Host: Carrie Tuttle
Guest: Shauna MacDonald

This episode of Suits & Sneakers pulls back the curtain on the PR world with Shauna MacDonald, the powerhouse founder and principal of Brookline Public Relations. Their client roster spans major brands, hotels, and community organizations like the Edmonton Oilers Ice District, The Brick, Sobey’s Inc. and Calgary Public Library.

Shauna nurtures talent, builds culture and leads with both heart and backbone. You’ll hear how her leadership philosophy is rooted in empowerment and clarity—she’s direct, but always gives her team plenty of rope to grow. She explains why being “all in” is the only way to make it as an entrepreneurial leader.

Shauna talks about the importance of over-communicating with intention, and why authenticity and respect are the secret sauce for both brands and leaders. She shares her take on personal branding, and the risks of leader-as-brand (hello, Elon Musk).

Whether you’re a new leader or just someone who loves a good story about grit and growth, you’ll leave this episode inspired to own your journey—and maybe even take a few risks of your own.

QUOTE-WORTHY MOMENTS:

• “Whether you win or lose, you need to own it no matter what.”
• “Even if you feel that you've given the rationale of this is why we're doing it, there still might be some people that just don't understand it. And you have to be okay with that.”
• “I will look for someone and I will hire someone that's passionate and eager versus someone who knows exactly what to do… but also willing to accept the consequences if it's not done right and learn from that.”

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Brookline PR offers a full range of services, from crisismanagement to media relations.
• Leadership involves making tough decisions and listening to different perspectives.
• Mentorship is crucial for developing new talent
• Leaders can’t over-communicate when setting expectations
• Clear communication of expectations is essential for effective leadership.
• Brand communication should tell a compelling story and connect with audiences.
• Motivating teams requires understanding individual needs and celebrating successes.
• Authenticity in communication builds trust and respect in leadership.
• Leaders should embrace change and be adaptable.
• Entrepreneurs must be all-in and ready for continuous engagement.

LINKS FROM EPISODE:Learn more about Brookline Public Relations @ Website: https://www.brooklinepr.com/

Shauna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunamacdonald/

Brookline on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/brookline-public-relations-inc./

Shauna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaunabpr/

Brookline on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/brookline_pr/

Beyond PR podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rexC3J2jkd4LJEA4p1LTF?si=c5c37e453b4e42a7 

Resources mentioned:

Book: “Good to Great” by Jim Collins - https://amzn.to/4l38lQp

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