The Conscious Publicist® Podcast with Ashley Graham - Mentorship Magic: Guiding the Next Generation in PR, Self-Mastery, and the Art of Thought Leadership

Mentorship Magic: Guiding the Next Generation in PR, Self-Mastery, and the Art of Thought Leadership

01/22/24 • 33 min

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The Conscious Publicist® Podcast with Ashley Graham

I am excited to share the latest episode of The Conscious Publicist® Podcast. In this episode, we will explore the importance of mentorship in PR and communications. This conversation and experience reflects my recent speaking engagements, notably at the Vanguard University of Southern California. Tune in to listen to the stories and insights I shared with the students on excelling in public relations, media, and communications.

2024 has been nothing short of amazing, and my primary focus is amplifying my voice in various public spaces. The podcast is a central focus, but the calling to share my insights, methodologies, and wealth of knowledge with a broader audience has led me to speaking engagements, mentorship opportunities, and events.

In this episode, I'll take you through a transformative conversation I had with students at Vanguard University of Southern California's media hub, where I shared my experiences and thoughts on public relations and addressed some thought-provoking questions from the students.

In this episode, I'll take you through a transformative conversation I had with students at Vanguard University's media hub, where I shared my experiences and thoughts on public relations and addressed some thought-provoking questions from the students.

Episode Highlights:

1. The Power of Curiosity:

I've always been connected to inquiring minds, and my recent engagement with students at Vanguard was a testament to that. Students' heightened curiosity aligns with my characteristics, making it a fulfilling experience to guide them through their transformative journeys.

2. Mastering the Art of Public Relations:

The workshop focused on my journey, emphasizing the intersection of thought leadership and PR. I explored how PR is the central hub connecting various marketing facets, creating a spider web effect. This interactive session sparked questions about other media forms within the PR umbrella, such as podcasting and social media.

3. Navigating Negative Media:

A student raised an intriguing question about handling negative media in the age of remixes and potential misinterpretation on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. I delved into the importance of self-mastery, emotional resilience, and the role of curiosity in managing such situations.

4. Finding the Right Career Path:

Reflecting on my post-graduation experience, I discussed the importance of need versus want when choosing your first job. Regardless of alignment with your degree, each opportunity provides valuable insights into what you like and dislike, shaping your career path.

5. Networking and Mentoring:

The episode closes with insights on networking and connecting with mentors or leaders in your desired field. I emphasized the power of courage and curiosity in reaching out to potential mentors and leaders, highlighting the reciprocal nature of mentorship.

Closing Thoughts:

I'm extending an invitation for collaboration with organizations, teams, or communities seeking a strategic mentor or speaker on PR, communications, and conscious thinking. Mentorship is my passion, and I envision a future role as an adjunct professor, shaping the next generation's minds. If you know of organizations or communities seeking a strategic mentor or speaker, let's connect! I'm passionate about mentorship, and this recent experience has ignited a vision of becoming an adjunct professor, shaping the minds of our youth.

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Episode Highlights:

1. The Power of Curiosity:

2. Mastering the Art of Public Relations:

3. Navigating Negative Media:

4. Finding the Right Career Path:

5. Networking and Mentoring:

Closing Thoughts:

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Connect with Ashley Graham + TCP:

Previous Episode

Building Holistic and Conscious Media Relationships

Today, we're shifting gears from our usual discussions to delve into a topic close to my heart—building holistic and conscious media relationships. Why is this important? Well, relationships are the cornerstone of any creative endeavor and business venture.

Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Outlier Festival in Salt Lake City, where I hosted a session on cultivating meaningful connections with media contacts and podcast hosts. This episode is inspired by that session, focusing on key strategies to lead with connection in the media space.

1. Get to Know Your Contacts:

Identify Passions and Interests: Imagine receiving an email that not only introduces someone new but also highlights a shared interest or passion. It's impressive and creates an immediate connection. Taking the time to understand your contact's interests can open doors for meaningful conversations.
Observe Their Presentation: Consider how your contacts present themselves and engage with others. Understanding their communication style and how others respond to them provides valuable insights. It's the foundation for establishing genuine connections.

