All of us bring a unique history and perspective to the table — moments that shape our work ethic, our attitudes about public policy and our philosophies around the importance of communications in public affairs. Our team wanted to share their experiences and perspectives with you, and frankly, I was thrilled to read these accounts and learn more about the women I work with every day. This is the first installment of what we’re calling Mach 1’s Defining Moments, and we’ll share a few more with you in the coming weeks. I hope you enjoy them and if you feel inspired, please share yours with us!
Gratefully,
Katherine
Talan Tyminski, Senior Vice President and Client Service Director
“Like many, the COVID-19 pandemic shaped not just my life but my career. While working at the Texas Workforce Commission, I saw how devastating the lockdown was for Texans and how vital clear communication could be. I’ll never forget a call about people missing their unemployment requests and realizing a simple reminder could make the difference in paying rent or putting food on the table. With new rules and confusion everywhere, most people weren’t checking government websites – they were searching Facebook and Reddit. That experience showed me communication is about more than sharing updates. It’s about meeting people where they are and never forgetting the human impact of what we do.”
Mollie Young, Senior Consultant
“While working the 2014 midterm elections in D.C., my role was to generate national press for Congressional candidates running in districts all across the nation. I was in constant contact with campaigns and would scour rally and debate footage to find the best pitches. During a locally televised debate for an open seat in Upstate New York, one candidate made a rather offensive statement toward the young female candidate. At the time, the “War on Women” was a trending subject in the national media, and this slip-up was a perfect example. I clipped the footage and sent it to my contacts in cable news; it was on the air the following day. The female candidate landed national interviews, won her seat, and went on to become a major player in Washington. I think of this moment in my career often, as it affirmed that one PR win could be the spark that catches fire. It is also such a clear example of how important it is to meet the news cycle where it is. Seasoned pros know to read media narratives and find ways to join in — a crucial tactic I deploy in all of the public relations campaigns I’ve worked on since.”
Sharon Chapman, Vice President
“We’re defined by our stories – the ones we tell about ourselves, and to ourselves, and the ones people think they know about us. I grew up in a family of voracious readers, with a mom who also loved movies and theater and was the person hearing everyone’s life stories, whether she asked or not. She was a warm, interested listener and I take after her in that regard. It’s not surprising that stories, both the desire to hear them and tell them, drew me to a long career in journalism.
“I still love hearing and telling stories, and when I was ready to leave newsrooms, I knew I wouldn’t want to go far. Our PR and policy work not only keeps me in regular contact with my journalism comrades. It also helps satisfy my passion for storytelling, which will always be a defining part of my life.”
