Olubukola (Bukky) George-Taylor is a multifaceted professional, excelling as a strategic communications expert, an author, a captivating public speaker, and an insightful entrepreneurial coach. As the Founder of Robert Taylor Media, a distinguished strategic communications agency rooted in Nigeria for the past 17 years, she has pioneered innovative approaches in the industry. Additionally, as the Co-founder of CRAWL AFRICA, the continent’s premier Tourism App, she continues to revolutionize travel experiences across Africa. Bukky’s literary contribution extends to her authored work, “Born To Stand Out,” a compelling exploration into the nuances of personal branding. Within its pages, she shares invaluable insights, practical strategies, and actionable tips, empowering individuals to craft authentic and impactful personal brands.
In an exclusive interview with BDWeekender, Bukky graciously shares her remarkable communications and personal branding journey. Through her candid narratives, she illuminates the path she traversed, unveiling the secrets behind her ability to cultivate a robust personal brand amidst diverse career trajectories.
Olubukola (Bukky) George-Taylor, you have undeniably cemented your reputation as a prominent figure in the realms of Communications, Crisis Management, Product Launches, Corporate Communications, and Personal Branding. Could you elaborate on the strategies and tactics that have enabled you to cultivate such a formidable personal brand across these diverse domains throughout the years?
I sincerely appreciate the kind words! For me “Consistency is KEY” whether it is in delivering quality work and maintaining a professional image, I have been very consistent. I’ve intentionally crafted a strong personal brand that reflects my values, strengths, and unique selling points. This includes everything from my online presence to my professional demeanor and the way I engage with others. Also, building strong relationships with my clients, employees, media professionals, and industry influencers has been very instrumental to how I have stayed relevant in the industry for over 17 years.
By focusing on these aspects over the years, I’ve been able to establish myself as a trusted authority in these areas, thereby building a strong personal brand.
The economic downturn in the country has seen several PR agencies close shop and some have had to merge to stay afloat. Robert Taylor Media, a 17-year-old strategic communications agency, which you founded has continued to grow. How have you been able to not just stay afloat but become a leader in the Communications space?
Staying resilient and thriving during an economic downturn while maintaining leadership in the communications space requires a combination of strategic planning, adaptability, and a focus on delivering value to clients. From the outset, we established a clear vision for Robert Taylor Media and developed a strategic roadmap for growth. This involved identifying our niche in the market, understanding client needs, and aligning our services to address those needs effectively.
We prioritize understanding our clients’ challenges and objectives and then tailor our strategies and solutions to meet their specific goals. By consistently delivering results and exceeding expectations, we’ve built long-lasting relationships based on trust and mutual success. For us, communications isn’t just a core focus, we’ve diversified our service offerings to provide comprehensive strategic communications solutions. This includes crisis management, digital media, content creation, and reputation management, allowing us to serve clients across various industries and scenarios.
We actively engage in thought leadership activities such as speaking engagements, industry publications, and participation in relevant forums and associations. By sharing insights, expertise, and best practices, we position ourselves as leaders in the media relations space, further enhancing our reputation and credibility.
By sticking to these principles and strategies, Robert Taylor Media has not only weathered economic downturns but has emerged as a leader in the public relations space, poised for continued growth and success in the future.
Kindly take us through your journey into Communications and personal branding. What have been the opportunities and challenges?
My journey into PR and personal branding has been both rewarding and challenging, it required a lot of unlearning and relearning. My journey began with a genuine passion for communications and a keen interest in understanding how media shapes public perception. This initial curiosity paved the way for further exploration and growth in the field.
The demanding nature of PR can sometimes lead to burnout and challenges in maintaining a work-life balance, so for me, setting boundaries, prioritising self-care, and seeking support from colleagues and mentors have been essential to my success.
An interesting opportunity for me has been the rise of digital media and technology presented opportunities to expand my skills and reach a wider audience. Embracing social media, online platforms, and digital tools allowed me to amplify my message, engage with stakeholders, and build a strong online presence.
What distinguishes Robert Taylor Media from other media relations companies in Nigeria?
