Ad Land’s Young Guns: Kaanchan Salunke, 80dB Communications

Kaanchan Salunke is an Account Executive at 80dB Communications. She is also a Graphic Designer and has worked for almost 5 years as a freelancer and in the corporate sector as well. She has also been an Art Director and after that changed her forte into Social Media Marketing. She has also collaborated with 100+ brands from fashion and beauty to hospitality, travel and lifestyle as an influencer and a vlogger. The switch from the creative field to marketing and now to PR has been a huge transition for Salunke. 

In conversation with Adgully, Kaanchan Salunke, Account Executive, 80dB Communications, speaks about her journey with her current organisation, long term career in PR industry, icons she looks up to, and more. 

What particular skill sets do you think you bring to the table?

I firmly believe that good communication, original thoughts, and time management are essential for success in the PR field. As an Account Executive, I am constantly driven to innovate and provide the best possible services to both my clients and the agency. My ability to be innovative, updated, and to effectively manage my time and deadlines allows me to accomplish my objectives. 

How did you join your current organisation?

I began my career as a graphic designer and worked for many MNCs and advertising agencies. Being in the creative field, I've always wanted to experience other environments. I made the decision to work as a social media manager for a hospitality industry because social media was flourishing. I gradually began freelancing and changed my professional direction to become a lifestyle and fashion YouTuber and influencer. Many PR agencies contacted me during that period for various campaigns, and during the course of that time, I worked with more than 100 different brands. My career had an abrupt lull when the pandemic hit strongly. Yet I persisted and kept on creating content to keep myself up to date with recent trends. Understanding how a PR agency operates has always been a goal of mine ever since I began my career as an influencer. I chose to apply via LinkedIn and was accepted to this fantastic position at 80dB Communications. I feel fortunate today to be a part of this PR agency and the educational setting. 

Who are the icons in this field whom you look up to and how have they influenced you and your work?

My mentors, Kiran Ray Chaudhury and Abhilasha Padhy, the Co-Founders, respectively, of 80dB Communications, are two incredible people who supported me and helped me along the way. I am immensely appreciative of them today for providing me the chance to join this incredible company. My journey also wouldn’t be complete without my managers, who continue to encourage me and have always had faith in me. I really think that you should put all of your effort into everything you do, without worrying about the outcome. Never give up and remain positive and motivated. Also, no matter what you accomplish, you always revise, modify and enhance. 

What are the most productive things that you do in your everyday routine?

• I like to plan my days ahead of time and be well-organised. I always have a detailed plan for my day 
• Regularly touch base with my co-workers 
• Lay down the objectives which I must fulfill each week and each month 
• Critically researching my clients 
• Create original content on the weekends 
• Find potential areas for improvement

Do you think a career in this field is a viable one in the long term?

In a single word, Yes! Communications and PR are extremely important in the new market all over the world. One gains a great deal of knowledge on daily developments taking place. The secret to success is developing relationships and always studying new information to become an expert in your field. 

What does it take to succeed in a career?

To succeed, one must be focussed on the planned goals and stay calm while exerting intense efforts. Of course, the value of hard work cannot be underestimated. 

What would be your advice to youngsters planning to enter this industry?

I want to provide some advice that I personally use in my daily life: 

• Develop effective communication abilities 
• Establish relationships 
• Keep up with the current affairs 
• Be flexible 
• Get relevant experience 
• Maintain solid work ethics. 
• A crucial component of the PR sector is networking

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

As I have only recently begun my career in PR, I’d like to keep working and gaining new knowledge every day so that I achieve leadership opportunities in future. 

Is there any organisation that you would like to work with in the future?

I have learned a lot at 80dB in a short span of time. I still have a lot more to learn. So, I’d like to stay in this organisation for some time and keep doing good work. This place is my happy place.