Meet Georgette Pascale, Founder and CEO of Pascale, an award-winning, modern, international healthcare communications company, promoter of women in the healthcare industry, she and her agency have won many awards as Entrepreneur 360 Award, 9 Under the Radar Healthcare Agencies to Watch, Healthcare Agency of the Year, Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies in America among others.
Who is Georgette? Define yourself
A highly motivated entrepreneur and philanthropist with varied public relations & digital communications experience across many areas, with healthcare being my current love. I thrive on networking, mentoring, new business initiatives and partnerships, strategic thinking, crisis management and supporting the amazing Pascale team.
How were you as a kid?
I was a happy kid. I smiled all the time, had lots of energy, and always had big goals.
You have a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communications, Design at Fashion Institute of Technology, why did you chose that course of study? Tell us a little bit about your professional career before Pascale communications?
I chose FIT because I had always had an interest in fashion, but I quickly realized my true passion was the business side of things. I pivoted from fashion to Marketing and Communications. I saw the opportunity to bring creativity into the business world. I interned at a PR firm, and fell in love with connecting people. Before Pascale, I had experience in a few other industries-- PR/marketing high fashion, tech, music, and eventually landing on healthcare.
“Success is all about the team I’ve built, not me. At Pascale, everyone brings what they excel at to the table, and collaborate to come to the best final product”
You founded Pascale, a virtual healthcare communications agency 15 years ago, when the idea of having a virtual company was unthinkable, where this idea came from? What have the results been?
From my experience in the industry, I realized that things could be done differently. Virtual was far more cost and time effective than the typical 9-5 office job.
You are a very busy woman and still, you have time for helping different non-profit
Organizations, for example Ophthalmic World Leaders (OWL) which is dedicated to Advancing Diversity in Leadership. You were the past president and current board member, you assist with educational programs that demand female involvement and leadership, what motives you?
The people I meet, work with, and learn from are what motivates me most, professionally and personally. I love OWL because it’s such a diverse board. I’m surrounded by people with completely different outlooks and ideas. I’m able to learn from them and their approach to business, and I bring a different perspective for them, too. I have the same feeling about my other passion, boxing. With boxing I also network, meet new people, and share experiences that motivate me.
You are a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist and also you were a speaker at the Vanguard Forum for Healthcare Leadership, Reputation Summit among others, you and your agency have won many awards as Entrepreneur 360 Award, 9 Under the Radar Healthcare Agencies to Watch, Healthcare Agency of the Year, Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies in America, Business Intelligence PR & Marketing Excellence Award, Healthcare Agency of the Year, Women Professionals of the Year, what´s the recipe for your success?
Success is all about the team I’ve built, not me. At Pascale, everyone brings what they excel at to the table, and collaborate to come to the best final product. After all, the best work is always holistic. Keeping a motivated, collaborative team is really the secret sauce.
What does a normal workday look like for you?
My day is definitely not the banker’s 9-5. Everyday is different, and that’s what I love about what I do. It keeps me on my toes and excites me for what’s to come. I like to do what everyone else on my team does in my day to day. For example, I always book my own travel. This allows me to lead by example, eliminate titles, and stay passionate.
What do you love most about your job? & what is the most difficult part?
My passion is connecting people. However, that comes with the challenge of managing different people and their personalities.
“My strategy is being vocal and honest. I think my transparency has gone a long way-- I speak what's on my mind and don’t constantly compare myself to men”
What situation marked your life in a way that prompted you to be who you are today?
I am who I am today because of the experiences I’ve had and the people who have surrounded me-- my tribe. I constantly have goals for myself and always adjust them to the situation. I firmly believe that life’s biggest lessons are from the times in which you expect one thing to happen, and get something completely different. I’ve learned that everything that happens, good or bad, opens a door for the next opportunity.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
It’s really the little things in life I love the most: hanging with my kids, playing with my dog, and being outside-- especially on the beach.
Many authors say women can and must strive to have everything – a shining career, blossoming family life and a perfectly balanced lifestyle all at once, others point out that– then women are placing unrealistic expectations on themselves if they believe they can have it all, you are divorced and you have 2 kids, so according to your experience, what do you think about these statements?
I don’t believe in the word balance. Life is what you make of it. Do what you want to do-- it’s that simple! Nail down what motivates you, what makes you happy, and what you can do to achieve that. Personally, I know that I thrive off of hustling and don’t do well being stagnant, so I keep myself busy. Kids should be the easy part of life, learn from them and make it fun!
How´s Georgette as a mom?
Hard working and fun. I have always treated my kids like people. I am honest, and to be transparent, not all that strict. I’ve found that I have a healthy, open, and honest relationship with my kids because of it.
“Listen. Listen to the news cycle, listen to your clients and their goals. Combine all of that, analyze what is possible, and make a clear target. Don’t just take what the client wants at face value, go that extra mile.”
What are your plans for the future?
I am a big goal setter. I have a million goals right now, but they change all of the time. Sometimes you just have to go with what life throws at you and pivot a bit. But hey-- that’s what keeps things interesting! Right now, I’m just following what makes me happy.
There is still the glass ceiling for women in the world: Fewer opportunities, jobs underpaid just for that fact of being a woman, etc. Have you experimented with the glass ceiling? if yes, what are the biggest challenges you have faced and how have you overcome them?
My strategy is being vocal and honest. I think my transparency has gone a long way-- I speak what's on my mind and don’t constantly compare myself to men. I’m thankful for some of the great men I have worked with in the industry, who have supported me and my career.
What tips, can you give to young girls who want to become a business woman in PR like you?
Reach out to women who you aspire to be like. If someone says no, reach out to someone else. Take action, don’t just sit and wait for it to happen. Be aggressive and bold.
What are the do and don'ts in Public Relations?
Listen. Listen to the news cycle, listen to your clients and their goals. Combine all of that, analyze what is possible, and make a clear target. Don’t just take what the client wants at face value, go that extra mile. Also, keep it simple. Businesses are taking the simple route during COVID-- do what you have to do. Targeted, straightforward content makes the biggest impact.
“Be kind-- the world needs more of that. Sounds silly, but it’s true. Everyone needs some extra kindness in their lives”.
I think in your position, many people may have the wrong idea of who you are, and what do you (professionally), with this idea in mind, what is being Georgette, and what´s not?
Because of my high energy level, people might think that I have a crazy lifestyle, but I am actually really disciplined and structured with my schedule. I always go to bed early and wake up early. I love having a lot on my plate, but I am always sure to get a good night's sleep. Sometimes people can mistake my honesty as well. I don’t just tell people what they want to hear, I always try to be realistic and speak with candor. People appreciate this because they can count on me to do what I say I am going to do.
Who is the woman you admire the most and why?
My two girls. They are my inspiration. They’re both so different, and each teach me something new on the regular. They have always been so strong, and have grown to be cool, authentic young women. They make me want to be a better person.
Something else do you want to add or share with us?
Be kind-- the world needs more of that. Sounds silly, but it’s true. Everyone needs some extra kindness in their lives.
Name: Georgette Pascale
Sector: Public Relations
Company: Pascale, Healthcare Communications Agency
Designation: Founder + CEO
Country: USA
Social media:
https://www.facebook.com/pascalecommunications
https://twitter.com/PascaleCom
https://www.instagram.com/Pascalecom/
@Pascalecom / @pascalecommunications / communications / Georgette Pascale / healthcare / Pascale / promotor