As a certified executive leadership coach, working with many public relations executives and owners of small public relations firms, I can relate to the challenges faced by professionals in the industry today.
Before becoming a coach I was a PR practitioner for over 20 years, both on the agency and client side, which allowed me the opportunity to work on dozens of high profile campaigns — from Harry Potter to the Broadway stagehand’s strike — or in other words, from pure fantasy to harsh reality. I got into PR because my Dad was a publicist..yes, I wanted to be a publicist when I grew up (!). I thought it was glamorous, creative, exciting..would allow me to merge my interest in writing, with my love of theater and the arts (I really wanted to be an arts publicist, and I did get my wish!).
So, for many years, I enjoyed great success as a publicist, working in the arts, corporate sponsorship and with large media organizations, and for much of the time it was a great deal of fun..but then something changed. I started to feel burned out, drained of creativity and passion, no longer excited about the business that I loved so much years earlier. It had all become “same old, same old.” After 25 years of being in PR, what I decided I REALLY wanted to do was provide support to those in the business, and be the mentor and coach that I always wished that I had.
As a coach, I help PR executives stay at the top of their game and navigate the ever- changing landscape of their industries. I advise them on how to become more effective in business planning, budgeting and goal setting and turning around those difficult situations that may be placing a drain on inspiration, productivity and resourcefulness. I help PR execs bring out their most authentic selves and to be more creative and ultimately, more successful.
I help them focus on on their particular version of “the big picture” so that they can achieve whatever it is they’re striving for.
Coaching has many applications. Here are some good examples…
- leadership development
- on-boarding new staff
- team building
- communications skills (brainstorming, networking, pitching clients and press, integrating social media into the workplace)
- getting clear on goals and developing strategy
- enhancing skills and creativity
- work/life balance and time management
- how to leave the “crisis” in “crisis communications” in the office
- dealing with difficult bosses, staff and clients – including the challenges that arise with Gen X, Y, “Millennials” and Boomers in the same office
Other examples include:
- improving personal and business relationships
- resolving ethical issues
- creating a personal vision for your life and career
- stress management
PR is a great profession…but it doesn’t have to be SO hard…I’m here to help.
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