President and CEO Celebrates "Dalaversary"
Today we’re taking five to talk five with our agency president and CEO, Leah, who recently celebrated her “Dala-versary”. Congrats, Leah, and happy #Dalaversary!
Tell us about a recent, memorable communication project
Toward the end of last year, my team created the brand identity, launched a website, and executed an external media relations campaign for a new family-owned commercial real estate company, August Real Estate Co. One of my favorite parts of this project was the announcement of their first project, the redevelopment of The Continental Gin Building, an iconic property in Deep Ellum. It brought back a sense of nostalgia for me – as an East Dallas native, I grew up going to restaurants and concerts in Deep Ellum. It’s fun to see my childhood and professional life intersect years later. By the way, The Continental Gin Building opens this year – stay tuned!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
Get outside your comfort zone. If you never take that leap of faith, you’ll never know what you’re truly capable of. Had I not followed that advice, I never would have started on my ownership journey, purchasing this PR agency from my predecessor, Cynthia Pharr Lee. Cynthia is a well-regarded and respected female leader in both the business and PR communities, and I’m doing what I can to continue to build upon her legacy.
What are your tips for aspiring leaders?
Establish your own “personal board of directors” early on to serve as your sounding board professionally and personally. Plus, you never know where your personal network can and will take you! Remember to pay it forward – from success comes a responsibility to give back and serve as a mentor. I’m all about dedicating time to help open doors for the next generation of leaders, like what was done for me.
What is one of your most memorable WFH stories?
Like many working parents with young children at home, we’ve been thrust into an environment of having our professional and personal lives collide at the most inopportune times. I’ve learned how to strategically press the “mute” button on Zoom and conference calls if I hear my 4-year-old headed in my direction while I’m in a meeting. Of course, it’s not foolproof as sometimes she barges in while I’m presenting. Thankfully I have amazing, understanding clients, some of whom are in the same boat when it comes to WFH. On top of it all, my girls make a regular “debut” on my agency’s weekly morning video meetings – you never know what gems or words of wisdom my girls will impart for the day! Maybe I’ll have them do a video update for a future Dala Daily post.
If you could pick up a new skill in an instant, what would it be?
Learn multiple languages. I’m envious of those who can speak multiple languages. While I am conversational in Spanish after studying it throughout school and then living in Spain post-graduation, I wish I was one of those who could truly master multiple languages.