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 Nik Govier, founder and CEO of communications firm Blurred.

Govier founded Blurred in 2018 and aims to deliver real impact for clients, and for people and planet. She was previously a co-founder of communications firm Unity. 

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

Nik Govier: As the CEO I mainly live happily in the future – thinking about ‘what’s next?’. I always want to stay ahead of the curve.

I’m also very involved in all the stuff that creates the culture of Blurred – and what makes us a best place to work.  It’s pretty foundational. You create the right environment, you attract great people, you then keep those great people and help them become all they can be. They then deliver great work, clients love it and come back for more.  We want our people and company to grow together. I love this stuff.

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

NG: I don’t think so. I’m pretty transparent.

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

NG: Being in the office those two days a fortnight.  I LOVE my team – enjoy their company, and get such a positive vibe and a great energy from being around them.

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

NG: I work in the UK splitting my time between Dartmoor national park – which is all about nature - and central London - which gives me my cultural hit. It’s a pretty advanced market moving at an extraordinary pace. Never a moment to rest on your laurels.

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

NG: I actually start work in bed at 7am with a cup of tea.  Then do a 30 mins exercise class at 8 after which I get ready. A bit more work and then come down to my office for about 9 – 9.30.  It suits me.

That first hour from 7 I’m usually doing stuff that requires uninterrupted thinking / work time as the later the in the day we get, the slower my brain becomes so I always do my best thinking first thing.

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

NG: A work bag is less relevant for me, as I’m only in the London and the office two days a week.  But the three must have items on my desk are dog and cat treats – in case they need distracting during a client call. Three monitors. I have ADHD and like to work on multiple things simultaneously. I’d have more monitors ideally, but it could get out of control. Finally, countless cups of tea (many being decafe).

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

NG: I love leftovers. Love them. Often preferential to the first time round.  I don’t really stop for lunch so it’s super quick to get them, reheat them and then back to my desk to eat and carry on working. During the working day food is really just fuel for me, not something to savour.

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

NG: The fact that we can create creative change and make a genuine impact.  So much about what we do is about helping clients be the best versions of themselves- and then telling those stories to multiple audiences.  I love that.

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

NG: A political speech witter.  I don’t think I’d be very good at it, but it’s what I’d love to do.  But in an alternative universe as I couldn’t do that job and have a family as there are no boundaries and I need boundaries.

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

NG: I have about 30 seconds as I walk from my home office to the kitchen and then we immediately sit down and eat together (my husband and I and our two kids).  It’s not long to transition but it works for us.