Culpwrit

During this week’s PRSA conference in San Diego, a couple of participants called my attention to “Powerful Women in PR: 12 Role Models Share Secrets of Success”, which appears in the Council of PR Firms’ online newsletter, The Firm Voice. 

The 2-part series features tips from a dozen women leaders in the agency world.  We’ve covered some of the tips in past posts, but several others are new, and all 12 perspectives are valuable–for women and men.

Comments from readers also make interesting reading since the age-old issue of work/life balance continues to haunt the profession–especially those who rise to top positions.  Cohn & Wolfe’s Donna Imperato sums up my point of view with her two points:  Don’t expect a “9 to 5” career.  However, strive for quality time.  Burson’s Jennifer Grahm Clary advises: “Avoid severe family sacrifice.”

Simply reading the headlines for the 12 articles provides some excellent advice, but I urge you to read all 36 tips provided by the following women:  (Part One link here.  Part Two link here.)

“PR Will Be Built on the X Chromosome”
—Christine Barney, CEO, rbb Public Relations

“Competence Trumps Gender”
—Margery Kraus, Chair, President and CEO, APCO Worldwide

“Leaders Are Mentors”
Melissa Waggener Zorkin, CEO, President and Founder, Waggener Edstrom

“Gender Balance Lacking at the Top”
— Donna Imperato, CEO, Cohn & Wolfe

“Expect More Women CMOs”
—Margaret Booth, President, M Booth & Associates

“More Time Needed to Redress Gender Imbalance”
—MaryLee Sachs, Chairman, US Hill & Knowlton

“It’s Tough to Fight ‘Gender-Nomic’ Forces”
—Gail Heimann, Vice Chair, Weber Shandwick

“Consumer PR Is More Diverse”
—Laura Tomasetti, Managing Director, 360 Public Relations

“Learn from Boomer Women”
—GG Johnston, CEO and President, Johnston Wells

“Don’t Try to Be a Super-Woman”
—Kathy Obert, Chairman and CEO, Edward Howard

“Support Networks Make a Difference”
—Becky Powell-Schwartz, President and CEO, The Powell Group

“Replace Yourself to Move Up”
—Jennifer Graham Clary, Global Chair, Technology Practice; Northern California Market Leader; Burson Marsteller