Trailblazers and leaders: Nicola Millington
Nicola Millington | Founder | FP Comms
How did you get into marketing/comms?
My journey commenced in Guyana, where I always harboured the aspiration of venturing into entrepreneurship. My family was no stranger to it, owning their own establishments, including a butcher shop and a nightclub. At the age of 14, I returned to the UK and briefly explored the film industry. However, I found myself disenchanted with the industry's ethical aspects. So I entered the world of marketing commercials and corporates. It was when I became a mother that I realised my true calling lay in influencing the corporate and entrepreneurial realm. So, I established my agency with the aim of aiding small and burgeoning business owners in constructing global, ethical, and enduring brands, leveraging the power of PR to attain their aspirations. Over the course of more than two decades, I've undertaken an incredible voyage in the domain of public relations. During this time, I've had the honor of nurturing relationships and leaving a positive imprint on over 800 businesses. My unwavering passion, accumulated knowledge, and extensive experience have served as my guiding beacons on this remarkable odyssey.
What is something that you do every day without fail?
Pray. I believe in the power of a higher being and prayer is my only way to keep my sanity.
What is the best piece of advice that you’ve received?
I can accomplish whatever I want.
What is a tool/hack that you would recommend to anyone starting out in PR/Comms/Marketing?
One invaluable piece of advice for those embarking on a journey in PR, Communications, or Marketing is to create your personal 'contacts treasure chest' and, most importantly, cultivate these connections. The local writer you engage with today might very well become the Editor of Vogue in the future.
What’s your greatest achievement to date?
For me, it's the joy of raising my wonderful sons in life, and in the business realm, it's the dedication and persistence that I've poured into nurturing and developing my company since 2007
Is there a particular comms campaign that you’ve seen in your career that you didn’t work on but wish you had?
For me, I once had the chance to collaborate with Tyler Perry, but I didn't feel fully prepared at the time. So, I'd love to be involved in anything he's working on in the future. However, I'm also genuinely grateful for the exceptional clients I've had the privilege to work with, and there's a new project on the horizon that has me quite enthusiastic.
What’s the key skill you think a successful PR/comms/marketing pro requires?
Discover the valuable skill of compartmentalisation, allowing you to gracefully handle the anxiety or stress of others. The field of public relations can be quite demanding, often prompting individuals to unload their worries and fears onto you. It's essential to learn how to lend a listening ear without absorbing that energy.
In three words, describe your approach to your role/work?
Marketing With Love
What’s a question every PR/marketing pro should ask themselves?
Why?
