Women In PR's 45 over 45

Knowing that there are few people out there in the industry I helped, taught or inspired to do great things or get to the top.

Listen to your heart before your head.

In the pursuit of your ambitions, don’t compromise yourself.

Making a difference for the careers of colleagues and the commercial outcomes for clients.

Never waiver from your ambition.

Working with so many bright and dynamic people to help them develop as individuals and for their business to grow and thrive.

Founding Global Women in PR five years ago so I can give something back to the industry and support the next generation of PR women.

Be confident – you can do it!

Watching the Global Women in PR networking community grow with groups developing all over the world.

The talent I’ve had the pleasure of working with and learning from.

Be true to yourself.

Staying alive!

Building a brilliant 50 person team committed to working for positive social and environmental change.

Be bold, be courageous and step out in good faith.

The power we have to help address climate change and make a huge difference on the biggest single issue of our time.

My work on mentoring helping to develop professionalism in the industry.

Develop your network before you need it.

Opportunity to make a difference to diversity and inclusion. Helping the industry look more like the clients we represent.

Working with amazing people.

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and think of what could go right.

Post pandemic we are in a unique position to press the reset button and make some positive changes.

The work my team at Man Bites Dog has done to increase the representation of diverse experts as thought leaders, including our Gender Say Gap and Gender News Gap campaigns. In partnership with our clients we have now expanded this programme to champion global issues from inclusive investment and diverse entrepreneurship, to increasing access to the professions.

Do the thing that scares you – whether it’s starting your own business or applying for that stretch role – just go for it!

The comms industry has an increasingly vital role to play in accelerating net zero – by helping companies attract finance and customers to power transition, new technologies and innovations. There is now a seat at the Board table for strategic comms professionals to help to shape new organisations, products and services to support a more sustainable future. Comms has never been more purposeful.

Championing gender equality and creating a business where everyone can thrive.

Go for it , don’t let anyone hold you back – believe in yourself.

It’s a time of change, with fresh mountains to climb. Can’t wait!

My career trajectory at Franklin Templeton, one of the world’s largest global asset managers with over $1.5 trillion of assets under management. As a woman and as a person of colour working in the world of finance, I am most proud of the many accomplishments in leading our Communications efforts in EMEA and on global initiatives over the last two decades.

Whilst talent abounds in our industry, opportunities are harder to come by. It is important to make and seize your own opportunity!

The world is becoming ever increasingly aware of the risks and opportunities related to climate change. With increasing regulation and the pace of capital moving into sustainable areas, companies have to think long and hard how to adapt as they start journey to decarbonisation. I think this is an exciting area for comms professionals who will have a key role to play as firms seek to articulate their sustainability strategy authentically and purposefully.

Aside from the number of jobs, pay rises and clients I’ve helped talented BME PR and comms pros secure? And the work being done by all the incredible Blueprinted agencies? Not selling out, standing up to bullies, racists and those that treat diversity as a competitive sport with little thought for Black, Asian, Mixed Race or Ethnic Minority pros. I’m proud of saying ‘Black Lives Matter’ before it was considered acceptable to do so and banging on about diversity before it was fashionable to do so.

There are good organisations and comms teams doing good values-driven work. There are agencies that have proved profit and purpose can go hand-in-hand. There are leaders that genuinely value authenticity and have progressed from diversity to anti-racism. Great modern leaders who lead organisations and departments with empathy. Seek them out. I guarantee you will do better work, have a more fulfilling career and a better work/life balance. You will thrive.

Diversity: in the scope of my experience, and in the high-performing, award winning teams I have created.

Be yourself.

The opportunity to develop and mentor the next generation – whilst staying fresh and skilled to keep doing important, innovative and impactful work.

I am most proud that I founded a career that combines my skill in communication with my background in science to make a positive impact on the health of people across the world. Taking complex ideas and sharing them in a way that is engaging and relevant is my passion – whether it is a skin cream, a vaccine or a potential cure for lung cancer.

Trust your gut and your instincts as more often that not, it will be the right way to go.

Seeing more scientists becoming ‘celebrities’.

Being a woman over took the risk to launch a business at almost 50 yrs and making it a success. I love this industry and seeing so many others, who look like me coming into this industry gives me pure joy.

