Connect
To Top

Meet Rosalie Martin of Blue Whale Public Relations

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosalie Martin.

Rosalie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been a public relations/communications professional for more than 25 years working on the agency side. After receiving my degree from New York University, I had the choice of working for a small boutique firm in NYC, or accepting an entry-level position with one of the industry’s better-known global firms. I chose the former, believing it would fast-track my career by allowing me to do more hands-on client work. I was right. I had the good fortune of working for one of the industry’s pioneer women in the business. Under her mentorship, I gained invaluable experience and a solid foundation while learning one of the most important lessons in PR – how to marry client needs with the news-centric, working demands of the media. By age 26, I was a senior vice president and ready for the next chapter of my career and had the chance to join one of the leading, independent public relations agencies in the U.S. where I once again had an opportunity to work alongside the firm’s principals – two of the industry’s most recognized professionals. I also had an opportunity to work on blue-chip clients, high-profile events, and award-winning campaigns that sharpened my skills and versatility as a communications professional even further.

Eventually, the firm was acquired and after several years and some introspection, it was time to take all of the accumulated experience I had gained and roll up my sleeves once again to return to the hands-on work that I loved most – putting clients, media, influencers and like-minded partners together in creative ways to produce news and relevant content for consumer and business audiences – to me, that’s what PR is all about. The difference now is that I get to drive the bus as the owner of my own boutique agency, where the M-O is on providing dedicated service and strategically executed campaigns that deliver measurable results on behalf of clients that I truly enjoy working with. I’m loving it!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve been very lucky. I’ve worked for some great firms and mentors who taught me everything I know, and I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside some amazing and talented professionals and colleagues. I have also represented a range of clients from Fortune 50s to start-ups, from hospitality to financial services. I’ve learned from all of them, and each has challenged me to continuously up my game. All in all, it’s been a smooth road filled with many exciting experiences and unforgettable career milestones.

If I had to single out one struggle, it would probably be that of juggling the investment of time needed in a business like PR. Not time management per se, but rather the time it takes to establish a reputation, build loyal relationships, foster a spirit of partnership, and gain the confidence of others. This is our greatest asset as PR professionals. However, it doesn’t happen overnight, nor does it fit neatly within the bottom-line parameters set by program budgets and resource allocations.

Instead, it requires a level of personal commitment, attention and service that goes above and beyond “the numbers” and takes as much time if not more than what is needed on the tactical execution side of what we do. Now, as an entrepreneur, business owner, and the head of my own boutique agency, I can skip the restrictive exercise of time reports and staffing models because my time is literally my own. I am thoroughly enjoying the freedom of putting the full weight of time and energy needed on behalf of my agency and my clients to ensure their goals and expectations are being met, while we deliver equally for the media that rely on us as a trusted resource. In accomplishing that, Blue Whale PR has met its number one business goal – to become a reliable partner to the clients we serve.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Blue Whale Public Relations story. Tell us more about the business.
Blue Whale Public Relations is a public relations/communications agency built on more than 25+ years of experience in this dynamic, ever-evolving and vibrant industry with specific B2C and B2B industry competencies that include hospitality, entertainment, financial services, food/beverage, education, philanthropic and consumer products/lifestyle. What we have built our reputation on is our keen understanding of the environments our clients operate in, the media and social demands of those environments, and the ability to curate fluid campaigns that are equal parts strategy and creative. Story-telling, pitching, events, etc. – that goes without saying.

For us, the path to a successful campaign that is truly impactful and business-goal driven comes from standing in the shoes of both our clients and the media and respecting the needs of each. To complement our competencies and provide our clients with the full range of services and talents they require, we have assembled an at-the-ready team of pros that we are able to tap as needed.

In this business, reputation is everything. Which is why – beyond the work itself – what we are most proud of are the partnerships and relationships that we have built over the years with both clients and the media – some that go back 15+ years and are the kinds of relationships that remain intact regardless of time or distance – where you pick up right where you left off when fate brings you back to together again. Incredibly rewarding and satisfying, and the greatest measure of success in my book.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m a big believer in the old phrase, “life is what you make it.” And to quote another well-known saying “you reap what you sow.” Both of these have held true for me. I have been incredibly fortunate throughout my life and career in achieving and receiving more blessings than I ever could have imagined or wanted for myself. Doesn’t mean that I haven’t had my share of difficulty, challenges, and tough times – but throughout, what I have gotten back in the form of invaluable lessons, experience, relationships, and personal satisfaction – has far out-weighed any obstacles or struggles I faced along the way. I attribute that to perspective, focus, a positive outlook, an appreciation for what’s most important, and a strong upbringing and hard work ethic instilled by my parents. Together, these have served as my guide, and good things inevitably seem to follow.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Blue Whale Public Relations

Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in