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2021 has been another year full of ‘adventures,’ before we put in the rear view we thought we’d take a 
moment and give a few members of the community Look Back At 2021. Next in the series is Krista Webster who shares some moments from her year.
Who are you?
My name is Krista Webster and I am the President & CEO at Veritas Communications and the Vice-Chair of a cluster of Stagwell Global (formerly known as MDC Partners) agencies spanning from advertising, shopper marketing to digital and PR. Over the last 20 years in the world of public relations, social media, and influencer marketing, I’ve had the immense pleasure to work with some of the world’s leading brands/companies; with blue-chip clients in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia.
Where words get too complicated to explain what I do for a living as a PR executive, I simply refer to myself as a “change agent,” since my brain is constantly looking for ways to push the envelope creatively and strategically, in hopes to strive for uniqueness and innovation.
If I wasn’t doing what I do, I would have loved to have written and performed comedy for Saturday Night Live and become the Canadian Kristen Wiig!
Looking back at January 2021 – what did you have planned for the year?
Frankly, my plan was to keep employees safe, healthy and employed first and foremost. I feel proud of the fact that in spite of Covid, my teams and clients have flourished – there have even been a few Veritas and DonerNorth babies born 😊
Any business highlights for 2021 to share?
2021, thankfully like years prior, was filled with many successes and milestones for the sister companies I oversee, as well as regarding my personal career. I’ve had the pleasure of being a juror at some of the most distinguished Marketing and PR awards such as the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and the 2021 Marketing Awards. Veritas also had the privilege of closing off the year on a high note, with the recognition and awards we received for our work throughout the year at Veritas: winning Gold, Silver, and Bronze at the Canadian Marketing Awards, being recognized as one of Global Top 250 PR Firms by PRovoke Media, and most recently spearheading the launch of DonerNorth; a new and unique creative commerce agency that brings together two iconic creative and shopper agencies – UNION and 6 Degrees.
Any personal highlights for 2021 to share?
I made my health a key priority including doubling down on my fitness and nutrition and enough hours in pilates to become an unofficial instructor! I also rediscovered painting and writing again and am currently working on an exciting opportunity that may mean a book by Spring. Stay tuned!
What did you learn about yourself
I learned that in spite of having an innate ability to wear many hats, I need to be as committed to myself as I am to my team and clients. Another thing; I still have a lot to learn when it comes to painting! 😊
Who or what inspires you to get up and keep going?
My leaders. They are so committed to supporting my vision, that I want to make them equally proud.
How do you motivate your team?
Communication goes a long way for us leaders; especially when it comes to motivating the team. That means we not only have to be great communicators to get the message across, but that we also must be great listeners, to empathize with and understand our team members. During such trying times, it was absolutely essential for my team to feel that I was there to support and motivate them, particularly throughout the pandemic as we all worked remotely. Creating a safe space for vulnerability, offering support and opportunities for self-development, not leaving any room for discrimination or judgement, setting clear and manageable goals, and putting trust in my team have been key ingredients in our collective work as a team not just at Veritas Communications but at the sister Stagwell Global/DPN agencies I oversee as well.
If you were to put something in a 2021-time capsule, what would it be?
Pilates socks, a photo of my rescue teacup poodle, Fozzie, a Veritas branded face mask and a protein bar just in case the next person needs the same energy as I do 😊
Is there a song that represents your 2021?
“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
Aside from it being one of the best 2000s hits, the song is a reminder that we are full of possibility and potential is such a power that comes from within. We are undefined, and each day we are provided with blank pages that we can fill, and that we have the power to. In times of unpredictability, like the year that was 2021, or the industry we work in, such values and thoughts are so important to build self-confidence and motivation, which will catapult one to success in both personal life and in career. With the turn of a new year, “the rest is still unwritten!”
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