Always be guided by honesty and integrity.

The unknown but the belief that things will only get better.

That people I trained are overtaking me and being better than me. Also that I still love getting up in the morning and believing I’ve got the best job in the world.

Say yes. Put your hand up for everything. Can I have 2??? Get a good mentor.

When I started, PR was at the bottom of the food chain. Now it is right at the very top. All the disciplines are looking to us to help, and inform.

It has to be launching Third City with my business partners Gill Brown and Mark Lowe, and building it up to what it is today – an award-winning agency with 30 talented people who want to make a positive impact on clients, on our community and on how we run our business.

Own your own worth. Self-imposed limitations and lack of self-belief can be something that holds women back. We often limit our own options by waiting for opportunities and under-promote ourselves. So, when imposter syndrome kicks in, remind yourself of your strengths and your accomplishments that have brought you to this point.

This may sound odd but I’ve only recently come to really realise the value of my experience, so I’m looking forward to finding new avenues to impart that knowledge.

I am particularly proud of our global Women & Money campaign at Fidelity International. We have worked hard to raise greater awareness of the gender pension and savings gap, trying to create a more inclusive environment where women feel more comfortable investing for a better financial future.

Pull your seat up to the table and give strategic input at every turn. Reputation is a board level discussion. Don’t be driven by other discussions happening around you, be in them and drive.

Reputation is paramount and the importance of communications counsel has never been more important.

Twenty three years ago I was sitting by candlelight during a power-cut, in a community hospital in remote Nepal, when I made a life-changing decision. I came back to the UK, gave up my successful, commercial career in corporate and consumer PR and set out to use my skills and knowledge to work for social and environmental change. Since then I have had the privilege to work with the most amazing, inspirational people all over the world, doing their best to make the planet a better place, and I haven’t stopped learning from them. I am proud that I listened to my inner voice, followed my own path and managed to stick with it, and because of that I have been able to play a small part in elevating other people’s incredible efforts to drive change.

The advice I wish someone had given me. Firstly, to do your best and happiest work, you must find a place where you can live your values.

Finally, the idea of purpose is being discussed in the same breath as business strategy – and as comms professionals we now find ourselves in an exciting world of co-production and collaboration. We have always had a role in ethical counsel and storytelling, but now we can also drive social innovation and systems change through partnerships and new kinds of relationships.

That I have had such a myriad of amazing experiences with incredible people and found something I love that teaches me lessons still every day. Even more incredible given my total lack of education. I am proud to be part of this ever changing industry and to be able to change and evolve too.

Believe that you can and ask for help along the way.

There is never a dead end for a career in this industry. Thought leadership opportunities continue to grow and our role continually progresses across business and society.

My role in transforming the FH healthcare team into a people centric, high performing collaborative team. Delivering great work and consistent growth for more than 4 years, including navigating a positive route through the pandemic with strong teamwork and client partnerships.

Be true to your values and who you are, open to the ideas of others, and mindful of the big picture. Never let your critical inner voice or others say you can’t do something.

We are living at a time when businesses are having to operate in constantly changing and increasingly complex ecosystems. This requires them and the agencies that support them to also be dynamic and innovative in the strategies deployed and the way they operate. As someone who thrives on challenge and driving transformation, I am excited by the opportunities ahead to collaborate and shape the future.

Being able to demonstrate career success for women and those within the Black community.

Take time to know yourself and define your ambitions, and then be relentless about achieving them.

Seeing how the importance of communications is being embedded into organisations. Our value is being recognised.

Getting to work with such talented individuals at Hope&Glory every day and just seeing how far we’ve come.

Be curious and excited about the opportunities that present themselves to you. Work doesn’t always feel like an adventure but it should.

The realisation that after 30 years I really do know what I’m talking about. That’s liberating. And I’m happier now to speak my mind than ever before. It’s an exciting time to be a mid-lifer.

While I’ve worked for some phenomenal clients and had some unforgettable experiences over the course of my career, what gives me the most satisfaction is seeing people grow, prosper and flourish. I tend to remember the small moments more than the big triumphs. They stay with you the longest.

