As a leader marked by resilience and determination, being a journalist covering the drug war in Colombia, Adriana Aristizábal confronted unthinkable atrocities. She even had her life threatened by a terrorist group. Faced with the realization that her life in Colombia had become impossible, Adriana decided to relocate to the United States. Despite these challenges, she refused to let them deter her from pursuing her goals.
Her unwavering commitment to her work led her to establish iVoice Communications, assume the role of Consul of Colombia in New York City, and author two books. Adriana’s steadfast dedication to sharing essential stories has allowed her to overcome adversity and make a profound impact in her adopted country.
We caught up with Adriana to learn more about her journey.
Below are the excerpts from the interview:
Brief our audience about your journey as a leader until your current position at your organization.
My journey as a leader has been continuous reinvention and renovation, beginning as a war correspondent and evolving into a trailblazer in public relations. After working as a journalist for several years, I founded iVoice Communications, a global PR agency based in New York City, in 2014, which is now a leader in the industry.
I have also served as the former Consul of Colombia in New York City and authored two books, “Caught in the Storm of War” and “La Guaca de las FARC.” My commitment to shaping the narrative and telling essential stories has allowed me to make a significant impact in my adopted country. My journey from war correspondent to entrepreneur will inspire others who face adversity and seek to reinvent themselves.
Tell us something more about your organization, its mission, and its vision.
iVoice Communications is a global public relations agency that provides innovative and customized PR campaigns to help businesses grow. Our mission is to help our clients achieve exceptional results by embracing the latest technology and staying ahead of the curve.
Traditional marketing techniques are no longer as effective as they once were, and that’s why we’ve embraced cutting-edge AI technology to analyze vast amounts of data and understand our client’s target audience. This allows us to create campaigns to resonate with our client’s audience.
Our vision is to be the go-to global PR agency for businesses of all sizes, providing them with the latest AI technology, an extensive network of international media partners, and a team of experts dedicated to delivering exceptional results. iVoice Communications understands that every business is unique, so we create customized PR campaigns tailored to our client’s needs.
We’re proud of our reputation for delivering exceptional results for our clients, and we’re committed to maintaining that reputation by continuing to innovate and stay ahead of the curve.
Enlighten us on how you have impacted the Business Industry through your expertise in the market.
As a former TV war correspondent from Colombia, I have taken a unique journey from covering the storm of war to become a trailblazer in public relations. I didn’t let adversity define me; instead, I used my experience and passion for storytelling to create iVoice Communications.
My interest in journalism began as a way to bring attention to important social and political issues. As a war correspondent, I witnessed first-hand the power of media to shape public opinion and drive change. However, I realized there was a gap in the media landscape and that traditional news outlets could only sometimes tell the stories of the people I encountered effectively.
This realization inspired me to turn my attention to the field of public relations, where I saw an opportunity to help organizations and individuals tell their stories and shape their narratives. With years of experience in journalism and a passion for storytelling, I founded iVoice Communications 9 years ago.
What methodologies do you implement that contribute to new growth opportunities?
A strategic approach to communication is one of the primary methodologies I implement in media and public relations to contribute to new growth opportunities. This involves identifying a company or organization’s key messages and goals and developing a comprehensive plan to effectively communicate those messages to the target audience.
I also focus on building and maintaining solid relationships with the media and key influencers in the industry, as these relationships can provide valuable opportunities for exposure and growth. By identifying and targeting the right media outlets and influencers, I can ensure that my clients’ messages are heard by the right people at the right time.
In addition, I keep a close eye on industry trends and emerging technologies. I leverage this knowledge to develop innovative and impactful PR strategies to help my clients stay ahead of the curve and position themselves as thought leaders in their respective industries.
Ultimately, I aim to help my clients achieve sustained growth and success by providing customized and results-driven media and PR strategies tailored to their unique needs and goals.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in almost every sector. How are you leveraging technological advancements to make your solutions resourceful?
In media and public relations, we recognize the importance of technology in providing resourceful solutions to our clients. Our company leverages technological advancements to deliver unparalleled results to our clients.
Our cutting-edge AI-enabled content engine, automated PR lifecycle application, and extensive global database enable us to streamline the entire PR process. Our comprehensive database indexes the most up-to-date information on journalists, content creators, and outlets spanning all forms of media. We monitor more than 600,000 global news sources across online, podcasts, print, newsletters, TV, and radio, ensuring that our clients receive the most extensive coverage possible.
By harnessing the power of technology, we can provide our clients with tailored solutions that are both efficient and effective. We are constantly exploring new ways to innovate and improve our offerings to continue delivering value and driving growth opportunities for our clients.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run, and what are your future goals for your organization?
As a media and public relations leader, I envision myself and my organization at the forefront of innovation and progress. We always strive to adapt to the ever-evolving media and technology landscape and to provide our clients with the most effective solutions for their needs.
Our long-term goal is to expand our reach and influence domestically and internationally. We aim to be recognized as a global leader in public relations, providing our clients with customized strategies that deliver measurable results.
We also prioritize diversity and inclusion within our organization, recognizing the importance of representing and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities. We strive to create a welcoming and supportive workplace culture that fosters creativity and collaboration among our team members. Ultimately, we aspire to drive positive change, leveraging our expertise and resources to make a meaningful impact globally.
Whether promoting social causes, advancing innovative technologies, or supporting businesses in their growth and development, we are committed to being a force for good in the industry and beyond.
What would be your advice to budding leaders who aspire to venture into the Business industry?
Suppose you aspire to become a leader in the business industry. In that case, it’s essential to understand the role of media and public relations in shaping the perception of your brand and communicating your message to stakeholders. Here are some pieces of advice that may help you succeed in this field:
- Build a solid personal brand: Personal branding is more important than ever today. As a leader, your brand should align with your company’s values and mission. Use social media platforms to showcase your expertise, share your opinions on industry trends, and engage with your audience.
- Focus on building relationships: Business is all about relationships, and public relations is no different. Cultivate strong relationships with your industry’s journalists, influencers, and other critical stakeholders. Networking events, conferences, and social media are great ways to connect with people who can help spread the word about your company.
- Be transparent and authentic: In the age of social media, it’s more important than ever to be transparent and accurate. Share your company’s successes and challenges openly, and be honest about your intentions and motivations.
- Invest in quality content: Content is king in media and public relations. Invest in creating high-quality content that showcases your company’s expertise and values. This could include blog posts, videos, and social media posts.
- Stay current on industry trends: To be a successful leader in the business industry, it’s crucial to stay current on industry trends and changes. Subscribe to industry publications, attend conferences and events, and watch your competitors stay ahead of the curve.
