Introduction
There are professionals who communicate stories, and then there are those who quietly shape the very meaning behind them. Bhavya Sharma belongs to the latter.
Today, as Senior Director, Corporate Communications & ESG at Urban Company, she stands at the intersection of reputation, purpose and trust. Yet her journey was never defined by a single destination. It unfolded through curiosity and an unwavering desire to understand how organisations create lasting impact.
Her early career began as a research associate, where understanding people, businesses and markets formed the foundation of her professional outlook. Over the years, that analytical mindset naturally evolved into a passion for corporate communications. Working across high-growth organisations gave her the opportunity to witness different leadership styles, cultures and communication philosophies. Every organisation had its own way of building trust, shaping narratives and engaging stakeholders, enriching her perspective with every new experience.
Joining the startup ecosystem opened an entirely new dimension. Here, curiosity became one of her greatest strengths. The pace was faster, conversations were more direct, and the connection with founders, leadership teams and stakeholders became far more immediate. It was an environment where communication wasn’t merely a support function; it became an active contributor to business building.
That philosophy continues to define her work at Urban Company, where she has helped shape meaningful initiatives such as Nidar and Udaan, programmes that reflect the organisation’s commitment towards empowering service professionals and their families. Alongside initiatives like scholarships for children and improved access to opportunities, Bhavya believes every effort contributes to a larger promise.
“All of them just contribute to that overall larger messaging that we have, and we just ensure we walk the talk,” she says.
When Communication Moves Hearts
For Bhavya, the true purpose of communication has never been visibility alone. Information may travel fast, but meaningful stories stay because they connect with people.
She believes organisations today have the responsibility to move beyond announcements and create narratives that audiences genuinely care about.
“If you’re talking about something a lot more close to people’s heart, that is where the entire storytelling will make a difference,” she explains.
She draws an interesting comparison between routine corporate announcements and campaigns that become cultural conversations. While information serves a purpose, influence comes from presenting ideas in ways that resonate emotionally.
Citing Apple’s sustainability campaign as an example, she reflects on how the same data, when transformed into compelling storytelling, reached millions in a way a conventional report never could.
“Are you disseminating information, or are you actually influencing people? That’s the difference.”
Growing With Every Milestone
Looking back, Bhavya considers several defining chapters of her professional journey.
Urban Company’s transition from UrbanClap to Urban Company, its IPO journey, the launch of Native products and navigating the extraordinary circumstances during the pandemic remain milestones that strengthened her understanding of leadership and communication.
Each experience reinforced an important lesson: that reputation is built consistently, long before defining moments arrive.
Behind every successful transition lies thoughtful preparation, alignment across teams and communication that inspires confidence both within and outside the organisation.
The Future Belongs to Thoughtful Communicators
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, Bhavya believes communication professionals are entering one of their most transformative phases.
Interestingly, she observes that communication will increasingly serve not only people but intelligent systems that interpret and distribute information.
“A lot of the information you’re publishing is not just to inform consumers or investors anymore, but also AI and how it absorbs information.”
Yet she sees technology not as a replacement for communicators, but as a powerful thought partner.
According to her, AI will encourage the profession to combine creativity with greater analytical depth, bringing together intuition, data and multiple perspectives to make communication more intentional.
“It will challenge us to think more deeply, think more intentionally, and in the long term, build more trust within leadership.”
Even as technology evolves, she believes trust will continue to remain profoundly human.
Building Businesses Before Headlines
Having worked closely with founders and leadership teams, Bhavya offers practical advice for emerging startups.
Rather than chasing immediate visibility, she encourages entrepreneurs to first build strong businesses.
“Build the business first. The media will follow.”
Equally important, she believes communication leaders should become genuine thought partners to founders, helping shape authentic narratives rather than temporary attention.
For her, the strongest communication is always rooted in business reality.
Credibility Above Everything Else
After nearly two decades in corporate communications, one principle continues to guide Bhavya Sharma’s leadership.
Credibility.
Whether representing an organisation or leading conversations during defining business moments, she believes integrity remains the foundation upon which lasting reputations are built.
“As a communications leader, you have the responsibility of ensuring the company is seen as credible. That also reflects on you.”
She smiles while sharing one final thought, perhaps the simplest, yet the most enduring.
“If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, you won’t be able to do a good job at it.”
And perhaps that explains her own journey best.
It is a career built not merely on communicating messages, but on creating meaning, earning trust and helping organisations tell stories that people genuinely believe in.
-By Muskan Dengra
