PRSA Dallas Highlights Michael Gutierrez, APR
Posted by admin on Apr. 18, 2024 / Subscribe 0
Who is Michael Gutierrez, APR?
Michael Gutierrez, APR, is a Director in the Brunswick Dallas Office, having recently joined the firm (2024), he leads issues/crisis management and public affairs for a Fortune 20 telecommunications company. Michael’s focus areas include guiding controversial companies through high-stakes, high-pressure, high-scrutiny media, government relations and public affairs challenges across sectors. Prior to joining Brunswick Michael accumulated 21 years of in-house corporate experience and has a deep familiarity navigating comms issues; in fact, he is at his best when organizing teams in response to high-volume press environments.
Why now? What inspired Michael to make it happen?
Michael’s answer to this question may surprise you! His decision to pursue the APR credentials “really goes back to this desire to do everything I can to proactively put obstacles in my path,” Michael shared with me. Upon first glance, that might seem counterintuitive since most of us are working to avoid obstacles, but the challenge of the “obstacle” is what pushes us to the next level, and Michael has discovered that secret. That philosophy has paid off for Michael who has certainly achieved many successes in the field of Public Relations.
Were there surprises along the way?
Michael articulated that the process of obtaining the APR credentials was straight-forward, especially if approached with a “student mindset” which is an approach he strives to use across the board, whether studying for the APR or jumping into a new crisis management project or a new industry. “When you overcome an obstacle that requires you to jump into a learning environment, even though you’ve been practicing the craft for a while, overcoming it gives you confidence and empowers you for the next opportunity.”
What advice does Michael have for anyone in the process or considering it?
A learning mindset is essential along with one four-letter word: read. There is no way around reading the books, Michael articulated. There is not a “five-step process” or a magic shortcut. You wouldn’t want to skip anything along the way because the real “magic” here is in the process and the learning that comes with it. Michael would encourage anyone in the process by adding if you read the books and follow the plan, you’ll find success.
Are there pitfalls to avoid during this process?
For anyone who has been practicing the craft for a while, there may be a temptation to think “I already know _____.” And that is a very human thing to do, as Michael phrased it, but the process and learning new things does require some humility. Both in the APR process and in work and life in general, when we adopt the mindset of “maybe I don’t know everything”, we prepare ourselves for growth and we get better. When we are in this mindset, shared Michael, we will be able to stay hungry, humble, and relevant.
What would Michael say to someone who is “on the fence” in their pursuit of the APR credentials?
Go for it! Michael shared with me that the typical concerns, such as available time, will always be there. We are all busy people and especially in our profession. But the process to get to those three letters is worth it. The journey and the learning that goes with it will truly set you apart in terms of how you show up professionally. Michael did this because, at the end of the day, it helps you become the best version of yourself personally and professionally.
What’s next?
Michael has accumulated experience in every area of public relations and now has experience both in-house and with a leading PR firm. He has successfully navigated across a wide variety of industries, is bilingual, and has obtained his APR credentials. With so many accomplishments accumulated in the field, some might think it’s time to coast for a while, but that’s not Michael Gutierrez. His philosophy is that comfort leads to complacency, which is something he strives to avoid. So, what’s next for Michael? He would like to support an IPO and hone his skills to mentor the future crop of comms professionals. In my opinion, as evidenced by this article, he is well on his way to the latter.
To learn more about the APR process and professional growth:
Check out the April edition of PRSAs Strategies & Tactics by following this link: Professional Growth | April 2024 | PRSA.
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