To celebrate this year's International Women's Day, we're shining a spotlight on two remarkable women who help Ettinger thrive in both the UK and the US, Harriet Hunt from Hunt Communications, and Heather Falconer from Falconer Agency.
Both have founded their own PR agencies, and have become pillars of Ettinger's communication strategy over the past few years. Discover the stories of these two inspiring women.
Can you briefly describe what your job entails?
Harriet Hunt: "Managing our clients' public image, connecting them with their target audiences by planning and implementing strategic campaigns that enhance their reputation and engagement, fostering positive relationships."
Heather Falconer: "Listening is key. Many people assume PR is all about making noise, but the most important aspect of the job is truly listening and understanding the client's needs - even when they're unaware of them. It's about listening to editors for new features, staying informed about trends in various markets, and understanding the needs of brand partners. By truly listening, you can anticipate opportunities, craft the right strategies, and build authentic connections that benefit both the client and the audience."
What motivated you to create your own company?
Harriet Hunt: "I chose to establish my own agency to not only follow my passion for communications but also to embrace the exhilarating journey of building a successful company. My experience in the industry left me frustrated with the common practice of being relegated from hands-on client and media relations to focusing primarily on HR and new business development once a certain level of seniority was reached. I wanted to break free from that norm and ensure that I remained deeply involved in the day-to-day activities that truly inspire me. Now, I am equally committed to driving growth for my clients’ businesses as I am for our own, and I take immense satisfaction in being able to personally implement innovative strategies that make a real impact. This approach allows me to nurture both my creativity and the effectiveness of our services, ultimately benefiting all parties involved."
Heather Falconer: "In 2009, I started my own business - a print magazine based in Hackney, UK, and distributed in key international cities like New York, LA, Paris and Milan. That's where I built my network. As the magazine transitioned to an online platform, I also launched a creative agency. Brands began approaching us to create content for their brands, just as we had done for the magazine. In 2014, I began traveling to the US for Fashion Weeks and SXSW, and I quickly decided I wanted to live in New York. The energy of New York City was unlike any other - it was captivating. Through what I can only describe as serendipity, I sold the magazine business and moved to New York. I began connecting with British brands visiting the US and was often introduced as a mentor, sharing insights on building a business and brand in the US, along with my contacts. After one such meeting, the idea hit me - I bought the domain falconeragency.com, and the rest, as they say, is history."
What are 3 highlights since starting your agency?
Harriet Hunt: "I can't pinpoint three specific moments, as there are highlights (and sometimes lowlights!) all the time, but there are a few specific things that I am proud of. Firstly, I am incredibly proud of our portfolio of clients. I take great pride in the long-standing relationships we’ve cultivated with many of them, where we have grown together and been recognised as valued and integral partners. (I am extremely grateful to them for placing their trust in me, and we will continue to work hard for them!) Secondly, I am immensely proud of my team, who inspire me every day and continuously achieve new heights, contributing to YOY growth despite the challenges faced by private businesses over the past 5 to 10 years, with the pandemic and a tumultuous political and economic landscape. Finally, I am proud of our desire and ability to evolve rapidly in line with the changing media and consumer environments, never resting on our laurels and always striving enthusiastically for greater impact as we explore new, exciting ways to connect with audiences."
Heather Falconer: "For Ettinger specifically; the community we've built around the brand in the US, for those who are passionate about Ettinger, attend events and support with written features and various online content. Also for Ettinger, we can't share too much at the moment, but there are some products on loan for some high profile film productions coming out later this year! Today (26th February) the PR Net announced that we are one of their honourees for the Next Gen PRs, a huge achievement! And earlier this year, we arranged for the Isle of Harris Distillery (gin and whiskey) to be gifted to the winners at the Golden Globes awards, which received a lot of press coverage, globally."
What has been the biggest challenge you've faced since starting your agency?
Harriet Hunt: "The challenge of measuring the true impact of public relations is one faced by the entire industry, as the myriad contributions we make for brands often extend beyond what can be quantified. Despite our significant investments at Hunt in market-leading software and platforms that enhance our visibility, many critical aspects- such as reputation, sentiment, and word-of-mouth traction- remain elusive and difficult to measure as accurately as I would like. We have developed exceptional in-house reporting systems to create tailored KPIs, ensuring we assess our impact as effectively as possible. Yet, the inherent complexity of PR means that the full value of our efforts isn't always recognised. We greatly appreciate and feel inspired when clients are transparent, sharing specific feedback that highlights how our work has made a tangible difference.
