11 more intriguing people in PR in 2010
I wrote a post last Friday titled “The 7 most intriguing people in PR in 2010.” Hours after posting, a common theme began to emerge. There was a lack of female representation on the list. The refrains were heard throughout the day and into the weekend. A few hours later, my friend Valerie Simon offered to guest post on this very topic and spurred another spirited discussion yesterday (thanks, Valerie!).
Today, I wanted to address this issue head on. I know some have said it’s a bit ridiculous, and certainly those who know me don’t need this explanation, but I’d like to share my thinking more broadly.
There were two components to my rationale. First, I’m a big fan of lists. But, as many noted in yesterday’s comments, lists by their nature, are limiting. I wanted to come up a relatively short list of people that lately, I found particularly intriguing. In the last few weeks, I have had very interesting discussions with Adam Kmiec on Twitter. And Len Kendall’s and Adam Singer’s blogs have been piquing my curiousity more and more lately. And, David Armano’s recent move to Edelman made me wonder. Shel Holtz’s recent five-year anniversary of FIR made me think about how much longer he could keep it up (probably another five years). You get the idea. They were all top of mind for me because of recent events or conversations.
Second, I’m a product of my environment. I’ve spent the better part of my 13-career working for and with women. In total, over the years I’ve had no fewer than 10 managers who were women. And, in my last two jobs previous to starting my own business, I worked in office environments with ALL women. So, in the last couple years since I’ve been engaging online, it’s been refreshing to see a number of men emerge as thought leaders and luminaries in an industry I’ve known to be completely dominated by women. It’s given me a number of male mentors to look up to and learn from. And a camaraderie I just haven’t had before–at least not to this level. Now, I completely understand senior management tends to be pretty male-dominated in our industry, but again, in my experience, I’ve really only worked for female leadership. So, while that may be the case globally, I just haven’t seen it. So yeah, maybe I tend to favor men a bit more because of my personal experiences–at least subconsciously. But, like Valerie said in her post yesterday, take a peek at my blog roll. Full of women I read every day. My Feedly account has even more blogs authored by women. Check out my tweet stream. You’ll often find me chatting with Lauren Fernandez, Valerie Simon, Heather Whaling, Jen Wilbur, and Rachel Kay among many other women.
Bottom line: Mea culpa. I definitely should have included at least a few women in my initial list. Or, maybe I should have reworded the title, as others suggested yesterday. Whatever the case, the initial list should have been more representative of who I really find intriguing in 2010.
So, to rectify that lapse in judgment, I’m adding 11 more people to the list. And, just as the initial list happened to be all men, this list just happens to be all women. It’s not a gender thing. It’s just 11 more people who I find fascinating. Want to add to the list? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments.
Jessica Smith. Why does she intrigue me? A few weeks ago, I asked a number of PR pros what they’d get that digital PR pro on their holiday shopping list. Know what Jessica said? A TED membership. Now *that* intrigues me. I’ll admit, I don’t know Jessica all that well, but I’m hoping to change that in 2010. And, she’s a foodie (I’m a closeted foodie), so that scores points with me. She also blogs at JessicaKnows, which isn’t your typical PR blog.
Rebecca Denison. Why does she intrigue me? One of the youngest women on this list–but also maybe the most intriguing. I mean who goes into PR because of a passion for measurement? Rebecca Denison, that’s who. I’ve also been a fan of her blog since day one. Especially the Dr. WHAW column (What I Didn’t Read While at Work). She hasn’t written one for a while, but back when she was pumping those out, I was following along with interest. And now, as part of the Edelman Digital team, she’ll have the opportunity to work with and learn from minds like David Armano and Rick Murray.
Kristina Halvorson. Why does she intrigue me? President of Brain Traffic, a content strategy firm in Minneapolis, Kristina is one of those local folks I’d love to meet in 2010. You can follow her blog on the Brain Traffic site--always some interesting reads here. But, it’s her snarky tweets that have me fascinated with this thought leader. See this post from Kristina on her first day back in the office last week. Intrigued?
