Public relations is a field that demands a diverse skill set and a confident approach. Managing a brand’s reputation in today’s fast-paced environment can make or break a company’s public image. For newer PR professionals looking to accelerate their career growth, our recent webinar, PR 102: Leveling Up Your PR Game, provided invaluable insights into navigating this dynamic industry.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar
The webinar was designed to guide emerging PR practitioners through the crucial steps necessary for their professional journey. Here are some key takeaways from the session:
Setting Growth Goals: Attendees learned how to set clear, actionable goals that are essential for driving career progression in PR.
Transitioning to Leadership Roles: The webinar explored the shift from supporting team tasks to leading strategies, highlighting how new PR professionals can master the skills needed to develop and implement effective PR strategies.
Content Creation Best Practices: We shared insights on producing high-quality content that aligns with company goals and drives measurable results.
Managing Up: Practical tips were provided on how to take on more responsibilities, add value to senior team members, and position oneself for advancement within an organization.
Networking for Success: The session offered strategies for building a robust professional network, both online and offline, that can open up new opportunities for PR professionals.
Why This Webinar is a Must-Watch
Navigating the PR world requires confidence, adaptability, and the ability to manage both expected and unexpected challenges. During PR 102, attendees gained:
- Strategies for transitioning from support roles to leadership positions.
- Skills to produce better content that enhances a company’s reputation.
- Insights into effectively managing up and seeking more responsibilities.
- Networking advice to build meaningful professional relationships.
Who Benefited from This Webinar?
This session was ideal for newer PR professionals aiming to supercharge their career growth, those transitioning into team lead roles, and anyone interested in mastering PR skills to contribute more effectively to their organization.
Missed PR 102?
While the live webinar has passed, we’re committed to supporting your PR career growth. Stay tuned for future events and resources that can help you continue to level up your PR game!
Meet the Panelists
Stefan Pollack is president of The Pollack Group, a public relations and marketing firm with offices in Los Angeles and New York. For 30 years, he has managed clients across various sectors, including consumer products, technology, and nonprofit. He has served as president of PRSA's Los Angeles Chapter and chair of the Americas Region Board for The Worldcom Public Relations Group, where he currently serves as global marketing chair. Since 2001, he has been an adjunct professor at USC Annenberg and is the author of Disrupted, From GenY to iGen: Communicating with the Next Generation. Pollack is also a member of the Forbes Agency Council. In 2019, he established the Noemi Pollack Scholarship at USC’s Center for Public Relations, providing annual tuition support for an undergraduate public relations student.
Martin Waxman, MCM, APR, is a digital communications strategist who leads social media workshops and conducts AI research. Co-founder of two PR agencies and president of a consultancy, he's also a LinkedIn Learning instructor with over 25 years of industry experience. Martin is a member of the AIinPR Panel, co-host of the Inside PR podcast, past-chair of PRSA Counselors Academy, and past-president of CPRS Toronto. He teaches digital marketing at McMaster-Syracuse, Schulich School of Business, and Seneca College, and developed a Certificate in Digital Strategy for the University of Toronto. He regularly speaks at conferences and was awarded the IPR Makovsky Best Master’s Thesis Award (2019) and CPRS’s Outstanding Achievement in PR Award (2020).
Ryan Whittle is the Communications Manager at Kalypso, a consulting firm that was recently acquired by Rockwell Automation. He leads the firm’s PR strategy and brand messaging. Ryan started at Kalypso as an intern making videos, and after a change in interest, began building a communications function that now encompasses PR, messaging, and internal comms. After a stint in Los Angeles, he returned to his roots in Austin, Texas. He’s a big fan of the University of Texas Longhorns and the Texas Rangers.
Dara Quackenbush is a sales professional with nine years of experience in corporate communications, social media, marketing, and investor relations. She specializes in business development, account management, and collaborative selling, building strong relationships from prospecting through renewal. Dara is passionate about teaching, mentoring, and developing strategies that drive success. As a thought leader, speaker, and writer, she brings deep expertise across social, digital, and traditional communication channels.
