This week on Own It we’re talking to Abby Lovett from CPT Visibility Advisors. I’ve been looking forward to this episode for a while because Abby has expertise in the sometimes intimidating world of A.I. She helps companies with their visibility in the world of artificial intelligence.
You may want to get out your journals and take notes on this episode. We talked about her firm, the world of AI, her journey here which includes writing a book, which is somewhat ironically, about being human at work. It’s called “Super Human: 8 Small Ways To Be Super at What You Do … and Human While You Do it.”
This was an amazing conversation. And one not generated by a computer. You’ll enjoy this.
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In the fast-paced world of PR, Abby emphasizes the importance of being a "feedback junkie" to quickly check and adjust strategies. This continuous feedback loop is crucial for staying agile, especially in channels dependent on rapid response like the news cycle. While feedback can sometimes sting, the ability to process it quickly and move on is essential for success in a rapidly evolving environment.
Abby highlights significant systemic issues that impede women from owning agencies, not merely a lack of desire or capability. She points to venture capital funding disparities, where a disproportionately small percentage of funds go to women-owned companies, and the lack of women in CEO positions at large agencies despite high female workforce percentages. This indicates that the environment isn't fertile for women's leadership, suggesting that men in power must actively address these disparities by changing funding decisions and fostering more inclusive environments.
Abby draws attention to a critical imbalance: a high percentage of male executives have stay-at-home spouses, enabling them to travel and work long hours, while a much smaller percentage of female executives have similar support. This disparity contributes to female burnout and underscores how traditional gender roles impact professional advancement. She advocates for men to be more involved in running households to foster greater respect for the demands of balancing personal and professional life, ultimately creating a more equitable workplace for everyone.
Abby advises women in the advertising industry to recognize the current limitations for advancement to top leadership roles in large firms. Instead of striving for positions with low odds of attainment, she suggests focusing on extracting maximum value from their experiences to build their own ventures. This strategic approach emphasizes self-care, cultivating an internal compass, and leveraging skills to build an independent career that offers more control, fulfillment, and financial reward.
Abby champions leading with public relations (PR) in integrated marketing strategies, rather than treating it as an afterthought. She argues that seeding a compelling narrative first can significantly enhance the performance of paid media efforts. By focusing on earned media and creating stories that naturally attract attention, agencies can build a stronger foundation for their campaigns, making all subsequent marketing efforts more impactful and effective.
