Jessica Green is a corporate communications quarterback at Cursive PR, an endeavour she launched following the successful reconstruction of her family business’s marketing department. What advice does she have for other young professionals? Find out in today’s YEDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell
I’m a corporate communications quarterback. When it comes to marketing, branding and social media, I assemble the team and call the plays based on my clients’ needs.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
Several years ago, my family presented me with an opportunity to reconstruct the Marketing Department and lead a rebranding initiative for Greenwin, a company with more than 60 years experience in property management and development. The fact that I lived to tell the tale was an indicator that I could do it for other companies. If you can work with family, you can work with anyone.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis?
Training and mentoring my team. I’ve been fortunate enough to have some stellar mentors, including ELLE Canada’s former Associate Editor of Beauty & Health, Alison Garwood-Jones, and Linda Lewis, Editor-in-Chief of More Magazine. There’s no better feeling than recruiting, motivating and developing young professionals who are hungry to succeed. People take chances on me every day, so being able to pay it forward is quite simply the most satisfying feeling.
The most challenging part?
Being cool – I’m the ultimate nerd at heart. (Seriously, I bring earplugs to concerts.) Plus, I’m extremely hyper and easily excited, so the challenge of my life is taking five every so often. The ability to delegate is also something I struggled with up until about a year ago. Oh, how the tides have changed!
Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
Ah, the five-year plan… Five years ago, I thought I’d still be climbing the ranks at a lifestyle magazine. Five years before that, I was preparing to go to law school. With that track record, I could be a firefighter in a half-decade from now. The constants have been a core group of friends, an unconditionally supportive husband and writing; so I imagine that whatever I’m doing, these things will be right there with me.
What does success look like to you?
Earning my sleep. I’m a Millennial, a product of the PC/PDA/MP3 generation. If I don’t have 25 things on the go, I might as well be on the couch watching Breaking Amish. By the same token, feeling like I deserve to be on the couch watching Breaking Amish is equally rewarding.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
When I was Marketing Director at Greenwin, we developed a Corporate Social Responsibility arm. A lot of my time was spent fostering public–private partnerships to benefit our residents living in Toronto’s priority neighbourhoods. I’ll never forget the day I received my first grant from TD Bank to construct a basketball court on an area of unused green space at a Jane/Wilson apartment complex. Another highlight was being part of a social media marathon, which ultimately won the same property a grant from Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.
As well, a client recently nominated me for the next Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal. To even be considered a contender for such a colossal nod is the equivalent of a win for me.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
I’m a firm believer in mentorship and listening with sincerity to what people have to say. Acting with grace under pressure and being accountable at any cost are equally important.
Do you support any charities or non-profits? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Yes, several. My family has always emphasized the virtues of giving back. Within the real estate industry, I’ve focused on many youth outreach initiatives in Toronto’s Jane/Wilson corridor. Working with a group of property managers, residents, Doorsteps Neighbourhood Services, Literature for Life and the Believe to Achieve Organization, we’ve sought to understand and isolate problems of suburban development, socioeconomic deprivation and cultural dislocation. The result has been an opening of the lines of communication in order to empower residents and the surrounding community.
Other causes include Habitat for Humanity and the International Pay it Forward Movement. I currently sit on the Communications Committee of Art of Fashion, a non-profit organization dedicated to launching the careers of emerging Canadian fashion talent.
What is Notable to you?
Constantly evolving and reinventing. I never want to be a yard sale that sells the same stuff every day.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone. And a Moleskin.
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
I keep my running shoes, gym clothes and a yoga mat in the trunk at all times. I rarely use them, but I like knowing that they’re there. After years of having a gym membership and never going, I’ve finally accepted that I’m not a gym person. My husband, dogs and I are avid walkers, so you’ll often find us hoofing around the Annex – regardless of the forecast. This past June, I completed my first 75K Ride for Heart. Next up: SickKids’ ICEWAVE Annual Indoor Beach Volleyball Tournament followed by the Ride to Conquer Cancer. That should keep my heart rate up for a while.
Photo credit: Ben Katan