We recently connected with Lisa Malcolm and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a pivotal part of my journey as a celebrity publicist. I started by acknowledging that it’s a common experience, even among the most successful individuals in my field. This realization helped me see it as a natural, albeit challenging, aspect of professional growth.
I’ve made it a habit to document my successes and positive feedback. This ‘evidence’ acts as a counterbalance to self-doubt during moments of uncertainty. It’s a reminder of the impact and value I’ve brought to my work over time.
Embracing a growth mindset has been transformative. I’ve learned to view challenges as opportunities to learn rather than as failures. This shift in perspective has been crucial in building resilience and fostering a more compassionate view towards myself when it comes to my professional life.
Lastly, focusing on the value I bring to others, rather than dwelling on my own self-perceived challenges, has helped redirect my energy towards meaningful work and impact, rather than being paralyzed by fear of not being ‘enough.’
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As the founder and CEO of Lynk PR, I have the privilege of steering a dynamic team that specializes in catapulting the visibility and success of our clients in the arts and entertainment industry. With over twenty years of experience, my journey has been deeply rooted in public relations and executive production, a path that has led to being honored as the Publicist of the Year 2023 by Creators TV. This award, to me, is a testament to the passion, dedication, and innovative strategies we bring to our clients’ narratives, ensuring their achievements shine brightly across a multitude of platforms.
At Lynk PR, our work spans from nurturing film initiatives to masterfully crafting personal publicity strategies and developing robust brands for a diverse array of clients, including social media influencers, creators, organizations, and A/B list celebrities. My dual role as COO and Executive Producer at KAP Productions further enriches this experience, enabling me to bring a unique perspective to our PR campaigns, particularly in producing content that resonates with audiences worldwide, such as our award-winning hit film Jingle Trails on Amazon Prime.
What excites me most about our work is the ability to tell stories that matter. Whether it’s launching a film project or elevating a personal brand, each narrative is a unique tapestry woven with threads of ambition, creativity, and human connection. Our success lies not just in the coverage we secure across all major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, The Disney Channel, Disney+, Netflix, Showtime, and Apple TV, but in the lasting impact and the doors we open for our clients in their respective fields.
Lynk PR stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation. We honor the timeless principles of public relations while embracing the ever-evolving landscape of digital media and entertainment. Our brand is built on the foundation of integrity, creativity, and results-driven strategies, and we pride ourselves on not just meeting but exceeding the expectations of those we represent.
To anyone looking to make their mark in the entertainment industry, know that Lynk PR is more than a PR firm; we are a launchpad for your dreams, a partner in your journey, and a believer in your potential to inspire and entertain the world.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities stand out as pivotal: strategic thinking, relationship-building, and adaptability.
Strategic thinking has been fundamental. It’s not just about planning; it’s about foreseeing challenges and opportunities in the industry and navigating them with foresight and precision. Developing this skill involves staying informed about industry trends, understanding the competitive landscape, and always thinking a few steps ahead. I encourage those starting out to immerse themselves in industry news, attend workshops, and seek mentorship. This will help you understand the bigger picture and how you can carve out your unique space within it.
Relationship-building is another cornerstone of success. This industry thrives on connections—not just with clients, but with media, collaborators, and even competitors. Genuine relationships are built on trust, respect, and mutual support. My advice is to start building your network early. Attend industry events, engage on professional social media platforms, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire. Remember, it’s not just about what you know, but who you know—and more importantly, who knows and trusts you.
Adaptability has been crucial, especially in an era where the media and entertainment landscapes are constantly evolving. Being open to change and ready to pivot strategies at a moment’s notice has allowed me to stay ahead of the curve. To cultivate this quality, foster a mindset of lifelong learning. Be open to new ideas, technologies, and methodologies. Experiment, take risks, and learn from both successes and failures. This mindset will not only help you navigate the changes in the industry but will also make you a valuable asset to any team or project.
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’s had a profound impact on my professional development recently is ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear. Its principles have been instrumental in re-shaping how I approach both my personal growth and the strategic development of Lynk PR. Three key insights from the book that have been particularly transformative for me involve the power of small changes, the importance of systems over goals, and the role of identity in habit formation.
Firstly, the idea that small changes accumulate into significant impacts over time—emphasizing improvement by just 1% daily—has encouraged me and my team to embrace continuous, incremental progress. This approach has enabled us to stay agile and constantly evolve in the fast-paced entertainment industry.
Secondly, Clear’s distinction between systems and goals helped reshape my focus. Instead of fixating on specific outcomes, I’ve learned the value of refining the processes and habits that drive those outcomes. This shift has led to more sustainable growth for our clients and our agency, fostering a culture of ongoing excellence rather than one-off successes.
Lastly, the concept of identity-based habits has been groundbreaking for us. By aligning our actions with the type of organization we aspire to be—one that champions creativity, integrity, and impact—we’ve cultivated a strong internal identity that guides our decisions and behaviors. This alignment ensures that the actions we take are a step toward becoming the best version of ourselves and the best partner for our clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lynkpr.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynkpublicrelations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynkpr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-malcolm-7360286b/
Image Credits
Amy Graves Photography
