Laura is the PR and Communications Director for cybersecurity company Tessian. Over the past 10 years, she’s worked with B2B tech brands – both in-house and agency-side – to help shape their PR and communications strategies and media relations programmes.

What drives you? 

Solving problems, using new and creative ideas and approaches (ideally while working alongside smart, fun and creative people). 

Your proudest moment? 

Being accepted onto the Women in PR mentor scheme in 2021, and having the opportunity to be part of a programme that identifies and nurtures the next generation of female PR leaders. I count myself so fortunate to be included in this group of talented women and to learn from them. 

Your PR hero? 

Anyone who has handled a PR crisis and come out the other side! 

What would you tell your 21 year old self? 

In the next 10 years, you’ll meet incredible people, you’ll meet people who challenge you, you’ll travel the world, you’ll learn a tonne, and you’ll achieve more than you thought you would… so don’t overthink it. Just enjoy it! 

Your first PR role? 

After graduating, I worked as a communications coordinator at the global technology company, Thales, helping the HQ team with internal and external communications. 

Your favourite place to escape? 

A big hike in the Surrey Hills or a trip to the beach. 

If you weren’t in PR, what would you be?

While doing my degree in English Language, I looked into what it would take to become a Forensic Linguist – someone who performs language analysis on written or recorded documents to help solve crimes. That would have been a very interesting path to go down! 

Why did you join Women in PR? Why is it an important organisation?

I joined Women in PR after applying to its mentorship programme in 2021. I wanted help in seeing my path of progression more clearly and identifying the steps I needed to take to become a senior leader. I got partnered with the brilliant Michele Moore Duhen, communications lead at Vodafone Business, whose support has been invaluable. Women in PR is an important organisation because it creates a buzzing network of people who can offer ideas and support on PR and comms challenges you come across, as well as advice on overcoming barriers you might be facing in advancing your career. 

What is your biggest failure? 

Trying very hard to avoid it for a very long time. 

What’s the future of PR?

I read more and more around the importance of brand building and storytelling in B2B markets. There was a great article in The Drum that said “​​delivering short-term sales isn’t the most important job for B2B marketers, because only 5% of customers are ready to buy today. The most important job is to influence the 95% of future buyers.” So I think more businesses will see the importance of the role PR plays in brand building – through integrated campaigns – as buyers continue to prioritise the brands that exceed expectations, have a good reputation and strong social conscience, and empathise with buyers’ needs and challenges.