As part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who encourage and do incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Cher Murphy.
Cher Murphy is the Owner of Cher Murphy PR, a seasoned media relations expert with a proven track record of crafting compelling stories that drive results. With experience as a business owner, writer, editor, client account specialist, and media strategist, Cher brings a unique 360-degree perspective to every campaign. Her strength lies in developing and pitching editorial content that lands impactful placements in both national and local media outlets across the U.S. and Canada.
Cher has represented a wide range of industries—including lifestyle, beauty, fashion, health and wellness, travel, entertainment, technology, education, real estate, e-commerce, and more. Known for her ability to translate brand messages into smart, newsworthy narratives, she delivers results that resonate—whether in print, on-air, or online.
What inspired you to start your own PR agency, and how did you get your first client?
I started my own PR agency eighteen years ago because I wanted to create a space where storytelling met strategy—and where clients felt truly seen and supported. I was drawn to the idea of shaping narratives that spark connection, impact, and opportunity. My first client came through a relationship I had nurtured for years and saw me in an article about PR in USA Today. They believed in my vision and trusted me to bring it to life. That early partnership taught me the power of reputation and relationships—and I’ve built the agency on that foundation ever since.
What unique challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur in the PR world, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been overcoming the misconception that PR is just about publicity or fluff. It’s often undervalued as a strategic driver of business growth. I’ve had to consistently educate clients and stakeholders on the real impact of communications from brand reputation to measurable ROI. I overcame these hurdles by staying results-focused, clearly articulating strategy, and surrounding myself with collaborators who understand the value of thoughtful, high-level PR. Another challenge, one many women entrepreneurs face is balancing the demands of building a business with raising a family. Time becomes your most precious resource, so I’ve learned to be intentional, prioritize what truly matters, and permit myself to redefine what balance looks like.
How do you stay ahead of trends in an industry that’s constantly evolving with media and technology?
I make it a point to consume information from both legacy and emerging platforms—newsrooms, social media, podcasts, analyst reports, and industry conversations. I also prioritize listening… listening to what journalists, creators, and consumers are talking about. And I encourage my team to experiment, test, and never get too comfortable. Agility is everything in this industry.
What’s your go-to strategy for building strong, lasting relationships with clients and the press?
My go-to strategy is simple: lead with authenticity and build trust through consistent value. Whether I’m working with a client or a journalist, I make it a point to truly understand their goals, challenges, and how I can help make their job easier. I never approach relationships with a transactional mindset—it’s always about creating meaningful, mutually beneficial connections. That long-term approach has paid off: many of my clients have been with us for over a decade, and I’ve built lasting friendships with media professionals along the way. Relationships rooted in respect and reliability stand the test of time.
Can you share a campaign or media moment you’re especially proud of—and why it stands out?
There was a campaign we led for a purpose-driven nonprofit called Paws of War that landed them a national spotlight during a high-visibility news cycle. The media coverage not only raised their profile—it directly impacted their fundraising goals and allowed them to reach thousands more people. Seeing PR move the needle in such a tangible, meaningful way is why I do what I do.
Which platforms or tactics have been most effective for growing your own brand visibility?
Strategic media placements, thought leadership articles, and consistent engagement on LinkedIn have been key. I also contribute to outlets where I can share industry insights that resonate beyond self-promotion. Visibility should be rooted in value—when you lead with insight, your brand naturally grows.
What role has mentorship played in your journey, and how do you pay it forward to others in the industry?
Mentorship has been invaluable. I’ve had mentors who believed in me, challenged me, and gave me opportunities I didn’t yet feel ready for—but grew into. Today, I make it a point to mentor emerging PR professionals, especially women and those breaking into the industry without traditional connections. Whether it’s through internships or candid advice, I believe in opening doors and holding them open for others.
How do you handle high-pressure situations or crises, whether for a client or your own business?
I go into problem-solving mode. I stay calm, gather facts, assess risk, and communicate clearly—internally and externally. In PR, you have to be both the firefighter and the architect: put out the flames quickly, then build systems to prevent them in the future. Having a trusted team and a solid crisis plan makes all the difference.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women entering the PR or communications industry today?
Don’t wait for permission. Speak up, take up space, and pitch bold ideas even if your voice shakes or you’re nervous. Your perspective matters, and this industry needs more diverse voices and leadership styles. Also—master your craft. I mean really master it. Relationships open doors, but skills keep them open.
What are the 5 things you believe are essential to overcome self-doubt and build confidence in this field?
Master Your Message: Know what you stand for and how to communicate it—this anchors you in moments of doubt.
Early on, I crafted a personal mission statement for my work. Revisiting it helps me reset and refocus.
Prepare Relentlessly: Confidence often comes from knowing you’ve done the work behind the scenes.
Before a major pitch, I rehearse, anticipate objections, and refine until it feels second nature.
Surround Yourself with Encouragers: Build a network that challenges you but also reminds you of your worth.
I have a small circle of industry peers who give honest feedback—and major pep talks when needed. This is invaluable.
Celebrate the Small Wins: Momentum builds confidence. Don’t wait for the “big moment” to feel proud.
I keep a digital folder of thank-you notes, testimonials and success stories that I revisit on the hard days.
Take the Leap Anyway: This saying says it all “Courage isn’t the absence of doubt—it’s action in spite of it.
When I launched my agency, I didn’t have everything figured out—I didn’t even have a single client or steady income at the time. But I trusted myself to figure it out along the way. That leap of faith became the foundation for everything that followed. Sometimes, the most important step is simply saying yes to yourself before the world does.
Is there a quote, mantra, or philosophy that guides your decision-making and leadership as an entrepreneur?
“Do it with passion, or not at all.” It reminds me to lead with heart and purpose. When I’m aligned with passion, everything—strategy, storytelling, results—flows with more authenticity and impact. I’m either all in or not at all.
What movement would you inspire to bring the most good to the greatest number of people?
If I could inspire a movement, it would focus on teaching emotional intelligence and media literacy starting at a young age. In a world flooded with information and constant digital noise, understanding ourselves and the media we consume has never been more important. Imagine the impact if every child grew up equipped to manage their emotions, think critically, and engage with content consciously and compassionately. It would create a generation of more thoughtful, resilient, and empowered individuals—something our world deeply needs.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can follow me here: Website and connect on LinkedIn. I often share tips, insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of agency life and the campaigns we’re proud to champion.
