Felipe del Pozo is a PR person in the pure sense of the term, one who develops projects, builds public images and careers, does networking and looks out for new trends. What advice does he have for other young professionals looking to make it in the field? Find out in today’s YPDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
My job resumes itself in a few words: you got to be real. My job consists of doing a lot of sales pitches and cold calls but human relations are the most important in public relations. No matter what my mandate is, I stay the same. To be successful in PR, you need to be a team player, respect the people around you, and mostly, be straightforward.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
When I was a young kid, I used to read everything I could find about the famous Colonel Tom Parker (Elvis Presley), Brian Epstein (The Beatles) and Doc McGhee (Motley Crue, Kiss, Bon Jovi). Those guys were pioneers ; they were more than just music managers. They were producers and PR all at the same time. They were my inspirations. I liked to know what happened backstage in the show business. That’s why I decided to get involved in PR when I was 18 years old. I started as the assistant of Marie Barcelo at Traffic Records (Nicolas Sirkis, lead singer of Indochine; Daniel Lavoie). I’m pretty pleased about my background; I always followed my instincts and tried to make a positive impact!
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
My biggest challenge is to make things happen with my own style and soul even if it seems impossible. And having the trust of my superiors and peers. We work behind the scenes, in the shadows, behind the producers and artists. You have to accept your role and understand where you are needed.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
On the personal side: as happy as I am now or more, if that’s possible. Married to my fiancé Geneviève, the one I feel at peace with and with whom I’m able to grow more as a human being. We form a dream team, and very soon our first child, a little girl, is expected in the springtime! On a professional side: always being ready to take over new challenges and always staying cool.
What does success look like to you?
Success looks like freedom. Being free gives me the opportunity to give my own opinion, to be heard, and to be able make my own choices. That’s why we must learn to never give up.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
There is more than just one. Doing the press relations for the movie The Old Man and the Sea, winner of 1999’s Oscar for Best Animated Short Subject. It was amazing to be able to do the pitches with Variety Magazine! Starting the career of singer Jonas (Jonas & the Massive Attraction); it was the school of rock. He’s a great performer and a real rock star. Last but not least, to have been able to collaborate for the 35th anniversary of Amnesty International Canada (francophone section) will always be a great memory. We re-recorded Give Peace a Chance in the mythical room where John Lennon and Yoko Ono stayed at the Queen Elizabeth hotel.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Enjoy every moment, don’t believe all is permitted and is acquired. You always want to leave a good impression, therefore you shouldn’t disrespect anyone on the way. One last piece of advice: always protect your back in the communications field. There are too many sharks around!
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I encourage Vision Inter-Cultures that help the youth who come from cultural communities in Longueuil. I am very proud to have produced a big benefit show to help the victims of the earthquake in Chile. It was in Febuary 2010, many stars from Quebec accepted the invitation to come perform voluntarily. I also organized the event celebrating the 40th anniversary of Amnesty International Canada (francophone section).
What to you is notable?
Someone who has his own personality, attitude and swag! Everybody must learn to be unique and to claim their own perspective.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Because I’m old school and faithful: BlackBerry!
