We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lindsay Kirsh. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lindsay below.
Hi Lindsay, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Taking risks isn’t just something I do—it’s how I thrive. While thinking I was able to take the road less traveled, my actions proved that I could – and I did. Mistakes were made, lessons were learned, and I celebrate those moments as I reflect upon each choice I have made.
Moving to the US from Canada was a major leap, but it still ranks second to launching Slayer PR. Early in my career, I knew there’d come a day when I’d gain full confidence and experience to start my own PR firm. Betting on myself, I knew Slayer would deliver elevated results and offer a personalized experience for clients shifting away from large, impersonal agencies.
It’s too obvious to say it was an eye-opening experience to step outside of the corporate world – yet I would be remiss if I didn’t reinforce that point. Currently, Slayer PR is thriving. We are growing, and we have our teams in Phoenix, Miami, Toronto and most recently, New York City. We have formed strategic partnerships with other award-winning agencies and I can confidently say that there is nothing we can’t deliver on. While I’m the founder of Slayer PR, I’ve always believed in empowering our team to see Slayer as theirs too. Our inspired, dedicated PR pros are the reason we’re where we are today.
In PR, the competition is fierce, and it hooked me. It’s amazing how fleeting experiences and choices, which may seem insignificant in the moment, can become our greatest teachers over time—if we’re open to learning from them. That, in itself, is a choice
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’ve never been one to follow the conventional path. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, I’ve moved across countries and states on an epic journey of my own making.
As a lifelong music lover and rocker at heart, I fell in love with Seattle’s grunge sound at a young age. I made a promise to myself back then: one day, I’d visit Seattle and explore what was left of the grunge scene. Fast forward to 2015—armed with just 500 Canadian dollars, my favorite grunge tracks, and a small apartment lease—I took the leap and made the big move from Toronto to Seattle.
When I arrived, I landed a role at a boutique PR agency leading the food and beverage practice. But reality quickly set in—I had to rebuild my entire career from the ground up. Everything was new: networks, media contacts, friendships, and even how to write a press release (farewell, Canadian Press; hello, American Press). I had left behind my trusted media relationships, family, and friends back in Canada, and was forced to start over completely.
Navigating the U.S. business landscape wasn’t what I expected. The cultural nuances, expectations, and ways of working were all different. Throughout my life, I had spent plenty of time visiting the U.S. and observing the culture – living and working in it was a whole new challenge. I dedicated my time to soaking up everything I could from the corporate world, learning from renowned PR leaders and taking ownership of global brand campaign strategies. I wanted to ensure that when the moment came, I’d be fully prepared to lead my own firm. Despite the growing pains and adjustments, one thing became clear: I was determined to build and self-finance my own PR firm—one that filled in the gaps and gave me the creative freedom to craft bold, impactful campaigns without limitations.
Throughout my 15 years in PR, working with both international agencies and as corporate in-house counsel, I quickly recognized significant opportunities for industry professionals and businesses. The most important opportunity was the need for modernized boutique PR firms led by former corporate and agency executives. Boutique PR agencies are more accessible, our clients aren’t just numbers to rack up billable hours and our portfolios only to repeat the same campaigns for other clients.
As former leaders in corporate PR and large agencies turned business owners, we have a deep understanding of what other business owners need and how to collaborate effectively with senior leadership. Many of our teams in the boutique agency world bring the same, if not more, experience in strategic PR compared to the big-name agencies.
These firms, like Slayer PR, are focused on delivering the same high-quality results, but with greater efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness. Our team has decades of experience representing Fortune 500 companies, local, national and international brands with a focus on the Food, Beverage, Wine & Spirits, Lifestyle, Hospitality, Retail, Consumer Goods and Health & Wellness industries.
At Slayer PR, we’re all about defying the status quo and inspiring brands to take bold steps in public relations. We listen to our clients, offering the counsel they expect while delivering results with unconventional approach. If we’re not pushing boundaries, someone else will—and that’s a missed opportunity for our clients. If a campaign has been seen before, whether our own or by another agency, it won’t be seen again.
