In the dynamic world of public relations, Penelope Shandlale has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. With a keen understanding of integrated organizational communication and a passion for building genuine relationships, Penelope has carved a niche for herself as a distinguished public relations specialist. Penelope Shandlale serves as an inspiration to aspiring public relations professionals, reminding us that with determination, genuine relationships, and a willingness to adapt, success is within reach.
As we delve into her career journey, insights, and aspirations, Penelope sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of her profession, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and adaptability.
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1. What qualifications do you hold?
I have a BA Communications Degree obtained from the North-West University as well as a Postgraduate BA Honours in Integrated Organisational Communication qualification from the University of South Africa.
2. What does your job entail (day- to-day-activities)?
From a client-side of things, I spend the day liaising between our agencies and my internal clients, collating media pitches to better position them as thought leaders in their space, scheduling them for interviews, and preparing them for these opportunities. I also spend time co-creating article ideas and content plans with our lead support agency and checking on the progress of the different portfolios I am responsible for. As you can see most of my day is spent communicating with various stakeholders to ensure that the brand looks favourable in the eyes of the public.
3. What is the most challenging thing about your job?
The most challenging thing is experimenting (and being okay with this) and moving away from the tried and tested methods. What I mean by this is that in our experimenting, this might fall flat on our target market’s end, and they could simply miss the message, and this would make our efforts seem fruitless.
Shandlale is not afraid to push boundaries and experiment with new approaches. She acknowledges that moving away from tried and tested methods can be daunting, but she embraces the opportunity for growth and accepts that not every endeavor will yield immediate success.
4. What is the most rewarding thing about your job?
The most rewarding part is seeing everything come together. It is an amazing moment to be able to look back at a project or a portfolio and see where it all started and where it is currently tracking and being able to boldly claim that it is because of your efforts.
Read: 10 Signs a job posting is fake. Is it a scam!
5. Why did you choose this career path?
I honestly didn’t pick this, a friend of mine saw the job specification and forced me to apply. She literally sat by my desk and made sure I applied and submitted before she walked off. I owe her so much because I feel like this is such a great fit!
Shandlale now wholeheartedly embraces her career and advises others to find a path that resonates with their true selves, blurring the line between work and passion.
6. What’s something an outsider wouldn’t know about your industry?
It’s all about relationships. How you interact with people and the relationships you build and maintain are integral to success.
Building and nurturing relationships is at the core of Shandlale’s approach to both personal and professional success. She recognizes the importance of genuine connections and believes that fostering strong interpersonal ties is instrumental in achieving one’s goals.
Read: First Job? Take control of your finances from the beginning
7. How would your 10-year-old self react to what you do now?
I think she would be super impressed. She would be happy that I fulfilled her dream.
8. What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Do your research and find a career that resonates with who you are so that it never really feels like work.
Read: Retirement planning: Options you can look into
9. What’s one work-related thing you want to accomplish this year?
I want to expand into social media management, learn all there is to that and marry that with reputation management.
Looking toward the future, Shandlale envisions expanding her expertise in social media management and combining it with her aptitude for reputation management. The prospect of working with diverse stakeholders and staying abreast of the ever-evolving social media landscape excites her, propelling her toward continuous growth and learning.
Read: Four ways social media affects your spending habits
10. When you started your current job, what most surprised you?
The number of stakeholders I would have to work with and keep informed.
She believes that genuine connections and effective interpersonal skills are integral to achieving one’s goals in any industry. With her natural ability to connect with others, Penelope has fostered valuable alliances that have propelled her forward.
11. If money were no object, what would you do with your life?
I would travel to destinations I could only dream of and spend every minute watching my son grow.
12. Have you heard of an Emergency Fund? Do you, have it?
Yes, I do have one.
An emergency fund is a stash of money set aside to cover the financial surprises life throws your way. These unexpected events can be stressful and costly. You can also tap into your emergency fund during a family emergency or when your pet needs medical care.
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Read: Why you need an emergency fund
13. Four financial lessons every kid should know?
- Prioritize your emergency fund: Do not slack when it comes to putting money away for a rainy day. You never know when the day will come, it’s always best to be prepared.
- Do not neglect yourself: Yes you need to save, but always work in a treat every few months to reward yourself.
- It’s never too early to save for retirement: Seriously, we are getting old and it’s always best to start planning for this earlier on.
- Ask for help: Our own knowledge of finances can only get us so far, reach out to accredited financial advisers to partner with you on your financial journey. Find the perfect adviser who gets you and where you want to go and team up.
Read: How to improve your financial literacy skills
14. If you could do it all over again, would you pursue the same career? Why or why not?
Yes! It is my perfect fit and the skills I have now can easily be transferred to other roles within marketing.
When asked if she sees herself pursuing a different career path, Shandlale confidently asserts that her current role aligns perfectly with her skills and passion. The versatility of her expertise allows for seamless transitions within the broader marketing field, making her feel right at home.
15. Do you think your job will be around in the next ten years or in the future?
Yes, like I said it’s all about relationships and forming genuine connections – this can never be imitated.
Bonus question: How do you feel about black tax?
Ooh, so two-part on this one. On the one hand, I think it makes it difficult to move forward if you must stop and make sure everyone is caught up and have to be responsible for a lot of people. Simply churning out money isn’t the solution.
Read: Navigating financial stress: Protecting your mental health like a pro
On the other hand, I understand giving back and being able to change the situation at home and make things better. I do believe this can be done and managed well, instead of simply giving money maybe you can take up the responsibility of paying someone’s school fees so that what you do is sustainable. Maybe sustainability and your efforts to make a long-lasting change are key to changing the narrative on Black Tax.
In closing
Penelope Shandlale’s journey in public relations stands as a testament to the power of genuine connections and adaptability. Her passion for building strong relationships, combined with her expertise in integrated organizational communication, positions her as a respected figure in the industry. As she continues to grow and explore new avenues within marketing, Penelope’s unwavering commitment to authenticity serves as an inspiration to professionals across various fields.
Connect with Penelope:
Instagram – penelope_shandlale
LinkedIn – Penelope Lungile Shandlale
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