Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Allison Rush. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Allison, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?
As I look back on the last 16 years I have been working in the marketing field, I am extremely grateful for starting my career at the William Morris Agency in 2006. The company’s rich history began in 1898 and Charlie Chaplin was one of the agency’s first clients. I was a wide-eyed, excited 22 year old, ready to start my career-in the mailroom at the most prestigious A-list talent agency in the world. I worked in the Latin music division under the great agents Raul Mateu and Pedro Bonilla, both very sharp and really great mentors. It was there, I learned about “the art of the deal” if you will, and contracts. Lots of them. I learned from the best television producers, agents, managers, publicists, and the “Who’s Who” of entertainment. It wasn’t just sorting mail, filing papers, and racing to get coffee. I learned graphic design, press kit development, and the famous words….always “get it in writing!” I remember meeting Lou Weiss who signed one of the books I was reading as it was appropriately titled, “The Mailroom.” It’s how everyone got their start in Hollywood. I was always intrigued with show business because I was into theatre in high school (an honorary Thespian) and I loved acting, dancing and performing arts. But I wasn’t going to schlep to Los Angeles and wait tables. I needed to go to college, get a degree and a real job my parents told me. But I’m still holding out for a big break (Ari Emanuel call me :). If you want to succeed in this business, never be late they said. “If you’re early you’re on time, if you’re on time you’re late, and if you’re late, well…don’t bother showing up.” I admit I had a few late mornings. I lived in South Beach in my twenties, come on. It was the best 4 years right after college. My time working at the agency helped me become the best marketer I could be. Aside from my full time position as a VP of Communications for a large enterprise health network, I represent high profile talent and manage their PR and speaking engagements. I give my clients the best representation because I think about the legal and business aspects of any project and make sure they are always protected. Sometimes, the greatest deal is the deal you never take. When I determine the best projects I consider time, payment, category exclusivity, research the brand, do my homework and make sure it’s legitimate.

Allison, 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?
In 2006, I got my start at the William Morris agency, now William Morris Endeavor. From A-list representation, I then went on to start my own marketing and public relations agency, Prime PR in Boca Raton, FL. I managed multiple hospitality accounts and then found my way into healthcare for the last eight years. I have been working in the behavioral and addiction treatment industry. For me it has been the most fulfilling, spiritually. I currently work for Amatus Health, a nationwide management company of several behavioral healthcare brands. I am most proud of utilizing my public relations skills to help destigmatize mental illness in this country. For far too long it has been brushed under the rug and a taboo topic. Now, I think the more media coverage we obtain and the more voices of people with large platforms shine a light on it, the more lives we save. The PR campaigns I have put together over the years have been exciting and equally challenging. I work with many doctors, recovering addicts, families, celebrities in recovery, and different centers from all over the country. It’s been a journey so far.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Don’t take anything in life too seriously, especially a job. Jobs come and go. If you stay focused, honest, and doing the best you can, you will succeed. Your reputation is everything and if you can do something that captivates people’s attention, that’s all you need. Build your own brand. Take it everywhere you go. Also, don’t take anything too personally. I’ve had really great bosses who were mentors and some not so great. That’s life. It’s not always sunshine. But with the rain, and some storms here and there, hopefully you will become your own boss. If not, I hope you work for a really great one who helps you become the best professional/person you can be. That’s a leader. We need more of those.

Any advice for managing a team?
I think encouragement and being a mentor goes a long way. We are always growing and learning, even leaders, C-suite and those who own businesses. We can help each other by sharing what we know. Have your employees listen in on calls and learn how you speak to clients, negotiate, etc. Have them ask questions with an open door policy. Also, I believe in continued education, retreats, conferences, and workshops go a long way so employees feel empowered and able to learn. Invest in them if you want them to invest in you. Period.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.primecreativeagency.com
• Instagram: allinicolerush
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonseriani/
• Other: I have other materials I can send but they are attachments.

Image Credits
Pool photography courtesy of Alexander Russo