2. Ensure Alignment:

Common Passions and Values: Look for alignments in passions and values. Building relationships based on shared insights, experiences, and values fosters a deeper connection. Leading with your genuine self makes outreach easier.
Evaluate Presentation: Assess if your contact's presentation aligns with your values and principles. Mutual alignment is key in media relationships, creating a solid foundation for collaboration.
Two-Way Mutual Alignment: Remember, media relationships are a two-way street. Balancing the give-and-take ensures a meaningful and impactful conversation that benefits both parties.

3. Lead with Connection:

Find Relatability: Establish a connection by finding relatability and common ground. It sets the stage for a genuine and authentic interaction.
Build Trust: Focus on building trust for a lasting impression. Trust is the key to any relationship, and it forms the basis for impactful media conversations.
Transcend Transactional Interactions: Make genuine connections that go beyond transactional expectations. Leading with authenticity and no expectations often leads to unexpected opportunities.

4. Make a Lasting Impression:

Provide What They're Looking For: Surprise your contacts by providing what they might be looking for before they ask. Anticipating their needs showcases your proactive approach.
Demonstrate Research: Show that you've researched and engaged with their work. Tailoring your approach based on your understanding of their projects and interests sets you apart.

Personal Stories:

Leading with Connections: Many podcast opportunities came my way because I lead with connections. By attending events, building referral partnerships, and connecting with others in the media space, invitations to share my expertise on various platforms followed.
No Expectations, Just Connections: Leading with no expectations in relationships often brings unexpected opportunities. Believe in your story, put yourself out there intentionally, and let the universe align opportunities with your purpose.
Making a Lasting Impression: Sharing a personal experience of being highlighted in Fast Company, I emphasized the importance of surprising contacts with unexpected perspectives and demonstrating a deep understanding of their work.

For a visual representation of these points, head over to The Conscious Publicist®. Remember, building conscious media relationships is not about quick wins but creating a foundation for long-term collaboration. Lead with connection, foster meaningful relationships, and watch your impact grow!

If you enjoyed today's episode, subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on The Conscious Publicist® Podcast!

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Next Episode

A Personal Story Using The 55x5 Manifestation Method

As January draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on the year's beginning, focusing not just on resolutions but on feeling into the energy and direction we want for our lives. In this episode, I open up about a powerful manifestation technique called the 55x5 manifestation method. This practice involves writing down a specific desire 55 times for 5 consecutive days, creating a repetitive connection to your manifestation. It might sound simple, but the impact can be profound as it forms new habits of thought and belief.
I stumbled upon a journal from 2021, where I had diligently practiced the 55 by 5 method, calling for the universe to bring my soul partner to me. Little did I know, the pages of that journal held the blueprint for the incredible journey I was about to embark on. Sharing a personal story, I reveal the parallels between the dates of my manifestation practice and the first moments of connection with my now-fiancé, Ali. The alignment of dates, conversations, and the unfolding of our relationship paints a vivid picture of the manifestation coming to life in ways I couldn't have orchestrated on my own.
The synchronicity of dates and events emphasizes the profound impact of manifestation on our lives. Beyond the spiritual aspect, I discuss the power of habits, drawing inspiration from James Clear's "Atomic Habits." By challenging old paradigms and creating a new habit of thought, we can shape our beliefs and manifest our desires. This episode serves as a teaser for the upcoming content on our YouTube channel, where I'll delve deeper into everyday practices and routines that contribute to my clarity and success.
Join me on this exploration of manifestation and the feel-good modalities that bring lightness to our lives. Manifestation is more than writing words on paper; it's about reframing thoughts, changing perspectives, and living with intention. As we continue down this path of self-discovery, stay tuned for more insights and inspiring content on the Conscious Publicist YouTube channel.
Don't forget to hit subscribe for exciting content coming your way soon. Until next time, embrace the power of manifestation and awaken the conscious enlightened leader within you.

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