Once I embraced who I was, everything changed—from how I spoke to clients to the kind of stories I felt brave enough to tell.
Long before he became the President & CEO of Langton PR Inc., Daniel Pillai was drawn to the power of story. Growing up queer and South Asian, he rarely saw his experiences reflected at him. That absence eventually became his fuel. What began as a love for entertainment and pop culture evolved into a career rooted in visibility, connection, and the belief that everyone deserves to be seen.
“I was always the kid asking questions,” he says. “What makes people tick? Why do certain stories move us while others fade away? I didn’t have the language for it back then, but what I was really doing was observing narratives—how they’re shaped, and who gets to tell them.”
That curiosity led him to the media and public relations world, where he’s worn many hats: host, writer, digital strategist, and now, executive. But one thing has remained constant across every title and platform: the commitment to authenticity.
The Power of Self-Definition
Daniel is clear—his career truly began when he stopped trying to fit in. Early on, he admits he filtered himself to match the expectations of an industry that often rewards conformity. But over time, he began to question who that version of himself was serving.
“Once I embraced who I was, everything changed—from how I spoke to clients to the kind of stories I felt brave enough to tell. That’s when my work started to resonate,” he explains.
Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the root of good storytelling and impactful branding.
It’s a principle he brings to every campaign at Langton PR. Whether it’s advising a grassroots startup or a nationally recognized brand, his first question is always the same: What’s your truth?
Representation as a Business Strategy
Diversity isn’t an afterthought in Daniel’s work—it’s central. Under his leadership, Langton PR has launched campaigns that champion inclusion in meaningful ways. From the Diwali Beauty Box to a Black History Month Gifting Suite in collaboration with SheaMoisture, the agency continues to uplift marginalized voices in spaces that have historically overlooked them. This commitment to diversity is not just a business strategy but a reflection of the world as it is and as it should be, a world where everyone’s story matters.
“These aren’t just feel-good projects,” he notes. “They drive real business impact because they reflect the world as it is—and as it should be.”
Part of his success lies in creating a team culture that values perspective. Having risen up the ranks himself—from Digital Media Manager to now helming the entire firm—Daniel understands the importance of leadership that listens. Much of his current staff belongs to Gen Z, a generation known for holding brands accountable and valuing transparency. Rather than resist the shift, he welcomes it.
“They’ve taught me that leadership today isn’t about control—it’s about collaboration. You have to be willing to evolve, to admit when you don’t know something, and to lead with empathy.”
Evolving with the Industry
With over a decade in media, Daniel has witnessed seismic shifts—from the fall of print to the rise of influencer culture, from appointment television to TikTok virality. But what excites him isn’t just the pace of change; it’s what the change represents.
“Media used to be a gate-kept space. Now, storytelling is democratized,” he says. “Anyone with a phone can create a moment that reaches millions. That’s powerful—but it also means strategy matters more than ever.”
He believes the brands that succeed in this landscape are the ones that are both agile and intentional. One of the biggest missteps he sees? Performing authenticity rather than practicing it.
“People are smart. They can spot a performative campaign in seconds. Real connection comes from consistency, not spectacle.”
Campaigns That Matter
When asked about career highlights, Daniel doesn’t hesitate. His most rewarding projects are the ones that create space, especially for communities that have been pushed to the margins.
“It’s not about the scale of the campaign. It’s about impact,” Daniel shares. “When someone tells me they felt seen, or that a brand made space for their identity—that’s the real win.”
But he’s also quick to acknowledge that meaningful work isn’t always easy. He’s faced challenges, including clients resistant to inclusive messaging and navigating his impostor syndrome early in his career. What carried him through was his ability to stay grounded in purpose.
I remind myself that every time I speak up, every time I lead with integrity, I make it easier for the next person to do the same.
Looking Ahead
The future of Langton PR is deeply personal for Daniel. He wants the agency to be known for its campaigns and how it nurtures people—clients, staff, and their audiences. That includes mentoring emerging creatives, partnering with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-led businesses, and expanding the agency’s social impact footprint.
And while the CEO title might suggest he’s made it, Daniel is quick to say the work is just beginning.
“I’ve always said—if I can help one person feel more seen, more heard, more proud of who they are—that’s enough. But I won’t stop at one.”
