What is your area(s) of expertise?
A: I’m passionate about anything that develops people and builds leaders.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in communications?
A: Don’t wait for someone else to invest in your career. Own your path.
Q: What’s your worst comms nightmare and has it ever come true?
A: I still get nervous every time I send something to print. A few years ago my organization went through a re-brand and when we printed the first issue of our magazine it was published with a small typo. I swear there were dozens of sets of eyes on the proof and we ALL missed it!
Q: If you could have 1, single-use mulligan (a do-over) for anything in your comms career what would you redo and make it better?
A: In hindsight, I wish I had spent some time working at an agency. I think it would have been valuable experience and given me a better perspective on what it’s like dealing with multiple clients at any given time.
Q: What qualities do you think are essential to be a successful communicator?
A: Because the field of communications is constantly evolving, we need to be open to new ideas and prepared to change direction without much notice. Resiliency is a valuable skill to build!
Q: Which direction do you see communications heading towards in the near future?
A: I think communicators are going to increasingly be hired in contract-type roles. This underscores the need to be well-connected and in charge of your own career.
Q: If you weren’t communications, what would you be doing?
A: In my next lifetime I’m going to open a salon. There’s something special about a place where everyone leaves feeling better about themselves.
Q: What do you value the most while at work as a communicator?
A: I appreciate people with open minds. Being able to have a professional conversation with someone you disagree with is an important life skill.
Q: How do you keep up with the changing trends and technology?
A: I’ve invested a lot in my career over the last few years by attending conferences, networking events and publishing content. I used to expect my employer to take care of my professional development but I know now that I’m in control of my career and I need to put my money and time where my passion is.
