An interview with Liz Cartwright

Following on from the last post on the case study about Liz Cartwright I thought it would be a good idea to get an insight into her own thoughts about women and the PR industry, her experiences and any advice she would give to young women trying to break into the industry.

Check out the interview below.

1)Before setting up your own consultancy, what was your experience working in the PR field like? Have you ever felt that you couldn't break that "glass ceiling" - aiming for the higher position?

I didn't take the usual PR route. I am an ex journalist and worked on regional and national newspapers for more than 20 years. I went to work with a large PR agency where I stayed for a few months before rushing back into journalism! After having my children I worked with a smaller agency in the east midlands. I set up on my own in 2006 as a freelance journalist and PR. The idea was for my work to fit more easily around my children. Within a year I had moved out of my home office and into a serviced office and had taken on an account executive. Business was booming – but then the recession hit in 2009 and we did well to keep our heads above water throughout the difficult years. We are busy again right now and we are preparing to take on our tenth employee.

2) What made you set up your own firm/consultancy?

Like many women, I was looking for solutions to ease my quality of life after having children. I was in my late 30s and bosses at the large regional newspaper where I had previously held senior positions, seemed to overlook my hard work and continuing commitment. When I moved to a PR agency afterwards, I still felt I would like more flexibility to spend more time with the kids – so that’s when I set up on my own. 

3) As a women who is head of your own consultancy, what advice would you give to other women aiming for senior positions?

Don’t hide your light under a bushel. I think women can be modest about their abilities and feel uncomfortable about ‘selling themselves’ and telling colleagues about their successes. I can’t tell you how many times over the years, I have produced fantastic work and ideas – only for a colleague (usually male) to claim them as their own. 

Moving into PR after journalism, I had no idea that my media skills would be so in demand. It was great to get such a good response from clients – and pick up new ones. It was a boost to my confidence, but made me realise you have to talk up your successes – but not necessarily shout about them.

4) What are your thoughts on the idea of the PR industry being controlled by men instead, considering the fact that 62% of the workforce are women?

I think there are hugely talented PRs – male and female – so I don’t see why the industry should be controlled by females. 62% of the workforce are women, but then there are fewer women in the boardroom. This isn’t new and I would say is indicative of women leaving the workplace to have children. Quite often it is difficult for them to get back into their careers if they have taken time out to have children – and this means they don’t reach the senior positions. It’s a shame as I truly believe women are talented, hard-working and can make brilliant bosses.

Do you think this covered a few of the issues we have today about women in senior positions?

 Did this inspire you to start making career choices? What are your thoughts?

By Demi Daley-Shaw