Heather Falconer: "The pandemic was a huge challenge. The agency was on a great streak, and then, one by one, every client had to pause their contracts. It felt like a snakes and ladders moment, sliding right back at the beginning. Fortunately, the business wasn't in debt, and we had fantastic contacts, so it became a waiting game until the economy rebounded. I also used my black book for positive impact, creating a partnership between Gladson New York, Ben Sherman, and the Costume Designers Guild of America. Gladson provided cloth, Ben Sherman supplied their FedEx account, and CDGQ costume designers made masks - a wonderful initiative that also created press buzz! That period taught me to diversify our portfolio, leading to the creation of Microsoft's first-ever virtual reality art gallery, featuring British artists like Stuart Semple and Sadie Clayton."
Which women inspire you the most in your career?
Harriet Hunt: "I am fortunate to work with an incredible array of passionate businessmen and women across various sectors. I learn a tremendous amount from them, not only about how they successfully run their businesses and nurture their teams but also about how they manage their personal lives. Many of them noticeably juggle their work-life balance exceptionally well, working around the clock while still making time to play hard and enjoy life! Their passion, commitment, and excitement for their sectors is infectious and awe-inspiring, and it reminds me to embrace each day fully at work whilst having fun, and prioritising quality time with friends and family."
Heather Falconer: "Women who support other women for the greater good, without any ulterior motive, are truly inspiring! I feel incredibly lucky to have a strong network or friends - entrepreneurs and artists - who uplift and support each other. A special shoutout to Maria Kozak and Sara Boccachini Meadows, talented artists who inspire and encourage me daily. I also work closely with female clients who have become wonderful, supporting friends, including Charlotte Keesing (Walpole), Faith Wozniak (Gladson New York), music exec Kelly Ridgway, the ladies in the FT New York office, and Rose Callahan, Kate Warmels, Emily Young Zimmerman and Karen Alberg. Women supporting women.
I'd also like to give a special thanks to Robert Ettinger, who, for as long as I've known him, has been fantastic at supporting, and hiring women. It's important to celebrate the men who allow women to flourish, too."
Do you have any advice for women wishing to start their own business?
Harriet Hunt: "My advice for women looking to start their own businesses is to be bold and brave, realistic and resilient. It requires an enormous amount of hard work, and sacrifices will be necessary along the way. It’s not for the faint hearted! For those with children or those wanting to start a family, it's important to acknowledge that you will feel pulled in all directions. Embrace this as an enormous privilege and recognise that you are a role model in more ways than one — set an example to everyone by enjoying and appreciating every day. Never take either your professional or your personal life for granted, and never complain!"
Heather Falconer: "Starting a business requires confidence, and resilience. Build a strong network of mentors, industry peers, and fellow female entrepreneurs for guidance and support. Own your expertise - position yourself as a leader and trust your vision. Stay adaptable, as challenges will arise, but persistence is key. Prioritise work-life balance and set boundaries to avoid burnout. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your business - success starts with the confidence to take the first step."
What do you think is the key to building a workplace where women thrive?
Harriet Hunt: "I believe that building a workplace where all employees can thrive hinges on instilling a culture of respect at every level. Senior leaders play a crucial role by setting a positive example through their own work-life balance and attitude toward hard work too. It's essential to create an environment that encourages serious commitment to goals while also incorporating fun and light-heartedness, enabling employees to share laughs together along the way. This blend of respect, leadership, and enjoyment fosters a supportive and motivated workforce that feels valued and engaged."
Heather Falconer: "It's about fostering a culture where women feel valued, heard, and supported at every stage of their careers."
Who would be your 3 dream guests for a dinner party?
Harriet Hunt: "Anna Wintour, Cesar Ritz and Coco Chanel."
Heather Falconer: "Patti Smith, Marina Abramovic and Laurie Anderson."
Find out more about each agency: Hunt Communications & Falconer Agency.