Another national recognition has added to the growing list of honours for Farzana Baduel, Chief Executive and Co-founder of Curzon PR, whose career has steadily evolved beyond public relations into journalism, broadcasting, leadership and advocacy.
Baduel has been named among the ten external honourees recognised through Rising Roots 2026. It is an initiative developed by BBC Embrace with the support of BBC Asian Network to celebrate British-born and British-based South Asians whose leadership, creativity and community impact are shaping modern Britain.
The recognition was announced during a special event at BBC Broadcasting House in London on 30 July as part of South Asian Heritage Month.
Born in Pakistan, Baduel’s latest recognition is far from the only achievement that defines her career.
Over the past decade, she has become one of the UK’s most recognisable voices on communications, reputation management and public affairs. A host of broadcasters and publications regularly turn to her for expert commentary on public relations, politics, leadership and current affairs.
Her analysis has featured on the BBC, ITV, Al Jazeera and Forbes, while she has also written for publications including The Guardian and PR Week. She is also the producer and presenter of The PR Insider podcast, where she interviews leading figures from business, communications and public life.
Her broadcasting credentials extend further. Baduel is also a co-host of BBC Radio 4’s When It Hits the Fan, the programme that examines some of the biggest public relations and reputation crises making headlines.
Alongside her media work, Baduel leads Curzon PR, an international strategic communications consultancy, and currently serves as President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) for 2026. She also co-founded the Asian Communications Network, which supports and connects Asian professionals working across communications, media and marketing.
Her latest BBC recognition comes just after she was shortlisted in the Woman of the Year category at the 2026 Asian Achievers Awards, one of the UK’s longest-running celebrations of British Asian excellence.
Taken together, the two honours underline the growing recognition of Baduel’s influence, not only within the communications industry but across British public life.
Responding to the Rising Roots honour, Baduel said she was proud to be recognised alongside people making significant contributions to British society. “I am honoured to be recognised as a Rising Roots 2026 honouree alongside people making such valuable contributions across British society. My South Asian heritage has shaped how I lead and communicate, and I am grateful to BBC Embrace and BBC Asian Network for highlighting the many ways South Asian communities contribute to life in Britain.”
This year’s South Asian Heritage Month theme, Unity in Diversity, celebrates the many cultures, languages, faiths and experiences that make up South Asian communities while recognising the shared values that connect them. That theme closely mirrors Baduel’s own career.
Whether advising global organisations, discussing politics on national broadcasters, mentoring young communications professionals or representing the UK’s PR industry, she has consistently used communication as a tool to bridge cultures, improve representation and broaden conversations.
At a time when British Asians are becoming increasingly visible across media, business and public institutions, recognitions such as Rising Roots and the Asian Achievers Awards are highlighting individuals whose impact extends well beyond their own professions.
For many young British Asians considering careers in media, communications or leadership, Baduel’s journey offers a reminder that representation is about more than visibility. It is about influence, credibility and creating opportunities for others. And as her work continues to bridge industries and communities, Rising Roots 2026 acknowledges not only what she has achieved, but the wider impact she continues to make.
