The Powerful Insights Learned From Going Back To School

That Solo Life Episode 304: The Powerful Insights Learned From Going Back To School Episode Summary Join hosts Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane as they welcome Veleisa Patton Burrell, an accomplished PR professional and educator. Together they explore the twists and turns of Veleisa's career—from solo entrepreneurship to agency life, and now as an adjunct professor guiding the next generation of communicators. This candid conversation covers career transitions, the evolving role of PR, the integration of AI in the workplace and education, and the importance of critical thinking. Prepare to be inspired by Veleisa's insights on mentorship, resilience, and finding balance in a challenging job market. Episode Highlights Veleisa's 20-year career in PR and communications The decision to shift between solo work, agency life, and teaching How teaching has reignited her passion for storytelling and mentorship The role of AI in PR and education, and how to use it as a tool rather than a crutch The importance of curiosity, critical thinking, and learning from failure Encouraging the younger generation to be authentic and build meaningful careers Tips on setting boundaries for a healthy work-life balance Episode Timestamps [00:13] Introduction to the episode and Veleisa Patton Burrell [01:37] Veleisa shares her career background and transition to solo work in 2017 [03:22] Teaching as an adjunct professor and rediscovering excitement for the field [07:53] Inspiring the next generation through storytelling and shared values [13:09] The impact of failure and fostering resilience in your career [19:57] Insights on balancing work with personal boundaries and self-care [21:17] Exploring the role of AI in education and PR, and critical thinking as a foundational skill [28:00] Closing thoughts and where to follow Veleisa About Veleisa Patton Burrell Veleisa Patton Burrell is a trusted counselor to clients and peers alike, providing strategic guidance on integrated communications, including media relations, content development, digital communication and executive visibility. Her talents lie in detailing company values through owned storytelling consistently across mediums to earn media coverage and improve reputation with employees, partners, and clients and industry peers. Most recently, as an executive for FleishmanHillard, a global PR agency, and Denny’s, a storied restaurant brand that is known as “America’s Diner,” Veleisa advised senior leaders on issues and crisis, developed media relations strategies and oversaw execution of thought leadership opportunities such as speaking engagements and interviews. Side work as a mindfulness facilitator and yoga instructor keeps Veleisa’s mind and body strong and resilient. She graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, with a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications and public affairs; she now teaches an undergraduate capstone course at the school as an adjunct professor. She later earned a master’s degree in communication studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. Veleisa was named to Public Relations Society of America Dallas inaugural 40 Under 40 list in 2021 and was previously a board director for the chapter. You can connect with Veleisa on LinkedIn. Related Episodes & Additional Resources Ragan: Denny’s Veleisa Patton Burrell on embracing tech and the changing comms landscape Nature: The effect of ChatGPT on students’ learning performance, learning perception, and higher-order thinking: insights from a meta-analysis World Economic Forum: Why AI literacy is now a core competency in education Forbes: Organizations Are Saving Millions By Embracing Curiosity—Here’s The Proof Host & Show Info That Solo Life is a podcast for public relations, communication and marketing professionals that work as independent and small hosted by Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane. Karen is the founder of Words For Hire, a PR agency that specializes in B2B, Technology and Healthcare, and the President of Solo PR, a community dedicated to independent practitioners in public relations, communications and related fields. Michelle Kane is the Principal of Voice Matters, a  company that offers PR, Communications Consulting, Editorial and Voiceover Services. Talk to Us Karen Swim - LinkedIn, Threads, Instagram Michelle Kane - LinkedIn, Instagram Subscribe and Share Don’t miss an episode! Be sure to subscribe to "That Solo Life" on your podcast platform of choice. Love what you hear? Share the episode with your colleagues and friends, and leave us a review to help more listeners find the podcast. Engage with us on social media—we'd love to hear your thoughts!