Today’s Notable Young Professional is Holmes PR Account Manager Vanessa Andres, whose work has catapulted many of Canada’s biggest brands and personalities to the media forefront. Remember when Rob Ford arm wrestled Hulk Hogan?
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I work at Holmes PR as an Account Manager. Working at a public relations agency requires juggling multiple different accounts simultaneously and no day is ever the same. The majority of what we do at Holmes PR is media relations for clients in the lifestyle and entertainment sector. We develop and execute a strategy based on the client’s needs in order to put forth their message through traditional and new media coverage and to generate awareness of their brand or event.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started working at Holmes PR in May of 2011 and haven’t looked back. I always knew I wanted to work in entertainment, and Holmes PR is the most reputable lifestyle and entertainment PR agency in Canada. Working at Holmes PR provided the opportunity to work with clients such as Just For Laughs, the JUNO Awards, Canada’s Walk of Fame, and Fan Expo Canada, as well as learn from a talented team of individuals including my boss Katherine Holmes, who started the company more than 25 years ago.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
My favourite part of the job is coming up with new and creative ways to secure media coverage for a client. We often work with the same clients year over year, and we focus to develop fresh ideas for them through group brainstorming.
The most challenging part for me is that there’s no guarantee with media relations. You could have a great story or media event planned, but if there’s breaking news in the city it can mean that media are pulled away. Despite these elements being out of our control, it’s hard not to feel as if you’ve failed your client.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Anyone in PR knows that there can be stressful times and that maintaining a solid work/life balance is important. I’m lucky that my boss Katherine Holmes is a strong advocate of this and implements yoga in the office every Thursdays during lunch. Over the years everyone develops their own ways to cope with stress, and for me that’s hitting the gym. If I don’t carve out that time for myself I definitely get the sense that my work/life balance is off.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
This is a difficult question because the media and public relations landscape is changing so quickly. That being said, I would like to continue along the same path, as entertainment is truly my passion, and wouldn’t be surprised if I was still at Holmes PR – only in a more senior position.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I had a really hard time getting my first entry-level position in PR. I was on the hunt in 2009 after completing two internships. It was a difficult time economically and more people were being laid off than hired so the competition was fierce. I kept pursuing positions and networking with those in my field until my efforts finally paid off.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
I grew up with the aspiration of being successful financially – and I still feel as if it’s an important element to work/life balance – but over the last couple of years I’ve come to realize it’s more important to have a job that’s rewarding and fulfilling. I also find the most happiness in little things that barely cost anything, like a new issue of Food & Drink, cooking, a good cup of tea, or a cocktail!
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
It absolutely has to be the media event we hosted for Fan Expo Canada last year: Hulk Hogan versus Rob Ford in an arm wrestle. It was a crazy idea we had internally and thought it could actually work – and did it ever! Once I sent out the media invite I received 70 phone calls from media in five hours. I would finish up a three-minute call and my voicemail box would already be full! I could barely keep up with the response. We had every single media outlet in Toronto come out for it and the coverage was phenomenal.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Work hard and be confident, approachable and easy to work with. Come in to work each day optimistic and drop any personal stress at the door.
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
Toronto has so many great restaurants so it’s hard to choose just one. But if I had, to it would be Guu Izakaya at Bloor and Bathurst. The food is fantastic and the cocktails are inventive. Plus the atmosphere is unlike anything in the city; it’s busy, loud and fun.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
I absolutely love cooking and find the process very therapeutic. My favourite thing is to find a challenging recipe that I’ve never made before and tackle it. Other than that I love to read and binge-watch TV shows.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
I went to Bali, Indonesia earlier this year and couldn’t even believe a place like that existed on this planet. The monkeys, waves and weather make this place the ultimate travel destination for me. I would go back in a heartbeat (even the 24 hours of travelling don’t hold me back!)
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
This is tough; my music tastes span many genres. My favourite song to walk with confidence to has to be Ghostwriter by RJD2. It makes me feel untouchable.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
In a second life I would love to pursue culinary arts or food styling.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support the Toronto Humane Society with monthly donations. This charity is close to my heart as my family adopted our first pet from the Toronto Humane Society and I personally took in a stray cat two years ago.
What to you is notable?
I admire those that work hard and strive to do their job to the best of their ability.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone all the way!
#NOTABLE
Want more updates on the most Notable things happening so you know before your colleagues do? Get our exclusive newsletter here and follow us on Twitter for all the latest.