Ananda Shakespeare

Ananda Shakespeare is the founder and CEO of Shakespeare Communications, a leading public relations firm in Dubai.

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Hosted by

Hilmarie Hutchison

Ananda Shakespeare

Founder and CEO Shakespeare Communications

Ananda Shakespeare is the founder and CEO of Shakespeare Communications, a leading public relations firm in Dubai. A former journalist with extensive experience in corporate and consumer PR, Ananda is a passionate advocate for ethical communication. Her career journey includes stints at renowned organizations such as BBC Radio 4, Time Out Dubai, and Middle East Economic Digest. With a focus on storytelling and authenticity, Ananda has successfully transitioned from journalism to PR, building lasting client relationships and championing causes close to her heart, such as sustainability and veganism.

About this Episode

In this episode of The Matrix Green Pill Podcast, host Hilmarie Hutchison sits down with Ananda Shakespeare to discuss her inspiring career journey. Ananda shares her transition from journalism to founding Shakespeare Communications, a move she describes as “accidental.”

She reflects on her early days as a journalist in the UK and her eventual move to Dubai in 2005, where she worked with notable publications like Time Out Dubai. Ananda delves into the evolution of the PR landscape in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of digital strategies, influencer-led PR, and maintaining strong media relationships.

Ananda also discusses some of her most memorable campaigns, including the launch of cinemas in Saudi Arabia after a 35-year hiatus, and her involvement in COP28, advocating for plant-based initiatives. Her insights into networking, the power of storytelling, and ethical communication make this episode a must-listen for PR enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs.

“You have to really be able to pull out the stops and make things happen.”

Ananda Shakespeare

“You’ve got to have a very broad network to win business.”
Ananda Shakespeare

Show highlights

There's also lots to learn, and for me, learning is one of my key values, so I enjoy learning new skills.- Ananda Shakespeare Click To Tweet

“It’s very helpful to know and understand exactly what journalists want, down to the very details.”

Ananda Shakespeare

“Leverage your storytelling and your writing skills and you can build those networks and also go to industry associations and do courses to help your transition.”

Ananda Shakespeare