INDUSTRY PROFILES

Kate Barron - PR

Kate Barron - PR
Q. How are you feeling personally right now about the current situation the world is facing?
It’s certainly unsettling but between my fiancé Ben practising his golf chipping from our bedroom into the bath and the NSPR team sending jokes, funny videos and various photos of them with Google animal 3D – it’s keeping me laughing and helping me to focus on the here and now.
Q. What measures have you and your team put, or are putting into place immediately to cushion the blow for the business?
Fortunately, NSPR has always operated under a home-based model so there’s no adjustment needed, apart from watching out for golf balls as I walk out of my office. We have always been big users of technology but have definitely increased our contact with each other which helps immensely.
Q. What strategies do you think agencies can put to their clients to help them through this? Many businesses did not survive the GFC, but you did?
Ironically, NSPR started during the GFC so we can attest that while it won’t be easy, it’s highly possible to survive and then thrive! We are keeping in close contact with our clients and assisting with other areas outside of PR and media work. At a time like this communications internally, with stakeholders and even risk management for some, are critical. This is what we specialise in and we can provide immense support for clients at this time. It’s also an opportunity to look ahead further than normal and plan, clients have been really open to this. Businesses that have had clear and consistent messaging during this time will be remembered when the dust settles.
Q. Everyone will have clients/outlets who will struggle during this time, but also clients who will thrive – how do you marry the two?
I’ve always thought working in the world of PR/comms/media/talent management that our industry are the world’s best jugglers. We are constantly working several things at once that can span such a spectrum – so we are well equipped to assist clients regardless of what stage they are at on their COVID journey.
Q. Finally, are you optimistic about the recovery and are you ready for the fabulous bounceback when the industry revs up again?
I’m hugely passionate about what we do at NSPR and about our team and our clients so I’m very optimistic but also thoughtful – we will get through this, and the more sensible we are now with obeying lockdown, the faster and safer it will be. I do hope the world resets after and we don’t go back to the way we were. Being in lockdown teaches you a lot about who you are and what is really important. I definitely have too many shoes!