I think the time I spent as a reporter has been extremely valuable in my second life as a PR practitioner. Working at NY1 gave me a real sense of what’s newsworthy and what’s not. Having that understanding has been very helpful when pitching a positive story to a reporter or on the flip side, understanding the depth of a potential crisis situation.

The best clients, and the best agency/company relationships are those in which you become an integrated member of the internal team. I have a bit of a mantra when it comes to developing a successful PR relationship – integrate, anticipate and initiate. The best clients are the ones that embrace that process and integrate you in a way that you can truly add value.

I have a number of very diverse interests…. football, hockey and softball.

Here are two good bucket list items I have crossed off in my life:

In 1994, while working at NY 1, I not only got the opportunity to cover the NY Rangers championship run but in the locker room after Game 7 I even snuck a drink out of the Stanley Cup. I’m still not sure what was in there… I think it was a mixture of warm champagne and beer but it was equally great and disgusting all at the same time. Not a bad accomplishment for someone with a lousy slap shot.

The second one took place in 1992 when I biked cross country with my siblings and a friend. It was a pretty amazing adventure. Here’s the full story.

Here’s two that we use in media training that I like a lot . . .

“It’s alright to have butterflies in your stomach, just get them to fly in formation” – Sports psychologist, Rob Gilbert.

“Does anyone have any questions for my answers?” – Henry Kissinger famously opening a press conference.