Thankful for the "We" That Made 21 Years of Irvin PR Possible

As we close out the week of Thanksgiving and the month of Irvin PR’s 21^st anniversary, I am so very thankful that I have been entrusted to do and lead meaningful work on behalf of our clients and alongside my teammates. It has been a joy to be involved with some of the biggest changemakers, protectors and do-gooders – both people and organizations – in Central Ohio and beyond.

From the recession, to COVID, to expanding our team, to creating the “stretchiest” of stretch goals and more, here are some key takeaways:

• Prioritize work we love, with people we love. Work is important for each of us; but equally important is enjoying that work and knowing it makes a positive impact on the community. Every time we consider a prospective client, they must pass through the filter of our “Why” – are they doing good – and fun – work that we feel good about amplifying in the community? If not, we will move on; if they do, we will gladly pursue them.
• Be generous. Being generous with our time, treasure and talents is easier said than done, which is why we established a fund at the Columbus Foundation that sets us up to keep monetary generosity front and center. But generosity is truly felt when we volunteer on boards and serve together throughout the year for various non-profits around the community. When we show up and give of ourselves, it inspires us to do even more.
• Understand that feedback is a gift. For someone who once looked for the nearest exit rather than face an uncomfortable situation, it took me a long time to understand the immense value in giving – and receiving – straightforward feedback that may be hard to hear. It’s important for personal and professional growth. And when handled with respect and every good intention, feedback becomes one of the most impactful things we can embrace that makes us better (Rachel Finney also does a great training on this).
• Grow intentionally. Speaking of hard things to hear, in 2021 I was at a crossroads with the departure of a long-time beloved employee and friend who was very honest and open about needing a change. I had to take a hard look at myself and how I’d been operating things. I certainly wasn’t setting the world on fire with my business acumen. I found This crossroads presented an opportunity to be more future focused and intentional. I decided – along with Audrey and Dan – to lean into growth. I hired Jeff Tritt of Onward Growth to help implement a system for ongoing growth. Since making that intentional investment, we have had a larger reach in the community, added to our team, and more than doubled our revenues.
• Invest in the team. Ten-plus years ago, I joined Vistage executive coaching, and it has been a game-changing experience. My group of fellow business owners has challenged me, cried with me, been vulnerable with me, and shared incredible insights with me. They have been instrumental in helping me manage a growing business. This experience has been so pivotal for me that I wanted to ensure the rest of my team had access to this type of opportunity – whether it be Vistage, or LeaderReps new manager training or the Emerging Leaders Board. Investing in our team to be better leaders who show up and give insights with empathy is important for our team’s continued development that expands our knowledge outside of the PR field.

These are a few of the obvious mile markers I see along the 21-year-journey of Irvin PR. But I would be overlooking the root of this thankfulness if I didn’t mention how it showed up daily, in small details and rote routines, or when laughter becomes the end result of what once looked like disappointment. For me, it goes far beyond the actual work. It’s more than a series of highs and lows. It’s the people – it always has been and always will be. Reaching big milestones wouldn’t have near the significance if I didn’t have a group of amazing and caring people with me on the journey – colleagues, clients, mentors, my beloved hubby – all of whom I get to call trusted friends. I understand that every large and small accomplishment Irvin PR has ever attained starts with “we” – and for that I couldn’t be more thankful.