Watch Alpana Killawala on CommsCast – The Reputation Podcast, on YouTube
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This engaging episode of CommsCast – The Reputation Podcast powered by Adfactors PR, brings you a conversation with one of India’s most respected communications minds — Alpana Killawala, former Chief of the Reserve Bank of India’s Communications Department and now Strategic Advisor – BFSI Communications at Adfactors PR, and author of the acclaimed book A Fly On The RBI Wall. Hosting this rich conversation is the insightful and engaging Manibalan Manoharan, Senior Group Head – Digital, Financial Services at Adfactors PR, a sharp young veteran in BFSI and digital communications.
Together, they unpack Alpana’s remarkable journey, decode her communications playbook across six RBI Governors, and explore the evolution of reputation management, from print-era challenges to social media dynamics. (This episode is available as a vodcast on YouTube and as an audio podcast across all major directories worldwide.)
Alpana Killawala with Manibalan Manoharan on CommsCast – From journalism to RBI to Adfactors PR
Alpana’s story begins at the Indian Banks’ Association at age 21, evolves through her years as a journalist at Business India, and peaks at her 26-year tenure leading communications at the RBI. Her narrative is not only a timeline but a study in transformation — from reporting on RBI as an outsider to shaping its voice as an insider. Her post-retirement role at Adfactors PR, under the mentorship of Madan Bahal, brought her full circle into the forefront of reputation leadership.
Alpana Killawala on CommsCast – Structure of A Fly On The RBI Wall
Her book isn’t a traditional memoir. It’s structured around the six RBI Governors she served, each chapter offering a unique blend of leadership insights and strategic communications takeaways. Alpana explains why she chose a chronological structure over thematic grouping — to help readers absorb leadership and PR evolution through a linear, easy-to-follow lens.
Alpana Killawala on CommsCast – Six RBI Governors, six leadership styles
In this absorbing segment, Alpana reflects on her journey through the leadership tenures of six distinguished Governors of the Reserve Bank of India — Mr. Venkatramanan, Dr. C. Rangarajan, Dr. Bimal Jalan, Dr. Y. V. Reddy, Dr. D. Subbarao, and Dr. Raghuram Rajan.
Each leader brought a unique approach to communication, strategy, and institutional tone — and Alpana’s firsthand insights reveal how the RBI’s external voice was shaped across eras. Whether it was the vision of early structural clarity, the use of speeches as strategic tools, the encouragement of innovation, or a preference for quiet confidence over overt PR — this chapter offers a rare window into the working styles of India’s most respected financial minds, and the evolving role of communications within the central bank.
Alpana Killawala with Manibalan Manoharan on CommsCast – Core takeaways from six RBI chiefs
From goal-setting with Dr. Reddy to innovation with Dr. Jalan and humility with every Governor she served, Alpana distills her learnings with precision. She emphasizes authenticity, alignment of message and behaviour, and above all, strategic clarity.
Alpana Killawala on CommsCast – WhatsApp crisis and real-time response
In a gripping moment, Alpana recalls a panic-triggering rumor that began circulating on WhatsApp during Dr. Reddy’s term — a crisis that demanded immediate containment. Her calm, precise response offers a compelling lesson in modern crisis management. You’ll want to hear how it unfolded in her own words.
Alpana Killawala on CommsCast – Why she joined Adfactors PR; the learnings there
After her RBI tenure, Alpana chose to enter the world of strategic communication consulting. Having long admired Madan Bahal as a thought leader and visionary in the communications space, she found in Adfactors PR not just a workplace but a platform aligned with her values and insights. Alpana tells Mani what has followed since she joined Adfactors PR has been a rewarding new phase — one where she continues to learn, observe, and contribute. At Adfactors PR she is now part of a vibrant ecosystem that blends data-backed advisory, sectoral specialization, and deeply collaborative strategy. Her experience may span decades, but her mindset remains strikingly current — curious, committed, and open to fresh perspectives.
Alpana Killawala with Manibalan Manoharan on CommsCast – Why her book is a must-read
A Fly On The RBI Wall is more than a memoir — it’s a playbook for anyone serious about communication, reputation, and leadership. Written in first-person and packed with real stories, it offers rare access to India’s most influential financial institution and the art of managing its voice.
A masterclass in reputation leadership
This episode of CommsCast isn’t just a nostalgic journey or career retrospective, it’s a blueprint for communications leadership at the highest level. Across her discussion about her acclaimed book A Fly On The RBI Wall, her philosophy on reputation management, insights on financial literacy, navigating crises, and why she chose Adfactors PR as her next chapter after a distinguished 26 years of public service at the RBI and more — Alpana’s conversation with Mani is rich with nuance, lived experience, and valuable insights for communicators, marketers, BFSI professionals, and reputation strategists. Alpana Killawala, in conversation with Manibalan Manoharan, offers timeless takeaways. So whether you watch the vodcast on YouTube or listen to the audio podcast across your favorite platforms, you’ll come away with insights that are as relevant in boardrooms as they are in newsrooms.
