“....is [she] gon’ ever fall off? NO!” We are thrilled to bring you an exclusive interview with the incredible Jeanette Brown, a true powerhouse in communications and public relations. Jeanette is the mastermind behind one of the most sought-after PR agencies in the business, and her strategic thinking and impeccable communication skills have catapulted her into the spotlight of the marketing communications industry. With a clientele consisting of world-renowned experts and powerful brands, Jeanette has left an indelible mark on the industry. She has become a go-to expert for all brands and executives seeking awareness-driven campaigns.

Born and raised in Bushwick, Brooklyn, Jeanette always nurtured her passion for storytelling and had an innate ability to connect with people positively. As a child, she was drawn to watching the news, reading history books, and eagerly consuming information about worldwide cultures. Little did she know that this love for storytelling would eventually pave the way for her groundbreaking career in PR.

Jeanette's journey to success was not devoid of challenges. Her path was filled with numerous hurdles, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. But her relentless drive and unwavering determination propelled her forward, allowing her to rise above any obstacles that came her way. Through sheer grit and hard work, Jeanette established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the PR industry, earning her peers and clients' respect and admiration.

Jeanette will take us behind the scenes and give us a glimpse into the magic that sets her apart from the rest. We will discover the strategies and techniques that have made her agency the go-to choice for celebrities and brands looking to make a splash in the media. From crafting compelling narratives to navigating crisis management, Jeanette will share her insights into the PR world and reveal the secrets behind her extraordinary success.

But it's not just about the professional accolades – Jeanette's story is about personal growth and empowerment. Through her experiences, she has learned invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and staying true to oneself. Her journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring PR professionals and individuals looking to carve their paths in the fiercely competitive world of communications.

So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be inspired by the remarkable Jeanette Brown. You don’t want to miss this interview – the perfect opportunity to gain insights from a true PR superstar and explore the secrets behind her meteoric rise to success. Get ready for an extraordinary journey into the world of communications and the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to dream big and work hard.

 

Jeanette, would you mind telling us how you got started?

One major milestone in my career was establishing Excellence & Presence Communications. By founding my agency, I created a business where I could bring together a talented team of professionals who shared my passion for delivering exceptional results. It was a significant achievement to build a reputation for excellence and gain the trust of clients across the globe. This milestone allowed me to expand our reach to serve clients internationally and establish New York and Atlanta offices.

Overall, my journey in the PR industry has been driven by a desire to meet the needs of various personas and provide them with tailored PR and branding solutions. Building a successful agency and earning clients' trust has been a significant milestone in my career. I am excited to continue helping businesses achieve their goals through effective communication strategies.

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I worked full-time at a sports and lifestyle PR agency (Alan Taylor Communications) in 1999. Simultaneously, I was also attending BMCC (Borough of Manhattan Community College), studying Early Childhood Education. I spent the first seven years of my career at Alan Taylor Communications, earning two college degrees and ultimately graduating from City College with a Bachelor’s degree. Shortly after joining the PR agency as part of its administrative staff, I received a project to contact local media about a U.S. Open Tennis Camp for girls in New York City sponsored by JPMorgan Chase and led by tennis legend Billie Jean King. I enjoyed pitching the media and did an outstanding job securing press coverage for the client. I eventually earned a junior spot on the executive team and spent almost eight years at the agency, growing through the ranks and expanding my expertise in PR and Marketing. I even switched my major and sought more literature and communications courses.

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Following several transformative years working alongside peers and supervisors who today are my extended family, I joined a lifestyle publicity firm, Sarah Hall Productions. We led personal publicity campaigns for athletes, TV personalities, celebrities, and New York Times Bestselling authors. After sharpening my client relations and talent management skills, I spent the next ten years building relationships in the Wine and Spirits industry. I launched alcohol brands in the domestic U.S. and increased awareness for well-established brands from Diageo and Bacardi’s portfolios among new target audiences globally. I am incredibly thankful for 18 years of agency experience as it allows me to lead a thriving integrated PR and marketing agency today.

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Jeanette, What are some of the most recent offerings regarding products, services, and programs, and how are they contributing to individuals' success in 2023?

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I offer integrated public relations and marketing communications programs. The campaigns include executive visibility, global and corporate communications campaigns, social media marketing, DEI programs, book launches, and special events campaigns.

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My services are helping to raise the profile of business executives through visibility programming. I helped book my clients for speaking opportunities, enter their campaigns for awards and global recognition media interviews, and amplify the programs they developed.

I have booked local, national, and international news outlets across the lifestyle, consumer health, sports, business, and marketing industries, including broadcast, podcasts, and international news services.

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So, esteemed PR Queen, could you kindly share your top 5 wellness tips for 2023?

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Define and prioritize your self-care practices. If your cup is not full, you cannot pour life into the things you want to materialize in your life.

Disappointments and failure are lessons that get you one step closer to your goals - so keep pushing forward no matter how difficult things become.

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Cherish your loved ones and prioritize spending time with them over work. The memories you create with them on the way up - will be the light that shines bright in dark or uncertain times.

