March is membership month at CPRS! All month, we will be getting to know some of our CPRS-VI members.
Meet Andy Watson.
What’s your current job title & workplace?
I am the manager of Strategic Communications with the BC Coroners Service; our organization investigates all sudden and unexpected deaths in British Columbia with the goal to make recommendations aimed at preventing death in similar circumstances.
How long have you worked in PR/comms?
I was a journalist for a decade before moving into communications and public relations. My first jobs in the communications side of the fence were in sport.
What’s one or two specific areas of expertise that you have that members can reach out to you for advice?
Media relations and relationship management. That said, I truly believe the key transferrable skill that all professional communicators need to be successful is the ability to collaborate and build consensus.
What’s your guilty pleasure? Refereeing lacrosse. I also am a sucker for any social networking events – the power of collaboration and networking in our business is crucially important to building trust and gaining credibility.
What’s your favourite word or expression right now?
I could say I am tired of overused language: “robust”, “innovate”, “expect the unexpected” and “LEAN out processes” One thing I always hold true: “if you’re ever the smartest person in your organization, move on.”
Connect with Andy on LinkedIn.
During March, new members get the initiation fee waived. That's a $50 discount! Curious to know more about becoming a member? Send us an email to cprs-vi.membership@gmail.com. Or simply, join today at https://cprs.ca/Join-us.