At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Akbar Askari for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Akbar is an Entrepreneur and Founder of Deft PR and Communications, his inspiring journey so far and his advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Akbar:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My journey into the world of PR and communications began in 2007 when I pursued a PG Diploma in Public Relations from the University of Lucknow. I was fortunate to secure a role as a Public Relations Officer (PRO) at one of Lucknow’s renowned hospitals right after completing my studies. From there, I kept moving forward, continuously learning new skills that would shape my professional career.
Working with both small and mid-sized firms gave me invaluable exposure, allowing me to build expertise from the ground up. After spending eight enriching years at a boutique PR firm in Gurgaon—where I joined as a founding member—I had the opportunity to hire talent, set up an office from scratch, business development and lead a team of 5-6 professionals. This experience proved to be a turning point as I managed client servicing for both national and international brands and the media relations etc.
Post-COVID, I took the boldest step in my career—leaving my job to start my own PR and communications venture, Deft PR and Communications, in Noida. With the support and mentorship of industry veterans, I embarked on this entrepreneurial journey, determined to make an impact in the ever-evolving world of PR.
‘Deft PR and Communications’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
I initially considered the name ‘Building Blocks,’ but colleagues felt it sounded more like real estate than communications. After brainstorming over 100 names with my elder brother for a month, he suggested DEFT, meaning “skilful and quick.” It resonated with my work, and I registered it immediately.
At Deft PR and Communications, we help brands enhance their visibility through news, social media, podcasts, and campaigns, ensuring they reach the right audience effectively.
Also, we work as a communication partner/advisor with various clients/organizations and help them to achieve their communication objectives in a planned and strategic manner.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
Trust in God Almighty gave me the courage to start my own venture, and this faith keeps me going through tough times. I am also grateful for the support of my mentors and close friends, both within and outside the PR industry.
Their guidance and encouragement have been invaluable, always helping me navigate challenges and crises.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
Be Honest and dedicated to your work and clients, and be grateful to God for everything and always keep one small curious child alive in your life.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
I will say it straight that there are many factors but if you really have to have the key elements then to me these are the ones:
1) Give your 200% to each project and work
2) Always keep learning new skills
3) Build and maintain the network
4) Positive Attitude
5) Family is very important
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
Look at your role not just as a job function, but as a collective domain comprising several job roles and responsibilities. You should be able to identify the key skills and personality traits required to succeed in brand, media, digital, influencer, product, or any other area of marketing.
Most early starters get lost among marketing verticals within the first 5-7 years and find it hard to switch roles after that. Career decisions require a long view of what comes after and a good understanding of personal skills and ambitions. Make informed choices and build a professional life that empowers your lifestyle.
There is so much to be shared, but this conversation limits how much I can communicate on this platform. Students and young professionals regularly reach out to me on LinkedIn with their specific queries.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
Receiving great feedback from those inspired by our work and who referred us to new brands and organizations is truly rewarding. Watching my colleagues grow in their careers and achieve new milestones is especially fulfilling—I see their success as my own.
I also find joy in mentoring people I know, training them to be part of Deft, and helping them grow alongside the organization. For me, success has never been about individual achievements but about growing as a team.
Being recognized for my work is gratifying, not for the accolades themselves, but because they serve as a reminder that I am on the right path.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
