Diversity is not a checkbox—This PR agency proves why

International Women's Day has come and gone, and so has all the grand-standing about the need for gender equity in workplaces. Except, for some companies, this diversity is not a once-a-year conversation, but a year-long status quo. 

Meet Connekting Dots, a Mumbai-based PR company, which is run and managed entirely by women. Of course, running an all-women team is not a walk in the park, but the agency's founder, Neha Khilnani, wouldn’t have it any other way—neither would her team members. By default, not design, it agency has evolved into an all-women entity, which has become its unusual calling card in the highly competitive world of public relations.

For Khilnani, the journey of Connekting Dots began in 2018, when she identified a gap in the PR landscape. “The idea behind Connekting Dots wasn’t just to build another agency,” she explains. “It was mainly to establish three main pillars—brand experiences, storytelling, and strategic collaboration—where we wanted to connect the dots for brands.”

With stints at Digital Drift Wood, Viiking Ventures, and Pearl Media Communications under her belt, she was no stranger to the industry. But starting her own agency wasn’t without its challenges. “Building credibility and trust was the biggest challenge initially. The industry has bigger players, and we had to prove ourselves with every project,” she recalls. Additionally, limited resources meant everyone had to wear multiple hats. However, this agility ultimately worked in their favour.

From a humble team of three in 2018, the agency grew to 22 people in 2019 before the pandemic struck, reducing the team to just two by 2021. Now, Connekting Dots is scaling again, bringing in talent on a project basis while fostering a work culture that prioritises creativity and autonomy.

Leaning heavily on the F&B sector, the boutique communication agency's clientele includes celebrity chef Sarah Todd, celebrity wedding videographer Vishal Punjabi, Monika Alcobev, Hyderabad-based gourmet restaurant The Sanctuary, Pune's Cobbler & Crew as well as Mumbai's K7Group Hospitality and Nara Thai.

The accidental all-women agency

Was it intentional to have an all-women team? Not at all, says Khilnani.

“It just happened very organically. I’ve been privileged to work with some incredible women who bring creativity, discipline, and a strong sense of ownership to the table. For me, it’s always been about finding the right skill and talent that aligns with our energy and vision, rather than focusing on gender.”

However, leading an all-women team comes with its own set of unique dynamics. “One challenge is how deeply invested women tend to be. But that’s also a strength,” she says. “Women bring a strong sense of collaboration, attention to detail, and an ability to build meaningful connections—not just with clients, but also internally within the team.”

Senior PR executive Komal Gupta, who joined Connekting Dots in 2021, echoes this sentiment. She and Khilnani were holding the fort, when COVID-19 had struck the company’s business, and it had to lay off the rest of the workforce. “Working in an all-women team has always been empowering. There’s a deep understanding that helps us push boundaries while supporting each other,” Gupta notes.

And yet, there is an openness to adding men to the mix if the right opportunity arises. “Reverse gender diversity would definitely bring in a different perspective,” admits Gupta. “But I wouldn’t trade this team for anything.”

Senior marketing associate Shivangini Bathla has a different take: “We don’t need too much male energy in this office, but we would all benefit from a male puppy!”

Tackling sexism with results

Despite their success, Connekting Dots has encountered its share of gender bias. Khilnani admits, “There have been instances where clients assumed a male counterpart was needed for final negotiations. But over the years, our work has spoken for itself. Once clients see the strategic thinking and results we bring to the table, any initial biases fade away.”

It’s a reminder that while industries continue to evolve, deep-seated biases persist. Connekting Dots is proving that the only thing that truly matters is competence, not gender.

One of the agency’s biggest strengths is its ability to innovate without being weighed down by hierarchical structures. “At Connekting Dots, we don’t operate within rigid hierarchies, which allows us to stay agile and open to new ideas,” Khilnani explains.

This flexibility is what keeps employees engaged. Gupta, who has been with the company for four years—a rarity in an industry where job-hopping is the norm—attributes her longevity to the creative freedom she enjoys. “Having a supportive mentor and the opportunity to explore creativity has kept me engaged and motivated,” she says.

Innovation, at Connekting Dots, isn’t restricted by job titles. “If someone from the PR team has a great content idea, we explore it. We also collaborate with external creatives, filmmakers, and strategists to bring in fresh perspectives,” says Khilnani. “For us, innovation isn’t about the size of the agency; it’s about the mindset and willingness to evolve.”

This also keeps the team motivated. Talking about some of her fond memories of working with the company, Bathla recalls, "While I have many lovely memories, one specific moment stands out—three of us leading ladies—an ex-colleague from the marketing department, Neha, and myself—went on a trip to Goa. Now, while Goa sounds like a fun vacation, this was actually a work trip. The three of us did everything from driving ourselves to visiting the best spots in town. That was the best experience of having such strong women leaders within our own workspace."

Building a brand and team, one dot at a time

One of the challenges of being an all-women team in a competitive industry is striking the right balance between assertiveness and authenticity. “I don’t see strength and femininity as opposing forces,” says Khilnani. “Women can be strategic, assertive, and confident while still leading with empathy.”

Confidence, she insists, isn’t about being aggressive. It’s about being clear, crisp, self-assured, and knowing exactly what you bring to the table.

The conversation around gender equality in the workplace often feels like a box-ticking exercise, but Khilnani believes companies that fail to walk the diversity talk are missing out on tangible benefits. “At Connekting Dots, diversity isn’t a checkbox; it’s a strategic advantage,” she states. “Bringing different perspectives into decision-making leads to more thoughtful, innovative solutions.”

She warns that companies that treat diversity as a PR stunt are losing out. “True inclusivity isn’t just about hiring diverse talent; it’s about ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. When you foster an environment where people feel empowered to share their perspectives, you create a culture that drives real impact.”

As Connekting Dots continues to grow, its ethos remains the same—breaking industry norms, fostering creativity, and proving that an all-women team can thrive in a space often dominated by larger, more traditional agencies. In an industry where many agencies struggle with talent retention, this boutique agency has cracked the code: offering flexibility, fostering innovation, and above all, valuing people for their ideas rather than their gender.

For companies still treating gender diversity as a mere checklist item, Connekting Dots is proof that real business advantages come from embracing it wholeheartedly. And as Khilnani and her team continue to connect the dots, they’re also redrawing the map for what a modern PR agency can—and should—be.