We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Blair Castro. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Blair below.
Hi Blair, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
As the owner of Shook PR, a firm dedicated to crafting authentic stories that win elections and empower businesses, I’ve navigated the challenging world of politics with determination and purpose. Being a woman in politics is not for the faint of heart. It’s a career that demands grit, resilience, and an unwavering sense of purpose. The public—and often, those in your immediate professional circles—will not hesitate to dissect your every move. Your beliefs, your body, your demeanor, your voice, even the way you smile are all fair game for criticism. Society holds a unique set of expectations for women in positions of power, and when you dare to challenge those expectations, you become a target. But amidst the chaos and negativity, there lies an undeniable strength in persistence, a strength that drives me forward every single day.
I have experienced this firsthand. Once, someone went so far as to create an entire Reddit thread dedicated to tearing me down, labeling me as “evil” for the political work I do. At first, it stung. Reading those words and knowing that someone took the time to craft such venom was a tough pill to swallow. But as I’ve grown in this field, I’ve learned an important truth: people will always talk about you. You could dedicate your life to charity and kindness, and there would still be someone out there ready to criticize your motives. That’s just the way of the world.
So how do you persist despite the haters? For me, it begins with knowing myself. I have an unshakable sense of who I am and what I stand for. I know my character, my integrity, and the greater purpose behind my work. At the end of the day, I ask myself three questions: Am I happy with what I’m doing? Am I fulfilled? Can I sleep at night knowing that my efforts are contributing to the greater good? As long as the answer to those questions is a resounding “YES,” the opinions of naysayers become insignificant.
It’s not easy to get to this place. Developing a thick skin takes years of experience and deliberate effort. There are days when the negative voices seem louder than the positive ones, when a cruel comment lingers in your mind longer than a compliment. Society’s relentless scrutiny of women’s appearances doesn’t help. Women in politics are not just judged for their policies or their leadership—they’re judged for how they look while doing it. Too often, we hear critiques like, “She’s too much,” “She dresses inappropriately,” or even, “She’s a mother! How dare she?” It’s exhausting, and it’s infuriating.
However, I’ve learned to focus on the compliments instead. For every hateful comment, there’s someone who says, “Thank you for standing up for what you believe in,” or “You inspire me to use my voice.” Those moments remind me why I do what I do. They remind me that my work matters, and that I am making a difference.
The truth is, standing up for yourself and going against the grain will always attract criticism. That’s the cost of breaking molds and challenging norms. But it’s a cost I’m willing to pay because the alternative—conforming to societal expectations and silencing my voice—is unthinkable. I’ve chosen this path because I believe in it with every fiber of my being. My work, while not always glamorous or appreciated, is meaningful. It’s about creating change, fostering growth, and building a better future. That’s what keeps me going.
Of course, persistence also requires self-care. It’s important to recognize when you need to step back and recharge. Surrounding yourself with a strong support system—people who uplift you and remind you of your worth—makes all the difference. I’m fortunate to have friends and family who see beyond the noise and recognize my true value. They are my anchors in this storm.
Ultimately, resilience is about owning your story and refusing to let others define it. It’s about walking confidently in your own skin and knowing that your purpose is bigger than anyone’s attempt to diminish it. The ability to hold your head high and stay true to yourself, no matter what, is priceless. Yes, the road is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The satisfaction of knowing that you’re making a positive impact outweighs the negativity.
To anyone who faces similar challenges, I offer this advice: know your worth, and never let anyone make you doubt it. Focus on the good you’re doing and the lives you’re touching. The world needs strong, passionate, and courageous women in every field, especially in politics. Don’t let the haters silence you. Your voice matters, and your work has value.
At the end of the day, I persist because I believe in what I’m doing. I persist because I know that the hate and criticism are just noise, and that my actions speak louder. And most importantly, I persist because the future I’m working toward is worth every challenge along the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Shook PR isn’t just a public relations firm—it’s a vehicle for change. My work focuses on helping candidates bring important platforms and issues to the forefront, benefiting the entire community. I’ve had the privilege of working on campaigns that truly matter, such as the D1 Congressional race and our local County, City, and Sheriff’s races. These aren’t just elections; they are opportunities to advocate for policies and initiatives that improve lives. Guiding candidates through the process of refining their platforms and connecting with their constituents is one of the most exciting parts of what I do. Seeing the positive changes that result from these efforts is incredibly fulfilling.
In addition to campaign work, Shook PR is constantly expanding its horizons. We’re exploring new avenues to support our clients, from event planning to digital strategy, ensuring that our services meet the evolving needs of those we serve. It’s an exciting time for the firm, and I’m eager to see how these developments will further impact our community.
