Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Lilliston.
Hi Julie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got started working in public relations and marketing communications through the nonprofit side. After graduating college in Ohio where I grew up, I was accepted into a full-time volunteer program called US-2 through the United Methodist Church. My placement was Scarritt-Bennett Center in Nashville and they just had become a conference and retreat center. I learned the basics of PR, media relations and event promotion to educate the community about programs being offered and Scarritt. I enjoyed the collaboration across departments and external relations to build a brand. The organization was rooted in social justice with leadership from the Women’s Division and part of the General Board of Global Ministries at the time. I had an opportunity to learn from others and be exposed to women leaders such as Sue C. Johnson while hosting guests to the center from all over the world.
I then went on to serve in Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) that became AmeriCorps and my placement was Bethlehem Centers of Nashville, a community center in North Nashville. We served everyone from preschool to seniors in the community with dozens of programs including Hot Lunch, Toys for Tots, after school and mentoring programs for youth. I learned more about marketing and development also doing grant writing and fundraising working with incredible leaders such as Joyce Searcy, Rhonda Dunn and Rita Grant. I’m so grateful to have learned from them and we had a lot of fun too.
I also spent time at the Nashville Chamber of Commerce when we had the referendum to get our national league football expansion team from the Houston Oilers. It was an exciting time in the city and we conducted more than 300 events a year supporting business growth in the city, building Bridgestone Arena, welcoming Dell and supporting arts and entertainment.
Eventually, we relocated to Austin, Texas, and I worked in insurance then joined a global public relations firm, Weber Shandwick, where I spent the bulk of my career in the tech practice group. I had clients on both coasts in software, hardware and telecom. I transferred up to Chicago so we could be closer to our families in the Midwest and worked in the corporate affairs group. I had an opportunity to lead a team to support a top five account for the agency on behalf of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks called GoDirect. We had a fabulous time on that account driving an awareness campaign to convert social security recipients to get direct deposit. It won a PRSA Silver Anvil and PRWeek award for best research and measurement campaign.
We decided to move back to Nashville and I joined a healthcare agency and spent time at a few tech startups. After a layoff, I started my firm Julie Lilliston Communications, a fully remote agency specializing in business to business strategic communications for small businesses, professional services, technology, healthcare and manufacturing. We also support nonprofits across the Southeast with media relations, thought leadership, speaking engagements and awards programs. I’m certified through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and serve on the Forum Leadership Team. It’s been an instrumental organization to help me grow my business, gain referrals and expand my network.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve had many struggles and ups and downs especially as a small business owner. I think the biggest obstacle that I overcame was limiting self beliefs that kept me playing small. I had to learn that failure or making mistakes is just learning–that’s it. It helps to put things into perspective. Things don’t always work out and that’s ok. I believe there could be a reason for that or even be a blessing in disguise if something doesn’t come through that you were counting on.
I continue to do a lot of work on my mindset and giving myself and others grace. Most of us are doing our best and may not hit the mark everyday. I really value rest and learning to say “no” has been a lifelong battle but I’m getting better at it. For me, it comes down to really valuing myself, my time and talents. If I approach something new and ask “what is my intention?” then it helps my decision-making process. Without a clear understanding of who you are, your goals or intentions it’s easy to get lost along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m most known for storytelling and helping my clients shine as a thought leader to reach audiences that are important to them. I personally love working behind the scenes, setting the intentions and planting the seeds of ideas and strategies to raise the visibility of entrepreneurs, companies and organizations. A home run isn’t always about getting the cover story, national media coverage or high profile awards for clients. It could also mean helping a client get to the next level in their business growth so they can hire, scale or launch new products or better serve the community.
I form strong relationships with my clients and serve as a partner to help facilitate their business growth. That’s when I do my best work. Creative collaboration is key and I thrive in it. If a client doesn’t prioritize PR or see the need in it–they’re not the right client for me. This type of work takes time to do it right and doesn’t operate in a silo. If you’re ready to put in the work it takes to get great results then we’ll be on the same page and have more opportunities.
I’m most proud of being part of dynamic networks of women business owners including WBENC, NAWBO, Enterprising Women and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. I’m also an alumni of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and that is another national network that I can tap for referrals, collaboration opportunities and educational resources. I believe you have to be a lifelong learner to remain competitive and it also keeps my ideas and approaches fresh.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as being a good person who shows compassion for themselves and others. I’m motivated by doing meaningful work that gives me a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. Solving problems, filling a gap in the community, broadening access and leveling the playing field are challenges that I find exciting in business,. Creating something new is a blast and sets my brain on fire in a good way!
I’m focusing more than ever at this stage in my life and business on prioritizing my health, valuing rest and building my resilience both physically and mentally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.julielilliston.com/
- Instagram: @julielilliston
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lilliston-743a157/