Meghan Wilker Why does she intrigue me? Meghan’s another women I’m not sure you’d technically consider in PR–but I would. Yeah, she has an interactive background, but at her core, she’s a strategist. A problem solver. That’s tomorrow’s PR pro in a nutshell. Managing director over at Clockwork, Meghan caught my eye a while ago and I’ve recently gotten to know her a little better. She also blogs regularly with Nancy Lyons over at the Geeks Girls Guide. If you live in Minneapolis, you’ve undoubtedly heard of this tandem. If not, you’ve definitely seen their spiral-bound notebooks around town. Seemingly everyone has one.
Beth Harte. Why does she intrigue me? Beth Harte has intrigued me from day one. And, I’m fortunate enough to have met her and formed a friendship with her over the last year. As the community manager for MarketingProfs, I’ve followed Beth as she’s taken the MP community to a new level the last few months (she manages an active and engaged professional group on LinkedIn) And, as a former consultant, I’ve learned a lot from Beth in terms of client service, ideas and branding. You can also find Beth hosting the popular #pr20chat on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. And now, you can also find her blogging regularly over at the Daily Fix.
Francine McKenna. Why does she intrigue me? I spent a sizeable portion of my career in the professional services world working for a midsized accounting firm. So, Francine caught my eye right away. One of the more prominent bloggers in the accounting world, I don’t think it’s a big stretch to say Francine has revolutionized the way the accounting industry interacts online. Her blog, re: The Auditors has a a following of some 1,300-plus people and is full of interesting, thoughtful and newsworthy posts and information. A treasure-trove for anyone working in the accounting industry (especially Big Four). Very much a pioneering blogger.
Valeria Maltoni. Why does she intrigue me? To be honest, I think Valeria intrigues most people. I once heard Jason Falls say Valeria’s Conversation Agent was the one blog he read when he wanted fresh ideas and inspiration. Valeria’s blog is an absolute gold mine for today’s PR pro. Full of interesting interviews, case studies, e-books and Valeria’s own insights, it’s a must read for me each week. She’s also an accredited professional, which holds big value for me. I haven’t yet seen Valeria present, but I’m hoping to catch her somewhere in the year ahead.
* Mary Barber. Why does she intrigue me? Many say the boomers are lagging in the digital space. Not Mary. She’s embraced the new tools–and the benefits they bring to her clients. As a PR consultant, Mary gets paid to stay one step ahead. So, it should come as no surprise to see her hanging out in #journchat and #pr20chat on a weekly basis. Plus, she brings that senior credibility to her conversations. Yes, the Millennials bring a fresh perspective. But, there’s something to be said for viewpoints and opinions that are steeped in 20-plus years of communications experience.
* Heather Whaling. Why does she intrigue me? Hmm…let me count the ways. Founded Pitch With Me, an innovative new way to package like-minded pitches collaboratively. She’s the new co-moderator of the successful (hat tip: Beth Harte) #pr20chat. Oh, and she recently quit her day job to start her own consultancy named Geben Communications. Intrigued? I am. I’ve been following Heather for a long time and have had the tremendous fortune to know her better the last few months. Expecting big things from Ms. Whaling in 2010.
* Rachel Kay. Why does she intrigue me? Mainly, because she runs a smart shop. How do I know this? Ask the people who work for her (Natalie Keiko, for one). Ask her clients (growing list by the day). If you still don’t believe me, ask anyone who’s interacted with Rachel online. Not only that, but she has a soft spot in her heart. Always quick to give back, Rachel was one of the first ardent supporters of Danny Brown’s 12for12K effort. I’m always intrigued by people who are so thoughtful in the ways they give back.
* Dana Lewis. Why does she intrigue me? First of all, the woman hasn’t even graduated yet. Dana’s done more for social media in the health care scene than many people who work in the industry full time. So, there’s that. Dana’s a sponge. Constantly learning, asking questions and sticking close to other smart people (Mack Collier, for one). But, she’s not afraid to share her opinion. You can find her each Sunday night moderating the wildly successful #hcsm chat. Some company is going to be very lucky come May when Dana hits the open market.
