Q&A on what it’s like to be a woman working in PR

Holyrood PR Blog

We caught up with Kelly & Emma to discuss the daily workings of a woman in Scottish PR

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IN HONOUR of International Women’s Day, we have decided to celebrate the incredible achievements of two of our favourite women in PR.

Discussing what it’s like working in the PR world, we wanted to dig in and find out some of their biggest inspirations, challenges and incentives for forging a career in public relations.

Meet Kelly Horn, our Account Manager and Emma Lourie, our Senior Account Executive.

 

So, kicking things off, what made you choose to move to PR? 

Kelly: I love reading, writing, being creative and telling stories – so it just seemed like a natural fit.

Emma: If I’m honest I didn’t really know what I wanted to do after school so I went out on a limb and decided to study Public Relations, Marketing and Events at Uni. Luckily, I landed on my feet and fell in love with PR from the outset, I ended up tailoring my modules and securing a variety of experience in the industry. I’ve always been creative which made me pick the course in the first place!

 

What do you find most empowering about working in PR?

Kelly: Day-to-day, I work with strong women (both clients and colleagues) which empowers me and encourages me to be better.

From an industry perspective, while it’s quite female dominated, there’s still lots of work to be done to empower young women to progress in the industry. Around 67% of the industry is dominated by women but only a third of boardroom positions are taken by women – leaving lots of room for improvement.

Emma: Having the ability to be creative in all aspects of my work across a wide range of clients and projects is definitely empowering and brings a lot of job satisfaction. I also love seeing campaigns come to life – it might just be the best part of the job! All of the team at Holyrood PR are grafters and I think if you are ever lost for inspiration you just have to look around and the results talk for themselves, working in a team of forward-thinking and dynamic people is definitely empowering.

 

What’s been the biggest challenge in your career so far?

Kelly: Probably moving to Scotland and having to learn an entirely new media landscape and contacts (and figuring out where on earth in the east of Scotland CALA’s developments are!) And that’s before you factor in working through a global pandemic.

Emma: 100% working through a pandemic and adjusting to the home office. However, I have to say it has also probably been one of the best parts of my career. I’ve been encouraged and inspired to work harder and be more creative under tough circumstances.

 

How have you been supported by your colleagues at Holyrood PR?

Kelly: We have a really strong team and work really closely together. If anything, working through something like COVID definitely makes you communicate better and lean on each other more. It was with the support of the team that I’ve been enabled to make my move up to Account Manager.

Emma: Our team are really supportive right across the board, we all love a creative idea so nothing is ever too wacky or out there!

 

Who are your biggest female inspirations?

Kelly: My mum, 100%, and I have a group of close friends who constantly inspire and amaze me.

Emma: I’d have to say my top two would be my mum (as cliché as it is) and Michelle Obama. They are both absolute boss ladies who make juggling a career and family look easy!

 

What’s your go to power anthem?

Kelly: So many clichés.. Man I Feel Like a Woman (Shania), Independent Women (Destiny’s Child), Respect (Aretha).. the list is endless.

Emma: Anything by Abba or She’s Like The Wind by Patrick Swayze

 

If you could pick 3 people to have a dinner party with, who would you choose? 

Kelly: Dolly Alderton/Pandora Sykes (like a true High Low fangirl), and President Michael D Higgins (and his two dogs, Bród and Misneach).

Emma: Barak Obama, The Proclaimers, Princess Diana and Tim Peak (if I can bend the rules and add one more person).

 

What quote do you choose to live by? 

Kelly:  “Ah sure, it’ll be grand”.

Emma: “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today”.

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