Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Jackson.
Hi Shawn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got my start in public relations at the greatest HBCU in the nation – North Carolina A&T State University. I initially went to college with the intention of getting my degree in business marketing and my sophomore year, I quickly realized that something felt missing. I couldn’t put my finger on what that “something” was, and it was during a conversation with my partner at the time where the possibility of exploring public relations as a profession first came up. I had limited knowledge of what that looked like and began to research and meet with several professors as well as the chair of A&T’s Journalism & Mass Communications department to learn more and determine if this was a fit for me. After a few months of research, conversations and weighing my options, I took a leap and decided to change my major to Journalism & Mass Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. At the time, I knew there were similarities between marketing and public relations, but something about PR just felt right… and over 10 years later in my career, I can confidently say that I made the right choice.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I feel that any goal you set requires hard work and determination to reach, which ultimately comes with its own set of challenges because nothing worth having is “easy.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an award-winning senior communications & marketing executive with a record of developing, leading and executing U.S. and global communication strategies across a variation of high profile brands within the CPG, restaurant, entertainment, lifestyle and retail space, including Procter & Gamble, Kellogg’s, TJX Companies, Cinnabon, Carvel Ice Cream and more. I am currently an Account Director at Taylor, a sports and entertainment public relations agency where I lead PR for two iconic spirits brands, Crown Royal and Smirnoff.
I am most proud of the growth and evolution of my career. Business Insider listed me as one of 16 PR practitioners to know in the United States, which I consider to be a huge milestone from a professional and personal perspective. To be recognized for doing meaningful work that is helping to shape narratives and drive impactful conversations is what many PR professionals strive for, but what added the extra layer for me personally is knowing I was the first Black man to be included on this list. It’s no secret that the PR/Communications industry is lacking when it comes to racial diversity; there is still work to be done to ensure the representation of people of color, especially Black men, is just as strong as other groups. I didn’t have the luxury of seeing someone that looked like me excel in this profession, so it’s important that I make strides to be that person those who look like me can see and understand that PR is an option.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
While I am a career-driven person, I realize the importance of having other “fun” or “creative” outlets outside of work. I am a reality television junkie… I love all things Bravo TV. I also love making people laugh. These two things are what prompted me to create @BlackGuysBravoToo, an Instagram page dedicated to sharing my love for Bravo, housewives, and everything in between through memes, videos and more. I also love traveling, going to amusement parks and spending time with family.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackguysbravotoo/
