We’re thrilled to have Nigel join our Slide Nine team as an account associate. A recent graduate of The Ohio State University, Nigel completed a triple major in strategic communications, history and political science. He cut his teeth as an account lead at The PRactice, OSU’s student-run PR firm, as well as during two social media-focused internships.
What brings you joy at work? What inspires you?
My favorite part of work is the conversations with coworkers. I love chatting and solving problems, and when I’m able to do both at once, so much the better. At The PRactice, our best work came from random conversations with my team when we just threw out ideas.
What drew you to the communications field?
Ever since I was little, my mom read stories to me. From a young age, I knew I wanted a job that allowed me to tell stories myself. I bounced from major to major at OSU, but what drew me to communications was the idea of helping amazing people and organizations tell their stories.
How do you approach creating a memorable client experience?
I believe one of the keys is listening, not just to what deliverables a client wants, but to what their ultimate goals are. Last year at The PRactice, my client was planning to revamp her website, so I suggested my team organize a photoshoot to get her some fresh visuals. From securing a space to booking models to lining up a photographer, we managed everything and gave our client dozens of terrific photos she can use on her new website, social media and beyond.
What trends are you keeping an eye on for 2024?
One trend I’m closely watching is experiential marketing. From pop-up shops to product demos to photo ops, I think in-person experiences can make a big splash off- and online.
What’s the biggest win or most exciting work you’ve done throughout your career?
My biggest wins were two articles I had published while in college. During my sophomore year, a political magazine published an article I’d written on housing affordability. Then, during my senior year, OSU’s student paper ran a story I wrote on Ohio’s tradition of “Buckeye Chuck” (our very own Groundhog Day critter). Each time, it was exhilarating to know that my words would be seen by others—and, hopefully, change the way they saw the world.
What tools/websites do you use to keep up with the latest trends and news?
To stay on top of industry news, I swear by Axios’s Media Trends newsletter. I also closely follow Adweek and Ad Age—they always get my creative juices flowing!
Finally, I’m a voracious reader of the Campaigns & Elections newsletter. Perhaps it’s my inner political science major speaking, but I think politics and PR can learn a lot from one another in terms of persuasion, understanding your audience and adapting to meet people where they are.
What are you listening to while focusing on getting work done?
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with Carly Simon, Steely Dan and Lana Del Rey. When I really need to lock in and get work done, though, I put on “Chill,” a Spotify playlist that I filled with 80’s smooth jazz, 90’s trip-hop and current indie pop.
What are you most looking forward to in your role with Slide Nine?
I’m most excited to work with Slide Nine’s diverse array of clients. Every one of them keeps the economy and the world moving, and I’m excited to help tell their stories in result-oriented and creative ways.