With a flair for creativity and a keen eye to detail, Brookline Public Relation’s Paula Worthington works day in and day out to ensure her PR and marketing skills from various industries are put to good use. Also an accredited photographer and published freelance writer, check out some of the great work Paula has been involved with in this Wednesday’s YPDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I’m the Account Director at Brookline Public Relations, a leading boutique PR agency based in Calgary. I help manage our team and lead a number of client accounts in a variety of industries. On any given day, I’m connecting with clients, working on potential new business, supporting the team, doing some writing or editing, taking phone calls, managing media interviews or events, conducting meetings or dreaming up our next big, creative idea!
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I’d had experience of working in public relations, marketing and advertising in a few sectors, and was drawn to the diversity that an agency setting can provide. Given that we are a boutique agency, there is also a strong entrepreneurial focus, and I love being able to see the direct impact of my work. I also enjoy building great relationships with a huge variety of people that I encounter through my work. I chose public relations as a career path because it combines business savvy, creativity and writing. You can really shape what you want to do and where you want to go in the field.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part can also be the most challenging part in that I never know where each day will lead me – diversity is fun but it can certainly be demanding! I might be settling into my office and then suddenly be out the door overseeing a last-minute media interview, managing a crisis for a client or putting on a hard hat and doing an impromptu site visit for a grand opening. To be successful in public relations you need to have the ability to remain optimistic, work efficiently, be able to think on your feet, maintain your sense of humour (when appropriate, of course) and despite diligent preparation, always expect the unexpected.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In addition to continuing to build my PR practitioner and leadership skills, in five years I hope to continue to be travelling the world (I try to vacation to a new country and new city every year), and to have built up my freelance writing portfolio.
What does success look like to you?
There’s a quote I’ve always been drawn to that describes success for me: “The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labour and leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he’s always doing both.” – James A. Michener
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
There have been so many highlights, but I’ve felt most proud every time I have taken the plunge and taken a new job or earned a promotion to build my career. There’s often risk in change but that’s what takes you forward in life.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Don’t let yourself get in the trap of stopping at “good enough”. Make it a habit to go the extra mile, and you’ll soon find that you approach all aspects of your life with the same enthusiasm. Seek out great experiences and surround yourself with good people. Travel the world, read books, learn from others and don’t be afraid to try new things.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I have been a long time supporter of Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE) (www.acecanada.ca). I was involved with the organization when I was in university, then worked for their head office in Toronto upon graduation and have since served in various capacities as an active alumna, business advisory board member, judge, and now Brookline Public Relations is a sponsor of the organization! By implementing real, entrepreneurial projects and ventures, ACE students make a meaningful contribution to their communities today, while also discovering their potential to achieve an even greater impact as the leaders of tomorrow. It continues to be very inspiring for me and my involvement with ACE has made me a stronger business leader and a better person.
What to you is notable?
Be authentic and know who you are. Be compassionate. Never be afraid to ask a good question. Always strive to have good conversations. Live in an inspiring environment.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
I live in both worlds – Mac desktop at home (for the writing and photography), Blackberry for work!