Storytelling with Purpose: Srishti Kapil Staff Spotlight

Tell us about your career in communications. Why did you choose it?

I’ve always gravitated toward storytelling in some form: journalism, filmmaking, fiction writing. Some were passing interests, others were real stints, but they all pointed toward one thing: a deep belief in the power of storytelling. Over time, this evolved into a career in impact communications, where I’ve found the sweet spot between clarity, creativity, and purpose. I believe good communication doesn’t just reflect reality; it can shape it – an idea is only as powerful as the way it’s understood. In that sense, it’s not peripheral to change, it’s essential to it.

Do you have any pivotal moments in your career or education that led you to where you are now?

Absolutely. Studying at Delhi University and later at TISS gave me not only a strong academic foundation but also a deeper moral orientation. I chose English literature initially out of rebellion (my parents wanted me to pursue medicine or engineering) but I stayed because of the exceptional faculty, the culture of debate, and the intellectual discipline that came with it. DU taught me how to think critically and write with clarity. At TISS, I began to understand how those skills could be applied to real-world systems and social impact. Those formative years taught me how to think rigorously and care deeply—both qualities that continue to guide my career.

What do you find motivating or interesting in your work?

The chance to create meaningful impact. I started my career in corporate law and later moved into for-profit marketing, and while both had their learning curves, I found myself questioning what larger good I was contributing to.

I know some people believe that fulfillment should be left to your hobbies, and that work is just work but I’ve never subscribed to that. We spend roughly 80,000 hours in our careers, and more time with our colleagues than with our own families. For me, that makes it not just a job, but a responsibility, to myself and to the world, to find work that energises me and matters in some tangible way. That’s what draws me to mission-driven projects: they give me both purpose and momentum.

What project(s) will you be leading with GKII?

I’ve recently joined the team and am leading communications for the India RISE Fellowship, which focuses strengthening women’s participation in the STEMM pipeline. It’s an ambitious program and I’m excited about shaping its voice and reach. I’m also supporting GKII’s broader communications strategy, where I hope to bring a more data-driven and media-oriented lens to our work.

What’s a fun fact most people wouldn’t know about you?

That I’m double-jointed! Or that I work in communications but have zero personal social media presence (I’m working on that part).