We were lucky to catch up with Antoinette Clay recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Antoinette thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?

There’s nothing worse than knowing you’re good at what you do—but watching someone else take the credit.

A few years back, I worked in an environment where I was always taking on projects and overperforming. I gave great presentations, produced solid work, trained staff, knew my stuff inside and out. And yet, somehow, when it was time for big decisions to be made—I wasn’t in the room.

Someone else was.

And that “someone” wasn’t advocating for me. They were walking into rooms full of decision-makers and either taking credit for my ideas or dismissing my work in ways that made sure I wasn’t seen as valuable. A small tweak here, a reworded statement there, and suddenly, my contributions became their wins, while my name faded into the background. And when the opportunity finally came for me to speak up, I was already discredited before I even opened my mouth.

And the worst part? I believed them.

I kept thinking, Maybe I need to work harder. Maybe I need to be better. Maybe if I just put in more effort, they’ll finally see my value. And they knew that.

The CFO dangled a promotion in front of me like a carrot on a hook. “I’m prepared to make you a manager,” he’d say. “But you have to work harder. Be a team player.”

So, I worked harder. I took on more. I went above and beyond.

And when the time came? I was suddenly ‘underperforming.’

Meanwhile, I watched coworkers who did the bare minimum get praised. People who produced sloppy, subpar work were rewarded with raises and promotions while I was being told I “wasn’t ready.” Eventually, I stopped trying. If they could slack off and be celebrated for it, so could I.

That was the moment I realized the game was rigged. It was never about my performance—it was about keeping me in place.

It took everything in me to finally admit it wasn’t me—it was them. The system was designed to keep me small. And the longer I stayed, the more I started believing their version of me instead of the truth.

So I moved on.

And when I walked into a new job—one that valued my knowledge and my work—something wild happened: they gave me a raise and a five-figure bonus. No games, no politics—just a recognition of the value I was bringing. And you know what? That moment didn’t just change how I saw them. It changed how I saw myself.

Because I had spent so much time trying to prove my worth to people who were invested in ignoring it, I had lost sight of the fact that I was never the problem.

That was the last time I let someone else tell my story.

Now, I teach my clients the lesson it took me far too long to learn: Own the room before you walk in. Position yourself with confidence. Speak like you belong—because you do. Because the truth is, when you show up with authority, people believe it. And when you wait for permission, you might just be waiting forever.

So if they won’t let you in? Build your own damn room. And make sure your name is on the door.

Antoinette, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Allow me to introduce myself the way I wish someone had introduced me years ago: I’m Antoinette Clay, and I help you take control of your visibility and own your space in your industry.

I’ve always been a storyteller. From writing winning essays and interviewing students for the video yearbook to writing pitches and press releases, I seem to be drawn to the power of narrative—how the right words, the right presence, and the right connections can change everything. But my journey into PR didn’t start with a fancy job title or a business plan. It started with a friend in the wrong kind of spotlight.

She had just started dating a guy who had become famous (back when Instagram was new before “viral” was a thing). Paparazzi, interviews, public attention—she wasn’t prepared for any of it. And suddenly, she needed to show up in a way that left the right impression. Without thinking twice, I stepped in. I helped her craft her narrative, navigate the attention, and own the moment instead of being swallowed by it.

That experience opened my eyes to something huge: PR isn’t just for celebrities—it’s for anyone who needs to shape how they’re seen. It’s for business owners tired of being the best-kept secret. It’s for creatives who want their work to stand out. It’s for entrepreneurs who are sick of people second-guessing their authority.

That’s why I started IMURJ PR.

I’m known for making a business on a budget look like a powerhouse brand because you don’t need a million-dollar budget to show up like a top-tier name—you just need strategy. I also help entrepreneurs stop relying on the algorithm and start showing up with intention. Too many businesses think posting daily is enough to get noticed. It’s only a small part of the game. I teach my clients how to build authority and get featured where it actually matters.

