PR Delivered

Gaining confidence to publicly share expertise takes time and often comes from years of work experience. But that confidence can also come from higher learning. Leandra Greenfield knows something about that. A recent McMaster University master's grad in communications and new media, Leandra has developed expertise of her own, completing her thesis on corporate apologies.  Having completed her undergrad degree in PR at Humber College, Leandra shared her thoughts on the transition from college to university, her decision to take an academic path, and her thoughts on corporate apologies. 

Over 80% of employees are concerned they could lose their jobs because they lack skills and training, according to a recent Edelman Trust Barometer report.  "Keep filling your backpack, " says Leigh LePage, communications supervisor at the Children's Aid Society and Humber PR graduate. Leigh urges students to fill their backpacks with as many PR skills as possible to ride out these tumultuous times, and beyond. The advice is founded on a lattice concept, where skills are developed thoroughly in the job you have, rather than always aiming for a higher rung on the corporate ladder. The approach can not only build self-confidence, but improve employability. Listen to how Leigh has filled her backpack over the past decade. 

Frank Furtado's fifteen-year-old self would probably have said he'd be a YouTuber. But then he pursued other interests including radio and television arts and public relations. Fast forward to today, and Middle 8, Frank's YouTube channel, has close to 400K subscribers, definitely fulfilling his teenage ambition. Frank started Middle 8 when he had some unexpected time on his hands back at the end of 2017. By the time he graduated from Humber College's bachelor of public relations program, Middle 8 was his full-time job. When asked what it takes to be an independent content creator, Frank shares: "Don't be afraid. The hardest part for me was just starting." Listen to Frank's Middle 8 journey, the role PR has played in his success, and his advice for future YouTubers. And be sure to check out Middle 8 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/middle8

At a time when corporations are challenged with developing a new normal for their work culture, which likely includes working from home, Lululemon stands out for having already established fluidity between work and life. Meet Amie Zimon, Manager of Global Store Ambassador Program at Lululemon in Vancouver and co-founder of #100sweatysweats, who shares her experience of working at Lululemon's head office in Vancouver, B.C. for the past five years. A graduate of the University of Guelph-Humber, Amie's PR training equipped her for her communications role at the athletic-wear company, and for much more. Hear Amie's story on PR Delivered. 

Meet Lindsay Nahmiache - CEO and co-founder of Jive PR & Digital, who describes herself as an accidental entrepreneur. While her journey to owning her own business may not have been planned, it doesn't diminish her success. Lindsay shares insights about the entrepreneurial mindset - encouraging young people to get out there and take risks - because they can. Whether you see an entrepreneurial future for yourself, or shy away from the potential risks, Lindsay's belief in the entrepreneurial mindset will inspire PR students to seasoned professionals.  Lindsay has been recognized as one of Vancouver's Top 40 Under 40, appeared on the Financial Post's 100 Most Powerful Women, and is a UN Ambassador of Women's Entrepreneurship. 

Winning an industry award is a prestigious accomplishment, so winning as a student is particularly impressive. This episode we speak to Centennial College public relations grad Mubashira Farooqi. Mubashira, together with her team, won the 2020 CPRS ACE Award for student campaign of the year for their work on #FacetoFaceFeb on behalf of the GenWell Project. Mubashira shares her team's process, through conception to execution, and what led them to eventually win the ACE Award. We also hear from Anne Marie Males, chair of the CPRS ACE Awards committee and program co-ordinator for Humber College's bachelor of PR program. Anne Marie talks about the award submission process, expectations of a winning submission and provides tips for next year's applicants. Join us to hear more about what it takes to win a CPRS ACE award. 

Arefeh Ghane, a fourth-year Humber College bachelor of PR student, addresses the #BLM movement in the context of the PR industry.  

Arefeh provides actionable advice to PR practitioners on how to advance anti-racist sentiment and to add diversity to the PR workplace. Arefeh is currently an intern at Edelman Canada. 

So, you want to be an influencer? Spoiler alert - it's harder than you think. Understanding the value of influencers, finding suitable influencers, and key advice for becoming an effective influencer - Paradigm PR VP Falan Nyarko takes us through the business of influencer relations. Falan shares details of Paradigm's Under Armour influencer campaign and addresses how to ensure authenticity. 

Whether you're finding a PR internship, applying for your first job or are considering a career change, Bianca Boyd offers refreshingly honest advice on the PR agency or client-side dilemma. An industry expert who is now COO at the largest global PR firm, Edelman Canada, Bianca has also been client-side at Walmart. Bianca shares both the pros and the cons of working at agency and corporate positions, providing realistic and relevant insights. Bianca's guidance may help listeners make their own best choice between agency and client-side PR work.