In our latest interview for the Member Spotlight series, we spoke to Kamiqua Pearce, who is Founder and CEO of strategic consultancy Coldr and the UK Black Comms Network.
What drives you?
Making a difference drives me.
What is your proudest moment?
Personally, my proudest moment is seeing my son thrive and grow.
Professionally it’s establishing the UK Black Comms Network (UKBCN) and Coldr during the lockdown.
BLM gaining traction in the same moment provided me with immense clarity: I set up Coldr as a more inclusive approach to pr and comms strategy development is needed.
Secondly, an inclusive professional networking space for Black comms professionals was required. In 2019 I set up a space for Black women in comms to network, connect and support each other. Last summer it became clear that creating a bigger platform was the natural next step. I set up the UK BCN and brought together a collective of Black PR & comms professionals to join my team. We have a thriving community of more than 100 professionals, with new members joining us every day. We work with partners to offer career and professional development and collaborate with leaders in the industry to champion Black talent. I am proud of what we have achieved in such a short space of time.
Who is your PR hero?
I have met so many inspiring PR pros in my career – many I have connected with during lockdown, some who I have never even seen in person!
What would you tell your 21-year-old self?
Follow your gut, don’t define yourself by your career alone, and trust in your sauce. Yes, your lived experience is the exception in the industry, and no, you won’t be everyone’s favourite flavour. But that’s ok. Remember there is no solace in the shade. Don’t quieten your perspectives to fit in. You’re taking up space for a reason.
What was your first PR role?
I “broke the rules” and started my career in-house at vitamin supplement company Vitabiotics working in a small, busy press office team for their leading brands including Pregnacare, Perfectil, Wellwoman, and Wellman.
What is your favourite place to escape?
Jamaica – for me nothing beats the white sands of Negril which is very close to where my grandparents were born.
If you weren’t in PR, what would you be?
I’m not sure. When I was a teen I wanted to be a lawyer, scientist, or fashion designer in that order. I enjoy supporting people – mentoring and coaching those who are starting their PR careers has been very fulfilling. I’ve often said I would love to be a florist albeit I’ve never actually looked into what it takes!
Why did you join Women in PR?
Quite simply for the opportunity to meet and network with more women in the industry.
What is your biggest failure?
I have two:
1. Putting my career before my health and getting burnt out by agency life. Thankfully I recognise the signs a little better now.
2. Taking a collaborative approach to a challenge on an occasion where success required taking the lead. It gave me an even greater insight into the mindset required to be a successful leader and I learn each day.
What’s the future of PR?
1. More sticky ideas that resonate with the many, not the few – building more diverse and inclusive teams will make campaigns less unnecessarily exclusive.
2. Harnessing the energy, and thinking of the next generation – I am a visiting lecturer at the University of the Arts London and have seen firsthand how energetic, fresh and creative those wanting to start a career in PR can be. Striking the balance between providing learning opportunities and giving junior team members space to add value should be the rule, not the exception.
3. Adopting and integrating digital and content marketing practices and disciplines to better demonstrate the value of PR and communications
