Gender

GENDER: OON TRANSFORMS BRAND COMMUNICATIONS

by Editorial Desk April 5 2025, 12:00 am Estimated Reading Time: 6 mins, 43 secs

OON, the world’s first women-led integrated marketing communications collective, founded by Rekha Rao, unites top industry experts to craft impactful brand narratives, drive strategic growth, champion inclusion, and deliver innovative, purpose-driven marketing solutions for businesses worldwide. The #Newsdesk reports…

OON, the world’s first women-led integrated marketing communications collective, revolutionizes brand storytelling with expertise in PR, digital marketing, reputation management, sustainability, and diversity advocacy. Led by industry veteran Rekha Rao, OON curates tailored strategies to help businesses scale, enhance visibility, and drive meaningful impact. Whether crafting compelling brand narratives, implementing ESG communications, or fostering inclusive workplaces, OON’s powerhouse team of seasoned professionals delivers customized, results-driven solutions. With a unique model blending collaboration, strategy, and creativity, OON empowers brands to thrive in a competitive, ever-evolving market. Partner with OON for innovative, purpose-driven marketing that connects, engages, and transforms.

A New Era for Marketing Communications In a groundbreaking move for the marketing and communications industry, a diverse group of leading women professionals has come together to form OON, the world’s first women-led integrated marketing communications collective. Conceived as a space where expertise meets collaboration, OON is the brainchild of industry veteran Rekha Rao, who has nearly three decades of experience in advertising, film production, public relations, and corporate marketing communications.

OON, which takes its name from the British dialectal form of “ONE,” has a dual mission: to provide clients with top-tier expertise across multiple domains and to create an unparalleled platform for independent women professionals and entrepreneurs. The collective comprises a powerhouse network of marketers, entrepreneurs, strategists, journalists, content specialists, art directors, filmmakers, LGBTQAI+ and PwD advocates, sustainability champions, digital marketers, influencers, and practising professionals from diverse fields such as law, medicine, and academia. All members bring at least 15 years of experience to the table, offering a rich reservoir of knowledge and insights.

Rekha Rao, Founder and CEO of OON, explained the driving force behind the initiative: "Over the years, I have seen women navigating multiple challenges to thrive and succeed in the demanding marketing, media, and communications industry. Many exceptional talents either quit or take a break from their careers, only to struggle to fit back in. The immense potential of women who have already proven their mettle, alongside those who possess exceptional talent but need the right opportunities, inspired me to create something unique—a format that connects these women with clients seeking expertise, experience, and dependability. OON is not just an agency—it’s a movement." 

A Fresh Approach to Integrated Marketing
OON stands apart by offering a bespoke, adaptable approach to integrated marketing communications. From design and advertising to PR, reputation management, digital marketing, public policy, advocacy, inclusion, sustainability communications, crisis management, and employee engagement, the collective curates expert teams tailored to the diverse needs of its clients.

Industry thought leader and OON mentor Roma Balwani believes this initiative is a game-changer: "OON is a collective of diverse skills and experience with proven expertise to offer holistic solutions for reputation and brand management. Today, the world needs to humanize brands and create long-term impact by integrating high-impact social campaigns with transparency, ethics, and governance. This platform gives a whole new meaning to setting the balance right for businesses and communities."

In a world where brands must do more than merely exist, OON aims to make them resonate, engage, and grow. Anshul Mishra, a Strategic Growth Partner at OON, emphasizes the importance of strategic scaling: "In today’s competitive and fast-evolving market, brands must do more than just compete—they must lead, thrive, and set new industry benchmarks. At OON, I will extend my core expertise in helping businesses scale while ensuring they break through growth plateaus to achieve sustainable, long-term success."

Creativity, a vital pillar of brand communication, is at the heart of OON’s philosophy. Amee Sanghvi, Creative Brand Partner at OON, articulates this approach: "Creativity is the algorithm that turns data into magic and business into art. We are creative brand architects, bridging business goals with human emotions. In this ever-evolving digital age, human connection is the ultimate differentiator."
Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Impact

OON is not just about brand building—it’s about reshaping narratives, fostering inclusion, and driving systemic change. Anusha Subramanian, an award-winning journalist and strategic content consultant at OON, is committed to amplifying authentic and inclusive narratives: "I’m happy to support this inspiring women’s collective by shaping meaningful communication that drives lasting impact."

The importance of public image and strategic communications in start-up culture is highlighted by Dipali Sikand, a serial entrepreneur and women empowerment champion: "Emerging businesses need more than a compelling idea to thrive. A specialized integrated marketing communications firm like OON can help start-ups increase brand awareness, attract investors, and establish themselves as industry leaders."

In the realm of workplace diversity, Gauri Sawant, a transgender activist and LGBTQIA+ counsel at OON, sees the collective as a critical ally: "Most corporations’ understanding of DEI stops at having a token diversity hire. At OON, we help corporations navigate the challenges of truly integrating LGBTQIA+ individuals into their workplaces, ensuring a well-rounded and authentic approach to inclusion."

This holistic perspective extends to environmental and social governance. Gayatri Ramanathan, a sustainability and ESG storytelling expert, underscores OON’s unique approach: "The idea of a collective providing multiple perspectives to clients is much-needed in Corporate India. When sustainability communications are crafted with the expertise of change management specialists, lawyers, and journalists, the impact is unparalleled."

A Space for Collaboration and Growth
For many of its members, OON represents an extraordinary model of professional collaboration. Minari Shah, a corporate and brand narrative expert, believes that the strength of the collective lies in its flexibility and breadth: "OON is much more than a networking initiative—it’s a women’s cooperative of diverse skills and multi-faceted experience. The permutations and combinations of expertise it offers go far beyond any traditional brand-building agency."

Similarly, Nitisha Agrawal, a climate change and sustainability specialist, sees OON as a vital platform for meaningful discourse: "I look forward to supporting businesses and individuals who truly champion sustainability. OON provides the perfect ecosystem for purpose-driven change."

With a focus on strategic consulting and global impact, Pallavi Mutalik Hebbar, a consulting and risk advisory specialist, highlights OON’s expansive reach: "The strength of this collective lies in our ability to uplift one another while shaping impactful narratives that extend across industries and borders."

The Future of Integrated Marketing Communications
OON is not just an agency—it is a transformative force in the industry. With members from various backgrounds bringing their specialized insights, the collective ensures businesses and leaders are equipped to navigate the complexities of modern communication.

Dr. Rachana Chowdhary, Founder & CEO of MediaValueWorks and Partner at OON, captures the essence of the initiative: "As OON, we harness the power of storytelling driven by the insight, resilience, and strategic vision that women bring to the table. We help businesses enter new markets, build credibility, and shape impactful narratives."

The collective also extends its expertise to human capital and internal branding. Sowmya Raman, an organizational transformation specialist, stresses the importance of communication in talent retention: "With the acute talent crunch across sectors, communication plays a crucial role in enhancing an organization’s value perception and engagement with its employees."
Moreover, Talish Ray, a legal expert, underscores the need for communications to be legally sound: "In a world that is becoming increasingly sensitive, how and what corporations communicate is more critical than ever. OON ensures that corporate narratives remain impactful while staying on the right side of the law."

With an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusion, OON is poised to redefine marketing communications. Rekha Rao’s vision, coupled with the expertise of a dynamic and diverse team, ensures that OON is more than a collective—it is a revolution in the way brands, businesses, and narratives are shaped.
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