In an era of shrinking attention spans and saturated feeds, what does it actually take to build a brand that people trust?
For Baani Bathla, the answer lies not in louder campaigns but in smarter strategy — purpose-driven storytelling that connects brands with audiences on a level deeper than impressions and clicks. As the founder of Sushi & Sangria PR & Marketing and creator of the HumTum Unplugged podcast, she has built a career around turning that conviction into results.
From Finance to Brand Strategy
Bathla's career began in financial services. As a Financial Advisor at American Express, she spent over three years developing expertise in relationship management, strategic thinking and client needs assessment — skills that would prove foundational when she later pivoted to brand strategy.
The transition from finance to PR and marketing was not a departure but an evolution. The same principles — understanding what people actually need, building trust through consistency and thinking strategically about long-term relationships — apply whether the client is managing wealth or managing brand perception.
Sushi & Sangria PR & Marketing
Bathla founded Sushi & Sangria PR & Marketing as a brand strategy and consulting firm that goes beyond traditional public relations. The firm specialises in influencer marketing, experiential campaigns and strategic partnerships, working across luxury, hospitality, travel, fashion, beauty, technology and real estate.
What distinguishes her approach is a clear philosophy: brands are not simply competing for attention — they are competing for trust, relevance and lasting relationships. This means prioritising authentic narrative over manufactured buzz, and creating brand experiences that are memorable because they are meaningful, not just visible.
In a market where influencer marketing can feel transactional and PR can feel performative, Bathla's emphasis on purpose-driven storytelling and credible brand building offers an alternative that resonates with clients looking for substance over spectacle.
HumTum Unplugged
Beyond her consulting work, Bathla created HumTum Unplugged — a podcast that explores conversations around relationships, emotional wellbeing, entrepreneurship and modern life. The podcast focuses on authentic, often-unspoken discussions, creating a space for the kind of honest dialogue that social media rarely allows.
The podcast is not a marketing exercise. It is an extension of Bathla's broader belief that meaningful connection — whether between individuals or between brands and their audiences — begins with honesty and vulnerability.
A Philosophy of Reinvention
Bathla's career is defined by intentional reinvention. From corporate finance to brand consulting, from strategy to content creation, she has consistently moved toward work that aligns with her values — without waiting for permission or precedent.
Her approach combines strategic rigour with creative instinct, a pairing that allows her to work across industries — from luxury hospitality to real estate to technology — while maintaining a consistent brand voice and philosophy. For Bathla, every brand has a story worth telling. The challenge is telling it in a way that earns trust rather than just traffic.