Interview with Talia Beckett Davis

Talia Beckett Davis, Founder of the Organization of Canadian and American Women in Public Relations President of Pink Pearl PR, and author of the Fempreneur book, is one of North America’s top public relations influencers. She helps women get media results in the Public Relations Academy.

If you could give your past self some advice, what would it be?

I would encourage myself not to be afraid to fail, and to take more risks! Failure is a natural part of entrepreneurship, and I wouldn’t let setbacks discourage me. Instead, view them as learning opportunities and stepping-stones to success. Learn from your mistakes, adapt, and keep moving forward. When you do fail, fail fast! Instead of fearing failure, embrace it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve. By failing fast, we accelerate our progress and gain valuable insights along the way. I would encourage myself to celebrate my failures, big or small! Dare to push boundaries, and step out of my comfort zone, because in those moments, we discover our true potential.

When you first started your career, how did you know you were ready and what made you start?

One of my first jobs was working in customer service for a telephone installation company. I had just graduated high school, I was still considering going to university, and I didn’t know what I should study. One of my colleagues suggested marketing. I had a huge passion for promoting ideas, products, and causes, so it seemed like a natural fit. I decided to go to Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and that’s when I learned about the impact PR can have on reputation management and brand building. In one of my classes, I created a marketing campaign that required careful planning, strategy, and the ability to align PR efforts with broader organizational goals. This is when I discovered that I enjoyed thinking critically, analyzing situations, and developing strategic approaches to achieve desired outcomes, which are valuable skills for PR.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business?

Marie Forleo has been my greatest influence and has the biggest impact on me as a business owner. Her business model highlights the power of leveraging technology to reach a global audience. Learning from her and watching her work with clients from around the world encouraged me to expand my own PR agency’s reach beyond local boundaries. By witnessing Marie’s success in connecting with people across borders and cultures, I was motivated to think big and embrace the potential of a global clientele. When you surround yourself with women who have accomplished goals you aspire to, it instills a sense of possibility and motivates you to push beyond your own limits. Witnessing Marie’s achievements encourage me to dream bigger, take risks, and believe in my own potential.

What is your number one business goal to accomplish this year?

My biggest goal is to create a repeatable system to streamline my business online and help female entrepreneurs learn how to get media results in the Public Relations Academy. I want to encourage my members to share their success stories after implementing my strategies so that they can inspire others. My goal is to use more stories in my marketing as powerful social proof to attract more entrepreneurs to join my program. I’m focused on gathering feedback from my members so that I can refine my curriculum and add new resources based on their ideas. It’s essential to always be improving and staying on top of trends to make your systems stronger, and this something I do regularly.

What do you have going on that you’d like to share?

I’m organizing a large-scale conference for Women in PR North America that will bring together media professionals, public relations professionals, and entrepreneurs in Toronto in 2024! Media professionals will learn about emerging trends and best practices from successful entrepreneurs, while entrepreneurs will gain a deeper understanding of effective media strategies and public relations techniques.

This event will celebrate the achievements of women in business, entrepreneurship, and the media industry, while also addressing the unique challenges they face. By highlighting successful female role models, offering mentorship opportunities, and providing practical guidance, the conference aims to inspire and empower women to reach their full potential. We are looking for speakers, sponsors, and media partners to get involved.

Where do you see yourself in five years? How do you envision your future?

In five years from now, I want to be running an online e-commerce store and exploring the world through increased travel opportunities. I’ve always wanted to create my own product, and this is something I’m planning to work on next.

I envision a future where I have achieved financial independence through a successful business that generates passive income. I want to have more flexibility and freedom to spend quality time with my family and fulfill my travel aspirations.

I envision a future where my business has grown significantly, and I have implemented effective systems and processes to ensure its continued success. I will have a reliable team in place that handles daily operations, freeing up my time to focus on strategic decisions and long-term growth.

I envision a future where I have structured my business in a way that requires minimal day-to-day involvement from me personally. As a result, I have the freedom to spend more quality time with my family and be present for important milestones. I will also engage in philanthropic activities, giving back to society and making a positive impact in my community.

What is your favourite thing about what you do in your career and why?

The most incredible aspect of my PR journey is the endless opportunities to connect and engage with people from all walks of life. From clients to media professionals, influencers to stakeholders, I get to build and nurture relationships that truly make a difference. Every interaction brings a fresh wave of ideas, insights, and experiences that challenge me to think outside the box and continuously adapt.

The sense of fulfillment that comes from crafting and sharing compelling stories is truly unmatched. As a PR professional, I have the incredible power to shape narratives, inspire action, and make a positive impact on society. Whether it’s raising awareness for a social cause or promoting a brand that genuinely adds value, each campaign allows me to contribute to something meaningful and leave a lasting impression.

The fast-paced nature of the PR industry keeps me on my toes and ensures that no two days are ever the same. The constant buzz, rapid evolution of communication channels, and the need to stay ahead of the curve fuel my passion and ignite a fire within me to constantly learn and innovate. It’s like riding an exhilarating roller coaster that always keeps me excited for the next twist and turn!

Do you have a mantra or phrase you live by? What is it?

“I am capable, balanced, and present in all areas of my life.”
This mantra reinforces the belief that I have what it takes to succeed both as a mom and a business owner. I trust my capacity to handle challenges and make wise decisions. It reminds me to create a balance that allows me to fulfill my responsibilities while also taking care of myself.

This mantra encourages me to be fully present in the moment, whether I’m with my family or engaging in business activities. It helps me cultivate deeper connections, make better decisions, and enjoy the journey.

What is your number one priority when it comes to your career and daily work?

In the whirlwind of life’s chaos, there’s one thing that remains constant – my family. Everyday, I’m reminded of the blessings they bring into my life. Whether it’s the laughter that fills our home or the unwavering support during tough times, my family has taught me the true meaning of unconditional love.

They inspire me to be the best version of myself and remind me of the importance of cherishing every precious moment. From sharing heartwarming conversations to embarking on unforgettable adventures, we’ve created countless memories that I will treasure forever.

My family’s support has propelled me forward and encourages me to chase my dreams fearlessly. Their encouragement gives me the confidence to face any challenge that comes my way, such as finally writing a book and sharing my story with the world!