After two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, it can be hard to quantify the ways in which we have changed. Our pandemic coverage helps us understand the industry impact, and it seems unlikely that any of our content has been untouched by the unique circumstances that have taken root since the start of 2020.

But so much of that change has occurred at a human level, where many of the lessons emerge from the various conversations and anecdotes that underpin our stories and events. To better showcase these learnings, and provide a measure of insight into how the global PR industry is responding to such a transformative era, this series asks people what they have learned, according to three specific areas. 

In the latest installment in our series, we hear from Sabrina Lynch, senior VP at Taylor and one of the industry's most fervent champions of DE&I.

Three things I've learned... 

Career 
I learned that showing your humanity is one of, if not the most, important responsibilities as a leader. There are so many ills in the world right now affecting our colleagues in different ways, so you need a high level of emotional intelligence to connect with people whether it’s employee or client. Working on my EI helps me manage difficult situations with a calm mind and a heightened awareness of actions needed in the moment, but it would be a lie to say that it’s not challenging when you have to rely on technology to get a read on people’s heads and hearts. 

PR
Businesses are going through an identity reckoning as they re-evaluate their purpose within multiple industries. Given the societal and political shifts that have occurred over the past two years, it’s been made very clear that sharing a laundry list of aspirations that would make the world a better place just doesn’t cut it anymore, people want to see ethics-in-actions. No hall passes are being given to brands who are playing catch up to the realities that millions of people are living right now, leading to a prioritization of strategy that defines business’ role, mission, and actions.  

Personal
When the world turned its eyes to the surge of civil unrest in the US over racial and economic injustices, I found myself in the eye of the storm. Businesses and non-profits turned to me for counsel. This, coupled with quarantine and losing family and friends during Covid (some to the virus itself), took a toll on my ability to find stillness to process everything. So I switched my WFH location. I spend one/two months working out of the country. Come back with clarity. Then repeat. If anything, I learned is that life is what you make it.   

If you'd like to share your three lessons, please let us know.