'Best PR career advice? Question everything and stay curious'

Name: Taazima Kala-Essack
Job title and company: General manager and chief consultant, Hotwire
Location: Botswana
Time in PR: 13.5 years

What does your current role involve? I lead the PR consultancy from a technical and management perspective, supporting our clients to develop, maintain and build mutually beneficial relationships, growing and scaling our business and deepening our impact.

What do you love most about working in public relations? What I love most about working in PR is the dynamic nature of the field. It allows me to craft compelling stories, build meaningful relationships, and strategically navigate stakeholder landscapes to enhance relationships and reputations. It keeps me engaged and passionate about creating impactful communication strategies.

What's been the highlight of your career so far? Working on two national IPOs, significant national behavioural education campaigns (one of which was a CIPR Excellence Awards finalist) and growing within the CIPR International community.

How long have you been a member and what made you join? Since May 2014. I was always intrigued by the CIPR when I lived in the UK just across from the CIPR headquarters. Once I started working in the field, I noted how many people I admire and respect are part of the CIPR; I reached out to them for insight and then joined. Best decision!

How does the CIPR support your career? A combination of resources, access and network, in terms of being a member of the CIPR community, and especially in being part of the International group. There are always people, resources and platforms to support and help me learn and grow.

Best piece of career advice you’ve been given? Question everything and stay curious. Remember your WHY. 

Discover more about membership of the CIPR and how you can join the world's only chartered body for public relations professionals.