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60 seconds with Sophia Harrison
31 May 2013
Sophia Harrison, director of Grayling's financial and professional
services practice, on why you should never burn your bridges in
PR, how good leaders pursue excellence and her lessons learnt
from teaching in Rwanda.
If you weren’t in PR, what would you be doing?
Teaching in Rwanda. Having been out there with project Umubano and seeing
firsthand how a country gets back from genocide is humbling in every way. Going
in to a university to speak as well as delivering footballs to a school and meeting
with young students and teachers, you appreciate how important it is for them to
use education as their life tool beyond text books.
What tips do you have for people climbing the career ladder?
Always be honest and choose your battles wisely. Personal integrity is a precious
commodity and respect is hard to win. Once you are recognised as someone who
carefully chooses when to stand firm the rest will follow.
How has PR changed since you first started out?
The pub is no longer the second boardroom. That is not to say work was not
done or success achieved. I would argue that with more time spent at desks there
is a different sense of camaraderie.
What’s your favourite part of PR?
Having a happy client. Clients must feel you understand them and can adapt
quickly and effectively especially when dealing with a changing landscape.
Clients dictate the terms of engagement and we are there to counsel effectively. It
is about creating a partnership.
Who has inspired you in your career so far?
My former boss John Ford, whose calm, honest and measured approach created
a sense of trust and loyalty within the boardroom and with the press. Having hired
me twice, I felt privileged to work with him and be allowed to make mistakes that I
could learn from and be treated as an adult at the same time.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Never burn your bridges – you just don’t know when you may need them further
down the line. Given we work in such a small industry and have but our
reputations to hang our coats on, being polite and considerate are not difficult
qualities to own. I am always surprised by the level of rudeness people are willing
to show.
How do you think the media market will evolve over the next five years and
how will it impact the way you operate?
With an ever increasing speed of news delivery and the need for a timely
response– a broader knowledge base across multiple disciplines will be the norm.
As communications departments become increasingly integrated, being able to
see the bigger picture and understand the interplay will ensure you remain
aligned with the businesses objectives and be able to turn things around quickly.
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How do you relax at weekends?
Spending quality time with my children doing activities they enjoy. From freezing
for hours in the winter on the rugby touchline, to enjoying 4 hours sitting in the
rain watching cricket. Fortunately our DVD choices are becoming more
interesting so we can now watch Les Mis and sing along together out of tune!
What are your views on press regulation?
I am a great believer in the right to privacy up to the point where it is in the public
interest to know. With democracy being such a precious and hard fought for right,
it is every individual’s responsibility to respect the right to freedom of speech and
the consequences it carries. There are very few things in life where you can have
your cake and eat it, with extra cream on top.
Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
Hopefully at my children’s graduation and hearing they are able to get a job.
What qualities do you look for in your staff?
Happy and proactive team players with a desire to learn and grow. It is a gift to
manage a team and ensure they reach their maximum potential. It is up to them
how they use the tools you give them and sets those aside from others who are
prepared to go the extra mile.
What's your favourite piece of business advice?
Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where
excellence is expected (Steve Jobs). I would add to that and say not all leaders
are excellent, good leaders however pursue excellence, recognise it, use it,
reward it and consequently deliver it.
Sophia can be reached at sophia.harrsion@grayling.com.
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