JOAN BENNET

What this episode covers

Joan’s self-competitiveness has brought her on top of some of the world’s most magnificent mountains—and her love for the outdoors and the challenge it offers translates into an effective business strategy. Joan, president and CEO of Hawaii’s foremost ‘virtual’ PR firm, applies what she learns from her mountaineering experience to the competitive world of public relations. 80 per cent of all mountain climbing accidents happen downhill, according to Joan, and like in business one must be on guard 24 hours, ready to take on anything that comes along the way. This frame of mind has brought her firm to become Hawaii’s seventh largest PR company with over $1.4 million in revenue, notwithstanding a fairly minimal number of six employees. Evan and Kari chats with Joan Bennet in this seemingly candid yet insightful interaction which brings to the limelight the latter’s experiences as an employee, businesswoman, and a outdoor adventurer. In this interview, Joan talks about why she started her own PR firm and how she thought about the concept of a ‘virtual’ office. She also shares with us her thoughts about community giving and how the Bennet Group contributes in uplifting the lives of those in need. Joan imparts the lessons she learned as a member of the Peace Corps in Ghana and how this experience, along with her travel adventures, has opened her eyes and see the world from a different perspective. More of Joan Bennet, president and CEO of Bennet Group Strategic Communications, only here on Greater Good Radio. Listen now. BIO: Business Success  Started Hawaii’s first “virtual” public relations firm in 1997.  Has grown the firm to become a $1.4 million company, the 7th largest PR firm in the state (by revenue) with a team of six public relations professionals.  Provides public relations counsel to Hawaii’s top businesses, including: Bank of Hawaii, Maui Land & Pineapple, Hawaii Community Foundation, General Growth, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, Verizon Wireless, among others.  Specializes in public affairs, advocacy, and public policy communications. For example, the firm’s “Clear the Smoke” campaign has helped reach thousands of residents statewide on the dangers of tobacco use, hopefully saving lives and making Hawaii a healthier place to live.  Has provided executive communications counsel to some of Hawaii’s top business and government leaders. (e.g – David Carey, David Cole, Kelvin Taketa, former Hawaii Governor Ben Cayetano, etc.)  The firm provides communications counsel on some of the top issues shaping Hawaii’s future: public education, affordable housing, public health, land use and economic development, among others. Community Involvement  The Bennet Group selects one deserving non-profit group and provides free public relations for one year. The 2005 recipient was the Domestic Violence Clearing House to Protect Battered and Abused Women.  The firm also provides pro bono public relations to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation, the Chinatown Revitalization Project, among others.  Joan personally serves on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii, and on the board of Hawaii’s 3 R’s – Repair, Restore and Rebuild Hawaii’s Schools. Personal Background  Joan has more than 20 years of experience in providing strategic public relations counsel to a wide range of clients in the U.S. and Asia Pacific region. She specializes in strategic planning, corporate and executive positioning, crisis communications and grass-roots advocacy campaigns.  Joan was recruited to Hawaii by Hill and Knowlton in 1991 where she served as Public Relations Director and later Executive Vice President.