Leila Badyari Castelino

CEO

Goa, India10 yrs 4 mos experience
Most Likely To Switch

Key Highlights

  • 15 years of storytelling expertise.
  • Led editorial strategy for impactful content.
  • Deep commitment to mental health advocacy.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a Social Impact Content Strategist with a focus on Mental Health and Digital Media.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Content StrategyLeadershipContent MarketingTeam LeadershipContent DevelopmentBranding & Identity

Other Skills

CommunicationEditingFeature ArticlesJournalismNewslettersProject ManagementResearchStrategyTeam ManagementWritingStrategic LeadershipDigital JournalismSocial ImpactClimate Change ImpactsStorytelling

About

I’ve spent 15 years using storytelling to do what it does best! Build trust, spark change, and help people feel seen. My work spans mental health, social impact, healthcare, and digital-first brands. I’ve built communities, scaled content systems, shaped websites and digital platforms for millions, supported global impact organisations, and delivered high-stakes work across markets and time zones. What stays constant? Empathy in the process. Precision in the craft. Impact in the outcome. I believe content is equal parts heart and strategy and the best work happens when both show up in the room.

Experience

The better india

2 roles

Chief Editor - English Editorial

Promoted

Sep 2025Present · 6 mos

  • As Chief Editor at The Better India English, I wear many hats, from curating powerful stories to building strategic alliances with the unsung heroes of India. I push content boundaries, tell untold stories, and create an ecosystem of impact through collaboration.
  • What my week looks like:
  • I lead our editorial team to discover, write, and amplify (and simplify) stories that challenge the status quo and bring grassroots innovation to every Indian who has access to the internet. From local heroes to impactful initiatives, my job is to make sure that every article holds the power to spark real conversations and change someone's life. This is a tough ask but a joy to execute.
  • I connect with individuals, NGOs, foundations, and community-driven organisations across the country. Every conversation is driven by the hope of forming relationships that make a real difference, ensuring stories reach multiple audiences and inspire actionable change.
  • I create and oversee content series that go beyond the nationally popular narratives. These are deep dives into real-world problems, led by real people. We look for and cover rural changemakers, policy leaders, administrators, students, homemakers, entrepreneurs, senior citizens or urban innovators...the list is ever evolving.
  • But one of my favourite parts about this role is the team I get to work with. Editorial isn’t a one-person job. I manage a talented group of writers, reporters, and editors.
  • I track how our content lands with our readers, analyse engagement patterns, and pivot quickly based on feedback. My goal is simple (but deeply strategic): get better every day at telling stories that matter, stories that have impact and stories that build a better India.
CommunicationContent StrategyEditingFeature ArticlesJournalismLeadership+18

Content Lead - English Editorial

Sep 2024Aug 2025 · 11 mos

Amaha

Content & Communications Consultant

Jul 2023Aug 2024 · 1 yr 1 mo · Remote

  • I've spent years learning how to help brands tell their stories - in a way that ensures their audiences listen. Here are the specifics of what I do in my current role:
  • Develop and execute end-to-end content and communication strategies for clients, aligning content creation with overall marketing and communication goals.
  • Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify content opportunities and inform content creation.
  • Create high-quality content across various formats, including website copy, in-depth reports, PPTs, blog posts, social media content, press releases, and email marketing campaigns.
  • Manage editorial calendars to ensure timely content delivery and maintain a consistent brand voice.
  • Collaborate with clients to understand their needs and objectives, and translate those into effective communication strategies.
  • Optimise content performance by tracking metrics and implementing data-driven strategies for improvement.

Career break

Full-time parenting

Nov 2022Jun 2023 · 7 mos

Amaha (formerly innerhour)

Senior Content Manager (Content & Copy Lead)

Aug 2021Oct 2022 · 1 yr 2 mos · Mumbai, Maharashtra, India · Remote

  • I'm deeply committed to the mental health domain. I have been privileged to be associated with India's largest mental health organisation - where I have had the opportunity to make REAL changes in people's lives. Here were some of my responsibilities in this role:
  • Led a team of content writers, fostering collaboration and ensuring high-quality output.
  • Planned and executed a content strategy that demonstrably drove high user engagement.
  • Served as lead editor for all content, guaranteeing quality, clarity, and consistency across the board.
  • Built content resources to support an employee well-being programme.
  • Ideated, conceptualised, and crafted narratives and copy for website landing pages, compelling users to take action.
  • Created marketing collaterals for both online and offline use, expanding brand reach.
  • Conducted market research in the mental health domain to gain valuable insights and inform content strategy.
  • Identified opportunities to leverage the power of content in delivering a meaningful user experience.
  • Developed self-care tools and resources for online mental health communities, empowering users.
  • Established a robust editorial structure within the content team, ensuring content integration and alignment with wider business objectives.
  • Oversaw the development and management of content style guides, ensuring consistency and brand voice across all channels.
Content MarketingBranding & IdentityTeam LeadershipCommunications ManagementCreative Content CreationCommunication+3

