Creating Space for Growth: The Strategic Decision to End What Is Public Relations, The Podcast

Creating Space for Growth: The Strategic Decision to End What Is Public Relations, The Podcast

Today, I’m inviting you into the raw, unfiltered reality of knowing when to let go, when to evolve, and how serving your purpose sometimes means closing a chapter, even if it’s one you poured your heart into. THE FINAL BOW I’ve welcomed phenomenal guests, dissected myths about visibility, and championed the truth about PR, but after a year of stretching, experimenting, and “course-correcting,” I have to be honest with you: this is the last episode of What is Public Relations? The Podcast The person who started this show isn’t the Laura Perkes you’re hearing now. Transformation has required pausing, pulling back, and questioning, sometimes uncomfortably, where I’m going and who I’m serving. OUTGROWING THE ORIGINAL MISSION Yes, I’m stubborn, yes, I’m a Taurus, and yes I strive for mastery and honesty above all else. I’ve had ideas light me up, only to fizzle weeks later, demanding I “course correct”. Maybe it looked “flighty” to my team, but to me, it was alignment in motion. A podcast that once made sense began to feel like it was dimming my own light. I created a platform to shine a spotlight on others, which is incredible… but it was time to acknowledge: If I’m the authority, I need to show up as the authority. CAN’T POUR WATER FOR EVERYONE Here’s the truth: I can want massive success for my clients, but I can’t want it more than they do. “I can lead a horse to water, but I can’t make it drink”. Trying to help everyone through strategic PR, regardless of their readiness or commitment, is a surefire way to burn out your purpose. Not everyone deserves to work with me and that’s not arrogance, that’s owning my standards. If that stings a little, maybe it’s time to hold up a mirror to your own intentions. WHAT’S NEXT? Will there be another podcast? Maybe. Not this year, maybe not until 2028 when my personal numerology indicates it’s a season of communication. Until then, the door is open to new books, events, and whatever lights me up next. As for right now: * The LinkedIn Newsletter has evolved into Seen, dissecting world events through my PR lens * My service focus is even sharper: from Niche Famous (the 12-month accelerator teaching you to be your own PR strategist) to PR Partnership and PR Concierge for those who are ready and waiting—not those who need convincing. * Spotlight Soiree is changing, too. Because if it’s not delivering as intended, and I don’t “course correct,” then I’m misaligned with my own message. REFLECTIONS & PERMISSION SLIPS This podcast has been messy, honest, real, not perfectly polished. That’s deliberate, because perfection isn’t required to secure opportunities. Curiosity, integrity, and openness are. This is your permission to retire what’s no longer serving you. Let go of chasing “everyone,” and focus on the ones* already thirsty for what you do best. THANK YOU Thank you for listening, for sharing, for being part of these open conversations. If you want to stay connected: * Instagram: PRwithPerkes for the fun, behind-the-scenes of my world * LinkedIn: Subscribe to Seen for the strategic breakdowns This is not the end, just the evolution. Final takeaway: Pause. Reflect. If you’ve outgrown something, let it go with gratitude so you can create space for what’s next. “If the answer is no, then you get to do something about it.” Until next time, stay curious, stay strategic, and keep choosing alignment over obligation.

