“The opportunity to amplify voices and contribute to success is immensely rewarding.” Meet Courtney Duke, NYC Powerhouse Publicist Redefining Success

Introducing the unstoppable force behind some of the most influential brand campaigns in the Big Apple - Courtney Duke! As a trailblazing New York City-based publicist, Courtney has forged a reputation for herself as a master collaborator, weaving her magic with renowned brands spanning the realms of fashion, beauty, tech, wellness, and lifestyle. With a dazzling career adorned with accolades, Courtney's expertise in amplifying brand awareness, shaping powerful reputations, and captivating public opinion is unparalleled. Having earned her stripes working alongside top-tier PR agencies acclaimed by Forbes , The PRNet , and The Observer , Courtney currently reigns as a powerhouse at the forefront of the industry's leading agency, Small Girls PR . Among her impressive roster of clients, she has gracefully navigated the world of Canada Goose , Bally , Neiman Marcus Group , IKEA , Dotdash , The IRONMAN Group , and Gymshark , leaving an indelible mark on their success stories. Her influence transcends the boardroom, with her work making waves in the pages of prestigious publications like Vogue , Inc. Magazine , Rolling Stone , Marie Claire , Harper's Bazaar , and beyond. Brace yourself for Courtney Duke - the driving force behind unforgettable campaigns and the true embodiment of public relations excellence!

Miss EmpowHer: What does women's empowerment mean to you? Why is it important?

Courtney Duke: Women's empowerment is incredibly meaningful. It is about empowering women to have the opportunity and courage to shape their own lives while enjoying the same rights and opportunities as men. I am deeply passionate about helping women pursue fulfilling careers and educational paths, as these help pave the way for financial independence, emotional well-being, and personal growth. Witnessing women thrive and break barriers fills me with immense joy and inspires me to continue advocating for their empowerment.

Miss EmpowHer: What advice would you give to other women looking to succeed in your industry? What qualities are the most important and what skills should they focus on developing?

Courtney Duke: As a woman on a journey to succeed in communications/public relations, I offer this personal advice based on my own experiences:

1. Focus on cultivating strong communication skills, both written and verbal. These skills are vital for building meaningful relationships, crafting compelling narratives for brands, and establishing credibility with clients and journalists alike. Effective communication will enhance your storytelling abilities and help you forge lasting connections.

2. Learn to adapt to a constantly changing industry. Stay informed about the latest trends, technological advancements, and shifts in the media landscape. Commit to continuous learning, ensuring you are up to date and ready to apply new knowledge to your work.

3. Embrace your creativity as a powerful asset. By bringing fresh ideas to the table, you can develop unique campaigns, innovative storytelling techniques, and engaging content that captivates audiences. Leaning into your creativity will help you stand out and achieve impactful results.

4. Cultivate resilience and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges that arise. The fast-paced nature of the industry, combined with its inherent challenges, requires a resilient mindset. By staying determined and focused on finding solutions, you can navigate crises and obstacles with grace and confidence.

Miss EmpowHer: Tell us about a woman who has influenced your career and how their guidance has impacted your professional growth.

Courtney Duke: So hard to name just one! I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have worked with a number of talented women in the PR/media industry. Their guidance and unwavering support have played a pivotal role in shaping my professional journey. I want to express my appreciation to Nancy V. , Principal and PR & Marketing Director at White Book Agency , Tianna Robinson , Founder & CEO at Intertwined Agency , and Kate Babb Shone , Vice President of Communications and Community Engagement at Kering .

These women have not only served as my role models but have also imparted valuable lessons on how to navigate the PR industry. Their guidance taught me how to push myself creatively, advance in my career, differentiate myself from peers, maintain a growth mindset, and show up authentically in every space I'm in. Their wisdom and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping my professional growth and I am truly grateful for their influence.

Miss EmpowHer: How do you handle work-related stress and pressure, and what techniques or practices do you use to maintain your well-being while pursuing a successful career?

Courtney Duke: Managing work-related stress and pressure while maintaining my well-being is crucial to me. When I find myself overwhelmed, I rely on a mantra that has become my anchor: "It's PR, not ER." This reminder allows me to take a step back, take deep breaths, and reassess my priorities. By putting things into perspective, I am able to approach challenges with a calmer mindset and show up to the best of my ability in any given situation.  In addition to this mantra, I have found meditation to be immensely helpful in managing stress. Taking moments to practice mindfulness and meditation allows me to realign with the present moment, find inner peace, and ground myself. This helps me maintain a sense of balance and clarity, even during the more demanding periods of my career. I additionally prioritize self-care practices to nurture my well-being; this includes engaging in activities I enjoy outside of work, such as exercising, spending time in nature, reading, and connecting with loved ones. Lastly, setting boundaries and carving out time for myself allows me to recharge and avoid burnout.

Miss EmpowHer: Can you share any lessons or insights you have gained from failures or setbacks in your career, and how you have turned them into opportunities for growth and learning?

Courtney Duke: Embarking on my career journey amidst the pandemic posed significant challenges, especially in adapting to industry demands and navigating a complex media landscape. However, these initial struggles taught me the valuable lesson of embracing the mindset to "fail fast and fail often." Each setback became an opportunity for growth and learning from my mistakes. I realized that resilience is essential for pushing through and achieving breakthroughs in my career. I constantly reminded myself that every failure was a stepping stone toward success. The key is to keep going, persevering, and striving to deliver the best work I am capable of.

