Today’s Notable Young Professional is Amanda Lao. She’s a Communications Director and Partner at Liquid Communications, a full-service PR agency and communications firm based in Toronto. We caught up with her to find out what inspires her work and what advice she would share with other young professionals…
WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I make meaningful connections, allowing me to communicate key client messages to the public and the media.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
Growing up, I always heard that I should be a lawyer because I loved to talk and was very outspoken. As I got older, I realized I had no interest in law, but that my ability to communicate and connect with people was perfect for public relations and business.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Taking the chance and moving from Winnipeg to Toronto was the beginning of the journey. So many incredible things have happened since then.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
I try to take it one day at a time. So many amazing, unpredictable things have happened in the last few years and my plans continue to evolve. I hope to continue to grow and motivate my team, develop invaluable relationships, continue working with great clients/brands and find more ways to positively affect the community.
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Make yourself uncomfortable. You are capable of so much awesomeness that you’ll never experience unless you allow yourself to be uncomfortable.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
We’ve worked with The Floriana Project, which is a great charitable initiative providing work for young adults in Haiti, many of which are recently released from care. They also organize weddings in Haiti for people who can’t afford it. We are in the process of partnering with an organization, which I feel very strongly about, so stay tuned for more info about that soon.
7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I’m much younger than most women leading the industry right now. Being taken seriously as a young female entrepreneur is a constant challenge.
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
Recognized for doing what you love.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I spend a lot of time of Queen West, so they’ll all be in that area. I love Ghandi Roti – best Indian take-out in the city! Lisa Marie’s has a great laid-back vibe, with amazing food, cocktails and staff! Carmen is one of my favourite spots for date night. It’s dark and romantic, with amazing paella and a great wine selection.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
I have Twitter open on my computer all day so I can watch the news headlines and keep up-to-date with what’s going on in the world. Also, every morning while drinking my coffee I read BuzzFeed and The New York Times.
My favourite music/song changes with my mood. “RnB Right Now” is currently playing on my Spotify.
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
My brother! @davelaotattoos. He’s an incredible artist and an even more incredible person. Every tattoo post is coupled with a great quote that’ll make you think!
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
I recently came back from a Eurotrip and I have to say, Positano, in Italy is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. The people, scenery, and energy are out of this world (if you haven’t been, add it to your list!) I have no new travel plans yet, open to suggestions!
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
I think the only thing I get FOMO about is missing my siblings’ birthdays. They live in Winnipeg and I try to make it home for both birthdays each year.
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Peanut M&M’s for sure…
7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Can I say rent? I wish that was free and that money went to travelling instead.
8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Doing what I love every day, being surrounded by the people I love, and being able to affect the people around me in a positive way.
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