I Am Ruby Gillett, And This Is Why I Love Public Relations

In the office, I’m known for…

Ruby - In the office, I’m known for a good tagline on demand, a color-coded notebook, and always having a pulse on what’s trending. Whether it’s a creative brainstorm or a campaign name that needs some sparkle, I’m your girl.

What drove your interest in the public relations industry?

Ruby - I was drawn to storytelling early on through acting, which naturally led me into the world of content creation and social media influencing. Over time, I realized I was even more passionate about the work happening behind the scenes. I started as a social media intern and worked my way up to my current role as a Senior Account Manager, where I manage a roster of PR clients across the restaurant, hospitality, and CPG industries. I get to blend creativity, strategy, and storytelling every day, which feels like a full-circle moment from where I started.

Can you share a memorable moment or campaign that significantly impacted
your approach to public relations?

Ruby - A few years ago, I worked on a launch campaign for a restaurant client that generated so much buzz through media and social that their website crashed on opening day from the flood of reservation attempts. It was a pinch-me moment that proved how powerful PR can be when the right message meets the right audience. To this day, we still get new clients who reach out because they saw the work we did on that campaign. It shaped the way I approach strategy now. Go big, be intentional, and create something people can’t stop talking about.

How do you describe what you do to those outside the industry?

Ruby - This one’s always tricky because I’m pretty sure most of my friends and family still think my job is getting free stuff or going to events. I usually explain it like this: I find a way to make people care about something, whether it’s a product, a place, or an event, enough to write about it, post about it, or talk about it on TV. That’s PR.

What are the most pressing challenges facing public relations today?

Ruby - One of the biggest challenges right now is cutting through the noise. With so much content out there, attention is harder to earn and even harder to keep. There’s also pressure to deliver quick wins in an industry that’s really about long-term relationship building. And of course, staying ahead of constant platform changes, media shifts, and cultural trends means you have to be part strategist, part psychic.

How can businesses effectively adapt to the evolving landscape?

Ruby - Start by listening more and panicking less. You don’t have to chase every trend or jump on every new tool to stay relevant. Focus on what aligns with your brand and your audience, then adapt with intention. Whether it’s AI, sustainability, or shifting consumer values, the goal is not to do everything. It’s to do the right things well. Stay curious, stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to bring in experts who can help you cut through the noise.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the PR industry?

Ruby - Be curious, be kind, and say yes to the grunt work. The best way to learn PR is by doing. Write the pitch, build the list, sit in on the call, pack the media mailers. It all adds up. Also, keep receipts. Not literally, unless it’s for expensing lunch, but start a wins folder on your computer. Save screenshots of coverage you’ve secured, positive client feedback, anything you’re proud of. It’s easy to forget how much you’ve done until you see it all in one place.

Why do you love working in public relations?

Ruby - I love PR because it’s the most creatively fulfilled I’ve ever felt. It pushes me to think bigger, move smarter, and keep learning. Acting and influencing gave me a taste of storytelling, but PR challenges me in a way that makes me feel sharp, capable, and excited to grow. It’s the perfect mix of creativity and strategy, and I genuinely feel like I’m in the right industry.

Where do you see the public industry heading in the next 5-10 years?

Ruby - PR is only going to get more integrated. The lines between PR, marketing, content, and digital strategy will keep blurring, and communicators will need to wear more hats than ever. Storytelling will always be at the core, but it will be powered by data, driven by values, and delivered across platforms we haven’t even seen yet. At the same time, just like people are ditching their smart phones for flip phones, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a resurgence in print media. As audiences get tired of being constantly connected online, there’s something refreshing about slowing down and engaging with content in a more tangible way.

Why should marketers allocate more budget to PR?

Ruby - PR turns brand messages into stories that people trust, share, and remember. While advertising drives reach and awareness, PR deepens connection and builds credibility. When used together, they amplify each other. One strong PR placement can spark conversation, drive traffic, support SEO, and influence buyer decisions across channels. Investing in PR means investing in long-term brand value and giving your broader campaign strategy more staying power.

What is the most unique job you’ve had?

Ruby - The most unique job I’ve had was working as a stand-in on film and TV sets. I got to work closely with some pretty big-name actors, including standing in for Madelaine Petsch on Riverdale for a few years. It was a surreal experience that gave me a behind-the-scenes look at production, which I still draw from when planning shoots or managing talent today.

If you could have a ‘superpower,’ what would you want?

Ruby - If I could have any superpower, I’d want superhuman strength. As a woman living in a big city, I like the idea of never feeling unsafe. And on a lighter note, I’d never need help opening a jar again. Practical and powerful.

Do you have a suggestion for a Communications or Public Relations person we should interview? Let us know.

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