How would you describe your management style?
… I have 10 direct reports – but we are organized in teams on a project/client basis with delegated leader of each team. I lead by example. I give them lots of my time.
I asked Shauna how she sees her business, and her industry, faring over the next 90 days?
… business is fantastic. Our brand is becoming well known, interesting projects. Competitive bidding!
And over the next 5 years?
… our industry is consolidating by integration. Social media needs to be more with/about the customer. We have strategies to do great work – not just a lot of work.
What qualities distinguish your preferred colleagues, collaborators and suppliers?
… results, references, integrity, loyalty, passion. Do they deliver what they say? Do they make work fun?
Your firm is all women. Is that by design or by accident?
… not by design, but it appears to have worked out that way. I look for the best resumes. There are a lot of women in the PR industry.
What distinguishes you that causes people to choose Shauna MacDonald and Brookline … why have you been chosen over other suppliers?
… bottom line results, synergy/community/fit/culture, team, experience.
Do you have a succession plan, a view of the future, of diversification?
… we are considering some different business lines. We have a strong team.
What do you lose sleep over, what do you worry about?
….kids - doesn't everybody? It’s all about making time for them. Providing best results for clients. Can we do better?
Who or what influenced you most – that has made a difference in your life, or that was a major turning point?
... my husband. My father. Terry Clarke (runs Clarke & Co. .. a PR firm in Boston) who took a chance on me when I was in grad school – he told me I should be running my own business.
Do you have a hero?
… my father. High integrity, well respected, always gives you an honest answer. He came from nothing, from a broken home, put himself through school, great family man – got his priorities right. He’s always given me sound advice.
Work life balance?
… the 3 R’s – running, reading, raising kids. Travel, I write (journals, diaries, thoughts), skiing, Christmas in Barbados, skiing at Fernie, couple-getaways. I don’t always find balance. But it sometimes finds me.
What do you read?
… a lot. Right now I’m reading “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg .. it’s about juggling values, debunks the notion that women can’t have it all. We can’t have it all, all the time.
Her ride?
… Range Rover Sport