Our team uses a blend of bold creativity with strategic foresight smart strategy, and a sixth sense for what’s coming next. Brands trust us to turn them from generic to fresh-faced innovators and industry leaders. Every minute and dollar counts which is why we deliver a personalized experience that bigger agencies can’t compete with—no surprises, no hidden fees, just a tailored strategy focused on achieving goals.
Our clients aren’t just business partners—they’re part of our extended family. While that line might feel overused, we actually mean it – and we prove it. We build deep relationships, and not just with the media, but with our clients too. The best client/agency partnerships feel like family, where both sides are comfortable giving and receiving feedback. That’s how we have a roster of the right clients—the ones who want to collaborate, push limits, and embrace our fearless approach. In a nutshell, businesses can move away from agency bureaucracy, and work with a tight-knit team that takes a personalized approach in achieving their unique goals – without paying for our overhead or any surprise fees.
As a business, Slayer PR’s greatest pride lies in being relentless champions for our clients. We craft captivating, unforgettable moments designed to build lasting brand equity and ensure consistent positive media coverage, backed by the critical assets and tools required for seamless campaign execution. When client campaigns come to life and surpass expectations, we take immense pride in our team’s achievements and know we have the right partners in place to drive success.
What I’m most proud of is our team. As a business owner and leader, it’s crucial for me to take care of our people every step of the way. I’m fully committed to their growth, investing in their development, and providing opportunities that empower them to become thought leaders—and they truly are. This commitment has enabled me to build a team that’s focused on elevating our clients, advancing Slayer PR, and prioritizing their own professional growth.
As for how I got into Public Relations… well, it all comes down to being people-oriented and confident—qualities that are essential for success, especially in external communications. Confidence is crucial in any industry and in PR, it’s about not shying away from meeting new people and asserting yourself when necessary. It’s about being a natural communicator who won’t take no for an answer until every avenue has been exhausted.
These traits come naturally to me. I thrive on meeting new people, learning about them, understanding their journeys, personalities, and cultural nuances – applying those insights to my work and personal life. Relating to others requires a broad understanding of the world, and I love diving into different cultures, interests, and experiences to see how people got to where they are today. The world is becoming more globalized by the moment which means we need to truly understand personalities, habits, values and ways of doing business.
As cliché as it sounds, knowledge is power. PR gives me the perfect platform to take these insights, help brands find their voice, and connect them with their audiences. It was a natural fit for my strengths in communication, strategy, and leadership—and it gives me the creative freedom to craft those never-before-seen campaigns.
What’s been key to our success? Being bold, fearless, and direct. These traits have helped me take smart risks while always keeping the team’s well-being front and center. Success starts with having the right people and fostering an environment where they can thrive—that’s the core of everything we do at Slayer PR.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
I self-financed Slayer PR by drawing on my personal savings and leveraging my extensive experience in the PR industry. After spending 15 years in the agency and corporate worlds, I had a solid understanding of the financial aspects of running a business. I made a conscious decision to invest in myself and my vision, using my savings to cover the initial costs of launching the firm.
I meticulously planned my budget, prioritizing essential expenses such as branding, marketing, and operational costs while minimizing unnecessary expenditures. This hands-on approach allowed me to maintain full control over the business from the outset, ensuring that every dollar was spent strategically to set a strong foundation.
Self-financing also meant that I could maintain the creative freedom to develop bold and innovative campaigns without the constraints that often come from outside investors. This independence has been crucial in allowing Slayer PR to grow authentically, reflecting my values and vision for the agency. By investing in my dreams, I’ve been able to create a dynamic team and a thriving business that delivers exceptional results for our clients.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I always refer back to when I decided to move from Toronto to Seattle in 2015. It was a move I had dreamt about and when the time came, I quickly realized that relocating wasn’t just about fulfilling a dream—it was about rebuilding my life and finding myself.
It was tough for the first year at first, but it taught me resilience. It reinforced my belief in the importance of adaptability, which has served me well both personally and professionally. Looking back, this pivot pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to grow in ways I hadn’t expected, eventually leading me to start Slayer PR with a deeper understanding of what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.slayerpr.com
- Instagram: @slayer__pr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-kirsh-3650a010/
- Twitter: https://x.com/Slayer__PR
Image Credits
Slayer Public Relations