Trailblazers and Leaders: Emmanuel Ofosu-Appiah
Emmanuel Ofosu-Appiah | UK PR Manager | Mercer
How did you get into comms?
I participated in a two-week internship while studying at the University of Manchester at Havas PR and was offered my first big PR break by then MD Brian Beech (an avid Manchester United fan). Following this, I returned to London to look for a role that summer and while on Twitter stumbled upon the Taylor Bennett Foundation PR trainee programme and decided to apply. I was not expecting to be successful and so was over the moon when I was asked to attend the assessment day at the University of East London campus. The assessment was intense and challenged all of us involved but I did enough to be selected as one of the trainees for the programme.
The programme was an amazing introduction to PR and corporate communications. It was also a great way to make new friends and build a foundation for networking. During my time on the scheme we were briefed on how to plan strategic campaigns (which we presented to Brunswick’s senior team), compiled daily media round-ups on news stories, wrote commentary, drafted mock press releases and opinion pieces and were given the chance to visit agency and in-house PR departments. Honestly, it was one of the most inspiring periods of my life and gave me hope for what I could achieve in future.
What does an average day look like?
My son usually wakes up at 6:30am (he is 1 years old btw) and has to be fed and attended to. He then insists I put his favourite cartoon on the TV. I then spend some time in prayer and where possible some self-reflection by reading the bible or my UCB daily devotional app. The BBC and FT app are next on the agenda as I like to see what is on the news agenda and happening in the world.
As I am working remotely my day starts around 8:30/9am. During this time I take another look at the industry news and read the relevant industry press across pensions and investments, health and the HR space. This gives me an opportunity to find out what is happening in the press and what might be relevant to our business. This is usually followed by a few Zoom calls and I also respond to journalist requests and set up media calls with our team. In addition, I aim to dial into webinars internally and manage all my admin. I also work on any urgent press releases and media pitches and ensure I communicate with our UK marketing team on key items. My day usually ends at 5:30pm which means it is back to the babysitting and putting my son to bed J.
What advice would you give your 21 year old self?
Take all the vodka and tequila shots now. Soon, your body will not be able to handle it.
On a more serious note I would say that don’t let the colour of your skin or background hold back your dreams and ambitions to succeed.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known when you started in PR?
Nobody expects you to know everything about PR when you walk in the door. Having the right attitude, a supportive line manager and a mentor to guide you along the way is key. Don’t forget to network too as those relationships will pay off later on.
What’s your greatest achievement to date?
Organising a live broadcast interview for the then President of Pratt & Whitney, David Hess at the Paris Airshow. I was 22 at the time and it probably doesn’t sound like a big deal but it was a huge achievement for me with such little experience.
Is there a particular comms campaign that you’ve seen in your career that you didn’t work on but wish you had?
Marcus Rashford School Meals Campaign – EPIC!
What’s the key skill you think a successful PR requires?
Be good at relationship building and know your media contacts, have attention to detail, develop strong writing and always be flexibile.