Reading AI Publications, Industrial Psychology, Politics, Culture, Diversity, Literature
Usha K. Lakra
Content Strategy & Design | Marketing Communication
Hyderabad
Summary
I specialize in content strategy, content design, and stakeholder collaboration, shaped through a non-linear career across diverse industries. This varied experience strengthens my ability to manage internal and external communications while translating complex product and technical concepts into clear, concise, and user-centered interface content that improves usability and guides user journeys.
I design and deliver content for AI & digital experiences, including microcopy, user flows, in-product messaging, and support content, ensuring consistency in voice, tone, and clarity. With a strong hold on stakeholder management, internal and external communication, I collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and SMEs to create structured, user-focused content, while aligning with best practices in usability, accessibility, and content standards.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
DM - Marketing Content
Freyr Solutions
12.2022 - 02.2026
- Expert in stakeholder management for course development/release, collaborating with L&D/design teams to craft executive messaging, town halls, and authentic senior leader content while managing crisis comms to protect brand reputation.
- Wrote marketing collaterals, shot training videos, and co-created optimized social content (infographics, podcasts) for digital/in-person channels; using web analytics and social listening to boost targeting, lead gen, and measurable impact.
- Drove brand visibility through performance campaigns, internal comms fostering culture/adoption, and external digital strategies—bridging data insights with human-centered narratives to elevate organizational value and operational excellence.
- Skilled at training SMEs, providing content feedback, and managing cross-functional teams; ready to assess skillsets, set development plans, and innovate comms channels (intranet, newsletters, video) for maximum engagement.
Cortana & Teams - Content Lead (India Market)
Microsoft India R&D
10.2020 - 10.2022
- Developed and optimized conversational content for Microsoft's International Design Experiences team by analyzing user queries and behavioral patterns, ensuring responses were intuitive, context-aware, and aligned with natural language expectations.
- Created and managed user-focused content within for Cortana within Microsoft CMS, including microcopy, prompts, and response flows, maintaining consistency in tone, clarity, and usability across AI-driven interactions.
- Leveraged user insights, search trends, and feedback data to refine content strategy, improve response accuracy, and enhance overall user experience across Microsoft Teams and Cortana ecosystems.
- Conducted content audits and iterative testing to improve clarity, structure, and relevance of AI responses, ensuring alignment with product updates and evolving user needs.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams (product, UX, and engineering) to design, review, and optimize conversational flows, contributing to scalable content standards and improved user engagement.
Content Developer
Staedean/Columbus Global
05.2020 - 10.2020
- Created and edited structured content for Microsoft Dynamics 365, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with content and documentation standards across digital channels.
- Developed content guidelines and frameworks to help SMEs produce clear, concise, and audience-focused content across blogs, case studies, and marketing materials.
- Managed and maintained content across multiple channels using CMS tools, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and proper version control.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to simplify complex product information into clear, user-friendly content for diverse audiences.
Content Editor - Digital Marketing
Teletext UK
04.2018 - 04.2019
- Developed integrated approaches as content strategist increasing organic reach by 55% through aligned content and campaigns.
- Managed social media and editorial calendar to ensure timely publication and promotion of relevant content across multiple channels.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to produce integrated marketing campaigns and materials.
- Conducted regular competitor analysis, staying informed on industry trends and adapting SEO strategies accordingly.
- Served as POSH committee member resolving sensitive workplace issues, ensuring ethical communications and inclusive practices.
PR & Social Media - Associate
Myntra/Jabong
12.2014 - 04.2016
- Pioneered blogger outreach and built celebrity PR relationships at industry events, securing coverage for new product line launches.
- Used emerging social listening tools to track fashion trends and competitor strategies, shaping proactive content calendars.
- Managed daily posting, community engagement, event amplification, and real-time brand promotion.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
Lady Brabourne College, University of Calcutta
Kolkata, India 04.2001 -
Post Graduate Diploma - Mass Communication
Jadavpur University
Master of Arts - English Literature
Rabindra Bharti University
Kolkata, India 04.2001 -
Skills
Internal & External Communication
Brand Messaging & Positioning
Visual & Multimedia Content
Copywriting & Editorial Content
Video Scriptwriting & Podcast Scripting
Social media strategy development
UX/UI Writing & Microcopy
Experience with Ubersuggest and Hubspot
Experience with Ahrefs, Hootsuite, Semrush
Experience with Yammer communities
CMS & Web Content Management
Adobe Photoshop, Canva, Articulate 360, RISE
Team Leadership & Cross-functional Collaboration
Accomplishments
- Key Reviewer in launching Indian English voice for Cortana & Teams at Microsoft, enhancing global accessibility through cross-team communication alignment.
- Developed Internal Comms Campaign Leadership around cultural diversity and inclusion and delivered company-wide newsletters and intranet updates that boosted employee engagement by 40% across global teams.
- POSH Committee Member at Teletext, ensuring ethical workplace communications and successfully resolving two sensitive issues.
- Executed social media campaigns generating 200K+ impressions at Myntra/Jabong, driving brand visibility.
Certification
Content Marketing, Inbound Marketing, Social Media and Instagram Marketing Strategy Certification - HubSpot
Interests
Timeline
DM - Marketing Content
Freyr Solutions
12.2022 - 02.2026
Cortana & Teams - Content Lead (India Market)
Microsoft India R&D
10.2020 - 10.2022
Content Developer
Staedean/Columbus Global
05.2020 - 10.2020
Content Editor - Digital Marketing
Teletext UK
04.2018 - 04.2019
PR & Social Media - Associate
Myntra/Jabong
12.2014 - 04.2016
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
Lady Brabourne College, University of Calcutta
04.2001 -
Master of Arts - English Literature
Rabindra Bharti University
04.2001 -
Post Graduate Diploma - Mass Communication
Jadavpur University
AVAILABILITY
Immediate | Hybrid/Remote | Flexible