Surviving the Visibility Game: Real Talk for Entrepreneurs with Amy Atkinson

This episode is for you if you’re feeling torn between doing what's right for your brand and what's “necessary” to succeed online. YES, we get real about visibility, reputation, and the constant pressure to play the game, even if the rules don’t feel right for you. Both Laura and Amy go deep into the messy realities of building a business, managing teams, and navigating the ego-fuelled hierarchies of the online world. We’re not sugar-coating anything: If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Am I selling my soul for growth, or staying true to myself?”, you’ll see yourself reflected in what’s discussed. “Just bloody get on with it…” You’ve heard the advice: Show up more, be visible, borrow audiences, align with “big names.” But is visibility really just about being seen? Or is it what—and who—you’re showing up for that truly matters? In this episode, we dissect: * The internal push-pull between integrity and ruthless growth. * Why feeling like an outsider is sometimes rooted in past trauma (yes, the stuff from school can still crop up in your business decisions). * The chronic tension headaches of leadership: You’re still the one chasing your team…even when the business “should” be easier. So, who are you really showing up for? “Hero worshipping” and online cliques happen, often at the expense of authenticity. You know the type: Popularity equals power, a shiny front hides a murky backroom, and the urge to fit in with the “queen bees” can leave you questioning your values. And yet, as Amy says, “At my core, I’m a kind person. That’s never going to change, even if I’m standing next to someone who’s out of integrity”. Instead, compartmentalizing becomes essential, you get to decide what impacts you, and what’s just a lesson learned. Visibility: More than just “being seen” What you say, who you serve, and where you show up matter more than just showing up. Are you… * Making sales from social or making impact with a message? * Posting where your ideal clients actually hang out? * Obsessed with likes from family/friends, or building a digital shopfront that attracts buyers? (25:01) And if your personal network isn’t cheering you on, good! Boundary up, clear the space, and trust the algorithm to deliver your content to people who actually need and want it. Have you built your resilience? Whether your barrier to showing up is fear of judgment, past trauma, or “allergic reaction” to social media, ask yourself: WHY don’t you want to do it? Resolving that is far more important than buying the next course or following cookie-cutter advice. Experiment, fail, learn, repeat Business is never one-size-fits-all. Sometimes the first live event brings four people, and that’s actually the sweet spot. Sometimes the offer won’t sell, and it’s feedback, not failure. The corporate giants you compare yourself with? They have million-pound budgets. You’ve got hunger, grit, and a community. Don’t forget that. Final takeaways, What’s really holding you back? * Stay boundaried: Not everyone gets a seat at your table, and not every platform deserves your energy. * Get strategic: Where are your clients, and what are they actually responding to? One channel at a time beats casting your net everywhere. * Visibility is necessary, but not sufficient: It’s your values and message that make you magnetic, not just your presence. * Compartmentalize the naysayers and the doubters, they’re not paying your bills or building your legacy. Ready to connect with Amy? Go stalk her on Instagram at @‌theFemtrepreneur. DMs open for more candid conversation: @‌PRwithPerkes Laura is always here for your comments and questions. Want to go deeper on visibility, PR or the messy realities of b

Embracing Intuition and Visibility with Jennifer Davy

SMALL ROOMS, BIG IMPACT: REFRAMING SUCCESS AND SPOTLIGHT IN THE AGE OF "MORE, MORE, MORE" Sit with this: What if everything in your business could be easier, more abundant, and led—truly led—by your own intuition, rather than by trends and hype? This episode of What Is Public Relations? is one for the rebels, the rule-breakers, and the quietly ambitious. If you’re ready for honest conversations about visibility, self-trust and why smaller might be better, you’re in the right place. INTUITION OVER HUSTLE There’s a myth that business success must be hard-fought, that the grind is the price of admission. But what if you’ve simply done the work and now it’s meant to feel easy? Jennifer shares how trusting her intuition (even when it says “post that at 3pm on a Tuesday!” or “book that flight without knowing the itinerary”) leads to the deepest impact and most aligned growth She’s also frank about burnout, self-sabotage, and doing things because you’re “supposed to” and why she’s giving it all a hard pass in favour of joy, creativity, and connection. SMALLER ROOMS, DEEPER IMPACT If the thought of a packed conference hall leaves you cold, you’re not alone. Both Laura and Jennifer talk about the rising power of intimate, thoughtfully curated spaces where every woman can be seen, where collaborations spark over real connection, and where the “monetise everything” gospel is replaced by a richer definition of success. Less noise. More depth. STOP OUTSOURCING YOUR ANSWERS We live in an era saturated with advice and “pay the pain away” coaching. Jennifer throws aside the one-size-fits-all approach. Her challenge: quit asking everyone else what you should do. Start listening to yourself. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. If you know deep down it’s yours to pursue, even if it feels scary or illogical, back yourself and move. WOMEN - THIS IS YOUR TIME Both Laura and Jennifer call out the old narratives that keep women last on their own to-do lists. Tradwife trends? Out. Shrinking your ambitions because “the family wouldn’t understand”? Out. If you’re waiting for confidence, you’ll wait forever. The only path forward is action, doing the thing, collecting data, and rewriting old stories in your own voice. VISIBILITY WITH A PURPOSE If you want to impact more people, you must be seen, but not everywhere, not by everyone. It’s about finding your platform(s), sharing your message intentionally, and building credibility through the right mix of PR, speaking, and real-world connections. For Jennifer, stages aren’t scary, distilling her message to its potent essence is the work. And with a book deal signed and a vision for “reading parties” from London to sunloungers, she’s here to make self-empowerment both practical and joyful. SO, WHAT CAN YOU TAKE FROM THIS EPISODE? * Success doesn’t have to be punishing. It can be easeful, rich, intuitive. * The most compelling rooms aren’t always the biggest. * Your intuition is a powerful guide, if you’re brave enough to listen. * Stop playing small, stop putting yourself last, and start backing yourself. Ready for a new narrative around PR, business, and women’s voices? This episode will challenge you, inspire you, and maybe—finally—give you permission to make your own rules. Want to connect with Jennifer? Instagram: @‌wellbeingwarrior.ie Website: wellbeingwarrior.ie [http://wellbeingwarrior.ie/] Share your takeaways or DM Laura Perkes on Instagram @‌prwithperkes. Let’s keep the conversation honest, fiery, and real.