Anyone else to add?
35 Responses to “11 more intriguing people in PR in 2010”
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Heather Whaling on January 12th, 2010
Arik, while it’s your blog and you didn’t have to create a second list of all women, I’m glad you did — and not just because I’m included. (Thanks, BTW!) I probably don’t know half of these women. So, once again, you’re opening my eyes to new voices and perspectives — so for that, I say thanks!
Heather
@prTini
Francine McKenna on January 12th, 2010
Erik,
It is a testament to the tools that you and I now know each other. Without Twitter and the rest of the technology now available just in the last 2-3 years, I would have never met so many of the media, marketing, advertising and PR professionals I now call friends and mentors. Thanks so much for the mention. I appreciate your support and am grateful for what you and your colleagues are teaching me about media.
One woman I met early in my efforts and who is a go-to professional for me on matters of community is Rachel Happe, @rhappe of the Community Roundtable, @TheCR. She is one in a million. A fellow accounting blogger who had it all going on long before me is Tracy Coenen, @sequenceinc. She is a savvy business woman and sharp as 10-penny nail when it comes to fraud and corporate investigations.
Jessica Smith on January 12th, 2010
Arik,
The feeling is mutual…my background is more digital and marketing than it is PR. However, with the shape our industry is taking…it’s no wonder we’re seeing a convergence where we once saw tightly cordoned-off silos.
Now I have to go make sure I’m following and subscribed to all these amazing women. I know I’m following Valeria for sure!
Cheers Arik!
Valerie Simon on January 12th, 2010
Great additions. I really love the inclusion of up and comers and you found two most intriguing young PR pro’s in Rebecca and Dana! Their fresh perspective and sharp insights are absolutely worth getting to know.
Valeria is brilliant. Period. Conversation Agent is an absolute must read and I always come away a bit smarter. I don’t know how she manages to consistently post at such high quality!
I’m also very excited to see Heather & Rachel on your list. They both seem to know the secret to building real relationships from conversation.
And guess what… I’ve found someone new on your list as well (well who I am only vaguely familiar with). Thanks for the heads up!
My additions? Other up and comers like the “#PRSUPERTRIO”- Mikinzie Stuart, Lauren Novo and Rachel Esterline… all students who have fabulous PR related blogs and have demonstrated exceptional skills using social media to build relationships. I’d also include Tom Coyne, owner of Coyne PR on the list and Christine Perkett, owner of Perkett PR. Beyond PR, they each offer lessons in leadership and management… great role models I find very intriguing!
Valeria Maltoni on January 12th, 2010
Arik,
You gave me a good chuckle. I hear that a lot about being intriguing to most people. Which is a personal challenge as often people don’t know what to do with me
I’m working on creating more clarity around what I deliver as an end product, the reason why I launched my new portfolio site. And I’ll be announcing a new project in 2010.
While you certainly didn’t need to provide proof on the women side of things, I’m glad you did. I can use some of your excellent references for my conversation series. Somehow women are not as self promotional as men can be so your insights help. Thank you!
Rachel Kay on January 12th, 2010
Arik,
Thanks so much for including me on a list with so many people I admire. In addition, you have such a knack for turning me on to savvy PR people I hadn’t been connected with. I find my job and our industry intriguing, so I’m happy I add some interest for you. The feelings are mutual.
Rachel Kay
Meg Roberts on January 12th, 2010
Hi Arik,
Thanks for providing two great lists of inspiring thought leaders in our industry. As a young professional, I’m always looking to find new people to learn from, and these lists have been extremely helpful.
Best,
Meg
Ari Herzog on January 12th, 2010
*cough*
Why does every person photographed look like she is under 40? Where are the old women? Where are the old men? PR is not a new industry and I know many senior citizens who are PR pros. Where are their representation on your list? Maybe you need another sequel?
