Revealed: Hilary Collins, Big Wave PR
Recently our MD, Hilary Collins, Founder of Big Wave PR, was asked by a leading business magazine to reveal her route to the top. Here’s her story…
Do what you love, it will bring you fulfilment!
Hilary Collins Big Wave PR – detail your career to date…
I got lucky. I went to university without a clue what to do with my life, but I had a passion for travel. While looking in the window at Campus Travel, I saw an ad for a student PR officer. They offered no salary but gave free travel. I had no idea what PR was, but writing for the college paper and putting on events sounded fun. I loved it and finally knew what I could do for a living.
After graduation I joined an agency in London, it specialised in fashion and charity PR. I worked my way up the ladder before launching Big Wave PR 18 years ago.
Childhood career ambition…
I wanted to win a gold medal for the 100m sprint at the Olympics, my childhood hero was Daley Thompson. I got as far as racing for my school and I’m not too bad at the mum’s race, but sadly my Olympic dreams were never met.
I always wanted to set up my own business, launching my own consultancy seemed like a natural progression.
Best piece of career advice you’ve given…
Do what you love, it will bring you fulfilment. Also, believe in yourself – know your strengths, work on your weaknesses and never take yourself too seriously.
Best piece of career advice you’ve received…
Bite off more than you can chew and keep chewing!
Your two perfect dinner guests, one business, one pleasure…
I’d love to chat with Alex Polizzi, the Hotel Inspector. We supported Carlsberg in a campaign to keep pubs alive. We visited numerous pubs and hotels to give advice. I’m sure we’d have a few stories to share.
Pleasure; can never beat Sunday lunch with the family.
The secret of running a successful business is…
Find your passion and make your business work for you. Surround yourself with people who share your energy and develop an empowered culture to enable all to thrive. Out of work, make sure you’ve got people around to be your cheerleader, it will really help when times get tough.
If you weren’t in your current profession, what might you likely be…
Films! Who wouldn’t? Growing up I never thought it would be possible unless you lived stateside. It’s great to see so many productions taking place in Essex. Fantastic opportunities for people in front and behind the camera.
If you had a magic wand and could change one thing in business, it would be…
For everyone to understand the power of PR. Public relations isn’t the easiest to measure and evaluate, but it can tell your business’ story and build your brand better than any other marketing service. Customers are much more likely to engage and stay loyal when they believe in your product or service.
Hobbies/interests…
I love travelling and taking the family on far-flung adventures. I also love paddleboarding and cycling.
Favourite ever book/TV programme/film/meal/country visited….
Australia! I’ve been lucky enough to travel there five times and have been all round the coast. It’s my happy place.
Tell us something about you that might surprise people…
I can play the accordion! I used to perform in a show band, busked in Cambridge and played Disneyland Paris. I also entered competitions and walked off with a top prize at the ‘All Britain Championships’.
If I ruled the world, the first thing I’d do is…
Resign.
Categories: General PR news PR services