At its core, Shook PR is about amplifying voices that need to be heard. Whether it’s through crafting compelling narratives, shaping public perception, or providing strategic guidance, we’re committed to empowering leaders and fostering meaningful connections. Our work isn’t just about winning—it’s about making a difference.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, three key qualities and skills stand out as being the most impactful in shaping my career and success:
1.) The Use of AI for Efficiency and Precision
Leveraging AI tools has been transformative in my work. Whether it’s for data analysis, crafting targeted campaigns, or streamlining workflows, AI allows me to deliver results with precision and efficiency. It’s not just about saving time—it’s about elevating the quality of the work. For those early in their careers, I recommend embracing AI as an ally. Familiarize yourself with the latest tools in your industry, and don’t be afraid to experiment with them. It’s an investment that will pay dividends as you scale your projects and ambitions.
2.) Ethics and Integrity
In an industry where perception is everything, I hold ethics and integrity as my highest priorities. My law background gives me a unique lens through which I approach public relations. It’s not enough to craft a compelling narrative; that narrative must also be rooted in truth and fairness. My advice to those just starting is to always choose the high road. Trust and credibility take years to build but can be lost in an instant. Let integrity guide your decisions, and you’ll find that people will want to work with you not just for your skills but because they respect your character.
3.) Legal Knowledge
My legal education and experience set me apart from the typical PR firm or publicist. Understanding the legal implications of communications, contracts, and campaigns ensures that my clients are always protected and that our strategies are sound. For those aspiring to excel in public relations, I recommend gaining at least a foundational understanding of relevant laws, from intellectual property rights to contracts. It’s not only an invaluable skill but also a safeguard for both you and your clients.
Advice for Early-Career Professionals:
Stay curious and continuously learn. The landscape of AI, ethics, and law is constantly evolving, so make a habit of staying informed.
Seek mentors who embody the values and expertise you aspire to have. Learning from their experiences can provide invaluable insights and save you from making costly mistakes.
Finally, remember that your reputation is your most valuable asset. Build it with care by focusing on ethical practices, deepening your knowledge, and staying adaptable in a fast-paced world.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One book that has profoundly influenced my personal and professional development is Atomic Habits by James Clear. Its insights on the power of small, consistent changes have reshaped the way I approach challenges, goals, and even day-to-day life. The book emphasizes that success doesn’t come from massive leaps but from the accumulation of small habits practiced consistently over time. Here are a few of the most valuable lessons I’ve taken from it:
1.) The Power of Incremental Change
Clear’s concept of improving just 1% every day resonated deeply with me. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to overhaul your entire life or business overnight to achieve success. Instead, focusing on small, consistent improvements leads to exponential growth over time. In my work, this has translated into refining processes, enhancing client communication, and implementing minor changes that compound into major wins.
2.)The Role of Identity in Habits
One of the book’s core ideas is that true behavior change comes from aligning your habits with your identity. Instead of saying, “I want to succeed in PR,” I began to think, “I am someone who creates powerful, ethical narratives.” This mindset shift not only boosts confidence but also helps solidify habits that align with your goals. It’s a strategy I’ve shared with clients, encouraging them to adopt the identity of the person they aspire to become.
3.) Environment Design
Clear’s advice on structuring your environment to support your habits has been transformative. For example, creating a workspace that minimizes distractions and maximizes productivity has allowed me to stay focused on what matters most. Similarly, in my personal life, I’ve made small adjustments, like placing books where I can see them or setting up visual reminders for goals, which help me stay on track.
4.) The Aggregation of Marginal Gains
The idea that small wins add up has encouraged me to celebrate every step forward, no matter how minor it may seem. This perspective helps me and my team stay motivated, especially when tackling long-term projects or navigating challenging campaigns. It’s a lesson I apply in both my professional and personal life, reminding me to appreciate progress over perfection.
5.) The Importance of Systems Over Goals
Clear’s distinction between goals and systems was a game-changer. While goals are the desired outcome, systems are the processes that lead to those outcomes. Focusing on creating effective systems has been a key driver of success for Shook PR. Whether it’s designing workflows for campaign management or establishing routines for client communication, systems ensure consistent results.
Atomic Habits isn’t just a book—it’s a guide for sustainable growth and success. Its lessons have shaped the way I think about improvement, discipline, and resilience. For anyone looking to transform their habits or achieve meaningful progress, I can’t recommend it enough.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shookpr.com
- Instagram: @BlairCastro and @shook_pr
- Facebook: Facebook.com/westsideblair and Facebook.com/shookpr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaircastro
- Twitter: @BlairCastro
Image Credits
Images via Shook PR
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