With a foundation in social media management at Filter Coffee Co. and Zap Creatives, Saurabh Pandey is currently Manager – PR & Corporate Communications at White Rivers Media. His journey reflects a seamless transition from managing real-time digital conversations to crafting strategic narratives that elevate brand perception. Drawing from his diverse experiences, he brings a strong understanding of storytelling, media dynamics, and brand voice alignment, all while ensuring that communication efforts are both meaningful and measurable.In conversation with Adgully, Saurabh Pandey, Manager – PR & Corporate Communications, White Rivers Media, shares the mantra for building the agency’s thought leadership and media presence, blending agility with long-term strategy. From creating PR strategies that align with business goals to maintaining strong media relationships and managing high-stakes communication, he emphasizes the importance of timing, tone, and relevance. Pandey also stresses on the power of well-crafted narratives, continuous learning, and intentional media engagement and shares how they have played a key role in shaping White Rivers Media’s external image and driving impactful storytelling.How do you navigate your role as a Manager - PR & Corporate Communications at White Rivers Media, given your previous experiences as a Social Media Manager at Filter Coffee Co. and Zap Creatives? How have these roles shaped your approach to communication and storytelling?Managing PR and corporate communications at White Rivers Media is about ensuring the agency’s narrative is as impactful as the work we create for brands. My experience as a social media manager honed my ability to craft stories that engage audiences in real time. It taught me the nuances of digital-first storytelling, the power of moment marketing, and how to translate brand essence into conversations. Handling multiple brand voices across industries also strengthened my ability to switch tones seamlessly. Today, I apply those lessons to build a strong external presence for WRM—ensuring our work is recognized, our leadership is heard, and our industry impact is not just seen but felt.With your diverse work experience, what are the biggest challenges you face in managing multiple responsibilities, and how do you ensure each role gets the required attention and output?The biggest challenge is balancing agility with depth—switching between fast-paced media interactions and long-term strategic planning without losing momentum. Prioritization is key. I structure my day around immediate press opportunities, long-term thought leadership initiatives, and internal alignment to keep WRM’s communication sharp and consistent. Delegation, proactive planning, and staying ahead of the news cycle help me ensure every task gets the attention it deserves. I also set clear objectives for each initiative, ensuring that whether it’s an industry feature, a crisis response, or an executive interview, everything ties back to WRM’s overarching narrative.Could you walk us through a typical day in your life at White Rivers Media? What are the top 5 to 7 tasks you prioritize daily to drive impactful PR and communication, and storytelling?A typical day blends strategy, execution, and quick pivots. My core priorities include:Tracking media landscapes to identify opportunities for WRM’s thought leadership, ensuring we contribute to relevant industry conversations.Drafting and reviewing press materials, including press releases, op-eds, and executive quotes, to maintain a compelling and consistent narrative.Coordinating with leadership to position WRM’s brand story and ensure our key voices are represented in the media.Managing media outreach and relationships to amplify WRM’s influence through interviews, features, and expert commentary.Overseeing corporate storytelling across platforms, from articles and case studies to keynote addresses at major industry events.Monitoring sentiment and engagement, adjusting PR strategies to maximize impact.Aligning with internal teams to ensure external communication accurately reflects the depth of WRM’s creative and strategic work.What inspired you to transition from Social Media Management to PR and Corporate Communications? How did you prepare yourself for this career shift, and what key skills have you developed along the way?Social media gave me a front-row seat to how brands shape narratives, but PR lets me build those narratives from the ground up. The shift was driven by a desire to influence industry conversations at a larger scale. To prepare, I upskilled by diving into media relations, corporate positioning, and crisis management while leveraging my social media expertise to create digital-first PR strategies. The most crucial skills I’ve developed include relationship-building, strategic messaging, and the ability to craft stories that resonate beyond fleeting trends. Additionally, mastering reputation management and understanding the intricacies of the media landscape have helped me navigate high-stakes brand communication with confidence.Did you have any mentors or role models during your career journey, especially while transitioning between different roles? How did their guidance influence your professional growth?I’ve been fortunate to learn from industry leaders who excel in narrative building and media strategy. Their guidance shaped my approach to PR, not just as an extension of marketing but as a discipline that influences perception at scale. One of the biggest lessons they imparted? The best PR isn’t just about what you say, but when and how you say it. Their emphasis on anticipating media cycles, building lasting journalist relationships, and crafting stories with a strong hook has significantly influenced my strategy today.Balancing personal well-being with high-pressure roles can be challenging. What practices or routines do you follow to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance?The fast-paced nature of PR means that work never truly stops, but setting boundaries makes all the difference. I structure my day with dedicated time for creative thinking, step away from screens when possible, and focus on activities that help recharge. Staying ahead in PR is about sharp thinking, and that only comes with a fresh mind. I also make it a point to disconnect when I can, engage in fitness activities, and maintain a strong support system. Managing stress isn’t just about taking breaks—it’s about actively building habits that sustain long-term performance.Could you highlight some major career milestones or key achievements that have defined your professional journey so far? How did these achievements impact your career growth?Building WRM’s PR function from the ground up has been a defining milestone. Securing high-impact media coverage in top publications, positioning WRM’s leaders as industry voices, and ensuring our work gets recognized on the right platforms have all shaped my trajectory. A key highlight has been crafting PR strategies that not only drive visibility but also contribute to business growth, helping WRM cement its reputation as a thought leader in the industry. Each success has reinforced my belief in the power of strategic storytelling and its role in building an agency’s legacy.In a fast-paced and dynamic agency like White Rivers Media, how do you stay informed and up-to-date with the latest industry trends, ensuring you’re always ahead in crafting impactful communication?Staying ahead means consuming information with intent. I follow key industry publications, engage with thought leaders, and track cultural shifts to anticipate what’s next. A strong network within the media industry also helps in gaining insider perspectives that shape forward-thinking PR strategies.What drives your passion for PR and Corporate Communications, and how do you constantly evolve in this field to remain relevant and effective in creating compelling brand narratives?The thrill of shaping perceptions and influencing conversations keeps me going. PR is dynamic—what worked yesterday may not work today, which makes adaptability crucial. I evolve by continuously refining my storytelling approach, staying connected to media trends, and ensuring that every narrative I craft has an impact that extends beyond just visibility. My approach is rooted in storytelling that builds trust and credibility, ensuring that every communication effort is not just seen but remembered.