Carlos A. Godoy L. is the Vice-President for Quebec of Impact Public Affairs, an award-winning Ottawa-based public and government relations firm. A proven strategist and communicator, he specialized in crisis and issues management, media relations, legislative and government affairs and brand strategy. Find out his advice for other young professionals in today’s YPDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I help people avoid PR problems for which they would need my help if they got into them. Or both, as the former doesn’t exclude the latter.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I’ve been working in and around the PR world for 13 or so years now. It’s always come naturally to me. I’ve recently joined Impact Public Affairs coming from another very large and reputed international PR firm. I think a smaller outfit with less management layers is the better environment for me to be successful at what I do. I’m very happy to play a key role in the Montreal office of this tightly knit team of top PR and GR executives.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Clients come to us for advice and guidance on what they should do or not do when speaking to the media, the government, stakeholders and the public, and how to best do it. It’s very rewarding to contribute to others’ success through our experience and knowledge base of what works, what should work and what definitely doesn’t work. What we do is very tricky, it requires a lot of thoroughness and foresight. At times it’s crazy and people panic, at other times it’s smooth and straight to the point. I love it. No routine here.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I would like to have moved from the ’employee’ column to the ‘shareholder’ column where I work. And perhaps dab in a few other ventures in my free time – like a restaurant, a vineyard, an urban agriculture venture or all three.
What does success look like to you?
I’m not sure what success looks like or in which direction it can be found, but I’m pretty sure that I’d be on the wrong road if I dreaded waking up to go to work in the morning.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Getting a win for my friend and first political boss’ first election is definitely a high note. The odds were overwhelmingly against us and yet we beat the incumbent in a difficult political year. Apart from that, having been the Spanish language spokesperson for the 1st World Outgames Montreal 2006, senior aide to the Speaker of the Quebec legislature and brand ambassador of the Roberto Cavalli Vodka, aren’t too shabby either.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
It’s often very hard to fully appreciate the stepping stones one lays down at the beginning of their career. The universe works in mysterious ways and a path can sometimes feel useless or foolish to undertake. Yet, the big picture always reveals itself down the road. Sometimes I regret not having studied communications or management, but then again, I wouldn’t be the savvy politico-winemaker-turned-PR-executive I am today had I followed those paths.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I’ve been the chair of the Jewish community’s LGBTQ organization for a few years, I volunteer in the summer at my local Éco-Quartier planting trees in urban green alleyway projects, I’m involved with my political party and I’m always up to lend a hand to a youth sports team or initiative. I also like art and culture, my support goes accordingly.
What to you is notable?
Being notable is all about being worthy of notice in whatever it is you do. I admire those who stand out by their work in their jobs or by their contributions to a greater ensemble. Folks who are successful and give back to their community are at the top of my mind.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
A BlackBerry and an iPhone in each jacket pocket usually ensures I live to fight another day.