PRNEWS.IO is excited to kick off a new series of interviews featuring women who are making waves in the PR industry. With statistics showing an increasing number of women in PR roles, we want to introduce you to these leaders who are shaping the industry landscape today. Join us as we delve into the insights and experiences of these trailblazers who are already leaving their mark on the PR scene
Meet Irina Kupchenko
Ready for a dose of inspiration and insights into the world of PR from a powerhouse in the field? Meet Irina Kupchenko, the Co-founder & CMO at Bakksy and Chois, and the brains behind M.Art.Marketing.
In our exclusive interview, we dive deep into Irina’s journey in the PR universe, unraveling the challenges and triumphs she’s faced as a woman in this dynamic industry.
Ever wondered what it takes to conquer the PR game while breaking stereotypes?
Irina spills the tea on that and more!
So grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and join us as we chat with Irina Kupchenko about the highs, lows, and everything in between of being a woman in the fast-paced world of PR.
It’s about to get real, it’s about to get raw, and it’s definitely about to get inspiring!
Ask the Pro: Exploring the PR Universe in a Q&A Session
PRNEWS.IO: The PR industry is known for its dynamic nature. How do you stay ahead of industry trends and maintain a competitive edge in your roles?
In the fast-paced realm of PR, staying ahead of industry trends is key to maintaining a competitive edge. For me, it’s all about keen observation — keeping a close eye on the market, big media news, and the advertising campaigns of influential brands. I delve into reports from services with substantial customer bases, embracing various platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
By immersing myself in consumer trends and economic shifts, I gain valuable insights that allow me to craft relevant and timely value propositions. This, in turn, forms the foundation for effective communication strategies. It’s about being on the same page with your audience, ensuring your messaging resonates in the ever-evolving media landscape.
PRNEWS.IO: Can you share examples of successful PR campaigns that you’ve been involved in, and how you approached them from a strategic perspective?
Certainly! Allow me to share insights into my current project, Chois, that is in the early stages of expansion into the European and Australian markets. Our strategic focus revolves around establishing a multitude of touchpoints with our audience and cultivating trust through featured publications in esteemed media outlets. What sets this approach apart is our commitment to proactive storytelling, initiating engagement with our audience well before the official app launch.
Pre-launch phase aims to nurture a community of early adopters, positioning them not just as customers but potential future ambassadors. This highlights how crucial good PR and strategic partnerships are for navigating a competitive landscape. It sets the stage for what we hope will be a compelling success story.
PRNEWS.IO: How do you balance the demands of your leadership roles with your personal life? Are there any strategies or practices that have helped you maintain this balance?
Juggling leadership roles while maintaining a personal life is an ongoing quest for me. As a founder navigating the early stages of market entry, taking extended breaks or sabbaticals isn’t always an option. Instead, I’ve found solace in the power of discipline. It’s become my go-to strategy for achieving balance.
Discipline extends beyond the boardroom—it’s about committing to regular physical activity, preserving a sense of balance, and ensuring that the essentials remain at the forefront. By staying disciplined, I manage to keep important aspects in focus, thereby maintaining a delicate balance between the demands of leadership and my personal well-being. It’s a constant journey of refinement, but discipline has proven to be my steadfast companion in this dynamic balancing act.
PRNEWS.IO: As someone deeply involved in marketing and PR, what are your thoughts on the role of social media in shaping public perception and the challenges it presents for PR professionals, particularly women?
You know, I’ve never really felt that the challenges and opportunities in PR depend on whether you’re a guy or a gal. Social media, though, it’s a game-changer for everyone and every brand. It shakes things up, and to stay on top of it, you’ve got to be quick on your feet – always thinking ahead and ready to adapt. That’s the name of the game in this ever-shifting landscape.
PRNEWS.IO: What advice do you have for young women aspiring to build a successful career in PR? Are there specific skills or attributes they should focus on developing?
Absolutely! Embarking on a career in PR is a fantastic choice, especially considering the evolving landscape of the performance marketing market. As it gets more expensive to attract consumers, PR becomes crucial for the future. It’s not just about getting featured in fancy media, it’s about building a strong brand and creating stories that people happily share along with our brand.
For aspiring women in PR, the key lies in constant development — cultivating creative confidence and nurturing curiosity are non-negotiables. The ability to view situations from a strategic vantage point is crucial, along with the skill to forecast how communication decisions can impact reputation. Always having a backup plan is a valuable asset in this dynamic field. So, choose this profession wisely, and focus on developing your creative prowess and strategic foresight — it’s the recipe for a successful journey in the world of PR.
PRNEWS.IO: Have you encountered situations where being a woman in the PR industry presented specific challenges, or on the contrary, provided certain advantages? How do you think women in PR can leverage their strengths to succeed in a field that has historically been male-dominated?
Personally, I haven’t really seen being a woman in PR as a hurdle or an advantage. I’ve always relied on my professionalism and skills to tackle goals and overcome obstacles. Success in PR, regardless of gender, is within reach. It’s about staying in the loop with trends, tapping into those soft skills for effective communication and networking, and just making those goals happen.
PRNEWS.IO: From your perspective, what role does mentorship play in the career development of women in PR? Have you had mentors who significantly influenced your professional journey?
Having a mentor is always a plus, no matter which field you’re in. I’ve found mentors in all my colleagues and bosses, picking up on their secrets, skills, and recipes for success. If you’re lucky enough to have someone you can officially call a “mentor,” someone you can turn to with questions, it can be incredibly helpful. It’s like having a guidebook to avoid a bunch of mistakes. But hey, making mistakes is all part of the journey, right?
So, I’d say do both: learn, whether from someone else or on your own, and embrace those inevitable mistakes. It’s how you grow.
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