Miss EmpowHer: Can you share any strategies or tips for building a successful network and fostering meaningful professional relationships that have helped you in your career?

Courtney Duke: One strategy that has been invaluable for building a successful network and fostering meaningful professional relationships is being genuinely curious and interested in others. Taking the time to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and understand their perspectives has allowed me to establish authentic connections. Additionally, actively participating in industry events, conferences, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities have helped me expand my network and forge valuable relationships. My aim is to always nurture those relationships through consistent communication and offer support whenever possible to help everyone advance in their careers/journeys.

Miss EmpowHer: What strategies or tactics do you use for setting and achieving your career goals, and how do you stay motivated and focused on your objectives?

Courtney Duke: Every year, I make it a point to reflect on my achievements, setbacks, and progress toward the goals I set. I discovered a helpful template in Notion that I use to journal my thoughts, align with my values, and set intentions across both personal and professional aspects of my life. Once I establish my broader goals, I break them down into actionable steps and set realistic timelines for each month. To stay accountable, I schedule monthly check-ins to track my progress toward those goals. This process has been instrumental in keeping me focused and motivated throughout the year.

Miss EmpowHer: What motivated you to choose your current career field, and what do you find most fulfilling about your work?

Courtney Duke: From a young age, I've been captivated by the art of storytelling through writing. Public relations offered me a powerful platform to not only make an impact but also shape culture through the brands I represent. What truly fulfills me is the ability to inspire and guide brands to invest in and uplift communities, artists, designers, influencers, and other change-makers who are making a positive difference in the world. The opportunity to amplify their voices and contribute to their success is immensely rewarding and fuels my passion for this work.

Miss EmpowHer: Can you discuss any specific trends or changes in your industry that you see impacting careers, and how you are preparing to adapt to these changes?

Courtney Duke: The biggest trends that I have seen this year revolve around AI and the increasing presence of social media. AI is transforming the way PR professionals communicate and conduct research to help inform their campaigns. Personally, I have been investing time in learning about AI applications in PR and staying updated on the latest tools and technologies to keep myself informed and adaptable. Additionally, social media platforms are continuing to dominate communication channels. To adapt to these changes, I like to stay up to date on the latest social media trends, algorithms, and content creators who are increasingly relevant to my clients.

Miss EmpowHer: What advice do you have for individuals who are starting their careers or looking to make a career change, based on your own experiences and lessons learned?

Courtney Duke: Based on my personal experiences and lessons learned, my advice for individuals starting their careers or considering a career change is to follow your passion, work hard, be persistent, and never stop pursuing your dreams. Passion is the fuel that ignites your drive and propels you forward. Find what truly excites and inspires you, and let that guide your career choices. Combine your passion with hard work, as success often comes from putting in the effort and going the extra mile. Be persistent, especially in the face of challenges or setbacks, as they are inevitable on the path to success. Stay focused on your goals, adapt when necessary, and keep pushing forward. Above all, never give up on your dreams. Trust in your abilities, believe in yourself, and have the courage to take risks. Embrace the journey, learn from failures, and continue growing and evolving. Remember that success is a process, and by staying true to yourself and your dreams, you can achieve fulfillment and create a career that brings you joy!

Miss EmpowHer: How do you approach professional development and continuous learning to enhance your skills and stay relevant in your industry? 

Courtney Duke: In my approach to professional development and continuous learning, I place a strong emphasis on mentorship and networking. Building connections with experienced professionals in my industry has been instrumental in guiding my growth and providing valuable insights. Additionally, I stay actively engaged with industry trends by immersing myself in podcasts, reading industry news, and following relevant content on social media. This combination of personal mentorship, networking, and staying informed empowers me to enhance my skills and ensure that I remain up to date on all things related to my field.

Miss EmpowHer: Can you discuss any significant achievements or accomplishments in your career that you are particularly proud of and what you learned from those experiences?

Courtney Duke: On the client work front, I've secured esteemed media placements and prestigious awards for the clients I represent. Their names have graced the coveted pages of renowned outlets like Vogue Business, Business Insider, Men's Health, Good Housekeeping, and numerous others, fulfilling their aspirations of visibility in these dream publications. Among my proudest achievements are the thought leadership opportunities I have orchestrated, enabling executives and brands to share their awe-inspiring journeys to success and highlight the remarkable positive contributions their companies make to the world. Witnessing the wide reach and impact of my work brings immense gratification. My ultimate aspiration is that these captivating stories will serve as catalysts, empowering and inspiring others to reach their full potential and make a meaningful difference in their own spheres.

Miss EmpowHer: Are there any specific books, podcasts, email newsletters, thought leaders/influencers, or training courses/programs that you would recommend for personal or professional growth?

Courtney Duke: Absolutely! Some of my favorite podcasts, books, programs, and networking conferences for personal and professional are—

Podcasts:

1. Business of Fashion Podcast

2. Jay Shetty Podcast

3. The Balanced Black Girl Books:

a. Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab

b. Atomic Habits by James Clear

c. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Programs/Networking Conferences:

1. Black in Corporate Mentorship Program

2. CultureCon

3. Industry Link NYC

Miss EmpowHer: How do you balance your career ambitions with other aspects of your life, such as family, hobbies, and personal well-being?

Courtney Duke: To balance my career ambitions and personal life, I prioritize quality time with family and friends while pursuing my passions and hobbies. Music has always held a special place in my heart, and I've recently begun DJing and sewing as a way to express myself creatively.

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