PR Strategies for Women-Led Brands - Laura Henson - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode # 035
Get an inside look at what it really takes to build an authentic, purpose-driven PR and branding agency in this episode of Marketing Agency Power Hour with Laura Henson, Founder and CEO of HVM Communications. From her beginnings in luxury fashion to leading a values-based communications firm, Laura shares how narrowing her focus to women-led and mission-driven organizations became a catalyst for growth, not a limitation.
Laura breaks down what modern PR actually requires today: intentional audience targeting, human-first storytelling in an AI-driven world, and the courage to align business practices with personal values. This conversation dives into the realities of agency ownership, from financial growing pains to preserving culture at scale, and why purpose and profitability can, and should, coexist.
Takeaways
- Be intentional with audience targeting. Effective PR isn’t about mass pitching, it’s about reaching the right audience and media outlets that drive real business impact.
- Use AI as a tool, not a replacement. AI can improve efficiency, but authentic, human-driven messaging is what earns trust from editors and audiences.
- Specialization fuels growth. Focusing on women-led, purpose-driven organizations led to stronger relationships, more referrals, and clearer positioning.
- Align values with action. Authenticity matters more than ever, leaders must consistently “walk the walk” to build credibility and trust.
- Delegate outside your strengths. Outsourcing financial management allows creative leaders to avoid costly mistakes and stay focused on what they do best.
Connect with Laura:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahensonhvm/
- HCM Communication’s Website: https://www.hvmcommunications.com/
- How Women Lead Website: https://www.howwomenlead.com/
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