|
How
long have you been in Atlanta?
Atlanta
has been home for 16 years. I grew up in Bethesda, Maryland,
then spent eight years in Miami working and having babies
before moving to Atlanta.
How long have you been with Fleishman-Hillard International
Communications and what kind of company is it?
I
actually started as Fleishman's client while on the corporate
side. Having worked for other agencies, I never thought I'd
go back. But it's been eight years and I haven't looked back
yet.
Can
you tell us a little more about your responsibilities as Senior
Vice President, Senior Partner and General Manager in charge
of the Atlanta office?
I
oversee all phases of client relations, corporate initiatives
and general office management. I offer expertise in all phases
of public relations from product revitalization and launches
to issues management and corporate reputation. I also have
full responsibilities for P&L and day-to-day office management.
Does
most of your work mostly concern companies that are handling
a crisis of some kind?
In
looking at a comprehensive strategic communications program,
crisis and issues management is always a necessary piece.
The core of our business has traditionally been about media
relations, but today it's integrated with all the marketing
elements that help position companies, services or products
in the marketplace. Many people think public relations is
the same advertising. In fact, it's the opposite. Public relations
builds credibility where people are learning about your client
through a credible source - the media. It's what we call "earned
media" as opposed to "paid media" or advertising.
How
would you define the term entrepreneur? What kinds of qualities
would you subscribe to an entrepreneur?
An
entrepreneur is someone who sees possibilities others don't
. . . someone who understands how to create, innovate or grow
something out of existing elements or circumstances. Usually,
entrepreneurs are creative, ambitious, driven and, most important,
excellent listeners.
|
 |
What
advice would you give women who are trying to be more entrepreneurial
in their attempts to rise in organizations or start their
own businesses?
Whether you are a seasoned professional or a rookie, it's
important to always be focused on how you can add value to
your organization. . . how you can leverage your skills, experience
and knowledge to help your company achieve it's short and
long-term goals. Understanding those goals and developing
solid relationships within your industry also are key to advancing
in your field and getting on the radar of prospective employers.
You
started out as a journalist and then moved into public relations.
How did you make that transition? Did you feel like you had
to reinvent yourself?
Back
in the old days, most people who went into public relations
started out as newspaper reporters. My writing ability and
communications skills got me in the door of my next job at
a national labor union, but it was the ability to develop
subject-matter expertise that ultimately helped me make the
transition. Over the years, I've been fortunate to have the
opportunity to gain knowledge in lots of industries. That,
coupled with knowing how to effectively communicate is what
made the difference for me.
|
 |
Did
you have mentors along the way of your career that helped
you with your professional development?
I
would have to say my first mentors (and most important) were
my parents. They provided the kind of fundamentals that allowed
me to be open to learning and building relationships. Professionally,
I have had three mentors. My first was the editor at the daily
newspaper where I worked. He taught me how to write. My second
mentor was a seasoned professional in the public relations
business. She was someone I really respected and looked up
to and aspired to be like. She taught me the agency side of
the business. And the third mentor is my current boss, who
has taught me how to manage people and business. Each mentor
was completely different, and each helped me develop distinctly
different skills.
What
advice would you give women who are trying to find a professional
mentor and it hasn't happened naturally?
I
would advise women to join professional industry organizations
or other groups that include people with like-minded interests.
People who are in senior positions are typically happy to
help someone else succeed. They just don't get asked often
enough.
Did
you do anything special for Hanukah or the New Year?
My
family of five traveled to Washington, D.C. for a visit on
the first night of Hanukah. We went directly to my brother's
house where all the cousins, grandparents, siblings, etc.,
lit the candles together. It was really special to be together
and share in the holiday.
|