“QUALITY WORK”!!! We always deliver to our clients.
Tell us about your newly launched kook, ‘Born To Stand Out’?
‘Born To Standout’ is a beacon of inspiration for intentional personal branding. The book is a comprehensive guide that emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness, guiding readers toward a path of consistency in personal branding. It’s a call to action to unlock one’s full potential and make a lasting impact in their field.
For me, building a solid reputation is more valuable than gold, no matter how times evolve, and Born To Stand Out is the perfect guide.
What motivated you to write the book and what lessons do you hope to teach through this book?
Personal branding has always been a service that my agency offers. I work with many men and women who have built some of the most solid brands. As the Pandemic hit us in 2020, more people started to pay attention to what their reputation looked like online and then there was more demand for the Personal Branding services offered by my company. It was time to write a book to reach more people who want to learn about Personal Branding.
Personal branding is a common conversation around my circle; I have been invited to speak on the subject matter at various professional events, I have written thought leadership articles as well. It made sense to write a book.
Your book delves deep into the art and science of personal branding. What do you think are handy tips to help people build their personal brand?
Consistency and Providing Value are very important factors when building a personal brand. Purchase the book to learn more.
As a woman, in building your personal brand, were there times you faced gender stereotyping? If there were, how were you able to handle them?
I have indeed encountered gender stereotypes at various points in my journey. The first step in addressing gender stereotypes is to recognise when they arise. Whether it’s assumptions about leadership style, capabilities, or roles within the industry, being aware of these biases is crucial. I’ve learned to assert myself confidently and assertively challenge stereotypes when they arise. This involves speaking up, advocating for myself, and highlighting my accomplishments and capabilities without hesitation. Women don’t often talk about their achievements or what they have accomplished over the years and this is very detrimental to one’s growth.
Also, by consistently delivering high-quality work, demonstrating leadership qualities, and breaking stereotypes through action, I strive to lead by example. Actions speak louder than words, and showcasing competence and professionalism helps challenge preconceived notions about gender roles in the industry.
Despite these stereotypes, I remain resilient and persevere in pursuing my goals. I refuse to be limited by societal expectations or biases and instead focus on continuously growing, learning, and achieving success on my terms.
How are you making way for people to position themselves as thought leaders in their respective industries through your coaching services?
I work with clients to identify their unique perspectives, experiences, and areas of expertise within their industries. By uncovering what sets them apart, we can then develop a compelling narrative that resonates with their target audience and establishes credibility as thought leaders.
I think we can discuss this further when we set up a meeting (lol).
You are your company are known for many things including your famous guest list. Can you share what is the key to creating the best guest list for events?
The secret to creating the best guest list is first understanding what the event is about, the people it entails, the audience it’s supposed to speak to and get your guest list to align with these measures.
Every guest list must have a strategic goal and it requires strategic planning.
What is the next big thing for George-Taylor?
Hmmm, this is such an interesting question, Bukky George-Taylor honestly just takes it one day at a time. However, if anything comes up, you will be the first to know.
Given your involvement in diverse innovative ventures and leadership at one of Nigeria’s premier media agencies, maintaining a balance between professional commitments and personal life is undoubtedly a significant challenge. Could you share some insights into how you manage to navigate this balance effectively?
I prioritise tasks and responsibilities both at work and at home, allocating time effectively to ensure that important matters are addressed promptly. This involves setting clear goals, establishing deadlines, and managing my schedule efficiently.
Reflecting on your journey, if you could rewind the clock, are there aspects you believe you could have improved upon? What lessons have you gleaned from your experiences that you might apply differently with the benefit of hindsight?
Nothing is coming to my mind right now, I have learned to embrace my mistakes and even the risks I have taken over the years, all these are what have made me who I am.
Who are your mentors?
I have a lot of mentors, amazing ones at that. Shoutout to every single one.
What guidance would you offer to young women who aspire to develop their personal brands but feel limited by financial constraints?
Start from somewhere, with anything that you have including your phone and data.
You can purchase Born to Stand Out on Amazon or wherever you buy books in Nigeria. To book a consultation with Bukky please email CEO Executive Assistant
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