95% of the things we worry about don’t happen. I don’t know if that’s scientific ‘fact’ but I heard it somewhere and it stuck. Worrying is such wasted energy so don’t sweat the small stuff.

I love the idea of being an instigator. Instigating progression, bravery, curiosity… for clients but mostly for the hugely talented, gutsy women who will lead our industry next. I’m excited about our potential to drive change and banish some of the bull that my generation had to work through, once and for all. Inequalities in pay, representation and position. There are still battles to be fought.

I am most proud of my ‘balancing-act’! I never stopped working. Whilst the PR landscape for working mothers was not as developed 20 years ago as it is today, I still managed to hone my skills, lead teams of great younger women and deliver stand-out global campaigns. It’s been a ‘flexitarian’ career with time in-house, time in agency and now exciting times as my own boss. And now I get to fight ageism in our industry – championing Women in PR’s 45 over 45 campaign!

If you don’t ask – you don’t get! Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Negotiate fairly and with humour for the best client outcomes, for the best media coverage and for the best in your own personal career situation with your employer.

I am most excited about the fact that rules are being challenged which mean there are great opportunities for everyone, whatever their background or age. PR should – and could – be a fulfilling career for the whole of your working life.

To see the growth of the amazing female lead global agency we have built in just five years.

Be brave. You are capable of so much more than you think.

Just how broad a role comms is becoming. Seen and respected for the contribution it has in the boardroom.

Hiring people – bringing new people into a team and helping them grow their own aspirations. This was particularly the case when I co-founded Big-mouths PR.

Be commercially literate, know the numbers, know the targets – demonstrate how your work influences the bottom line.

The young people I get to work with. I learn from them all the time.

Seeing the phenomenal work my agency produces year after year, watching my super talented team grow and develop and seeing our shelves filled with agency and campaign award silverware.

Don’t put up working with average men in the industry.

The opportunity to grow and develop my people and my agency. Expand our skills, learnings and bring more bright young females into the industry.

The work my team did launching four government loan schemes during the pandemic which saved a lot of livelihoods. We can all look back and say, we stepped up and we were there.

Always ask for more money. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

The power, quality, diversity and energy of the next generation of female leaders. We’re in safe hands.

One of the things I’m proudest of is how I have helped to create space and support for some incredibly talented women (and men!) in the healthcare communications industry. When I see the successes of people who have been part of my team over the years, and watch them continue to thrive, it gives me such a moment of pride and satisfaction.

Look around and identify who you can learn from and who you can help to learn, and plug into both equally and often.

It is such an exciting time to be in healthcare and the pandemic has created a seismic shift in how we view it, how we view communications, how we view our own priorities, and how we view the talent pool. I believe our industry is ripe for change and expansion and I want to be at the heart of it.

Having been able to use my PR experience and contacts to put hip dysplasia on the global map via our charity, DDH UK, and my first book, Cast Life, is something I’m extremely proud of. This work was carried out whilst I was on a career break to care for my youngest son who required ongoing complex surgery and support, and being able to use my skills to connect and help thousands of families around the world, was a saving grace during an exceptionally challenging period in our lives and a legacy that continues today.

Please believe in yourself! There are so many amazing women out there doing fantastic things that I hope you can see how valuable you are and that you are the future of PR.

Now more than ever we have the opportunity to build new paths for women in the comms world and that change is underfoot and we have the chance to make changes for future generations.

Always staying true to my core values and passion for equality, diversity and flexible working.

Don’t ever believe anyone who tells you, you lack gravitas. Lead in your own unique way.

There’s never been a better time to be a woman working in comms, now is our time to thrive!

Getting a real mix of experience by going for roles I knew I’d enjoy rather than following a linear career path.

Find a great mentor and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Being part of a more equitable and diverse workforce at all levels.

I’m undoubtedly most proud of the successes of the people I have supported over the years. It’s amazing to watch those who have worked for me start successful agencies or run huge global comms teams. I benefited myself from the support of really inspirational senior mentors and if I’m able to help people reach their career aspirations, even in the smallest way, then I feel a true sense of purpose.

I would advise the next generation of female comms professionals to be clear about what it is they want to achieve. If you know what you’re aiming for, it’s infinitely more likely you’ll achieve it. Continual learning is an absolute must and I would recommend to any future comms leader not to overlook developing business acumen as a core skill. The more senior you get, the more fundamental this becomes and the greater your impact will be.

