Behind the Headlines with Stir PR MD Alicia Mellish

Alicia Mellish, MD of Stir PR, on what’s led her to appreciate vacuum packed food, the marker for campaign success and why PR should be seen as the gatekeeper to a brand’s most powerful influencers.

Before I reach the office in the morning, I’ve already…
Sat down with our client service director, Jo, to get an update on the team, the clients and what’s coming up in the day. Oh, and had lots of coffee!

You’ll mostly find emails about…in my inbox.
Marketing insight and innovation. PSFK is my favourite newsletter I get through each day – I find it fascinating to see what brands are up to especially as the tools (technology wise) of communication and consumer engagement develop at a staggering rate.

I know I’ve had a good day if…
My head hits the pillow with a sense of calm about it.

My first job was…
Working in a Gentleman’s Outfitters on Piccadilly owned by Eric Clapton – there isn’t much I don’t know about a well fitting suit, fine crafted brogues and how to deal with customers who expect high quality, good service, and all delivered with a smile.

I can tell a campaign is succeeding when…
The team feels good about working on it. Success breeds pride in their work and that in turn drives even greater success.

I eat…when no one is watching.
Frankfurters from the packet. Off shore sailing has given me a true appreciation and gratitude for vacuum packed food.

The first time I pitched to a journalist…
I was selling in six-foot long roses for Valentine’s Day. I still don’t know anyone who owns a vase big enough.

The worst thing anyone has said to me is…
Not one for sharing here.

The last book I read was…
James Rhodes’ Instrumental.  Its probably one of the hardest books I have ever read (heartbreaking content wise), but an inspiring tale.  The main thing I took from it…Find something you are willing to die for – and live it.

I’ve never really understood why…
The PR industry is (sometimes / arguably) all too ready to see itself as ‘less than’ other marketing disciplines. We are the inconspicuous gatekeepers to brands’ most powerful influencers – never underestimate the impact of PR.

If I could go back and talk to my 10-year-old self, I’d say…
Meet as many people, from as many different walks of life possible; and ask them what they do for a living. I grew up being afforded every opportunity, but I didn’t necessarily get encouraged (or rather take the initiative) to think outside the box. Get out of that box! The world is a big place!

This time next year…
I’ll be one year wiser.

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