2. 30 Years Young with Yvonne Eskenzi

What if your entire career started with one phone call that changed everything? In this second episode of Accidentally Brilliant by Be Broadcast, Josh Wheeler is joined by Yvonne Eskenzi – co-founder of Eskenzi PR, now celebrating its 30th anniversary, and co-founder of The Zensory, an app bridging productivity and wellbeing. Yvonne didn’t plan a career in tech or cybersecurity. In fact, she started out at News International, helping young entrepreneurs get noticed before taking a leap to launch her own agency — from her home, with no clients, and a lot of determination. Thirty years on, she’s built one of the most respected names in technology PR, working with companies from startups to IPOs, and helping shape how the world talks about cybersecurity. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why the “one-minute rule” still defines great PR pitching. How Eskenzi PR became a global name in cybersecurity. Why PR will always be a people business — even in the age of AI. The truth about awards, success, and what really matters. How to build a career and business without losing your balance. The importance of staying creative, colourful, and true to yourself. This is a joyful, insightful, and refreshingly honest conversation about creativity, trust, and longevity in PR — and a reminder that brilliance often begins by accident.   About Yvonne Eskenzi Co-founder, Eskenzi PR – the award-winning cybersecurity PR agency. Co-founder, The Zensory – the wellbeing and focus app. Winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Creator of the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards and Unsung Heroes Awards. Connect Follow Yvonne Eskenzi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonneeskenzi/ Learn more about Eskenzi PR: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshwheelerbroadcast/ Chapter Markers 00:00 Intro – Accidentally Brilliant begins 01:15 From News International to starting out in PR 03:30 Taking a leap: founding Eskenzi PR 07:00 The first cybersecurity gig that changed everything 08:45 The one-minute rule and the nine-word email 10:25 The thrill of coverage and the power of persistence 13:20 Measuring share of voice and proving PR’s value 15:50 AI, trust, and the future of PR 20:25 Building confidence and handling the hard days 25:40 Why wellbeing matters – and The Zensory begins 37:45 Work-life balance and lessons from 30 years 43:00 Creativity, confidence, and being true to yourself 47:40 What makes Yvonne “accidentally brilliant”