Rosella Handloom Co-ord Set

JODI: If you could pack a suitcase and jet off to any place in the world right now, where would you go? No limits.
ARCHANA: It will be France or Italy. Love the art, architecture and food.

JODI: What’s a surprising hobby or side passion that always brings you joy?
ARCHANA: Pottery

JODI: If you could add a completely ridiculous but fun rule to daily life, what would it be? Like, “Everyone has to start the day with a dance move!”
ARCHANA: Perhaps an ice lolly

JODI: They say art reflects the soul. Do you have a favourite artist or artwork that resonates with who you are right now?
ARCHANA: Indian art – Atul Dodiya remains my favourite.

JODI: You’re curating a playlist that captures your journey. Share your favourites?
ARCHANA: Music, audiobooks and podcasts are my favourite companions on the weekends and on my road trips. My professional journey would be captured in these:

‘What a Wonderful World’ by Louis Armstrong

‘Raise Your Glass’ by Glee (was our celebratory song when PR Pundit turned 25)

‘Shake It Off’ by Taylor Swift (PR Pundit’s anthem in its journey to 30 years)

‘No Time To Die’ by Billie Eilish 

Covers of books- Leon Uris’ ‘Exodus’; ‘A Suitable Boy’; and ‘Gone with the Wind’ 

JODI: If you could describe the beauty of growing older in one sentence, what would it be?
ARCHANA: A greater sense of self-acceptance

JODI: What are your go-to hangout spots in your home city Delhi? You know, the places that just vibe with you?
ARCHANA: Walks at Humayun’s Tomb

Breakfast at Dori Café

Drinks at the rooftop Cirrus, The Oberoi

Pizza at Bomba in my neighbourhood

Meet up with friends at Comorin, Gurugram

JODI: Let’s be real—what’s one thing about Delhi that drives you a little crazy/ that you find annoying? But on the flip side, what do you absolutely love about living in this city?
ARCHANA: Love the space the city affords and is frankly greener than other metros; but I hate the garbage on the streets! And the aggression and power play in the city is very unnecessary. 

JODI: And lastly, what’s your favourite JODI piece you’ve worn?
ARCHANA: I loved the burgundy Myna wrap dress.

Muse: Archana Jain
Photographer: Amisha Gurbani