I have been working in PR for 15 years.

And in that time, I've gotten to do a lot of cool things:

• Manage campaigns that brought communities together.

• Pitch human-interest stories that landed in national media.

• Collaborate with creative teams to tell stories that matter.

• Produce content for digital platforms and radio.

There isn't much I would change about my journey.

But if I could go back, here are a few of the mistakes I made early on—and what I would have done differently:

1. Mistake #1: Trying to Do Everything Myself

Early on, I believed versatility was the same as value. I tried to handle design, media relations, writing, and analytics simultaneously. It didn't work. Instead, I was burnt out with little results to show for it.
What I’d do differently: I’d focus on mastering strategic storytelling first before venturing into other areas. Overextension erodes trust, so i would focus on specialization.

2. Mistake #2: Prioritising Output Over Outcomes

I once equated activity with success. I churned out endless press releases, newsletters, and social posts without measuring impact.
What I’d do differently: I’d connect every piece of communication to a clear business or audience goal. Strategy matters more than volume.

3. Mistake #3: Not Being Assertive Enough

When I started, I was desperate for any opportunity that came my way and was not assertive enough with my boss. I often gave in to popular sentiment rather than offering counsel and standing my ground for my ideas. I missed chances to grow my voice and authority at work, which was one of the factors that made me an easy target for retrenchment because I hadn't proven my value enough.
What I’d do differently: I’d start writing online much earlier to share lessons and spark conversations. That way, I could build credibility and earn authority as a thought leader.