-Thomas Edison
As with many of the outstanding features that have graced the pages of Why Blue Matters, there's something common to all the reasons that allow this platform to be and continue to become what it is. And while preparing you for our current feature is when the observation began to materialize and make the most sense. WBM is without a doubt the "color of choice." Why the "color of choice"? Well that's simple.
Each and everyone whom WBM featured has despite any difficulty or setback has taken steps toward their individual personal goals, dreams, and aspirations to make some type of impact on the world and the world around them. This demands at times an insurmountable amount of courage which isn't always the easiest to exhibit. Wielding courage requires one at times to be creative and transcend traditionalism. However to even begin taking that step, as many of our features have, it all begins with choice.
Ariel Goode of Leira PR and our next WBM Feature is another great model for choice. She despite traveling paths laid down by family members stepped into the blue and decided to be at the forefront of her life's journey while forging a path that has allowed her to create and develop one of the hottest online PR Firms in the country.
So with some time to discuss choice, her role in PR and how her efforts contribute to impacting the lives of others, Ariel Goode share with us a little more about her.
Who is Ariel Goode?
Arie: I am one of the most eclectic people you will ever meet. I love everything, lust nothing and can easily hate it in the next breath. [Laughing] I'm a firm believer life is what you make it and every opportunity no matter how perceived has the potential to be of great benefit.
Where from?
Arie: I'm from Boston, Massachusetts. Roxbury to be exact. I currently reside in viva Las Vegas.
Interest(s)?
Arie: I love anything that can keep my attention. That even goes for people, once I'm bored, you've lost me. Like I mentioned I have eclectic taste so I enjoy everything from museums, ski diving, concerts (best seats are back stage) [laughing] sleeping, traveling, painting, mentoring at risk youth and everything in between.
Explain for those who may not know what you do for clients:
Arie: I make and keep amazing talent relevant (In a nutshell). PR isn't marketing. You can't pay for the exposure a great publicist will get you. I personally help my clients build a solid foundation when it comes to how they are perceived in the media and by the public. Even if it's their "down time", it's important to stay relevant to the people who support them and new fans who discover them everyday. Remember, what's "old" to one is "new" to the other.
Why PR as opposed to anything else?
Arie: Great, question. I've always been told I would make a great lawyer and should follow in my mother's foot steps. Who knows (Kanye shrug). You can live a million life times in one. But for now I'm the CEO of one of the hottest online PR firms.
What do you like most about being involved in PR?
Arie: Knowing that I'm helping someone achieve their dreams. And it's not to bad when I see my words all over the world [laughing]
How long have you been involved?
Arie: Seems like a life time, even though I'm only 26. My company Leira PR has been around for 5yrs.
How did you get involved in the industry?
Arie: It tripped me and I fell in. [Laughing] and it hasn't let me go yet.
How important are relationships and credibility in what you do?
Arie: The entertainment industry, no matter what position you hold is not for the weak in confidence, strength, most important mental stability and relationships. Especially for those of us behind the scenes; everything isn't always glitz and glamour. I spend 98% of my time behind a computer. You have to strive very hard to earn the respect of your peers and MAINTAINE it. But one bit a great advice I received from my mentor "never screw your friends, everyone else just has to keep up."
What inspires and motivates you?
Arie: The infinite possibilities of what's to come next.
Biggest accomplishment?
Arie: It's hard to say because, everyday I accomplish something great. So today I may feel like WOW I just ran a 2,ooo person event. But the next day that natural high is gone and I'm on to the next. [Laughing]
What would you do if you weren't involved with what you're doing currently?
Arie: I don't know, I think that what proves to me I'm doing what I'm suppose to be doing. Cause I don't see a plan B. WAIT! I lied.... My long term goal is to start a non-profit for at risk teen girls. But that's when I'm like 40something [laughing]
Where do you see yourself 5 yrs from now?
Arie: Laying by a pool watching my pool boy clean! [Laughing] J/K. Not sure, but where ever I am hopefully it's happy and healthy. Oh yeah and wealthy cause pool boys need to be paid! Or (small pause) maybe married w/ kids... Which ever comes first!
What's next Arie?
Arie: I would like to venture into on air correspondence. I'm very opinionated and quite a character. I'll just have to work on my lack-of-a -verbal- filter. And learn to control my "blank stares" when someone says stupid crap! [Laughing]
What type of impact would you like to leave with your involvement in PR?
Arie: Personally.... I'm a 26 year old, black or "African American" (for u politically emotional people) woman from the "inner city" with no kids or man drama whom heads an amazing self sustaining company. I want young women to know no matter what career path chosen, every thing u want and more is possible. Exceed the expectations set for you by those around you.
And when it comes to my mark in PR, I'm not sure. I mean, I don't think there's a PR Hall of Fame [laughing] I'm going to keep doing what I do and I'll leave it to my peers current and future to vote me as their queen! Joking.
For anyone looking to break into PR what kind of advice can you offer up:
Arie: Check your emotions and ego at the door. Stay true to your beliefs cause they will be tested. And most important, find out what you're great at. PR is a vast field, find out what niche you work best in and the sky's the limit.
For More On Ariel Goode:
http://www.leira-pr.com/
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1 comments:
Great interview. Nice to see a productive black woman.
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