Trailblazers and leaders: Eva Simpson
Eva Simpson | Founder | ESPR
Eva is the founder of ESPR, an independent, diverse and inclusive PR and communications company. She is also an award-winning journalist, co-founder of the ground-breaking Daily Mirror 3am show business column, and former Assistant News Editor for The Times as well as content creator for editorial and commercial markets. Her work includes being the Editor of The Powerlist of the 100 most influential Black Britons. Ahead of our Founders Table webinar we sat down with Eva to find out a little bit more about her career to date.
How did you get into comms?
After over 20 years in journalism I decided to transition into PR and Comms, the skills set is very similar. I'm passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices and felt that as a publicist I would be able to do that more effectively.
What does an average day look like?
Everyday is different - my work is a mixture of planning and executing successful press campaigns. On the business side it's responding to requests for representation, lots of admin as well as going after clients I'd really like to work with.
What advice would you give your 21 year old self?
Trust your instincts, be ambitious, be strategic and plan ahead. A lot of people in the room won't have answers and are looking for solutions so don't be afraid of speaking up.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known when you started working?
That I could be my own boss and have successful business.
What’s your greatest achievement to date?
On a personal level, being a mother to my two sons. In PR, I'd say raising the profile of one of my clients from zero to staring in a primetime TV show in under 12 months.
What’s the key skill you think a successful business owner requires?
There are so many but one thing I often say it when something seems impossible, insurmountable and you feel like you want to give up, that's when you have to dig deeper and keep going. You and your business will be the better for it.
Eva is 1/4 of our Founders Table Webinar which takes place on 4th March 2021 at 6.30pm. Members go free. Non-member tickets are available here.