[The sarcasm level here is high.]
Rachel Kay on January 12th, 2010
Ari,
Do you think it might be possible that you could find something “wrong” with any list? What PR people do you find intriguing? Let’s be constructive.
Rachel
danamlewis on January 12th, 2010
Arik,
After reading your original post, I did wonder about the number of males on the list. But because I see you interacting with and highlighting women on a regular basis, the thought didn’t stick long in my head. Having a guest post & discussion – and a follow up list – to engage your community about their perspectives and concerns is a huge testament to your positive openness and engagement. I appreciate the opportunity to be included with a group of women that I am inspired by! I hope that in 5-10 years I am still a “sponge” and able to learn and grow as much as these individuals.
arikhanson on January 12th, 2010
Francine: Thanks for stopping by. Love you additions. I am following Rachel, but do not know Tracy, so thanks for the suggestion!
Valeria: I mean intriguing in a very good way. You know that, right? I think the perception issue is a challenge for many of us (I’m a hybrid of sorts, myself). And, if you’re in need of more ideas of women who I find intriguing, just send me a note. I have a laundry list.
Ari: I don’t know the exact ages of all the folks on this list, but I do know Mary Barber is in that 20-plus years experience category. It’s not why I put her on the list, but it did play into my choice. I think Mary brings an interesting mix of traditional thought and a new-school mindset to her clients. I know you’re poking fun here, but in all seriousness, who would you add?
@arikhanson
Ari Herzog on January 12th, 2010
You missed the sarcastic note, Rachel.
But to humor you, sure. Why are all of these people linked to blogs and/or twitter accounts? Is that what an “intriguing PR professional” needs to be successful in 2010? I say no, yet everyone on the above list is linked to one or the other.
I don’t work in the PR industry so I don’t have suggestions for you, but I’m willing to bet if you walk up and down New York’s Fifth Avenue and knock on the doors of the PR powerhouses, you will find many who represent Hollywood’s finest who neither have blogs nor twitter feeds. Yet they are just as successful and intriguing as you.
ValerieSimon on January 12th, 2010
Ari makes a good point (several actually) Public Relations is a broad field and not everyone is an active participant in Social Media. Certainly, many of the CEO’s I am very intrigued by have limited participation, and as Mark Ragan recently noted, “The presidents of IABC, PRSA, CPR and the Public Affairs Council are NOT on Twitter. Does it matter? http://bit.ly/5coGfy ”
Goes back to Arik’s point. The focus comes from the environment he is in… and Arik is a very active participant in social media
Trish Skram on January 12th, 2010
Love the list, Arik! — I would put these gals on mine as well. Fantastic leaders in the PR/SM realm. I’d add @PRsarahevans (she’s getting bigger and better by the minute in the PR scene) I’m always intrigued by her — I will scan my Twitter feed just to find what she’s up to next. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Best, Trish @trishskram
Francine McKenna on January 12th, 2010
@Ari Herzog
FYI. I have a specialized news site (beyond blog) and use Twitter extensively to get broader distribution for my content not just for kicks. I am not a PR professional. I write about the business of the accounting industry and so I’ve had to learn the techniques of self promotion, freelance writing, monetization, paid speaking and other useful things media people know. And I am 47 1/2. Glad to know someone thinks I look younger.
Cheers.
Rachel Kay on January 12th, 2010
Ari,
Now we are talking – I completely agree with you. I think we place way to much emphasis these days on social media presence and activity when it has little real reflection on a person’s professional success. It would be great to find out the nuts and bolts of these (and others) actual businesses. For agency people, how many clients did they gain and retain this year? How successful were their programs in terms of achieving goals and objectives? And so on. Being able to talk the talk (via social media) isn’t the same as walking the walk.
Rachel Kay
Deni Kasrel on January 12th, 2010
Arik,
Kinda saw this one coming… for whatever reason you made this list, it’s good to know about even more people who are making waves in the PR pool.
