Seventeen years ago, I took a leap of faith.
After ten years working in PR agencies, as well as a couple of wonderful years as a columnist and feature writer with the Sunday Independent, I decided to build something of my own. What began as one person with a laptop, a phone, contacts book and plenty of ambition has grown into a team of 19 incredible people, working with some of the world’s best-known brands alongside many of Ireland’s most inspiring businesses, organisations and charities.
We’ve had the privilege of helping launch products, businesses, shape reputations, navigate crises, drive behaviour change, influence policy, tell extraordinary stories and win awards. But what I’m proudest of isn’t the awards or the client list, it’s the people we’ve worked with, the culture we’ve built, the impact we’ve made, and the opportunities we’ve created, for our team, our clients and our industry.
As Harris PR turns 17, I’ve been reflecting on some of the lessons this journey has taught me. Some came easily. Most didn’t.
- Relationships will always matter more than transactions.
PR is built on trust. Clients stay because they trust your judgement. Journalists answer your calls because you’ve earned credibility. Teams thrive because they know you’ll support them. Technology changes. Relationships endure.
- Reputation is your greatest asset.
Every conversation, every piece of advice, every campaign contributes to your reputation. You spend years building it and moments risking it. Protect it fiercely.
- People always come first.
I’ve learned that when you genuinely invest in your people, they invest in your business. Our greatest achievements have never been about one individual, they’ve always been about a brilliant team working together.
- Youdon’thave to know everything.
In the early days I felt I needed all the answers. Today I’m far more comfortable saying, “Let’s figure it out together.” Great leaders don’t pretend to know everything, they build teams that collectively do.
- Cultureisn’twritten on a wall.
It’s reflected in how you celebrate success, navigate setbacks, support colleagues and make decisions when nobody is watching.
- Growth is exciting, but it changes everything.
Growing from one person to 19 wasn’t simply about winning more business. Every stage demanded different skills, different systems and, sometimes, a different version of me as a leader.
- Every client teaches you something.
Working across automotive, technology, tourism, public sector, not-for-profit and consumer brands has shown me that every organisation has its own challenges, ambitions and stories worth telling. Curiosity is one of the greatest strengths in PR.
- Successisn’tmeasured only by headlines.
Of course we love media coverage. But some of our proudest work has changed perceptions, encouraged inclusion, influenced behaviour or simply helped someone feel heard. Long term impact matters more than short term impressions.
- Diversity makes us better.
One of the achievements I’m proudest of is our work to encourage greater diversity within our industry through our bursary, research, employer toolkit and ongoing advocacy. Different perspectives don’t just create fairer workplaces, they produce better ideas, stronger campaigns and better businesses.
- Awards are wonderful, butthey’renot the destination.
Winning industry recognition, including our recent PRCA Long-Term Campaign award for Ford, is incredibly rewarding because it reflects the dedication of our team. But the real reward is seeing our clients succeed year after year.
- Resilience is a muscle.
There will always be difficult days; economic uncertainty, losses, tight deadlines, unexpected challenges and crisis. Every one of them teaches resilience, and resilience becomes one of your greatest competitive advantages.
- Saying no can be as important as saying yes.
Not every opportunity is the right opportunity. Sometimes protecting your team, your standards and your values means turning work away.
- Communication solves more problems than silence.
Whether with clients, colleagues or partners, honest conversations, even difficult ones, build stronger relationships than avoiding uncomfortable topics.
- Never stop learning.
The communications industry evolves constantly, new platforms emerge, AI changes workflows, audiences shift, but curiosity isn’t optional, it’s essential.
- Give back whenever you can.
Business has given me opportunities I never take for granted. Using those opportunities to support charities through our monthly Harris Helps initiative, champion diversity and help others enter our profession has been one of the most fulfilling parts of the journey.
- Celebrate the milestones.
We often move straight from one goal to the next without pausing. I’ve learned that it’s important to stop occasionally and recognise how far you’ve come together, and to thank the people who helped you get there.
- Success is never a solo achievement.
If there’s one lesson that stands above all the others, it’s this: no one builds a successful business alone. Find the people you trust; you can’t be an expert in every field so find the right people to build and grow with.
I’m grateful to every client who trusts us, every journalist who works with us, every supplier, collaborator and mentor who supports us, and every member of the Harris PR team, past and present, who has contributed to our story.
Seventeen years ago, I couldn’t have imagined where this journey would lead.
Today, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together.
And while it’s nice to reflect on the past, I’m even more excited about what’s next.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of our first 17 years. Here’s to the future, our legacy, our impact and doing work we are proud of.
Sonia Harris Pope, 29th July 2026
