What made you want to work in publishing?

I always wanted to be a journalist and I actually started off my career as a journalist at the BBC for several years but in broadcast. I didn’t get my first proper taste of magazines until I was Communications Director at Bauer Media where I got to work across a huge array of titles and the passion has continued ever since. I was then drawn to the job at Hearst UK because I knew I would be working across a range of brands that I had grown up with and was already passionate about.

Chart your career from the start to where you are now.

So as mentioned I stared off in journalism TV and radio at the BBC which was really good grounding and then transitioned into PR. I worked at various well known agencies across a range of clients including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Diageo, Coca Cola, P&G, Unilever, Coty, Global Radio to name a few and absolutely loved working agency side. I then got my first Communications Director role at Bauer Media where I worked on the broadcast division and then the magazine division and had headed back to tech clients as I was planning to move to Germany when I was offered the role at Hearst UK.

What is Hearst doing to celebrate BHM and what is your involvement?

There has been so much going on internally from cook-alongs where you can learn to make traditional dishes, to Black History seminars, films, playlists etc. The Diversity & Belonging team have put on a really amazing programme this year – my team were on a black beauty seminar last week which they enjoyed. From a content perspective we have been featuring a whole array of subjects and really highlighting Black voices across our platforms.

How can PR & Comms teams play effective roles in creating diversity in the workplace?

At Hearst UK the PR and Comms team has worked really closely with our Diversity and Belonging Steering Committee to help communicate the various initiatives and training which we have available for staff. We’ve also been working really closely with our brands especially after the tragic death of George Floyd to help navigate Black Lives Matter so that we were able to get the correct tone and sentiment as this was a sensitive time within the Black community. We have also been working on a Charter with other teams within the business.

Why is it important for publishers to celebrate BHM?

I think all publishers have a responsibility to celebrate the diversity within their businesses which is reflective of the society we live in today. The celebration is important not only for allies but for Black people within these businesses. There is so much that I am not aware of in terms of history and culture and so this is a great way to immerse yourself in it and learn more. I honestly think I learn new things each year but also it’s a celebration and so should be uplifting too.

What does BHM mean to you?

It is a time for celebration and acknowledgement of the rich contribution that Black culture and communities have made to society.

Often people shy away from taking action for fear of getting things wrong or causing offence , what would your advice be to others who want to support BHM but don’t know where to start?

It’s important given everything that has happened this year to acknowledge the shift in awareness and to start somewhere. Publishers need to be bold and take proactive steps and as media owners, we need to be at the forefront of driving change. We all get things wrong at some point but that shouldn’t be a barrier for doing the right thing and BLM has shown everyone that times are changing and that staff, consumers and clients also expect businesses to make changes now. My best advice from a comms perspective is to do what is authentic to your brand but challenge yourself to do more than you’d expect because only then can you achieve real change.

What magazine would you stockpile?

Come on, that’s like having a favourite child, I love them all!