I’ve been in marcom/PR for many years but am a newish to social media and it’s great to get turned on to more names to watch out for. You picked several people I did not know about, and now, thanks to the wonders of RSS, Twitter, etc., I’ll be able to keep up with their intriguing points of view.
As for additions, one that comes to mind is Deirdre Breakenridge, who wrote the book on PR 2.0, or make that two books on that particular topic, as well as other forward-thinking books relating to PR/marketing. Deirdre is a prime thought leader. She’s got a blog and she hosts #PRstudchat on Twitter (fyi, the stud stands for student — she is not promoting/raising thoroughbred horses).
Cheers,
Deni
Allan Schoenberg on January 12th, 2010
Are you making Twitter lists of all these lists?
Rachel Happe on January 12th, 2010
Francine – thank you for your kind words – you are a force that I’ve also learned a ton by watching, even though our areas of expertise are quite different. Perhaps the most interesting thing is that while I’ve spoken at a PRSA conference and am often included in marketing-related discussions, my background is more on the technology/product side of things. This is a fantastic list however, largely because it highlights some people I am not familiar with yet and I always enjoy recommendation to smart people!
Oh, two other additions to this list: Christine Perkett (@missusP) & Christine Major (@Cmajor) – both great PR people to follow!
PRsarahevans on January 12th, 2010
Arik,
Beautifully handled (in regards to the response to the first post). After I read it my initial thought was also, “where are the women?” After reading the comments I didn’t feel as though I needed to contribute, especially when I saw you timely and thoughtful responses.
You’ve done a great job of using your blog to grow as a professional, teach and listen. I can definitely take pointers from you.
Best,
Sarah
Sasha Muradali on January 12th, 2010
hehehe, I love how you faced your issue head on! Well done Arik
I love your list too. I follow/chat/tweet with quite a few of the women on it and I think they’re fantastic!
Best wishes,
Sasha
amymengel on January 12th, 2010
Ari/Rachel/Valerie – very interesting point. It would be interesting to do a list of the “X most intriguing PR people who DON’T participate in social media.” In some ways, I feel that this online PR community is so insular and sometimes recursive that we’d have a difficult time coming up with that list.
Arik – both lists were solid. On the dude side, I would include Geoff Livingston (especially now that he’s just launched his new firm with Beth Kanter and Kami Huyse). I learn a lot from his Livingston Buzz blog. For femmes, I love the balance of smarts, humor, analysis and personality that I get from Stephanie Smirnov. I also enjoy insights from Elizabeth Sosnow and Anna Barcelos.
Kwatt on January 12th, 2010
Now you have 11 women and 7 men. How is that fair????
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Danny Brown on January 12th, 2010
Hey there Arik,
I meant to comment on your original blog (and to my chagrin, I haven’t read Valerie’s yet – one of these weeks1). I did see some of the tweets wondering about the lack of the fairer sex side of PR; and as mentioned, I intended to comment.
While this may sound “harsh”, at the end of the day the original male-oriented list was yours. Just as this female-oriented one is. Were you wrong for not including the smart ladies of PR in your first one? No – as the title of your post said, it was PR folks that intrigued you. As it turns out, it ended up being all male (same as the one above is all-female).
The thing with lists is that it’s someone’s personal choice. It can be anything they want it to be; it can fly against popular opinion, or it can encourage mainstream thought. Either way, it was your thoughts and choices. By their nature, lists will never be 100% liked by everyone; and that’s the point. If we have our own lists of people to recommend, then we can do our own lists.
Arik Hanson on January 12th, 2010
Allan: I’m not, but it’s not a bad idea. I’ll try to organize sometime this week.
Sarah: Thanks for stopping by. I’d be interested to hear who *you* find intriguing in 2010, actually. Would you be open to sharing?
Amy: Great adds. Geoff is someone I wish I followed more closely, to be honest. I need to read his stuff more regularly. I’ve become big fans of Elizabeth and Stephanie over the last few months and I’m proud to say Anna is a co-author with me, and a few others, over at B2B Voices. So, I know all about her skills and talents.
