Leigh White, a seasoned media expert with over two decades of experience, is dedicated to empowering leaders, experts, and changemakers to amplify their voices, establish authority, and drive meaningful impact through strategic public relations. She is deeply passionate about equipping thinkers and innovators with the confidence and skills to effectively share their stories, enabling them to expand their influence, impact, and income in the industry.
Since founding her media consultancy in 2004, Leigh has curated dynamic workshops for audiences ranging from 25 to 300 individuals and provided personalized guidance to thousands of clients across the US and Asia-Pacific regions, including Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Her primary focus lies in transforming hesitant speakers into confident communicators, equipping them to pitch and secure media interviews successfully.
Leigh’s expertise extends to advising high-profile executives, entrepreneurs, and marketing professionals on aligning PR strategies with business objectives, ensuring consistent media exposure that enhances brand credibility without the need for agency intervention.
Renowned for her engaging presentation style, Leigh also collaborates with government entities to drive positive social impact initiatives. With a background in PR, Marketing, and Business Management, coupled with hands-on experience in the industry, she empowers clients to garner significant media attention without the need for excessive publicity.
In an exclusive interview, Leigh White delves into her journey, highlighting the challenges she has overcome, the milestones she has achieved, and the invaluable insights she has gained along the way.
When asked about her inspiration behind establishing a PR agency and securing her first client, Leigh reflects on her transition from a brand manager role in the high-tech entertainment publishing sector to launching her own consultancy. Motivated by a desire for flexibility in balancing work and family commitments, Leigh leveraged her existing network to secure her initial client, setting the foundation for a successful two-decade-long career in PR.
As a female entrepreneur in the PR realm, Leigh acknowledges the unique challenges faced by women in juggling professional and personal responsibilities. She emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s values to prioritize tasks effectively, regardless of gender, and underscores the significance of overcoming internal and external barriers to achieve success in the industry.
To stay abreast of evolving trends in the media and technology landscape, Leigh emphasizes the importance of cultivating a trusted network of industry peers and staying informed through expert resources. She adopts a pragmatic approach to adopting new technologies, leveraging her experience in navigating previous technological shifts to optimize efficiency while remaining open to continuous learning.
In building strong, enduring relationships with clients and the press, Leigh emphasizes the value of maintaining open, transparent communication and serving as a reliable point of contact for her clients. By fostering a culture of trust and consistency in messaging, Leigh ensures that her brand maintains visibility and credibility in the competitive PR landscape.
Reflecting on a standout campaign or media moment, Leigh highlights her long-term advocacy work with Create Foundation, spearheading a decade-long campaign to advocate for policy changes benefiting young people transitioning out of the care system. The impact of this sustained effort in securing policy reforms underscores Leigh’s commitment to effecting positive social change through strategic PR initiatives.
In terms of brand visibility strategies, Leigh underscores the importance of articulating a clear brand message aligned with one’s core values. By consistently communicating her brand’s message of empowering change-makers to influence the world, Leigh has cultivated a strong brand identity that resonates with her target audience.
Mentorship plays a pivotal role in Leigh’s professional journey, as she reflects on the power of seeking guidance from experienced mentors and coaches. She encourages aspiring PR professionals to proactively seek mentorship opportunities and leverage resources such as books, podcasts, and interviews to glean insights and inspiration from industry leaders.
When navigating high-pressure situations or crises, both for clients and her own company, Leigh emphasizes the importance of conducting a thorough assessment before taking action. By seeking counsel from trusted colleagues and mentors, she advocates for a proactive approach to crisis management, prioritizing swift resolution and effective communication.
As a seasoned PR professional, Leigh offers valuable advice to women entering the PR and communications industry, urging them to silence their inner critics and take action despite feelings of unpreparedness. By embracing a mindset of continuous learning and growth, women can overcome self-doubt and navigate the challenges of the industry with confidence.
In addressing the five key elements necessary to build confidence, Leigh emphasizes the power of journaling, honoring commitments to oneself, expanding one’s network, adopting a beginner’s mentality, and cultivating an abundance mindset. By embracing these principles, individuals can enhance their self-assurance and forge lasting relationships in the industry.
Leigh’s decision-making and leadership philosophy is encapsulated in the quote, “Do or do not, there is no try,” echoing the wisdom of Yoda from the Star Wars franchise. This mantra underscores Leigh’s commitment to decisive action and unwavering determination in pursuing her goals and inspiring positive change.
Looking ahead, Leigh envisions inspiring a movement that encourages individuals to pursue their passions and drive impact-driven initiatives that contribute to positive change in the world. By empowering leaders to amplify their voices and effect meaningful change, Leigh believes in creating a ripple effect of positive transformation that transcends individual endeavors.
To stay updated on Leigh White’s work and access valuable resources, readers can explore her website and take advantage of free tools and insights offered through her platform.
In conclusion, Leigh White’s remarkable journey as a PR trailblazer underscores the power of perseverance, mentorship, and strategic communication in driving impactful change in the industry. By embodying a spirit of innovation, resilience, and empowerment, Leigh continues to inspire aspiring PR professionals to harness their voices and effect positive change in the ever-evolving media landscape.