Today, I bring you VH1's PR Manager, Nyle Washington. I can honestly say that her interview gave me chills, because she defeated the ODDS and went after her dreams and created her own opportunities. I pray that this interview, moves and inspire all of you, just to go after everything that you desire!
-Being apart of drama/theater in grade school, do you feel that being 'confident' at such a young age, has played a major part in your fearlessness in your leading positions in the field of PR?
I can attribute some of my confidence to being in theater as a child, but the majority I can say is from being raised by a VERY confident and determined single mother. If I have learned nothing else in life from my mother, it's confidence, integrity, fearlessness and the fact that leaders don't always lead from the front, sometimes you have to lead from the behind, side or middle.
-I thought it was very interesting to know that you majored in English while you were in college, why didn't you pursue Drama for your undergrad career?
Funny that you ask this— I was in theater from the age of 8 up until I graduated from high school at 18 and never thought twice about majoring in English. As much as I loved theater, I loved reading, writing and English much more. I was a journalism major at Hampton University first and then switched at the end of my freshman year and decided to stick with my first love, English. It's definitely one of the best choices I have ever made.
-How were you introduced to the television/broadcasting industry?
I made it my goal my freshmen year to land an internship. Keep in mind I had zero experience, but in my mind I had nothing to lose and clearly lots to learn and gain. I absolutely love the news ( CNN, MSNBC, FOX) I watch it all, as I want to know what everyone is saying—gain different perspectives. I am one of those people that is always interested in knowing what is going on? Why is it going? How did this happen ? I have always been a curious person so television/broadcasting just fit into place and my freshmen summer heading into my sophomore year I had an internship at KYW television station in Philadelphia, PA. I learned soo much that summer and stuck very close to one of the reporters and was able to go out with her during trials, breaking news stories, etc.
-I noticed that you studied abroad in England at Bath and Oxford University. How did studying abroad change your perspective on education in a different country? Do you feel that should be an essential for all college students to study abroad and experience a different culture?
I absolutely feel it should be essential to study abroad. I learned so much about who I was as a young person in this world by studying abroad and I feel every person should experience being fully immersed within another culture for an extended period of time. Yes, I could speak the language, but British culture is completely different from American culture. I discovered a beautiful different world of people ( European, African, Indian) in Bath and in Oxford and absolutely loved the people, architecture and freedom to make my own choices in a different environment. Also I loved traveling around Europe (Paris, Germany, Amsterdam, Italy) while I was studying in Bath— definitely a bonus. As far as education, I truly feel the more you get to experience how other countries and their education systems work the better and richer you are as a person.
-What do you feel was your 'BREAKTHROUGH' moment that made you realize that you wanted to be in the PR field?
My "breakthrough" moment came during my press internship experience at HARPO. I had the great opportunity to intern during the 22nd season, the one in which Oprah gave away the cars. I remember the kinetic energy that resided in that building the day before Oprah's big announcement and how excited and eager everyone was, it was like something huge was about to bust out of its seems. I was fielding calls from NY to Italy to Paris and all over the world as people were trying to guess this big announcement. It was such an amazing time to be at The Oprah Winfrey Show and to see how her press department masterfully handled the media frenzy.
-You interned at HARPO studios in Chicago, in the PR department for the 'Oprah Winfrey Show', tell me how that made you feel when got the opportunity to work for Oprah? What were daily tasks there? What was three inevitable lessons that you learned while working there, that you apply to career now as a PR manager for VH1?
First I have to say I had ZERO publicity experience when I got the internship at "The Oprah Winfrey Show," but just having the opportunity to be at HARPO was a huge deal to me. I had applied my junior year at Hampton and while I was studying abroad I had the opportunity to interview for the position and got the internship, but had to turn it down as my grandmother wasn't in the best health. I was needed home in New Jersey so Chicago was out of the question. I kept in contact ( #1 rule of PR— network network and keep in contact with people) with the internship coordinator at HARPO and when I applied to Temple University for grad school I re-applied and was accepted for the internship. Sorry for the lengthy story, but I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't gotten that internship. It was an early peak into television PR and I did everything filed clips, fielded calls for requests for Ms. Winfrey, set up meetings for her publicist, attending meetings with the publicity department, wrote loglines, etc.
Three lessons: 1) Speak with authority and be succinct with your message 2) It's PR not brain surgery nor are you saving lives 3) You are only as good as your last hit
Now that you are a publicist for VH1, how is the culture with working for a brand that is known for music, but is increasingly being out-shined by reality tv?
My love of VH1 started with their music programming "Storytellers," "Behind the Music," and their shows "Hip Hop Honors" and "Divas." Now that I am on the other side and see how much work goes into these shows and I get to attend tapings I sometimes have to pinch myself. As much as I love music programming we are now in a climate where reality has also moved into the landscape and so I sometimes get the advantage of working on a show that combines both music and reality — ex "T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle."
-What are your key responsibilities in handling publicity for reality tv and award segments?
My responsibilities differ per project, but for the most part my job starts with mapping out a strategic press plan for both television shows and tentpole events ( VH1 Divas, Hip Hop Honors, etc). Once the time line is in place its only a matter of reaching out to long leads, speaking with journalist, working out reviews/mentions, locking in television appearances and being flexible when it comes to scheduling talent.
-Do you feel that it's easier to secure press for celebrity events seeing as though it's for VH1?
No not necessarily, it's great to have the VH1 name, but at the same time you are working with a celebrities that already have their own reputation so its up to you to build upon that with whatever project they bring to VH1. Also in PR your reputation and integrity are everything and once either is tarnished it's hard to rebuild.
-I'm dying to know, how's the atmosphere in the VH1 office?
Very fun ! I must say this has been one of the most fun offices to work in. We shoot a show in our lobby called "Big Morning Buzz Live" so there are always celebs walking our floor and occasionally we might have a margarita Friday. My department is a blast— we like to have fun, kid around and we go out for karaoke every now and then, but we are also as equally invested in putting in the work.
-What advice would you give to young publicists who are interested in entertainment television pr?
Network, network, network. Join NAMIC –join NABJ –join something! Networking is such an important tool and so key to achieving success in this business.
-Do you plan on continuing climbing up the PR ladder for Viacom or do yourself ever transistioning into tv producing or maybe having your own agency?
My hope is to definitely continue to clim the PR ladder here at VH1. I also never will say never to the possibility of dabbling in TV production.
-I know that you have a hectic schedule, would you ever consider mentoring your pr professionals if you're not currently doing so?
Yes I am huge on mentoring and work with several organizations one called Saving Our Daughters. I am always happy to mentor, have an informational, or talk to anyone who is interested in breaking into this business.
-What's one of your favorite things that you LOVE about your job?
I love that everyday is definitely not the same and I don't work a 9AM-5PM job. One day I might be in LA for a show or Miami for a shoot or at my desk in NY making follow up calls. When it comes to PR variety is definitely the spice of life.
To contact Nyle, be sure to follow her on Twitter @MissNyle.
XOXO,
Key
Tweet me: @Fab_Key
.jpg)
