Amy Burstyn-Fritz is a partner at Toronto-based communications agency Knot PR, a role that suits her entrepreneurial nature. She’s also actively involved in the city’s not-for-profit community, and will be co-chairing this year’s esteemed Operanation…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am a partner at Knot PR, a Toronto-based, full-service communications agency that works with lifestyle, fashion and culture clients.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
Joining Knot PR was a natural transition. I have always been the type to go above and beyond in my work (often to the point of exhaustion), so making the decision to be an entrepreneur was surprisingly less intimidating than one would imagine. I had experience in a number of related fields including editorial, public relations and marketing. I often saw areas that could be improved but many of the larger organizations I came across didn’t have the infrastructure to follow through. My favourite part of running a start-up minded agency is the ability to put good ideas into application – quickly.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
I love people and am a social creature by nature; having a position that allows me to communicate with so many different types of characters on a daily basis is extremely rewarding. The challenging parts of my job are the most satisfying. I work on many very different sides of the business – I could never possibly get tired of what I am doing or learn too much. No day is ever the same.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I don’t love that question. I believe that hard work leads you to your next venture more organically than any plan could. However, from a business planning perspective I see Knot PR continuing to evolve, growing with our clients, expanding our team and our networks.
What does success look like to you?
Working with interesting clients long-term. Always going above and beyond in anything you do. Never being satisfied with the status quo. And still making time for family, friends and health.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Partnering up with Knot PR, moving to The Esplanade, expanding our client roster into the arts sector, growing our team and mastering HTML coding. And a throwback to my days at FASHION Magazine, getting Chris Noth to take his shoe off on the red carpet during an interview.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Have the confidence to go for what you want. The best things in life don’t get handed to you on a silver platter – you work hard for it. Recommended reading: What Color is Your Parachute? by Richard Bolles.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support many charities and not-for-profits both through donations, and more importantly by volunteering my time. I am a longtime supporter of the Canadian Opera Company and will be co-chairing their big Operanation gala this coming October 18 – it’s North America’s largest opera party! I sit on the committees for a number of arts organizations including Canadian Stage Theatre Ball, Canadian Art Foundation Reel Artist Film Festival and CreatiVenture. I have also been a longtime supporter of Gilda’s Club, a charity for cancer survivors.
Describe your ideal retirement: how old will you be and how do you plan on spending your retirement years? (Sponsored by the TD Redefine Retirement Contest)
I can’t even imagine retiring! I love what I do too much. But I could see myself settling down a little in my later years and travelling around the world (possibly PR-ing around the world!).
What are you looking forward to most about retiring? (Sponsored by the TD Redefine Retirement Contest)
I would love to have more time to learn new languages. I am also obsessed with cheese and have aspirations to sideline as a fromagère.
What to you is notable?
Confidence. Dignity. Kindness.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone
Photo credit: Jenna Marie Wakani