Meet Wendy Hsiao: Public Relations Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wendy Hsiao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wendy, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Like challenging oneself, taking risks is necessary for both personal and professional growth. I’m definitely the type of person who constantly thinks about the future. In my career, I’ve always tried to push myself to be the best version I could possibly be – whether that’s by moving across the country for a job or by leaving a job I liked for a new opportunity that would force me to grow.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I started my career in public relations at the University of Georgia. GO DAWGS! As an undergrad, my older sister encouraged me to spend my summers with her in New York City interning at different agencies to gain more experience. After graduation, I got a job offer from one of the top global agencies – but they wanted me to move to Los Angeles the following week. So, I did! As much as I loved LA, it wasn’t for me… so I moved back home to Atlanta. I’ve worked in-house and a non-profit, but agency life is where I belong. I’ve now been at Hope-Beckham Inc. (HBI) for more than 4 years. 

At HBI, I oversee both internal & external communications for our company and our clients. It’s a lot of work, but somebody has to do it! Fortunately, work doesn’t feel like work when you’re surrounded by good people that you genuinely like.  HBI has been named a “Best Place to Work” and top PR firm in Atlanta, and my team is amazing. My proudest accomplishment in my career was having my team secretly nominate me for Ragan Communications & PR Daily’s “Top Women in Communications” awards for the Leader category – which I won as an honoree. I can honestly tell you that when they told me that they’d secretly nominated me AND I was an honoree, I was speechless for once in my life!

Getting to this point in my career has not been easy, but I believe that everything happens for a reason. I’ve learned a lot about who I am as a person – both personally and professionally – and I know that I’m a better person because of all of the hardships that I’ve faced. Three lessons I’ve learned along the way: 1) it’s okay to fail or make mistakes because everyone does, 2) it’s okay to ask for help because sometimes everyone needs help and 3) ice cream is ALWAYS the answer when you’re having a stressful day!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend visiting me in Atlanta, we’d definitely spend the majority of our time eating and exploring! If she wanted burgers, we’d get my favorite burger at Bocado in West Midtown. The burger stack and the truffle fries are delicious! We’d also want to swing by Butter & Cream in Decatur for some ice cream and head downtown for the shopping at the cute shops. At night, we’d go by a rooftop bar to grab a drink but then possibly see a comedy show at Punchline or Vortex in Midtown, or maybe even go to The Tabernacle for a show. It would depend on what’s going on that particular week!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost – my family including my super sweet pup, Georgia! They’ve always supported me and my dreams. My Hope-Beckham team has been amazing as well. They’ve really helped me grow over the past 4 years. Finally, my best friends from UGA have been there with me since the very start of my career, and I’d be lost without them.

Instagram: WWH0428
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendywhsiao/
Twitter: WWH0428

Image Credits
Dylan York for Chuckyfoto