If building reputation is an art of influence, then PRs are the masters of it. Moreover, few gems in the industry redefine the influence into impact in the realm of business and emerge as PR trendsetters. Featuring in this edition is an alpha leader, Marina Mathews (Founder and CEO of MMCommunications). Through her agency, she has taken the modern world of media by a vigorous storm. Marina is an expert in PR, marketing, storytelling, and reputation management. Her expertise helps clients grow their businesses and build their personal brands.
While audience behaviour is witnessing a sinusoidal track, this modern-day PR depends on strategic decisions to put a brand in the customer’s heart. Bringing her years of unparalleled experience to the PR domain, she guides her team to bestow human touch to their services. Beyond being a practitioner of publicity, she is an expert in consumer insights, strategies, retention, and more.
In the following interview with Women Entrepreneur Magazine, Marina unveils details of her journey in the media industry over the past 25 years. She also gives us details about how her company is currently positioned as one of the top PR and marketing agencies based in Singapore while serving global clients. Additionally, she shares more about her company.
Take us through your early educational journey and the prior industry experience that you bring to the table.
I have been in PR and marketing communications for over 25 years now. My experience spans the industry in Singapore, Australia, and the Middle East. Throughout the journey, I have been fortunate to hold senior leadership positions in multinational PR agencies and giants like Netflix, Nike, P&G, Discovery Network and more.
In my two-and-a-half-decade career as a Publicist, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the most incredible individuals who are behind some of the biggest brands in the world; and others who are remarkably accomplished and deserving of recognition for the skill or talent they have, or their outstanding work as visionaries and pioneers in their industry.
What led to the establishment of MM Communications?
My experience and exposure have taught me a lot. I have witnessed the immense benefits of having a clear and cohesive communications strategy in place. I don’t simply mean publicity or ROI increased confidence and knowing (despite whether they’re a brand or business) that they’re able to serve a greater good. I have also seen the detriment of not having the right counsel and guidance when it comes to communicating and engaging with your stakeholders or the public, especially in times of crisis or when serious issues arise. This is why I created MM Communications. With the sole purpose and intention to help people present their absolute best selves, enhance their reputations, and to deepen their impact and influence in the world around them.
How would you define MM Communications' position in the industry? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the company and some of its most unique features.
MM Communications is Singapore's first reputation management agency representing CEOs, celebrities, artists, authors & entrepreneurs. We help our clients develop their personal brand, elevate their reputation, and enhance their credibility through publicity. Today is the time that one’s reputation is more important than ever, and we believe in taking a multi-dimensional approach using strategies that encompass elements of personal branding, thought leadership, media exposure, and online positioning.
"MM communications was ideated with the sole purpose to help people present their absolute best selves, enhance their reputations, and to deepen their impact and influence"
How do you successfully meet the requirements of working with clients?
We strongly embrace Warren Buffet’s wise words, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation, and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” Doing things differently is the key while being conscious about the kind of impact we imbue. That being said, we start with an assessment and analysis, determine pain points, and develop a cohesive communications strategy bespoke to the needs of each client.
In your opinion, what are some of the most significant milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey?
I cherish the fact that I was listed in the PR Week Global Power Book as one of the world’s most influential PR professionals; it was in the year 2015. Driven by my passion for communication and literacy, I am also the founding Board Member of Sing Lit Station, a non-profit organisation that supports and helps to grow the literary community of writers and readers in Singapore.
Marina Mathews, Founder & CEO, MM Communications
Marina has worked with many international brands, including Discovery Network, Fairmont, Gulf Air, KLM, Leica, Moet Hennessy Diageo, Netflix, Nike, P&G, Six Senses and Qantas, among others.
Marina has also worked with international celebrities, artists, and business personalities such as Alec Monopoly, David Foster, HRH Prince Harry, Jackson Galaxy, Jamie Cullum, and Paris Hilton, as well as multiple Michelin-Starred Chefs including Christian Le Squer and Gary Rhodes.
