In our Headliners series of conversations, we get under the skin of PR and communications leaders around the world who have made PRovoke Media headlines recently, uncovering what they see as the greatest challenges and opportunities for the industry, where they find inspiration (and how they switch off), what they’ve learned about themselves, as well as the creative campaigns they love and the work they are most proud of.

In this week's Q&A, we speak to Dara Busch, who earlier this week was named Havas' first CEO of North America public relations.


What are the greatest challenges and opportunities for the PR and communications industry over the next 12 months?

The economy remains uncertain and clients expect exceptionally creative programming and great service if they are going to invest. The opportunities are endless if the programming is impactful. 

What’s the best PR campaign you’ve seen recently and why?

I loved the partnership Opill did with the WNBA. During a time when women’s reproductive rights are in question and WNBA is the hot topic of conversation, these two unlikely partners made a ton of noise in front of an impressionable audience.  

What work from your team are you most proud of over the past year?

I am thoroughly impressed by the work the teams at Havas Red and Havas Formula are doing. With less than a week in, I am just taking it all in. I look forward to answering this question next year when I have more insight into the business! 

What have you learned about yourself over the past couple of years?

The world of PR is everchanging and if you aren’t willing to learn, absorb and change you will fall behind and get left behind. That holds true in all aspects of life today. 


How do you switch off and maintain wellness?

I try and carve out time to cross things off my to do list and I try to be completely engaged in whatever I am doing and whomever I am with at that moment. Exercise is important to me and I take every opportunity to burn energy and stress – it does wonders.

What cultural source (eg book/podcast/movie/TV show/music artist) has provided creative inspiration for you lately?

 I am really into autobiographies right now. I love listening to someone’s life story in their own voice. I tend to dive into something for a bit and then move on. 

If I wasn’t working in PR/comms I would be…

Funny enough, I would be a doctor. I have always had a knack for understanding medicine and it intrigues me. PR is just a different kind of problem solving!