Reena Abraham is a trailblazer and one of the most influential women in the content management and corporate communication world, who made a name for herself in the region as the founder of UNLIMITED WORDS. She ideated her brainchild in 2006 with the core agenda to create meaningful stories that impact and inspire. While celebrating women who are leading unique business segments in Bahrain, Women Entrepreneur India engaged in an exclusive conversation with Reena. Below are the excerpts of her inspiring journey and insightful thoughts.
Give us a brief overview of unlimited words. Mention some interesting aspects about the company.
UNLIMITED WORDS is a boutique Editorial services and Content Management consultancy. We believe that the impact created by high-quality, interesting, and relevant content through the right medium is second to none. Recognizing the need for effective communication, and the immense power that words hold, UNLIMITED WORDS was set up to convey important and often untold stories, create narratives, and provide innovative and creative support to companies building their brands in the dynamic Middle East market. Over the years, we have produced many critically acclaimed publications and books for noteworthy individuals and organizations in the region, working across multiple platforms in both print and digital formats. We also represent organizations and brands, providing media and PR expertise and support.
Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience that you bring to the table. What motivated you to pursue entrepreneurship?
After my Master’s degree in English Literature and Linguistics from Bangalore University, I moved to the Middle East, where I continued my early passion for writing. Initially, I worked for publishing houses, building up experience and knowledge of the market in the region. Later, I began working with companies as a consultant and content provider, helping to create brand identities and brand experiences. I have lived and worked in several countries in the region over the last 30 years, including UAE, Bahrain, and Oman, and this has given me a unique and invaluable insight into the culture and mind space of this region. I am proud to have been a part of the phenomenal growth and progress that we have witnessed here.
As Group Editor of bizbahrain, a business magazine based in Bahrain, I spent several years showcasing news stories about entrepreneurship and business in Bahrain, during which I have interviewed and profiled many respected and celebrated business leaders in the region. Eventually I felt it was time to start my own company where I could focus my energy and experience. The insights that I had garnered and the network of connections that I built up over the last three decades proved invaluable when I established UNLIMITED WORDS.
Throw some light on aspects that you cherish in your current role as the founder & CEO.
As a writer and author, I have built relationships with some great partners with whom I have worked on some truly wonderful projects. One such was a coffee table book recording the history of the Indian community in Bahrain. It was a long project under the banner of Miracle Publishing with whom I have worked on several such high-profile publications. The book “Footprints in Time – The Story of the Indians in Bahrain” details how the Indian community first set roots in Bahrain, and the many achievements since, as they became an integral part of the social fabric.
I have done a number of books with various Ministries and government organizations in the last decades, notable amongst them is a coffee table book – “The Journey Begins” -documenting the development of democracy and the first election in Bahrain in 2002.
With UNLIMITED WORDS, I have always tried to find individuals and organizations that share a passion for what we do and a team with the skill, experience, and talent to do it well. It is not always easy to find, but I think I have been extraordinarily fortunate in coming across some exceptional people.
In your opinion, what challenges do the brand communication and marketing sector face presently? What tools and strategies do you employ to create a tangible impact for clients?
It is important to listen, and when you do that, you can understand and zero in on exactly what your clients want, and what their ultimate goal is for their company. From that understanding it is then simple to work towards creating a strategy that works. It is easy to follow trends, and that is what we see so much of today, but if it does not accurately represent what the client wants, or what the brand stands for, the effort will be meaningless. We always take on only a few select clients so that we can focus completely on them. We give our 100 percent to build meaningful and mutually nourishing relationships which has worked remarkably well and led to some wonderful success stories and turn arounds.
“I don’t subscribe to the ‘one-fit-for-all’ approach, especially in today’s market where there is much noise and not enough substance. Words can be powerful and should be used thoughtfully”
Tell us about some of the most significant milestones achieved by the company so far under your leadership? What drives you as an entrepreneur?
We have collaborated with some great companies and done some exciting campaigns over the years. One of our highlights which immediately comes to mind was a Ramadan film that we made for an international pizza chain a few years ago. The film, which was entirely our production, was used not only for the Middle East, but for the entire MENA region, and made quite an impact.
We have launched many new brands from many sectors, especially in the food industry, and it has been a really satisfying experience. We have supported some great social initiatives too, working with visionary partners in the region on environmental and social awareness campaigns.
I have always been lucky in that I love what I do, and I have tried always to be accountable to the people we represent, to never compromise on hard work and effort, and to be consistent in delivering quality.
The pandemic threw up some serious challenges, but for us, the ‘work from home’ model worked very well. Through video calls and online collaboration, we worked on more than 10 top-notch coffee table books in the last year and a half. We also have some loyal clients who have believed in us, and we have worked hard to prove that their trust was well placed.
Reena Abraham, Founder & CEO, Unlimited Wordsi
Recognitions
• Foreword for “Footprints in Time” from His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
• 36th Annual International Creativity Awards in the USA “First Light” - edited by Reena Abraham, Editorial Director and designed by Laura Bona-pace-Chaudhury, Design Director
• CDUSA Creativity Awards in September 2006.
