Reflections and Resilience: My 20-Year Media & Marketing Career Blueprint

I recently joined a panel at the annual Women in Media Conference in Manchester to share observations and lessons learned from my two decades in the PR and media industry. My hope is that these reflections are transferable, offering a blueprint for anyone starting a new career or needing a gentle nudge to remember their value.

1. Defining Your Core Values: The Retail School of Media

Before my media life began, my first jobs were in retail—from footwear sales at River Island for £2.88 an hour to shifts at WH Smith, Dorothy Perkins, and Marks & Spencer. I honestly believe this was the best preparation for working in the media.

Ask yourself: ‘What are the values that summarize you and what you stand for?’

Retail taught me invaluable lessons about:

• Professionalism and Conduct: Understanding the importance of body language (a genuine smile goes a long way, whereas folded arms can seem defensive).
• Problem-Solving: Having a can-do approach.
• Reliability: Being someone who consistently shows up and delivers.

These values have stayed with me throughout my media career, and they are the things that ex-colleagues still remember about me all these years later.

2. Nurture and Build Positive Relationships

No one is an island; there is no ‘I’ in team. I have had the pleasure of working with and for incredibly talented people who have been supportive mentors and shown me great kindness.

• The Power of a Tribe: Nurturing and building positive professional relationships is key. It provides you with trusted people you can speak to for advice, guidance, and ideas when you feel stuck. I have a tribe of work friends who I deeply respect and trust.
• Reciprocity is Key: Remember, one good turn deserves another. The people you meet will form a vital part of your journey during both good and bad times. Treat everyone with respect.

3. Know What You Do Well and What to Improve

We all possess unique talents—whether it’s a natural skill for complicated math, cooking a delicious meal in 20 minutes, or the ability to dissolve an argument.

• Value Your Skills: We often underestimate these attributes, but it’s crucial to look closely at the skills you display and give yourself credit for them. Our strengths come from understanding what we do well so that we can intentionally build on it.
• Honesty for Growth: We must also be honest about the areas we need to improve on. This is how we develop our perspectives and thoughts, leading to professional growth.

4. Be Bold About Your Achievements

Celebrate you and all the great things you do! We achieve fantastic things in our personal and professional lives, so why do we not shout about them enough?

I meet many talented women who struggle with ‘imposter syndrome.’ I believe that self-esteem and confidence can blossom, but it starts with us celebrating what we do well. I take pride in being a chatterbox because my ability to articulate and communicate led me directly into a broadcasting career—that’s something I am always proud to share.

Tip: Just imagine introducing yourself to someone new and how you’d like to be remembered. This mental exercise will help you stand tall and speak up to represent everything you have worked to achieve.

5. Be Prepared to Learn and Share

Every day, we learn something new that can enhance our career and help us navigate life. Learning something new and sharing it has formed the very basis of my career.

• Exchange Knowledge: When you chat and exchange ideas with a colleague or friend, it is insightful and empowering. Think of the ideas—a website, a life hack, a contact—that you learned from someone else and how they made a difference to you!
• Pay it Forward: Be proactive—learn and share that knowledge with someone else.

I also offer more intensive support through my Great Minds 1-2-1 Mentoring sessions, designed to give you the strategy you need to market your business!

Let’s stay connected:

Get in touch with Louise today to explore how we can tailor a strategy that combines PR, communications and digital marketing. Together, we’ll ensure your brand thrives in this changing digital world.

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