Youth ki awaaz

2 roles

Assistant Editor

Promoted

May 2019Feb 2021 · 1 yr 9 mos

  • My work at YKA will always be something I am extremely proud of. I was lucky enough to be a part of initiatives that gave a voice to the thousands of people who rarely get a chance to represent themselves. These were some of my job responsibilities:
  • Planned and created content roadmaps for campaigns, content-driven programs and website engagement
  • Planned Social Media Strategy
  • Managed a team of junior editors and writers
  • Edited and published on WordPress
  • Built and maintained relationships with a network of writers, publishers and partner organisations
  • Led, guided and directed writers in developing news stories and features
  • Ensured compliance with best practices and standards in journalism
  • Promoted and ensured all voices were equally represented on the platform
  • Built a community of writers from diverse backgrounds
  • Worked closely with design, social media, campaigns and strategy teams to ensure the platform promotes the powerful causes it stands for
Content DevelopmentTeam LeadershipOnline JournalismJournalismCommunications ManagementCreative Content Creation+2

Community Editor

Jan 2019Apr 2019 · 3 mos

Strategy

Prototyze

Digital Content Lead

Jun 2018Sep 2018 · 3 mos · Goa · On-site

  • A short stint but a huge learning curve! I was fortunate to lead content efforts for one of India's largest medical facilities in this role:
  • Developed a blog content strategy aligned with short-term and long-term marketing targets.
  • Transformed client visions and objectives into quality content.
  • Created, revised, edited, and proofread content for websites, blogs, marketing campaigns, and client projects.
  • Collaborated with marketing and design teams to plan and develop site content, style, and layout.
Content MarketingContent DevelopmentCreative BriefsCreative Content CreationCommunicationStrategy

Hannon digital

2 roles

Chief Executive Officer

Promoted

Mar 2017May 2019 · 2 yrs 2 mos · On-site

  • This was perhaps the most transformative 4.5 years of my life. I am grateful for every opportunity and experience at Hannon. These were my key responsibilities:
  • Developed and executed strategic vision: Translated the organization's mission into a clear direction to achieve long-term goals.
  • Client Acquisition & Onboarding: Successfully brought on new clients, ensuring a smooth integration process.
  • Empowered High-Performing Teams: Provided leadership, guidance, and evaluation for managers and department heads, fostering a culture of excellence.
  • Ensured Operational Excellence: Oversaw all company operations, aligning them with strategic plans for optimal efficiency.
  • Implemented Quality Control Measures: Established department-specific goals in collaboration with management to ensure consistently high-quality work was delivered to clients across the organisation.
  • Partnered with HR: Worked closely with HR to implement effective hiring practices and manage employee benefits.
  • Provided Day-to-Day Leadership: Offered clear direction and motivated teams to achieve success.
  • Achieved Business Objectives: Developed and implemented business strategies that drove measurable results and aligned with company KPIs.
  • Managed Operational Infrastructure: Collaborated with the management team to optimize systems and processes.
  • Cultivated a High-Performance Culture: Established an environment that fostered accountability and a drive for success.
Branding & IdentityTeam LeadershipCreative BriefsCreative Content CreationStrategy

Head of Content (Team Lead)

Feb 2016Mar 2017 · 1 yr 1 mo · On-site

  • Led content operations, ensuring smooth workflows and efficient content production.
  • Collaborated closely with marketing and design teams to plan and develop content, style, and layout for various materials, including websites, case studies, white papers, research articles, brochures, social media creatives, newsletters, and offline marketing collateral.
  • Edited, proofread, and elevated articles and other marketing content, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and compelling communication.
  • Provided leadership to a team of writers, fostering collaboration and high-quality content creation.
  • Optimised content for SEO, ensuring strong search engine visibility.
  • Maintained brand consistency across all content channels, guaranteeing adherence to style guides, quality standards, and tone of voice. Additionally, optimized content for both search engines and a positive user experience.
  • Participated in the recruitment and supervision of content leaders across diverse content verticals, building a strong and talented content team.
Content MarketingContent DevelopmentTeam LeadershipDigital StrategyCreative BriefsCommunications Management+5

Commversion

Consultant - Digital/Content Strategist

Jan 2016May 2019 · 3 yrs 4 mos

  • Crafted original, well-researched, and in-depth articles on diverse topics, engaging readers with insightful content.
  • Elevated and polished articles and other marketing content through meticulous editing and proofreading.
  • Ensured brand adherence across all content channels, meticulously maintaining consistency in style, quality, tone of voice, search engine optimization, and user experience.
  • Provided editorial expertise by editing, proofreading, and improving various marketing content formats.
  • Integrated SEO best practices by creating high-quality content that met search engine optimization requirements, enhancing organic visibility.
  • Collaborated seamlessly with marketing managers, creative teams, and designers to achieve optimal content creation and delivery.
  • Demonstrated content versatility by writing on a broad range of topics for various platforms, including websites, blogs, articles, social media updates, banners, case studies, guides, and white papers.

