Meet Our New Director – Communications & External Relations | Deepti Soni

Can you tell us a little more about your background and your journey so far?

My journey so far? Oh, it has been a thrilling ride – kind of like the rhythm of a heartbeat, with all its ups and downs, and (thankfully) never a dull flat line. I started out as a Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry (ZBC) graduate who was equally passionate about science and communications. Naturally to me but surprising to those around me, after graduation, I made the logical yet giant leap into mass communications, specialising in advertising and public relations. From there, I joined one of the world’s top media houses, where I got my feet wet in field and desk reporting. As a newbie, it was a crash course in the real world – intense, eye-opening, and full of learning.

The next chapter took me to a diplomatic mission, where I dove headfirst into Digital Diplomacy and Media Engagements. It was a fast-paced, steep learning curve where I worked with four British Prime Ministers, royalty, and hundreds of ministers and dignitaries. And yes, I also got trained as a crisis communicator – the kind who runs towards trouble rather than away from it. One of the most unexpected lessons? Learning how to prepare a flight manifest document!

After that, I stepped into the world of international humanitarian work as a regional spokesperson, dealing with national and international crises, including helping ease tensions between warring nations. I did it all – from crisis management to strategic communications. My next adventure led me to academic institutions – one a prestigious establishment, the other a start-up. Both experiences were equally transformative. I have worked in public policy, managed government relations, and even got excited about India’s future as a manufacturing hub. Let’s just say, it has been a fulfilling ride.

The best part of this journey? The lifelong friendships and bonds I have built along the way. Oh, and the fun moments too – like seeing my face on giant hoardings, sharing a meal with a Prime Minister, and receiving personal thanks and gifts from royalty. Surprising? Definitely. Rewarding? Absolutely. Would I want to change it? Nope!

Talk to us about your areas of professional expertise and personal interests.

Communications, communications, communications – this has been my world from day one. I kicked off my career chasing stories as a media person, then did a fun plot twist and hopped to the other side of the fence to become a communications professional. Instead of information seeker, I became information provider – building and shaping the narrative.

Why do I love what I do? The magic cocktail of strategy, storytelling, and people. My core strengths lie in Strategic Communications & Advocacy, Stakeholder Engagement, Crisis Communications, Media Relations, Internal & Digital Communications, Team Leadership, Policy & Campaign Management, and building strong and wide networks that last. I have dived deep into areas like foreign policy, gender equality, respectful maternal care, girl child education, climate action, sustainable agriculture, and more, with each experience adding a new layer to my understanding of the world and how to talk about it impactfully.

Beyond the workplace, I am an aspiring shooter (yep, the target kind!) with a few state-level wins under my belt. Nationals are next on my radar. I am also a foodie and traveller who loves discovering local cultures and cuisines. Movies are my lazy-bone zone – I enjoy films across languages and genres, and I have even named my car after one of my all-time favourites ‘Sholay’, complete with its theme song as my ringtone.

Tell us more about your role at NLSIU.

In my capacity as the Director Communications & External Relations, I manage six large and key portfolios at the NLSIU – Admissions, Alumni Relations, Careers & Placements, Communications, and Development/Fundraising, and External Relations. In every aspect of my role, I am deeply engaged with a diverse range of stakeholders – both within and outside the University. I also have the privilege of shaping and safeguarding the NLSIU brand, which includes establishing clear and consistent guidelines for how brand NLSIU is represented across platforms.

It is a demanding role, but one that is incredibly fulfilling. I get to not only highlight the strengths of NLSIU but also actively drive its future forward growth – attracting the brightest minds as students and faculty, nurturing a powerful national and global alumni network, maintaining a stellar placement record, and building on our academic and industry partnerships. With the unwavering support of visionary leadership and a driven, talented team, I am committed to taking NLSIU to the next level.

What leadership qualities are you an advocate of, and the role it can play at a workspace?

Joy and empathy top my list of essential leadership qualities. We spend more than half of our waking hours at work, and ideally, the workplace should be a source of joy. If my team members are not able to find those little moments of happiness during the day, they know they have someone empathetic to turn to, someone who will listen and understand. Across all the organisations I’ve been a part of, it has been my constant endeavour to build an enabling environment where team members feel safe, heard, and valued, where they are encouraged to share their thoughts openly. I firmly believe that happy teams are motivated teams, and that is what transforms a workplace into a space we genuinely look forward to being at each day.

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