Q&A with Emily Gallagher, PRSENSE founder
Q) Why did you originally choose to start a career in the tech PR industry?
After initially training in a completely different field as a nurse, it was in my first job as a receptionist at technology PR firm Nelson Bostock in London that I started to get an insight into agency life and the world of technology PR. It felt exciting, progressive and that there was a place for me in it and much of that was down to the leadership team. These were four inspiring men who were all very supportive and encouraging, perhaps seeing some potential in me!
Even back then, there were also some strong women at the agency who were leading big teams – they were truly inspirational and it was working with them and seeing what they could achieve that really gave me the PR bug. Tech PR has always been my first work love and that passion has continued ever since.
It was boom time for the tech PR agency landscape at the time and Nelson Bostock was quite unique then in having a culture of inclusion and equality. Most agencies were run and lead by men, despite a predominantly female workforce.
Q) What inspired you to start your own PR agency?
After many years of climbing up the career ladder at award winning agencies and getting the best possible grounding and experience in PR and technology, I decided the time was right to start my own agency. I was seeing a growing pattern of the commoditisation of PR services in the industry, leading to quite formulaic approaches to strategy and delivery.
Intrinsic value seemed to be getting lost in too much admin and unnecessary reporting. PR should be about relationships, coverage and building share of voice and this gets lost sometimes!
Q) Do you think being female affects your leadership style and the type of culture you are cultivating at PRSENSE?
Working in an agency is all about the people – first and foremost the team, but also clients and partners. As an agency owner, I know that I must think of the people first – their thoughts, their needs and really listen to what they are telling or advising me.
This leadership style isn’t uniquely female of course, but I do think intuition is important, as is empathy, support and listening. With happy people you get happy clients!
Q) Have you faced any gender-specific challenges as a female founder in tech PR?
Not yet! I’d like to think that my many years of experience and the credibility I’ve created should speak for itself. There are plenty of other agency leaders around me that ‘talk a good talk’ but my attitude is that it’s important to be authentic and open with clients – what you see is what you get, we know our stuff and we don’t overpromise. I find that this attitude means that we get approached by brands with a similar ethos and that makes for a good and healthy relationship, leading to good results.
Q) How do you navigate spaces that are still male dominated?
I’ve got years of experience of this under my belt and typically I’ve found that proving my worth has overridden anyone questioning my right to be there with other senior leaders. There have been times where I’ve had to work that little bit harder to win people over. Occasionally, I must remind people of my technology credentials and knowledge. Is that because I am female? Perhaps it is. It can surprise people at how much I do know and that shouldn’t be a surprise.
Q) What would you say to other women thinking about founding a company in tech or PR?
Don’t hesitate and don’t let fear stand in your way. Get yourself a great mentor – a fellow leader that has already trodden on the start-up path and can help you avoid the potholes as you go. Maybe choose a woman for this role for a more empathetic relationship but I would hope that gender shouldn’t make a difference.
But absolutely go for it! Life is too short and I wish I had given myself that advice years ago!
Q) If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Be honest – with clients and colleagues. Be as direct as you can be with clients so that they get the best value from you and your team and always give good and honest feedback, to feed into planning for the next campaign or programme.
