Employee Case Study

Alyssa’s job title: Vice President

Joined the Touchdown team in: 2018

Office location: UK, Basingstoke, Hampshire

Getting to know Alyssa

I am lucky enough to be celebrating five years at Touchdown PR in March. Prior to that, I spent close to five years at a local Connecticut B2B technology agency that gave me my start and helped build up an incredible knowledge base, particularly in cybersecurity and payments tech. While it was a rewarding kickoff to my career, I was craving adventure, change, and a better work/life balance as I entered my late 20s. I was looking for a midsize agency where your name and your achievements would not get lost in the shuffle – but would still provide a strong network of talented team members to share your day and workload with. If it was in an exciting location, even better!

Why Touchdown PR?

While I was introduced to a variety of B2B tech PR agencies, I felt an instant connection with CEO James Carter and Global EVP Emily Gallagher. As Touchdown was originally founded in the UK, they held hardworking ideals that were balanced out with a healthy outlook on minimizing after-hours emails and work so people could maintain divides between their work and personal lives – something I’d lacked before. I also liked that it was in Austin, which was at the time an up-and-coming city full of people my age and a burgeoning tech hub. The global presence would also allow me to meet people from all over the world and travel. And guess which part of the business they wanted help growing in the U.S.? Cybersecurity – my sweet spot.

While I had interest from other places, I knew this was the right place for me and took the plunge – without even visiting Austin before committing to the big move. Let me tell you, it was the right decision, and I am grateful for everything taking that leap has given me.

At the time, the Touchdown Austin presence was in its early days, and I was thrilled to work hand in hand with Emily and the local team to establish our reputation and grow our revenue in the U.S. I wanted somewhere I could grow alongside the business, and this was the place to do it.

How it all started

I was hired as a senior account supervisor in March 2018. That role entailed day-to-day public relations activity, such as pitching media, developing content, managing social media programs, and securing speaking and awards. However, it also involved the people element and making sure the account teams were clear on their tasks and deliverables, as well as maintaining close relationships with clients. The client piece always came naturally to me, but managing a large team after moving from a small agency was a big adjustment. Luckily, by practicing and taking part in ongoing trainings provided by Touchdown, as well as instruction from Emily, this became more natural as well. Honestly, I’m grateful for even the tough experiences that helped me become a better leader over the years.

Reflections

​Each year at Touchdown has given me new skill sets in the PR and business realms, introduced me to innovative clients who are a blast to work with, and given me lifelong professional relationships and friendships. I’m looking forward to building our U.S. team and expertise – and to the new generation of Touchdown as part of the Ruder Finn family of companies, which will give our clients expanded services, such as video production, DEIB consulting, internal communications and more, while maintaining our boutique agency service. Five years in, and I’m never bored.