Que: At the outset, please give us a glimpse of yourself.
Ans: I’ve always maintained a proactive mindset routed in past experiences in many countries, and the fact that as an expat it’s more work to build a company from scratch in Thailand. I have a degree in Social & Political Sciences from the University of Strasbourg, and having worked in Luxembourg, I synergise between theoretical knowledge and approaches with valuable experiences, and together these helped lay a foundation in Thailand. I’ve always understood that in comparison to other business communication strategies, the Return on Investment (ROI) for Public Relations activities were more difficult to communicate/ quantify. So in 2007, I had a vision for creating a PR company that delivers measurable results for clients, and this came to life in the form of Midas PR.
Que: Briefly describe your company and the products/services you offer.
Ans: Midas PR Group is a renowned public relations agency in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, and our strong local connections and international experience make our clients stand out. PR strategies essentially communicate your business model and credibility to the public. I founded Midas PR Group to serve as the expert in the field, and personally I have over 15 years in the industry. Our offering is built on creating bespoke strategies for clients. I lead a team of enthusiastic executives who leave their long-lasting Midas Touch on the brands we support and empower.
Que: Going back to your early career decisions, tell us what factors influenced your decision to be an owner?
Ans: When I was 3 years old, I spent a lot of time at my mother’s business, and her customers would ask me, “what do you want to do when you grow up?” My answer was always, “I want to be a boss.” As long as I can remember I always wanted to lead; to take care of people, and take charge in challenging situations. Often a woman who shows drive and wants to get things done is labelled difficult, but I always knew I could show real leadership and passion whilst practising humility and respect for our clients and teams.
Que: Who are your clients? How do you ensure the unbreakable faith of your clients?
Ans: Our clients are global/regional corporates that span from industry, big pharma, solar, e-commerce, NGOs, airlines, luxury products, tech and beauty brands. We work on measurable success/metrics, so clients know what they’re getting. Many comment they love the fact our team is always available; we are the only PR
company providing 24/7 crisis comms services- whatever gets the job done; of course there needs to be a balance between after-hours work and urgency. Our team’s proactive, helping our service stand out
compared to others. We offer more than our clients planned for, giving them new ideas. We are often told
many PR firms are reactive not proactive, only doing things that meet the KPIs in their contract; we do the
opposite, giving clients other avenues to exploit and profit from.
Que: As your company grew, or re-grew from your pivot, what were the primary challenges?
Ans: The most significant pivot recently was Covid, and before this we always tried to predict, to be constantly a few steps ahead. We are the only PROI Worldwide and PRCA_SEA partner in Thailand and that gives us the ability to work cross-region and globally. We’ve focused on growing and retaining inhouse skills, and since well before the pandemic, we have been in hybrid mode, working with international partners for many years; our teams are savvy with newer platforms, and we create systems for growth, enabling enough leaders in our company to continue to lead our industry. Every company has challenges. For us, it was developing systems that work for our company culture.
Que: How did you get where you are today?
Ans: My motto is, “I will find a way or make one”, a philosophy that stems from a strong sense that the word ‘impossible’ is banned from our company vocabulary. Hence when I see a challenge, I see it as a way to go, and I get through with perseverance. Making ‘my place’ in Thailand required that I adapted to the culture, being humble enough to understand in order to succeed. And to succeed, you need strong Thai persons who stand next to you – I’m lucky to have a great Thai partner and an exceptional Thai team who can do things I cannot do as a foreigner; to understand one’s limitations, and to find a solution to that. The last thing is positivity, to be more creative, more inventive.
Que: What suggestion would you give to companies on how they can contribute to a more balanced, equal industry?
Ans: Midas PR regularly organizes internship/shadowing opportunities for overseas and local students to attract more girls/women into PR. The company requires at least one woman in a position of responsibility
on candidate selection, and 70% of senior leadership positions are taken by women. The company follows LGBTQ-friendly policies, providing equal opportunities and access to senior positions to non-binary people, and family-friendly policies.
Que: Please take us through the routine of your day.
Ans: I like routine, so I wake up, enjoy some alone time, reflect on what I have to do. My day is divided into meetings, business development, client management, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Twice a week I network via hybrid-online. I play an active part in networks, including Bangkok Lionesses, the Inspire business breakfast, and BNI Global Riders Network (once a month between 90 business leaders).
Que: Tell us about a favourite book that inspires you.
Ans: I enjoy books and read 2-3 books per month; the last one was “Atomic Habits” which teaches you to start small and have faith that the butterfly effect will ensure your actions spread out like ripples. Sometimes when we need to go from A-Z, we must realise we are not superhuman, and so going from A-B is the first step. An example in the book recalls the story recently about the British Tour de France team, which hadn’t won in 100 years. They brought in a new coach who made modest adjustments with equipment and training, which then saw the team in three years going on to win the tour. I’ve always looked at things like this for myself. Even though I have vison, I concentrate on small milestones, and then muster courage as I move forward one step at a time. Our PR teams train in much the same way. Collectively, we strive to improve a little bit for each and every person within our teams, and taken together that’s very powerful.
Que: What does the future hold for your company? Kindly share your future goals.
Ans: We are already well on track and will continue doing what we’re doing, making those small, regular adjustments, and being the most perfect we can be. We’ll continue aiming to be predictive, and one step ahead of the industry. We will continue to function as a true integrative hybrid company – a worker-built company – one with a history of hiring nomads before the term was known, and international/remote
contributors before covid and before this was a common thing. If we maintain this vison for ensuing the journey/pursuit of excellence, and attract talent, keep it, nurture it – because a PR firm is only as good as the team – then we will continue to lead the industry.
Que: Mention any awards and milestones your company has received.
Ans: ● Best Corporate Social Responsibility Award, PRCA Award 2020
● The Golden Globe Tigers Awards 2020 for Excellence & Leadership in Branding & Marketing
● Global Business Insight Awards 2019 for the Most Outstanding Public Relations Firm
● Thailand Brand Leadership Award 2018 for the Best PR Company
Que: As a source of inspiration for many, what would your advice be for female entrepreneurs planning to enter the business world?
Ans: 1) be yourself.
2) find a mentor, someone they can talk to and feel they’re in a safe place
3) network with other women who are likeminded, so as to be inspired by other successful women.
4) set any limitations on yourself.
5) If you suffer disappointment, don’t stay down with that disappointment. Always get up if you fall, get back on the saddle.
