This special bonus episode of "That Solo Life" features a rebroadcast from the Smart Talk Series, where host Melissa Vela-Williamson interviews our very own Karen Swim. Dive into a powerful conversation about the importance of celebrating personal and professional milestones. Karen shares insights from her unique career journey, which started in healthcare and sales before she found her calling in public relations. The discussion explores how to reframe challenges, like the COVID-19 pandemic, as "Black Swan" events that can open doors to fresh starts and significant growth. Listeners will learn actionable strategies for building a solution-oriented mindset, the importance of self-promotion, and why every solo practitioner needs to recognize their own value. This episode is packed with real talk and practical advice for navigating your career with confidence and optimism.
Episode Highlights- (02:35) A Winding Path: Karen discusses her unconventional journey into the world of public relations.
- (07:43) The Power of Positivity: Learn why being solution-oriented and optimistic is crucial for business success.
- (08:29) Tuning Out Toxicity: Actionable tips for consciously curating the content you consume and protecting your mindset.
- (13:34) A Milestone Moment: How the COVID-19 pandemic became a catalyst for career transformation and new perspectives.
- (16:30) Embracing Black Swan Events: Turning unexpected challenges into opportunities for growth and reinvention.
- (21:46) Community for Indies: A look inside Solo PR Pro, the professional membership community for independent PR professionals.
- (37:47) Know Your Worth: The common tendency to underestimate abilities and the critical need for self-promotion.
- (39:05) Raise Your Rates: A direct encouragement for solo pros to charge what they are worth.
- (42:11) A Healthy Mindset: The importance of maintaining your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being to thrive as a professional.
In this episode, Karen Swim was a guest on the Smart Talk series podcast, hosted by Melissa Vela-Williamson, M.A., APR, Fellow PRSA, CDP.
- To learn more about Melissa's work and discover other communication topics, visit mvw360.com.
- Check out the resources and community for independent PR professionals at soloprpro.com.
- Find Melissa Vela-Williamson's books on Amazon.
That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words For Hire and President of Solo PR, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and advice for solo PR pros navigating today’s dynamic professional landscape.
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