This PR Life is a new series by PRovoke Media where we profile people in and around communications as an industry and find out more about what they do and what makes them tick. Today, we are chatting with Bethan Williams, senior PR consultant at Speed Communications.

Williams has been with Speed Communications for nine months. She was previously with Folk as a senior account manager and spent five years at The Romans before then. 

PRovoke Media: In a nutshell, how would you describe your role in comms to someone who has no idea what it entails?

Bethan Williams (BW): In a nutshell, I’d say it’s getting brands seen and heard in the places that are right for them. Whether that’s through earned media, influencer activity, social partnerships or events, I’m helping embed brands in culture, in a way that builds long-term resonance with the audience they want to speak to.

PM: Is there anything about your role that your colleagues don’t get?

BW: As there have been so many people at Speed who have worked their way up through the agency, I’m fortunate that everyone has a pretty good grasp of the priorities for each role. However, my ‘work from home colleague’, Connor, is a counter-CBRN specialist, which means I’ll often talk about things at home that feel totally alien to him, such as a ‘sell in’.

PM: What is the highlight of your job that always puts a smile on your face?

BW: The highlight of my job has always been, and will always be, delivering great work. The feeling you get when you secure a stellar piece of coverage, interview or creative work that you know your client will love is totally unmatched. I’m lucky to work with brilliant teams, so seeing the coverage, results and tangible results – such as sales uplifts – that they deliver to our clients always puts a smile on my face.

PM: Which country do you work in and what is it like working there?

BW: I work in the UK: Originally from South Wales, I started my career in London and moved out to live in the peaceful Wiltshire countryside. I commute to our Bristol office twice a week, which is in sunny Clifton and sometimes visit our London office in Tottenham Court Road.

Working between Bristol and London is brilliant. I’m fortunate to have wonderfully social teams and lots of opportunities to integrate with other agencies. No two days are ever the same, in the most perfect way.

PM: What’s the first thing you do when you step into the office to kickstart your day?

BW: I’m lucky where I work, Speed, offers flexible working. I’ll work from home three days a week, with flexibility to choose my hours, and work from home for two.

When I’m in the office, the first thing I do, after saying “good morning” to our wonderful front-of-house, Kim, is to make a coffee and read the news.

If I’m at home, I’ll get ready while flicking between BBC News, Sky News and This Morning. Although you can’t know everything that’s going on in the world, this makes me feel a little more culturally connected.

PM: What are three must-have items in your work bag that you can't live without?

BW: I absolutely couldn’t live without my phone. It’s a cliché, but I’m completely attached and don’t think I could do my job without it. I love a phone call – both personally, and for speaking to journalists and clients – and simply don’t know how I could keep up with the latest TikTok trend without it.

Secondly, SPF50. I’m Welsh with incredibly fair skin, and have a history of burning in all seasons. I have a shelf full of my favourite products, but Byoma’s new SPF50 is my current recommendation.

Finally, my water bottle. I confess it’s not a Stanley – although I’ve heard brilliant things – but when you’re in a job that involves pitching, presenting and collaborating, staying hydrated is a must.

PM: What’s your go-to office lunch that never fails to brighten your day?

BW: When I’m in the office, my favourite food for lunch is always Asian fusion. Spicy Korean chicken, rice, peppers and sweet-chilli mayo is my current go-to. When I work from home, I’ll often go for a chicken, cheese and salad flatbread… usually something easy.

PM: What is it about comms that draws you in and keeps you passionate?

BW: I’ve always been interested in the news. At 14 years old, I was watching recordings of Have I Got News For You when I’d take the bus home from high school, playing them from my Walkman. I found there’s something so powerful about stories that bring people together, that create discussion and invoke change, which still rings true now.

I’m so lucky to work in a job where I can be creative, constantly learn, regularly meet brilliant people outside as part of my job, and work on brands that I love.

Plus, growing up in a small Welsh village where everyone knows everyone, knows everything about everyone means you learn the importance of good PR quite early on in life.

PM: If you weren’t in comms, what would you be doing?

BW: If I wasn’t working in comms, I’d still be doing something in the creative industries. I studied Visual Communication at the Arts University Bournemouth and loved editorial design, interviewing and photography – so perhaps a fusion of all three. I have, however, been lucky enough to use all of these skills through my PR career.

PM:  What’s the first thing you do to unwind when you clock off for the day?

BW: I have two little pet mini lop bunnies: Tofu and Truffle. They’re total bundles of joy. So, after shutting my laptop, the first thing I’ll do is often give them some blueberries (their current favourite treats) and take them outside for a run around – they’re house rabbits and prefer the comfort of their own beds – before I scroll on TikTok, or, as a new hobby, go to CrossFit to unwind.