August 7, 2024 · 31 min · Episode 370
The Art of Influence: Ashley Graham’s Strategies for Conscious PR
About this episode
From the charming town of St. Charles, Missouri, to the bustling streets of Southern California, Ashley Graham has journeyed far beyond the traditional boundaries of public relations. With a profound belief in the transformative power of storytelling, Ashley launched The Conscious Publicist, a trailblazing agency that combines her deep marketing expertise with a commitment to mindfulness. Her unique approach reshapes how brands and individuals connect with their audiences, emphasizing authenticity and personal narrative over conventional PR tactics.
Ashley’s career began in the fast-paced world of startups, where she mastered the art of non-traditional marketing and branding. These early experiences, coupled with a pivotal role in an agency, fueled her desire to create a business that reflects both her professional acumen and personal values. The Conscious Publicist isn’t just a business—it's a manifestation of Ashley’s dedication to helping clients tell their stories in a way that resonates deeply and drives meaningful change.
Her innovative podcast, launched in March 2023, exemplifies her approach, featuring a compelling mix of solo insights and interviews that dive into non-linear thought leadership and personal journeys. By spotlighting leaders who have transformed personal challenges into powerful business narratives, Ashley underscores the essence of her philosophy: that embracing one's authentic story can inspire and influence on a profound level.
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Article
Ashley Graham of The Conscious Publicist on Mindful PR and Storytelling for Thought Leaders
Ashley Graham is the founder of The Conscious Publicist, a PR agency that combines marketing expertise with mindfulness and helps coaches, authors, businesses and brands tell their stories. In this episode of Your Brand Amplified, she tells Anika Jackson how startup experience led her from St. Charles, Missouri, to running her own agency in Southern California, and why personal narrative is the core of thought leadership. Her main advice: share your real story, including the parts that feel uncomfortable.
How did Ashley Graham start The Conscious Publicist?
Ashley Graham became interested in marketing in high school and earned a degree in marketing and management. She began her career at startups, where she learned non-traditional marketing and branding, and later worked at an agency. Her first business focused on branding. What she learned there about clarity and personal identity became the basis for The Conscious Publicist, which reflects both her professional skills and her mindfulness practice. Her first clients came through referrals.
What services does The Conscious Publicist offer?
Graham offers a range of options: a personalized, concierge-style service; VIP sessions that include strategic consulting and PR and media strategy building; and a PR expansion program that follows a traditional media model for established businesses and thought leaders. She uses AI tools for support but keeps relationships at the center of her PR work.
Why does personal storytelling matter in PR?
Graham sees storytelling as the main driver of influence and thought leadership. She encourages clients to share personal stories even when they fear oversharing, because those stories build trust and set leaders apart. Her advice for overcoming challenges is to accept fear and discomfort as part of the process.
Her podcast, launched in March 2023, mixes solo episodes and interviews and focuses on non-linear thought leadership and personal stories, including stories of grief, from leaders who turned personal challenges into business lessons. Plans for the show include sponsorships, more guest features and video content.
Key takeaways
- Personal stories, told honestly, are the foundation of credible thought leadership.
- Referrals and genuine relationships brought Graham her first clients.
- PR services can be tiered, from concierge support to traditional media programs for established leaders.
- AI can support PR work, but personal relationships still drive results.
- Expect some fear and discomfort when sharing your story publicly; Graham treats it as part of the process.
Listen to Anika Jackson's full conversation with Ashley Graham on Your Brand Amplified.
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