Unlocking Intuition and Authenticity for True Business Growth With Ben Franklin-Graham

AUDACITY, AUTHENTICITY & THE REAL WORK OF VISIBILITY This episode is for every entrepreneur, founder, coach, or anyone who feels like the world’s best-kept secret. You’re smart, experienced, ready to make a difference, but maybe there’s a disconnect: the world isn’t seeing the real you, and your messaging doesn’t feel quite right. Why is that? Let’s break it down. The Myth of ‘Just Being Seen’ If you’re exhausted from advice that says, “just get out there, be more visible!” this episode will give you a different lens. Ben is unapologetic in his belief that showing up for the sake of being seen is only one layer. He doesn’t advocate exposure without purpose or strategy; it’s about alignment, energetic connection, and rooting back into who _you_actually are, not who you think you should be online to please the algorithm, your competitors, or the “guru” of the week Being visible, as we dissected on air, is easy; but being authentic and audacious (his favourite word) is a very different energy. Who Are You If You’re Not Performing? The question at the heart of today’s conversation: who are you behind the brand? Many founders, including Ben, drift away from their true selves, only to realise that the “surface reasons” clients come with, such as messaging, growth, and PR are usually cover stories for deeper work. You can feel the difference when you show up because it’s expected, versus when you show up as yourself, with the audacity to be honest about the messy bits, your woo-woo side, or even your psychic intuition. The Real Work: Reflection, Discomfort, And Reconnection Here’s the uncomfortable truth: growth often means slowing down, getting quiet, and sitting in the “yuck” so you can hear what your body, mind, and inner team are really telling you. Sometimes that’s 16 months out of the game. Sometimes it’s refusing the challenge launch because, frankly, your gut says no. True visibility starts with real self-knowing, knowing what lights you up, what makes you shrink, and what you simply will not do anymore. Audacious Live & The Power of Community Rather than another “shout loudly in a crowded room” event, Ben created Audacious Live: an experience for people ready to drop the masks, be witnessed as they are, and leave with a little more courage to be themselves in the world. Performative energy is swapped for actual human connection, laughter, and “micro shifts” that ripple outwards. The strategy? Intimacy, joy, and spaces where you’re not just a LinkedIn post among thousands—here, you’re seen and held. What This Means For You If you’re still hustling for visibility but not getting the traction, or if you’re visible but not fulfilled, ask yourself: * Am I showing up in spaces that actually light me up? * What is my body/soul/team (however you connect) trying to communicate? * Is my messaging a true reflection of me, or am I playing small because of old stories? * Am I letting others’ “rules” dictate my actions? * Do I need a strategy day…or just a day at the spa? Strategic visibility is not about being everywhere. It’s about who you are where you are, and letting your energy do the work for you. Take audacious action by slowing down and listening in. Build your business, your brand, and your reputation on a foundation of authenticity, resonance, and unapologetic self-ownership. If you’re ready for more real talk on being visible, building community, and showing the world who you really are, find Ben on Instagram (@benfranklinofficial) and keep following ‘What Is Public Relations?’ for the conversations no one else is having. Because you don’t need another “visibility tactic.” You need a reason—and the audacity—to be seen for real.