If you’re ready to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them, here’s how we can work together:

Make Your Media Wishlist – Think of this as your PR game plan. It’s a step-by-step, month-by-month guide to help you map out your visibility strategy like a pro. You can work through it on your own or book a strategy session with me for hands-on support.

Enroll in the Fulfilled Potential course – If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself, this is for you. This is a hands-on, transformative experience designed to help you ditch imposter syndrome, step into your expertise, and show up with confidence—without feeling like you have to prove yourself. You’re already the real deal—let’s make sure the world sees it.

Join the Brand Amplify Community – Want ongoing PR support that fits your budget and grows with you? This membership is your insider’s pass, giving you monthly access to media opportunities, event alerts, PR tools, and a community that helps you put it all into action. It’s perfect if you’re serious about leveling up and want consistent visibility, strategy, and support.

PR can feel like an insider’s club, but I teach you how to show up with confidence before you ever get the big opportunity. If the moment comes and you’re not ready, you lose. My approach ensures that when your time comes, you own it.

I know what it’s like to be overlooked, so I make sure my clients never feel that way again.

I’m most proud of the transformation I see in my clients. When they go from hiding behind their brand to confidently showing up as the expert they are, that’s everything. I’ve seen business owners go from struggling to get clients to becoming sought-after voices in their industries. I’ve seen creatives finally get the recognition they deserve. And I’ve watched entrepreneurs stop second-guessing themselves and start owning their space.

IMURJ PR is for the overlooked, the underestimated, and the business owners who are done waiting for their moment.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

When it comes to PR, there’s no ‘one and done’ thing—it’s an ongoing strategy. It’s not in me to just hand clients a plan and disappear. DIY is only as great as the Y. I stay in the trenches with my clients, making sure that the plan moves forward despite limitations and setbacks.

I start with the S.T.A.R. Blueprint for each client. This isn’t just a report—it’s the foundation of everything. It helps us assess where you are, where you need to be, and exactly how to get you there. Every PR move we make is crafted by data, positioning, and intention.

PR moves fast and isn’t always predictable, so I try to meet at least every two weeks to go over wins, adjust strategies, and make sure the next steps are in place. I also provide a monthly monitoring report. No guessing, no wondering if things are working—you’ll always know exactly where you stand.

Sometimes, an opportunity comes up with a tight deadline, and we need to move—fast. In those cases, a quick text or email is all it takes to make sure my clients don’t miss a chance to shine. When the media is ready, we’re ready.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Sometimes, resilience isn’t about pushing through long-term struggles—it’s about thinking fast, acting decisively, and handling high-stakes situations with zero room for error.

One of my defining moments happened during a high-pressure corporate audit. A group of external auditors had flown in for their annual surveillance, and as they reviewed the company’s documentation, they weren’t happy. A critical error had been uncovered—one that lacked the required evidence to prove compliance.

As frustration mounted, the auditors made it clear: fix this by 3 PM, or risk a manufacturing shutdown and the revocation of key certifications.

The weight of the moment fell on the manager, but there was a problem—they didn’t have the skills to correct the issue. So, instead of solving it themselves, they delegated it to me and one other person.

With the company’s reputation (and a very costly non-conformance) on the line, we had no time to waste. We skipped lunch, dove headfirst into the problem, and worked at lightning speed to analyze the issue, gather the right documentation, and fix the error. By the deadline, we had saved the company from a disaster.

And yet, when the dust settled? The manager took full credit for the win.

But here’s the thing about real work—it doesn’t go unnoticed.

The auditors knew the truth. And before they left, they made sure to personally acknowledge me for the work I had done. That recognition was more than just validation—it became a defining moment in my career. It built my reputation in the industry and reinforced something I carry with me to this day:

Titles don’t define leadership. Action does.

Resilience isn’t just about working hard—it’s about showing up under pressure, taking control when it matters most, and delivering results, even when the credit goes elsewhere. That experience taught me that real value speaks for itself. And whether it’s in PR, business, or life, I’ve learned that the people who truly matter will always see the work you put in.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imurjpr.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imurjpr/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IMURJpr/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/missandi-imurjpr/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IMURJpr