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Love yourself, be confident, and believe in yourself first. How you treat and talk about yourself will teach others to believe in you.

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Try to spend some time every day in the sun, near a body of water, or in nature and BREATH. Slowing down helps bring clarity. Spend time near the ocean, in the sun, or in nature.

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We understand that this question may be challenging, but have you ever experienced moments in your life where you felt compelled to give up?

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There are too many significant times in life where I felt like giving up, so as opposed to focusing on one, I prefer to briefly describe the moments in hopes that each moment resonates with different members of your audience and provides inspiration:

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I wanted to give up when I came home from college on winter break, and my mom unexpectedly died on New Year’s Eve - a month before my 18th birthday.

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I wanted to give up when I realized earning a bachelor's degree would take me eight years because I prioritize having a full-time job to support myself and my family.

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I wanted to give up when I quit a job after being humiliated in front of the staff and betrayed by those I risked my career advocating for.

I wanted to give up after spending more than a year rebuilding my confidence, experiencing several months of unemployment, starting over in a new place, and then having the entire department I joined laid off due to the organization’s loss of profitability.

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I wanted to give up after thinking the worst of my professional experiences were behind me. I spent almost two decades working hard, overachieving, and bringing a can-do attitude to every room I entered. I was on a mission - to prove myself through my actions, not words. I wanted to demonstrate dependability, deliver results, and be easy to get along with. In June 2017, I was eight months pregnant while leading successful campaigns and a bi-coastal team of brilliant executives. However, the self-induced pressure of achieving success and managing it ALL became detrimental to my health without realizing it. Approximately one month later, I delivered a healthy baby boy. Two months after my son was born, I was planning and strategizing my return to my rewarding career, then received news that I was laid off and had to start my job search again.

Several significant life events occurred between the moments when I felt like giving up, but I didn’t. Today, I consider all of my experiences as defining life moments, even those when I experienced a bounce back or an award. However, all were significant, and I never slowed down long enough to process them, hold space for them, or even be present in the moments to enjoy the highs.

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If you could do business with one celebrity, who would it be and why? We ask this question because our team can send this interview to your chosen celebrity. If we have your permission, please answer the questions fully. If not, simply reply, pass.

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Picking just one is tough, but if only one, it would be Jay-Z. I KNOW. It sounds cliche. I was born, raised, and lived in (Bushwick) Brooklyn, New York, for over four decades. The neighborhood references and experiences that resonated with me were the lyrics to some of his popular songs. It’s fitting that I say Jay - he’s still alive, has evolved, is thriving, and is from Brooklyn, too.

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The why - applies to even more celebrities like Snoop Dog, Nas, Method Man, Missy Elliot, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Queen Latifah, and many more.

Growing up in the '80s and '90s, many people believed Rap / Hip Hop music was for people “in the hood” or “ghetto,” it was challenging to convince people of the significant influence that it was more than just music; it was and is a culture. The spaces where Hip Hop music was enjoyed felt like home to me, and voices like Jay-Z told stories I could relate to and mentioned the names of streets I walked. This year, we are celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop, and Jay-Z and the other artists I mentioned evolved and grew in ways - that I sometimes wonder - if they could have imagined. I see growth and wisdom in each of them. Some of their “I feel like giving up” moments happened publicly. While I don’t know if that is how they felt, I do know that nothing good comes easy. Growth is achieved through challenging times, and sometimes those moments destroy you. I smile with pride when I see these artists in a public setting or contributing to global culture. “Politics As Usual” is felt on a deeper level today than it was in 1996 when I was in high school. Regardless, I relate to the politics then and now.

 

Our Final Thoughts:

 

With her indomitable spirit and unwavering determination, Jeanette Brown has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of communications and public relations. Her journey from a Brooklyn girl with big dreams to the founder and CEO of a thriving PR agency is a testament to her unparalleled talent and unwavering dedication. It is no surprise that many industries have embraced her creative thinking and execution.

Jeanette's ability to connect with people deeply and meaningfully sets her apart from the rest. She understands that effective communication is about relaying a message and forging genuine connections that resonate with the intended audience. This understanding has catapulted her into the upper echelons of various industries, earning her a reputation as one of the game's most influential and sought-after publicists.

However, Jeanette's success is not solely based on her talent and skill. Her passion for her craft and unwavering commitment to excellence propelled her to such remarkable heights. She has never been one to settle for mediocrity, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is perceived as possible in the world of public relations. Her innovative campaigns and strategic thinking have consistently delivered results that exceed expectations, leaving clients and industry insiders alike in awe of her brilliance.

As we bid farewell to Jeanette Brown, we can't help but be filled with anticipation for what the future holds. With her star on the rise, it is only a matter of time before she takes the entertainment industry by storm again. We eagerly await her next groundbreaking collaboration and dazzling campaign, knowing it will be extraordinary.

Jeanette Brown's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring publicists and communicators around the world. She has shown us that anything is possible with hard work, passion, and a strategic mindset. As she continues to mold and empower the world of communications and public relations, her impact will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. So, watch out, world, because Jeanette Brown is just starting, and the best is yet to come.