Hannon digital

2 roles

Senior Content Writer

Promoted

Mar 2015Feb 2016 · 11 mos · On-site

  • Wrote and presented compelling communication materials tailored for digital media platforms.
  • Managed content creation through a well-defined process, ensuring efficiency and quality.
  • Oversaw content project progress, diligently meeting deadlines and keeping stakeholders informed.
  • Evaluated and recommended innovative content structures and strategies to enhance content effectiveness.
  • Authored research-based articles for Indian and International organizations and brands, leveraging data to provide valuable insights.
  • Translated client visions and objectives into high-quality content that resonated with their target audiences.
  • Developed, revised, edited, and proofread diverse content formats (websites, blogs, marketing campaigns, client projects), guaranteeing accuracy and clarity.
  • Enhanced social media engagement by crafting innovative and imaginative content strategies.
  • Collaborated effectively with corporate communication and marketing team leads to achieve a unified content approach.
  • Integrated SEO best practices by creating content that organically ranked higher in search engine results.
  • Developed and implemented content marketing strategies to optimize brand awareness and achieve marketing objectives.
  • Authored articles that reflected cutting-edge trends in social media, marketing, and digital innovation, positioning myself as a thought leader in the field.
Strategy

Content Writer

Mar 2015May 2015 · 2 mos · On-site

  • Created research-based articles for Indian and International organisations & brands
  • Transformed client visions and objectives into quality content
  • Created, revised, edited, and proofread content for websites, blogs, marketing campaigns, and client projects
  • Optimised social media interaction by applying innovative & imaginative content
  • Worked in collaboration with corporate communication and marketing team-leads for effective content creation
  • Application of SEO practices: Created quality content as per SEO requirements for better search engine performance
  • Social media marketing & Content marketing
  • Wrote articles that reflect the latest trends in social media, marketing & digital innovation

Sunshine worldwide school

Special Educator & Counselor

May 2013Nov 2013 · 6 mos · Goa

  • Imparted value-based education on various topics
  • Modified existing curriculum to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities and a range of developmental disorders
  • Conduct individual and group classes for students with special needs
  • Provided counselling and support
  • Developed educational resources and materials to impart individualistic lessons to children with special needs
  • Developed life skills modules
  • Conducted assessments to identify academic and behavioural issues related to disabilities
  • Conducted sensitisation sessions for parents and teachers regarding developmental disorders
  • Conducted workshops on various topics

Sharada mandir school

Special Educator

Jun 2012Feb 2013 · 8 mos · Goa

  • Modifications of curriculum and accommodations of instruction materials ensuring the diverse needs of every student are successfully realized.
  • Conducted therapy sessions for children with fine & gross motor difficulties.
  • Conducted value-based classes
  • Worked in close coordination with counsellors to assist in the holistic development of the children.
  • Conducted Psycho-educational assessments to identify academic and behavioural issues related to disabilities.
  • Generated reports evaluating students’ progress to support recommendations for further student development.
  • Incorporate special learning strategies for learning-disabled students encompassing, rehearsal and review, cognitive behaviour modification, organization, memory strategies and modelling.
  • Skilled at keeping students on-task and tailoring lessons to meet specific needs. (MR, Autism, Learning disability, ADHD)
  • Attended faculty meetings to review and evaluate teaching methods
  • Conducted sensitising sessions for students and parents to increase their awareness about disabilities.

Freelance | self-employed

Freelance Writer & Researcher

Jan 2011Jan 2014 · 3 yrs · Goa

  • For as long as I can remember, I have been a writer. Getting my first article published was a life-changing moment that catapulted me into a career that has given my life purpose and meaning.
  • Applied qualitative and quantitative research methods
  • Wrote in-depth academic research papers
  • Created original feature articles
  • Researched and wrote informative, educational and unique articles to highlight various human interest topics
  • Regularly contributed articles to a local Newspaper in Goa.
Content MarketingContent DevelopmentTeam LeadershipDigital StrategyCommunicationStrategy

Education

Christ University, Bangalore

Master's degree — Clinical Psychology

Jan 2009Jan 2011

Goa University

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) — Psychology

Jan 2006Jan 2009

Christ University, Bangalore

Master of Science - MS — Clinical Psychology

Jun 2009May 2011

Stackforce found 100+ more professionals with Content Strategy & Leadership

Explore similar profiles based on matching skills and experience