Kevin Winfield – Life at a B2B PR Agency

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Jargon PR
As Jargon PR’s longest-standing team member, I joined the agency in 2012 as a bright-eyed Account Assistant eager to build a career for himself. Since then, I have risen through the PR ranks and am now one of the agency’s Associate Directors.
My role is typically split between developing campaign strategies and running a handful of the agency’s larger accounts while also being responsible for the wider PR team across recruitment, team training and line management of the Account Managers at the agency.
It’s a varied role within a busy and ambitious agency which means that no two days are the same. One minute you’ll be in client meetings devising campaign plans, the next you’ll be on a plane to New York to provide on-the-ground support at an industry trade show.
What is your favourite thing about PR?
One of the elements of PR that I love is having the opportunity to establish and build strong relationships with my clients. Some of my clients have been with Jargon for six or seven years and it’s been rewarding to know that you are seen not just as a PR provider but as an extension of their business as you support their growth.
What is your advice to anyone looking to develop in their PR career?
Making mistakes will always be part of the journey but it’s important that you learn from them and not dwell on them. The fear of getting things wrong, particularly at the start of your career, will mean you’ll be afraid to try new things, which could detriment your overall career and development.
I’d also advise people to look at those that are the next level above them. That way they can determine exactly what they need to be doing in order to progress within an agency. Working at a PR agency is a very collaborative and team-oriented career path so utilising the knowledge and skills of those with more years on the clock is a great opportunity for those just starting out.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love travelling; which means the past two years have left me chomping at the bit to add more stamps to my passport. I like exploring interesting places and diving into new cultures, trying new foods and, of course, a guilt-free day by the pool with a cocktail or two.
What is your favourite thing about working at Jargon PR?
Without a doubt the team. We’ve really established a collaborative and supportive culture at Jargon which is carried across the entire agency. Everyone in the company is ambitious and has the drive to develop their careers but the level of support is incredible and we are always celebrating everyone’s successes.
Having the opportunity to be a line manager to a handful of team members is also a very rewarding part of my role. I’ve been fortunate enough to line manage a number of incredible people and I love being able to give advice and help others develop and grow within their own careers.
What is your favourite:
Album:
Taylor Swift “1989” – As a bonafide “Swiftie”, it was difficult choosing just one album but this one is arguably her best and the one with the most bops. I could easily listen to every track on repeat (and often do!)
Movie:
“Prisoners” – Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman both give arguably their greatest performances. For some, the film may be a little dark or a bit of a slow burn but you can’t disagree that it is a masterclass in brilliant storytelling, acting and filmmaking.
TV Show
“Schitt’s Creek” – I discovered this show during the first lockdown and it was a welcome addition to my watchlist. It is easily the most joyous and uplifting tv show. Each character has their own quirks and traits that make them utterly hilarious but also so loveable. If anyone just wants to smile and feel good, I couldn’t recommend Schitt’s Creek enough.
Finally, what is your ‘PR Superpower’?
If I were an Avenger, I’d say I was Captain America. And then I’d hear my colleagues collectively groan at that idea. However, the truth is, I love being a leader both from a client perspective when it comes to solving problems but also from a team point of view in ensuring that people are putting their best foot forward and performing to their finest.
I also think being a leader often means leading by example. Whether that means rolling up my sleeves to draft content or simply encouraging your team to take regular breaks and remove themselves from the stresses that can sometimes come with the job.
Find out more about the Jargon PR team by reading some of our previous team blogs here: https://jargonpr.com/wp/blog/
Keep up to date with Jargon PR’s latest news by checking out our Twitter: https://twitter.com/jargonpr?lang=en