An itch to venture into the unknown!

Hello! 👋

Welcome to the fourth edition of She Got You!, a newsletter in which I share my conversations with women who create, make a difference, and are building the workplaces of the future.

Today's conversation is with Paulami Sen, a journalist-turned-content strategist. Paulami worked at Indulge, a lifestyle newspaper published by The New Indian Express, while I was at Little Black Book. We were helping Hyderabad experience and discover the most fascinating stuff it could offer. We barely interacted then, but after we quit those jobs and moved on to other things, we formed a quiet friendship. 

We meet perhaps twice a year but often text about skincare, problematic work cultures, and content. A creator who champions equality and kindness at work and otherwise, Paulami is soft-spoken and looks out for you; what makes her fabulous is how ardently she listens to you. And that’s how she’s got you! 👇

Sunaina: Please tell me about yourself and what inspires you to do what you do.

Paulami: I am a storyteller and a narrator. My medium keeps changing, but the essence of storytelling remains the same. I started with the aim of delving into the world of storytelling by studying English Lit at St Stephen’s College, Delhi.

Then, I moved on to a decade-long career in journalism, starting with Times Now and later as Chief Reporter at Indulge, The New Indian Express. From there, I transitioned to writing content for brands — this inherent love for storytelling shapes what I do, even at the risk of sounding super repetitive. 

The opportunity to learn something new inspires me to do what I do. I find this very empowering, and it keeps me going.

Sunaina: You've had such a long, illustrious career in lifestyle journalism. What made you switch to tech?

Paulami: An itch to venture into the unknown! At 33-34, I asked myself, 'Is my learning curve over? How do I test myself and prove that I still can learn and do new things?' It is the adrenaline rush of learning new tools, applying them, and knowing I can continue to learn no matter my age — that's what made me switch to tech. Picking up new skills in content strategy and observing the tangible ways in which strong narration can shape a brand and fuel business growth has been quite exciting.

Sunaina: The content space doesn't look like it did around 5-10 years back. But what has been constant, and what will stay the same in the next 5-10 years?

Paulami: You are absolutely right. You and I talk about this quite often when we speak or text. The world of content is new and adventurous; there are AI and Algorithms to think of. But what's remained constant over a decade and a half of my observation is the art of crisp narration and weaving a story around whatever you should discuss.

Narration and storytelling are constant no matter the media, short or long-form, and so is writing for your audience. Your audience might change over the years, but the ability to understand their pulse should remain constant.

Sunaina: How can content strategists today stay relevant? 

Paulami: By staying hyper-informed and continually updating themselves about the latest tools available. It's also essential for creators to maintain the authenticity and unique quality of their content. Whether through a distinctive style, humour, or their specialised approach, these elements cannot be replicated or replaced — and will always find takers.

Furthermore, strategists must seek the help they need, study, and research the specifics of the business they are working for. Studying analytics, closely monitoring the results of their content, and understanding how to create content that works for businesses and tailor it accordingly will always keep them ahead of the curve.

Sunaina: Our society doesn't consider taking sabbaticals very kindly. Do you think this mindset will change, and how do you see it changing?

Paulami: I hope there's a shift in how we view sabbaticals. After transitioning from journalism, I took one myself. People opt for sabbaticals for a multitude of reasons. In my case, it was a quest for learning and experimentation, and it truly transforms you into a better professional. How can one give their best if they're running on empty? Thankfully, I see this mindset evolving. I've witnessed people return from sabbaticals recharged, bringing stronger performances to their workplaces. Sure, some organisations still hesitate to hire those who've taken a break, but frankly, they're missing out on a workforce that's richer in experience and has much to offer.

I'm noticing more and more employers recognising this and becoming increasingly open-minded, especially with platforms like LinkedIn and other social media highlighting the benefits. It's a conversation that's gaining momentum, and rightly so.

Sunaina: Has your gender ever been a disadvantage at work? If yes, can you share an incident and how you dealt with it?

Paulami: I'm trying to think about this, and it's never an easy question to answer. On the surface, my gender has never been a disadvantage at work. However, I've always had the privilege and support to be vocal about gender discrimination, which may have shielded me from personal impacts. But, of course, veiled sexism is common and rampant, and sometimes it's pretty shocking.

For instance, during a job interview long ago, while negotiating my salary, I was advised to consult with my family. I wonder if a man would get asked the same; probably not. I responded by not showing up for the next round of interviews. As I've grown older, I've become more adept at handling such situations and setting boundaries vehemently. 

Sunaina: You know what? I've had a similar experience, and it sucks when someone looks at your gender and not skills. How did you react to them?

Paulami: I made my displeasure quite evident, which caused the interviewer to fumble and justify why she asked me to consult my family. I remember thinking if a man would be asked to consult his family.

Sunaina: What are you reading right now?

Paulami: I've got to be completely upfront with you — I'm in the middle of a reading slump, probably because I'm overwhelmed by the sheer amount of daily content consumption and creation. But, I'm planning to break out of it soon by revisiting two classics: Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote and The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. The first one is something I have reached out to during difficult times and joyful times; that book is a sort of home.  

In the meantime, I'm binge-watching this TV show called Luther.

Found this conversation interesting? I recommend following Paulami on LinkedIn and Instagram. I’ll be back with another chat soon.