PR Interview: Ronke Lawal

This year’s Online Influence Award winner in the PR & Comms category was Ronke Lawal, who impressed the judging panel with her coverage of important issues, even attracting audiences outside the sector.

Ronke shares what fuels her passion for blogging about PR and communications and her plans for continuing the great work in 2021…

How does it feel to win your category this year?
Absolutely over the moon and unexpected as the category was full of some great contenders. It was the much-needed spark I needed to end 2020.

What started your passion for your subject?
Working PR, I realised that often we speak to each other but we don’t engage external audiences. For me, that means consumers (since the majority of my work is lifestyle and consumer PR) so I am passionate about making people understand the impact of PR in their lives and bringing it to life for wider audiences.

How has the pandemic impacted your work?
I’ve had an increase in work so I have been blessed this year.

What do you love most about blogging?
Not being restricted by any specific guidelines; it’s my blog so I can write what I want, when I want.

How do you like to work with brands and PRs?
Because I am in the industry, I pretty much like working with creative brands. I get sent gifts once in a while based on what a brand has observed me enjoying from my social media activity. I’m happy to share them on my social media, as long as I don’t get pressured.

What plans do you have for 2021?
Rest – I need a break. To continue working at this pace in a pandemic is not something I am advocating for. I’ll definitely take more breaks, even if they’re all at home.

How do you collaborate with brands and which kind of brands do you really like working with?
I’ve done some podcast guestings and panel hosting, which I enjoy – it would be great to do more of this.

For fellow PRs looking to work with you, how would you prefer they approach you and with what kind of content?
They have to spend time following me on social media and reading my blog to get to know my style.

Which other influencers/podcasters do you follow/enjoy?
The people I follow on Twitter are my favourite “influencers” – they amplify utterly fascinating perspectives.

Which other media do you always make time for?
Netflix!!!! Netflix and Netflix. I read a good range of online publications, too.