Under 30: the industry’s future leaders. Meet Emma Walker

In an industry so well established with roots in all four corners of the globe we took time to discuss what the industry will look like in 10 to 20 years from now.

Whilst we all share different views on where the industry will end up or what it will morph into, the fact is that we forget the many good folk working in the industry. Especially the younger generation that started at the bottom and worked their way up essentially dedicating their careers to fintech, trading and finance.

As is a FinanceFeeds tradition, we decided to celebrate these hard working individuals that have and very well may become the future industry leaders as they move up the ranks. So without further adieu, meet the industry’s future leaders (all under the age of 30).

What is your role at Wachsman PR?

I am currently an Account Executive at Wachsman PR, a Wall Street-based public relations agency which specializes in providing media relations services to companies within the financial technology sector. Wachsman PR is regarded as a premier PR firm representing fintech innovators, rising entrepreneurs and blockchain and cryptocurrency companies.

Since joining Wachsman PR, I have represented multiple industry leading clients including the national Bitcoin ATM network, Coinsource, Overstock.com’s financial services division, t0, the first consumer-focused bitcoin wallet, iPayYou, and Agentic Group, the global blockchain consortium of 36 companies worldwide.

On a daily basis, I divide my time three ways. First, I provide media relations services which includes creating newsworthy and well-crafted content for reporters, securing online, print, radio and television appearances, and generating buzz for client announcements and achievements.

I also tailor media awareness and engagement training for clients to enhance their interview performance and ability to connect with their target audience. The most effective way to do this is to show clients how to communicate their cutting-edge and complicated technologies to the wider public in a clear, succinct and cohesive manner.

Secondly, I actively engage in growing the Wachsman PR client roster by seeking new business opportunities and developing PR strategies for potential partners. This has continuingly been one of my favourite parts of my job because I find it so rewarding to build relationships and help fascinating new companies discover the importance of public perception and brand management.

Lastly, I act as an advisor to many of my clients providing invaluable support and guidance pre, during, and post campaign. I worked closely with Fermat — an ambitious global Blockchain project aiming to revolutionize p2p app development — during the development of their white paper all the way through to launch.

How many years have you been at Wachsman PR?

I left Ireland for New York to further my career in public relations. I moved in November 2015 and began working at Wachsman PR in early 2016.

While only being here a short time, I quickly developed strong rapports with influential media in this niche industry, and an incredible network of thought leaders, CEOs and investors in the space. As you can imagine, my Dublin accent is always a great conversation starter at many networking events in America.

When did you start in the industry?

After graduating from Trinity College Dublin and completing a post-grad in PR, I started my career with DHR Communications, working on campaigns in the tourism, technology and not-for-profit sectors. Thereafter, I moved to Cullen Communications, a prestigious firm to represent multinational, blue-chip companies like Ford, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Office Depot, and Continental Tires.

With Ireland fast becoming the fintech capital of Europe, I was drawn to the endless possibilities of new-age technology and most specifically how it can disrupt the way we do traditional finance.

However, on the cusp of my third year in the industry, I decided to take a leap of faith and move over to New York.

What attracted you to / made you get into this industry?

My grandmother once told me that the day I stop learning something new every day, is the day I should stop working. Since then, I have always considered myself an ambassador for lifelong learning.

Once I started delving into cryptocurrency and financial technology I was astounded at the level of complexity and the rate of adoption and I quickly realised there would be no limit to how much I could learn.

Any tips for others looking at getting into the industry?

Being a woman in this industry is difficult, and even more so when you are only twenty-five. However, there is nothing more rewarding than surprising any doubters that come my way. This means I work hard not just for my clients but also for me.

To be great and to stand-out, you cannot just work 9-5. There are just not enough hours in the day. It involves long hours, a lot of determination, and most importantly, a passion for what you do.

So my biggest piece of advice for any woman looking to delve into the fintech PR industry, is to question — do you honestly enjoy it? If not, no outstanding degree or wealth of industry experience is going to change that.

Within this industry, it is crucial for newcomers to network, network, network, and start generating individual content and opinions; author thought provoking articles; engage on social media channels; speak at conferences; and attend every event you can. I have tried to throw myself in to learn as quickly as possible in a field that is changing every day. There are some amazing talents in our space and I am privileged to be working at the outset of a global fintech revolution.

 

Meet other “up and comers under 30” – view all the profiles.