I’m most excited about the opportunities to influence at the highest level of business. I’ve fought, along with many others in the industry, to find comms a full seat at the board table, which is its rightful place. Now I’m in that seat, I’m excited by what’s to come. Comms will shape the future of business and it’s a thrill to prove that every single day through the most senior of decision making.

Diversity: in the scope of my experience, and in the high-performing, award winning teams I have created.

When your inner critic is giving you a hard time, tell it to shut up and take a moment to look at the number of ‘chancers’ in the room that don’t even question themselves.

Isn’t it just brilliant to work in an industry that doesn’t stand still? Where you can learn something every single day? That’s pretty awesome in my book.

Seeing my teams succeed, making a difference for patients through great healthcare comms.

Be yourself.

The dynamic nature of our work means we are always learning!

Blurred, as living proof that delivering for People, for Planet as well as Profit is possible.

You reap what you sow so play your part in making a difference where it counts – be it social mobility, DEI, gender equality, whatever floats your boat. But play your part.

I look around me and there are so many I admire, where it used to be so few. I was sick of the casual discrimination and the world view that only seemed to value profit, at any cost. But now I see so many actively driving change. Agency heads like Jo-Ann at Ketchum, John at Don’t Cry Wolf, Jo at Hope and Glory, Kirsty at Milk & Honey and Alex at Manifest – all proving that there’s a different way and inspiring new generations. As well as total game changers like Elizabeth Bananuka. Gives me hope.

When I look across the industry top 50 consumer agencies, I am proud of how many of the leaders of those agencies spent time in either Shine, Mischief, John Doe or The Academy.

Always be brave enough to be yourself, help others on their way up and make the industry a kinder place for working mums.

My ambition when I started Shine was to quite literally do just that ‘Help People Shine’, more recently I have been supporting entrepreneurs and founders achieve their potential, it’s turned out to be my most gratifying role so far.

Achieving success at work with a sense of balance, emotional intelligence and humanity.

Be true to yourself. Everyone’s path is unique, there is no one size fits all. So be clear on what’s important, surround yourself with great advisors and friends, and be kind to yourself.

The transformation of our industry which is now more supportive, collaborative and equal in opportunity than ever before.

To have supported so many others to chose this career for themselves.

Work hard, believe in yourself and aim for the top job, I’ll do everything I can to support you – aim high.

That it will be less white and less male and there will be more comms pros at the board room table.

Building a team culture rooted in bravery & opportunity.

Be confident in your instincts.

Working with lots of very talented people.

Establishing with my co-founder Angela Oakes the global networking organisation for women working in senior roles in PR and Communications.

Have belief in your own abilities.

The opportunity to have an impact on the next generation of female leaders.

My teams, the one at H+K and all those I have worked with across the years. Brilliant people, doing amazing work and having fun along the way. I am especially proud to see so many of them in leadership positions across our industry.

Find your voice and support the women around you.

The growing focus on purpose creates a real opportunity for our industry, we are so well placed to help organisations find, live by and articulate their purpose.

Being a member of the Executive Committee of the UK’s best community bank. It’s a privilege to be part of this fantastic organisation and it’s testament to the Corporate Affairs function that we not only have a seat at the table but a voice as well.

Be brave and ask the ‘stupid’ question, always. Nine times out of 10 you’ll raise something the organisation hadn’t thought of or prepared for. The other times you’ll have a better understanding than you did before.

I’m confident that the communication discipline will continue to grow in influence in the board rooms across the world, viewed as a strategic enabler, reputation enhancer and protector, and force for good…. and that those boardrooms are populated by smart, sassy women, unafraid to speak truth to power.

I’ve held some incredible roles, worked with some of the most famous people in the world and built a wonderful group of friends on the way. But I think it’s my ability to get back up from being knocked down, time and time again on a personal and professional level. It’s this strength that makes me the proudest.

Listen to your heart before your head.

Cowshed is a fully integrated agency where comms professionals learn other disciplines and upskill themselves. It’s this integration and evolution of our roles that is the most exciting.