It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of a headline in a major publication like Forbes or The New York Times. We’ve all done it. While these "top-tier" mentions might boost your ego (and offer great bragging rights), they don't always translate into tangible results for your business.

For 25 years, my professional life felt like a different story. It was often spent at the mercy of others' schedules. Tied to a desk, grinding through the motions and putting in the hours, even when I was supposed to be on vacation.

For the past 25 years, I've witnessed the public relations industry evolve. From the rise of digital media and social platforms to the explosion of data analytics and AI, our field has been in a constant state of transformation. And while innovation is vital, I'm convinced that in our rush to embrace the new, we've drifted pretty damn far from the foundational principles that truly define effective PR.

Early in my career, I was a back-of-the-room kind of guy. Quiet, observant and content to let others take the floor. I listened intently, took notes and absorbed everything. I rarely spoke up. It wasn’t about lack of interest or confidence. I believed that if I stayed in my lane, worked hard and delivered results, my value would speak for itself.

Don't just sell a product. Share a purpose. Don't just list features. Convey an experience. Your business isn't just a collection of goods or services; it's a living narrative waiting to be told. And when you tell it well, that's when your business truly finds its voice.

Building new business as a startup PR agency is humbling. But it’s also the most energizing work I’ve done in my career. Because every win is yours. Every relationship is personal. Every idea is judged on merit, not agency theater.

In communications, continuity isn’t a luxury. It’s not a nice to have. It’s everything. Without it, relationships fade. Messaging splinters. Campaigns stall. And trust, the most valuable currency in our line of work starts to erode.

The past few weeks have reminded me why I took the leap to start Spoken Voice PR. To do work that’s grounded in values, not volume. To partner with people who want to make meaningful impact. The key here is ‘partner’, not to be just another vendor.

Corporate communications has become a kind of performance art. It’s often written for internal stakeholders or boardrooms instead of real people. Messaging is aligned and optimized, until it’s unrecognizable. There’s so much fear of being wrong, or not sounding "innovative" enough, that we end up saying nothing.

When times are tough, it can be tempting for leaders to reach for fear as a management tool. Fear demands instant compliance. Fear keeps people "on their toes." Fear can drive short-term results. Ultimately, leading with fear is a losing strategy.

Taking breaks isn’t lazy, it’s strategic. In PR and communications, where creativity, judgment and culture matter most, downtime is the catalyst for your best work. The next time you feel guilty about stepping away, don’t. You’re doubling down on your potential.

In a world oversaturated with marketing messages, broken promises and corporate speak, what people are craving isn’t perfection. It’s presence. It’s a sense that the brands they engage with are paying attention. That those brands are willing to do the hard, human work of building something better.

As someone who’s spent decades in PR and communications, I couldn’t help but notice how many of the same principles apply. What makes you a better player on the court can make you sharper, more thoughtful and more effective in how you communicate.

After 25+ years working for PR agencies, I knew it was time for a new adventure. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the industry change. Some good, some bad and some ugly.