Professor Robert Ebo Hinso, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Ghana Communication Technology University has stated that for PR practitioners to excel at leadership roles, they must lead fearlessly, enrich their knowledge through depth research and inspire others in humility.
Professor Hinson further noted that in today’s world, leaders in the PR industry can only remain relevant if they make technology part of their daily tools, emphasizing that although the use of AI has become an integral part of the PR work, practitioners should ensure that the strategic part of the work is their authentic product.
He said this during the October edition of the Women in PR Ghana (WiPR Ghana) monthly social media conversation where the panel discussed strategies on “How to Get on the Leadership Seat: Realities of Leadership in PR”. The LinkedIn Audio event sought to explore the dynamics of leadership in the public relations industry and provide insights into the challenges and realities.
Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny, Director of Communications at Afrobarometer underscored the critical role of mentorship in achieving leadership aspirations. “Have a mentor and an accountability partner to keep you on track,” she urged attendees. She also stressed the need for professionals to track their progress through journaling and to understand the concerns of their leaders to better address them. “If you want to go far in your career, you need to figure out what keeps your leaders up at night, and find solution to it.”, she added.
Wegani Kimani, Brand & External Communications Manager at the Kenya Revenue Authority, on her part, urged participants to work hard to maintain their space once they get the leadership seat, encouraging women to actively seek out networking opportunities and volunteer positions that could bolster their careers.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, allowing attendees to pose questions to the speakers and further delve into the nuances of PR leadership. The session attracted over 70 participants, including members and non-members of Women in PR Ghana, illustrating a strong interest in leadership development within the public relations community.
The conversation was moderated by Suzy Ansah, Marketing Communications Specialist.