Garet – Public Relations Executive
Garet’s experience is a blend of both agency and corporate. She creates results-driven communications strategies and has strong experience in gaining executive buy-in for crucial communications programs. Her experience in media relations, corporate reputation, and crisis and issues management spans a number of industries including retail, legal, telecommunications, financial, technology, construction, and non-profit. Her focus on building strong partnerships with influencers has been important to the success of her communications programs. She is available for full-time and contract positions.
Please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My approach to communications grew out of one of the most challenging but rewarding client experiences I’ve had. It involved negotiating a agreement between a civil rights group and a grocery store operating in a food desert in a large metropolitan area. As the organization’s leadership lobbied for access to quality foods for all residents in the area, they taught me this communications philosophy: Confrontation leads to conversation which leads to collaboration. Many reputation “confrontations” or “challenges” occur because a company or organization is misunderstood and not trusted. By using ththis model, communities and audiences are brought together to better understand each other. It’s inspiring to see this happen – the results are breaking down perceived barriers of working together and building trust and unity for mutual support. Together we are stronger.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve had the great fortune of working with clients and companies who are faced with market challenges of a constantly changing business. Resilience has been a rally cry for me personally and for my career. Even though change is constant, it’s essential to remain excited about challenges because these are opportunities for growth. As my career changes, I have the opportunity to meet new people, learn about advancements in business and contribute my experience to help companies and organizations as they grow their communications strategies. Having an attitude of “what do I get to learn today” is important.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me means that I contribute meaningfully to a company or organization in a way that brings them closer to reaching their goals. Success means applying the experience I have to provide insight or activation to educate and build relationships, helping audiences see how companies are making a positive impact in their communities. Success means making communities stronger because of my involvement in a company’s outreach to better the world in which they operate.