How to Become an Iconic Leader and Stand Out Authentically Online with Kayleigh Greenacre

If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in the endless shriek of “authenticity,” “magnetism,” or “iconic leadership” in your socials, then you’ll want to tune in and break down exactly what it takes to actually stand out in a sea of sameness. In this episode, Laura Perkes brings back the kind of conversation that cuts through the noise, joined by business strategist, leadership expert and documentary trailblazer Kayleigh Greenacre. BUT, in true WIPR fashion, we’re not here to just talk business “hacks” or shiny photo shoots. ICONIC LEADERSHIP: IT’S NOT (JUST) ABOUT SHOWING UP “Iconic leaders” isn’t just a buzzword for Kayleigh. It’s about stepping into your zone of genius and owning your unique vision, values and presence, warts, slippers, self-doubt and all! The big secret? You don’t have to force the high-energy, ultra-polished persona. Kayleigh shares how her clients dig into their own stories, separately mapping chapters and episodes to find the authentic gold within. AUTHENTICITY VS. CURATION: WHERE TO STRIKE THE BALANCE It can feel exposing to share “the real you,” especially as a woman in business. Laura confesses she’s wrestled with this herself. Spoiler: you don’t need to spill every detail for the sake of “relatability,” nor must you over-edit yourself into something unrecognisable. Instead, Kayleigh recommends strategic selectivity, sharing stories that genuinely link to your personal mission and always with purpose. Sometimes, those scrappy Instagram Story moments in your sweatpants do more for building authority than a hundred perfectly lit headshots. BUILDING MOVEMENTS, NOT JUST BUSINESSES Ever felt wild imposter syndrome at the mere thought of documenting your entrepreneurial journey, let alone starring in a documentary about it? Kayleigh walks us through the origin story of ‘Actually I Can’—the movement sparked by personal upheaval, self-belief and a commitment to showing her daughter what determined women can do. The lesson? Purpose, activated. Relationships trump quick wins. The production of her film is a practical showcase of how maintaining genuine connections will open unexpected doors (and lead to premieres in Leicester Square). WHERE TO START? SCRAP THE GIMMICKS, GO BACK TO BASICS Overwhelmed? Kayleigh prescribes a radical return to roots: get crystal clear on your vision, values, beliefs and mission on paper, not just in your head. From there, draw up strategic pillars for your content and communication. Nobody needs another copycat; they need you. STRATEGIC VISIBILITY: WHY HOW YOU SHOW UP MATTERS MORE THAN WHERE Are you curating your feed so you’re not sucked into the drama vortex? Are you showing up in the places your clients actually hang out? Are you leveraging media to amplify your message? Visibility isn’t just about getting seen. It’s about being seen for the right thing by the right people and being remembered for it. TO BE ICONIC, STOP TRYING TO BE EVERYTHING TO EVERYONE * Find your “one thing.” The signature, the zone of genius, the niche famous, the iconic move. * Share your story with purpose, not panic. * Curate experiences and emotions, not just content. * Guard your energy and your feed. * Build relationships, not just revenue streams. Visibility doesn’t guarantee success. Being known for who you are, what you stand for and the way you make others feel? That’s where the magic (and yes, the sales) really starts Connect with Kayleigh Greenacre on Instagram @‌kayleighgreenacre.  Follow Laura Perkes @‌prwithperkes for ongoing real talk in the world of visibility, PR, and leadership. — Ready to step into your own iconic era? It starts with you. It starts now.