Jessica Morgan
Jessica Morgan founded PR and communications consultancy, Carnsight Communications, in 2016, after 15 years in London.
She was previously director at a PR agency promoting M&C Saatchi and Ogilvy amongst others. Before that, she was a marketing client director working on brands such as The British Army, Pedigree, Unilever and Virgin Money.
- Tell us a little bit about your business…
We’re a PR and communications consultancy based near Bristol and Bath and working with clients across the country. We specialise in helping founder-led and creative businesses get seen and heard by the right people, at the right time.
2. How did you get into the industry?
I started off in advertising and then moved to PR, which allowed me a bit more creative freedom (we write quite a bit as part of the job and that’s always been a passion). I started my own consultancy when I moved out of London eight years ago.
3. What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?
Opportunities – there are an amazing number of interesting businesses doing some brilliant work. There are plenty of people out there with stories to tell – we help to understand them and tell them in the right way.
Challenges – the media is smaller and more stretched than it was even a few years ago, so it’s a very competitive environment that’s always evolving.
4. How would you describe your leadership style?
I try and lead as I would like to be led. It’s important to be supportive and provide direction but also be approachable and collaborative. Some of the best ideas in the business come from the team, not me. That’s a brilliant place to be.
5. How do you get the most out of the people who work for you?
Firstly, I work with talented people who are keen to learn and improve, so that’s important. Secondly, I try and embrace their strengths and give them space to shine. We work flexibly – four days a week and hybrid, so I recognise that life outside of work is more important than life inside work. And mistakes are just that – mistakes, and something that everyone will make from time to time. It’s PR, not ER!
6. What are the most crucial elements to your business running smoothly and being successful?
Checking in – making sure everyone’s OK here and feels they can say if they’re not. Delivering for clients – we have a constant focus on results and hitting (and exceeding) targets we set. We walk the walk as well, so we are dedicated to our own social media and PR as well. And as well as daily catch ups we meet once a quarter to share the business metrics, new ideas and focuses for the next period, so we’re all on the journey as a team.
7. How has the past 12 months been for you?
Up and down – we’ve had people leaving but also new people joining. We’ve felt the effects of the economy and the media landscape, but have also managed to grow, so I’m positive and optimistic about the future.
8. What will the next 12 months look like for your business?
I’m optimistic – as above! We’ve got some exciting things planned and have just launched our first eBook – Powerfully Practical PR – so it’s been brilliant to have a product to hang our hat on as well. The team is always progressing and there’s plenty more we want to achieve.
9. What are the highlights of your career so far?
Launching Carnsight Communications and then starting to hire team members – that was when I realised I had a viable business. Each new team member has been a highlight, too – they’ve each brought so much to the business. Also, launching a dedicated social media team two years ago was a great step.
10. What’s the biggest business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
Not investing in the right things – I was inclined to save too much initially, but I’ve really learnt from that.
11. What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
Treat others as you’d like to be treated. It’s life advice as well but so many people from past businesses have been in touch with me over the years – doing your best job in every single role and being respectful is so important as you grow.
