The Female Equation: Greta Vanhersecke

I was fortunate to meet and work with Greta Vanhersecke while I worked at DKC. I was based in the NY office and Greta worked in the LA office. We were often on new business pitches together and always loved her drive! After I started Positive Equation, Greta would ask me a few questions about owning my business and I knew she was getting excited to start her own public relations firm.

Greta just celebrated one year being an entrepreneur and running GV Public Relations.  She’s a new mom and working through the balance of work + motherhood. I loved reading through Greta’s interview below and I know you will too!

When did you decide to start your biz? Was there an “aha” moment?

I had been thinking about starting GV Public Relations for three years before I made the big leap in July 2018. The idea of being my own boss and having my own company had always appealed to me, however, it took a while for me to feel confident in my ability to sign my own clients, build my own team and handle all the various parts of the business.

Overcoming your fear can take time, but I also used that time to build my network and learn everything I could about going after new business, building a website, using Quickbooks and writing contracts. All of that experience and knowledge made me more comfortable and self-assured for when I started GVPR.

What challenges have you overcome and how?

One challenge I have had to overcome is saying no to people.

When I first went off on my own, I was being approached by a lot of companies in various industries, seeking PR. Being a people pleaser by nature, I wanted to help them because I know how greatly PR can impact and help grow someone’s business. However, I didn’t feel comfortable with the types of clients approaching me.

My PR specialty is travel, hospitality, and lifestyle and these clients either didn’t fit in my wheelhouse or didn’t feel exciting to me. It was a learning moment, but I’m so happy I started saying no because I now have an amazing client list that I am very proud of.

Who’s an inspiration or mentor to you in this rollercoaster ride of owning your own biz + one piece of advice they’ve shared with you.

My good friend Karen Schaler has always inspired and encouraged me, both in work and in life. She has never let fear hold her back from going after her dreams, whether it was becoming an Emmy award-winning news reporter, a travel writer and TV host, a business owner, or a screenwriter.

When I started GVPR I’ll never forget what she told me — “Don’t be afraid, be ready…for when your dreams start coming true.”

We all need fuel! What’s your current go-to podcast or book right now?

One great book I just finished is You Are a Badass, by Jen Sincero. The author gives good tips on how to get the right mindset to go for what you want and not let fear dictate the way you live. 

What does a “positive equation” look like to you?

To me, a positive equation is when two good things get together to create something amazing. And that is my hope and vision for GVPR – combining good clients with good PR support and creating amazing media coverage and awareness that builds brands and grows businesses.