In telling us what’s notable, 30-year-old Pam Stillman told us something that probably reflects why her boutique PR agency does such exceptional work: “Notable is anything unconventional and creative. Something that makes you sit up and listen because nobody else is saying it or doing it.”
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I’m the Principal of my own PR boutique agency, Gemini Public Relations. Follow us at @GeminiPRCanada.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
After years of working in agencies, I decided to open my own shop. I’ve always had my own unique vision of what an agency could be, and the name Gemini Public Relations was inspired by the fact that I’m a twin.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
I like being the boss of “me.” I get to work on shaping my company to be a reflection of my personality. A challenge is showing potential clients that we may be small, but we’re mighty! At Gemini, we punch above our weight, and our clients and the work we do for them is a reflection of that.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see my company as a leader in the Canadian communications landscape, working with a team I consider my second family…and if everything goes according to plan, I’ll be a frequent judge on Iron Chef America.
What does success look like to you?
Success is enjoying every work day, finding and overcoming new challenges and being able to buy many, many shoes.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Telling Tony Hawk that I didn’t like his last video game, and then having him teach me how to skateboard at his office in California. That, or escorting a group of Minions (from Despicable Me) through downtown Toronto.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Focus on your strengths and do something you love. And don’t burn bridges. You can never predict how and why certain people you meet are going to come in and out of your life at times when you least expect it. Except for those Minions – they are gigantic, furry and yellow – you can see them coming from a mile away.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Gemini Public Relations has recently supported a variety of charities, through donating our time and working with our clients on CSR initiatives. Over the past few months we’ve worked with Pickle Barrel Restaurants in support of The Sandbox Project, an organization focused on improving health outcomes for Canadian Children. We have also been working on a project around The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers benefitting Princess Margaret Hospital, where Pickle Barrel Restaurants and Rose Reisman Catering are the official event caterers and Saturday evening dinner sponsors. We’ve also lent a hand to Guys Night Out, an event that raised money for The Avery Goldman Fund in support of the NICU at Mount Sinai hospital.
What to you is notable?
Notable is anything unconventional and creative. Something that makes you sit up and listen because nobody else is saying it or doing it.
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