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Jayhawks in leadership positions are everywhere you look, including through the Jayhawk Career Network. KU Alumni, in partnership with SumnerOne, is highlighting Jayhawk leaders who are models for others in their industries with our “Copy the Leader” program.
What do you do in your work?
I work in public relations, which is one branch of communications alongside marketing and advertising. What sets PR apart is our focus on earned media—we don’t pay for ad placements or rely on a marketing budget to drive coverage. Instead, we secure media attention through strong storytelling, timely insights and meaningful connections with journalists. My specialty is earned media, which means I help clients gain coverage in the press by crafting compelling narratives and identifying the right voices and topics that resonate with reporters and audiences.
What are the qualities of a good leader?
A good leader recognizes that every colleague brings value to the team. I’ve learned just as much from my peers as I have from mentors. One piece of advice that’s stuck with me is: “If you’re invited to a meeting, be prepared with at least one thing to say.” That guidance reminded me early in my career that everyone’s input matters—and that preparation and confidence go a long way in making your voice heard.
How do you practice leadership at your job?
As the New York Health Media Lead at my agency, I practice leadership by practicing mentorship—sharing lessons from my own career while creating space for new professionals to ask questions and contribute ideas. Their perspectives often lead us to stronger strategies and solutions for our clients.
What makes a team or group successful?
Success comes down to a formula of trust, hard work and goodwill. On my team, we trust each other to get the work done and understand our roles and responsibilities. We also have an agency of “work hard, play nice,” meaning we are all passionate about the work we do, and our efforts prove that. Just as importantly, we approach each other with kindness and goodwill—mistakes happen, but we have each other’s backs. This combination creates an environment where people feel supported and motivated to do their best work.
What makes a team or group successful?
Great teams and groups have a high level of trust, accountability, and shared expectations. When you trust each other, you can have difficult, uncomfortable conversations that make us stronger. When trust is lacking, teams tend to gloss over conflict or necessary changes to operations or strategy, which causes more damage in the long-term.
How can leaders in your industry help their organizations adapt to change?
Adaptability is at the heart of public relations—we’re constantly navigating an evolving media landscape. Leaders in PR can help their teams manage change by fostering a people-first culture. At FINN Partners, our company values guide us through uncertainty. While the work is always shifting, our shared purpose—doing good in the world and delivering excellent results for clients—keeps us grounded and aligned as a team.
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