@arikhanson
Geoff Livingston on January 12th, 2010
Good list, Arik, and best of all great leaders to follow. Thank you for revisiting the issue, highlighting the ladies, and doing the gentlemanly thing! You rock.
Meghan Wilker on January 13th, 2010
I agree with the point that since it’s a list of who YOU personally find intriguing, you’re not obligated to make sure any one group is more or less represented — it’s really just about who catches you attention. At the same time, I’m quite flattered to be on this new, ladylike list.
And I think it is a good representation of how social media works: publish content, listen to your audience, and respond appropriately (whatever that may mean to you, or to the company or brand).
I do think it’s funny that people are musing about a list of the most intriguing PR people who DON’T participate in social media. Um, isn’t that called the phone book?
But, seriously, it does strike me as odd. Would thsi be a list of the top PR people that use fax machines or what are we talking about here? I get that Twitter ain’t for everyone, and I certainly don’t think it’s the be-all end-all, but at this point haven’t we all agreed that the cultural phenomenon of social media (being the whole ecosystem of blogs, reviews, comments, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) is here to stay and that — at some point in the near future — participation at *some* level is going to be table stakes for both individuals and companies? Like having a phone number?
Justin Goldsborough on January 13th, 2010
Arik, you’ve given us 18 great people — some I knew, some I didn’t — to keep our eye on, learn from. Meeting new PR thought leaders=great new perspective=value and growth. So I’m glad you created both lists for that reason.
Meghan, I think you have a very valid point. While I don’t think someone has to be active on Twitter to be intriguing, I do think whether or not a PR pro uses Twitter is a distinction worth taking note of. Here’s why…
Networking and trend spotting/understanding are two lifeblood components of the PR industry (and maybe any industry for that matter) in my opinion. If one of our peers isn’t using Twitter or other social networks to reach his/her full potential in those areas, I’m going to scratch my head and wonder why.
Then there’s the “he’s never played the game so how can he be a good coach” analogy. Athletes are always saying that a person can’t be a good coach if he/she has never played the sport before and doesn’t understand all the nuances. I don’t want to make blanket statements because their are exceptions, but might I view a PR pro trying to sell me on a Twitter strategy who doesn’t use Twitter in that same light. Yep, I think so.
Just some food for thought. Again, two great lists full of people I admire a lot and some I plan to admire a lot soon
.
Best,
Justin
@JGoldsborough
@keithprivette on January 13th, 2010
I was wondering can I be an honorary or auxiliary male member of this list? I think I might have support for this angle!
Good posts. There is a larger discussion about images and perceptions that would probably make for an interesting DISCUSSION not argument at SMBMSP! I would be willing to moderate too! Or better yet co gender moderators that actually contribute.
You stumbled on something here that has a discussion and it is a human discussion and changing reality with each gender keeping what is good about them and working with the opposite with those and the negatives!
Wanna take this one? I am willing to help it is a DISCUSSION that could and should happen in an open community like smbmsp!
#playBIG!
arikhanson on January 13th, 2010
Geoff: Thanks for stopping by, sir. And good luck to you in your new venture!
Meghan: See, this is why you intrigue me. Statements like this: “I do think it’s funny that people are musing about a list of the most intriguing PR people who DON’T participate in social media. Um, isn’t that called the phone book?”
Justin: Love the sports analogy. I would expect nothing less from you. I actually think that argument holds up in the current environment. If I were in a client’s shoes, I’d be hard-pressed to take *any* digital advice from someone who’s not living it and breathing it each day. I know that’s self-serving as a consultant who fits that mold, so I guess you’ll have to take me at my word.
Keith: Let’s take that conversation offline. Hit me on email or give me a call and we can discuss.
Thanks to everyone who weighed in. I only hope this discussion–and others like it–promote less gender-based thinking when it comes to leaders in our profession going forward.
@arikhanson
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Mo on February 8th, 2010
Apparently the PR business only finds white people fascinating. Why is that not surprising?