Episode 38: Debunking the Billy Graham Rule (Feat. Sandra Fathi)

About the Episode

Today we’re re-casting one of our first episodes with Sandra Fathi to get a double dose of her career wisdom. As Sandra shares, “No one is going to work harder for you than you.” So, on the eve of Thanksgiving, plan to take some time this weekend to reflect on your year, and ponder the next. And in the light of all that has happened with #MeToo, the “Billy Graham Rule” in our culture, have you felt at a disadvantage? At an advantage? What do you want 2019 to look like, and how will you work hard on your own behalf?

About Sandra

Sandra Fathi is President and Founder of Affect, a public relations and social media firm specializing in technology, healthcare, and professional services. Sandra has spent the past 20 years helping technology companies achieve their communications goals. Starting her career as a reporter for a division of Ziff Davis and IDG Tech Network, she went on to work at a number of leading technology firms and one of the top global PR agencies, Edelman. Her clients have included Apple, EDS, Ericsson, Nokia, and Microsoft, as well as innovative start-ups.

Sandra is an expert in media relations, crisis communications, brand reputation, and executive visibility. She is a sought-after speaker and writer on brand reputation with commentary appearing in CNN, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc., Huffington Post and U.S. News & World Report. Sandra serves as an advisor to start-up executives on business challenges – from positioning to funding to long-term market strategy.

Sandra is currently on the board of PR Council and has served as Chair of PRSA’s Tri-State District. Sandra has been recognized as one of PRNews Top Women in PR, a PRNews PR Professional of the Year finalist, and a Bulldog PR Agency Professional of the Year. She holds a BA degree in International Relations from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Key Takeaways

If we take women out of the equation, no companies will survive.
Being open and having honest communication is key.
Educate yourself on what is appropriate at work.
If you’re interested in having someone be your mentor, go and approach them about it. Be specific. Set expectations, including a time commitment.
No one is going to work harder for you, than you.

Resources

Book:
- Athena Rising: How and Why Men Should Mentor Women

About the host:

lee

Lee Caraher, CEO of Double Forte, a national PR & Digital Communications Firm, is on the PR Council’s Board of Directors.

An acclaimed communication strategist, she’s known for her practical solutions to big problems. She founded Double Forte in 2002, after learning the ropes at The Weber Group, MSL/LA, and WeberShandwick, she also served 5 years as VP, Communications & Customer Service at SEGA. She founded Double Forte in 2002 and hasn’t looked back since.

Lee’s the author of two business leadership books, Millennials & Management and The Boomerang Principle. She is also the host of the career advice podcast MillennialMinded.