Dennis Rutzou

Nicola Rutzou

Kim Larochelle

Gillian Asbury

"It is insight into human nature that is the key to the communicator's skill."
William Bernbach

An original 'mad man', William Bernbach may have been an advertising guru in a bygone era, but the sentiment above still resonates in public relations today. I have always been intrigued by human nature and it seems obvious that in order to communicate effectively you must first understand the nature of your audience. I think my empathy and interest in society combined with my love of writing is what drew me to the wonderful world of PR.

After completing a degree in Media and Cultural Studies at Macquarie University, I tried my hand at event production, then marketing and eventually landed on the PR lily pad where my love for the industry blossomed. I discovered I could use my innate communication skills in a versatile and ever changing context where no two days were the same and I was faced with a new set of challenges and ideas every day.

I then furthered my interest in social media by completing a Social Media Marketing course at the Australian Film Television and Radio School. This instilled in me, an appreciation for the new direction in which public relations is headed and gave me the skills to foster and perpetuate open and honest two sided dialogue around brands, businesses and products. This largely untapped market makes my head spin when I consider all the fantastic and original possibilities out there for the public relations industry and I'm eager to evolve with it.

I have also returned to studying once again, and am completing a post graduate diploma in Policy and Applied Social Research. I guess this will further my "insight into human nature", as Bernbach puts it, but regardless, it certainly adds a whole new element to my communication techniques within the framework of public relations.

In my spare time I do a bit of work for a vintage inspired clothing label, rummage for old books in musty smelling shops, discover new music, discover new restaurants and spend time with my (relatively new) nephew!