In conversation with highly successful Public Relations professional, hardworking and compassionate human being Julia Graham, Vice President, Integrated Media at Weber Shandwick. Julia shares with us her professional journey, her inspirations, favorite cooking shows and career advice for graduate students.
Tell us about your professional career?
I have worked in Public Relations for over 12 years. At its core, PR is about helping companies craft and tell compelling stories about who they are and the work they do to help influence public perception. There are a lot of different channels you can use to tell and share these stories with different audiences including earned, owned, paid and social channels. I have always had a particular passion for earned—working with journalists across broadcast, online and print publications who are responsible for delivering news to the world. I am motivated by the challenge of uncovering a unique story, connecting what my clients do to what is happening in the news or finding that perfect journalist for a story you’ve been trying to land. As part of this, I help prep clients and executives on what to say, how to respond to tough questions from journalists and work to gather or create the ingredients they need to tell the best possible stories that motivate people to take action.
What was your first job?
I spent a few summers working at the Charles Ives Music Center in Danbury, Connecticut. It’s a beautiful outdoor concert venue. There are a limited numbers of seat or you can buy tickets for the lawn which was always my preference. I was a gopher which means I would do things like pick up lunch for our crew and make sure talent had what they needed. Some fond memories: picking up chicken wings for Melissa Etheridge after her show, finding the brand of soy ice cream Jewel likes before soy ice cream was a thing, and driving around the Blowfish (minus Hootie). They let me watch their show from the stage. They’re such a great group of guys.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My mom. I fondly describe her as a mix of Mother Teresa and the Three Stooges. She’s one of the kindest, most compassionate people I know and has always been there to listen or make me laugh. I’m truly fortunate to have such great parents.
What advice would you like to give college grads when they are applying with PR Firms?
Before you even start applying, reach out to anyone in your alum network who is in your industry. If they live near you, ask to treat them to coffee or lunch and learn about their career. I got two interviews that way which was a pleasant surprise and it gave me confidence that I’d find my way.
What do you like to snack on during busy work day?
Trader Joe’s has individually sized trial mix packs that are good for curbing hunger pangs. If I could eat anything and still be healthy, I would snack on Rolos and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
You recently moved from New York City to Washington D.C. How do you like it?
I’m loving it! I lived in NYC for over 10 years so I was ready to explore a new city. There are also fewer people so my commute is more relaxed unlike NYC where my mind and body goes into autopilot mode when I’m in a busy subway station. Of course I miss the sheer number of amenities there are—many blocks in NYC have a bodega , coffee shop and/or restaurant. In DC, you might find one of those. It’s not as dense. And I miss Broadway musicals terribly!
Do you follow any cooking shows?
The Great British Baking Show and Nailed It which my friend Amanda turned me on to. On the show, people compete to create masterful cakes from Pinterest like a cake of Rapuzel in a tower. It’s hilarious to see how their creation compares to the original. My husband watches Binging with Babish on YouTube which I also enjoy. The host recreates recipes from pop culture like Rachel’s English trifle from Friends and then shows how he would improve upon it. One of my favorite Friends episodes!
Do you like to cook? If so, any favorite recipes you would like to share?
I do but only on weekends when I have time. After work, I just want something simple. I’ve been known to eat cereal for dinner. One recipe I loved making and eating was Tomato Glazed Meatballs with brown butter mashed potatoes from the cookbook, The Smitten Kitchen by Deb Perelman. I was excited to discover Deb, a former technology reporter I worked with at my last PR firm where my main client was IBM, was also a great (and self taught!) cook.
How was your food experience in India during your trip few years ago?
Incredible. My favorite part of the time was when we spent a few days on a house boat in Kerala and the food was delicious. Lots of fresh fruit and spices.
Top five favorite restaurants and best things?
Miso cod at Gotham Bar & Grill in New York City
Pizza at Lucali’s in Brooklyn
Banoffe (a dessert with bananas and toffee) at Spotted Pig in New York City
Butter chicken at Amber India in San Jose
Burrito at Pancho Villa in San Francisco Mission District