In this episode of PR in the Real World, Graham Goodkind, Founder and Chairman of Frank PR, returns to share the lessons, laughs and leadership insights from 25 years at one of the UK’s most distinctive agencies.

Picking up where Part 1 left off, Graham dives deep into the people side of PR - what it takes to grow a loyal, passionate team and why ‘growing your own’ talent has been one of the secrets to Frank’s longevity and culture.

Graham reflects on the pride (and occasional pain) of building an agency that’s produced hundreds of industry stars. He opens up about Frank’s journey through multiple ownership structures, sharing candid lessons about timing, intuition and why you shouldn’t always listen to the advisors.

Graham also explains how embracing an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) has re-energised Frank, giving everyone a stake in the agency’s future.

There’s practical wisdom here too: why leadership means letting people swim (but never drown), how to balance risk and reward and why founders must learn not to get too high on the highs or too low on the lows.

Graham also talks candidly about burnout, balance and rediscovering his ‘mojo’ - proof that even in a fast-changing industry, experience and passion can co-exist with humility and humour.

He wraps up with reflections on creativity, culture and keeping an agency relevant by mentoring Gen Z talent, launching Frank Social and a new creative arm that embodies the brand’s rebellious DNA.

A must-listen for agency founders, PR professionals, and anyone building a business with heart, humour and long-term impact in mind.

Links and References

Connect with Graham - https://www.linkedin.com/in/goodkind/

Frank PR - https://welcometofrank.com/

Graham’s ‘Legends of Frank’ series – https://www.linkedin.com/posts/goodkind_topthree-activity-7375895365574873088-o0Lo?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAC4mOfcBYPfcRe9wxqsRl4pJULZsG0BGg2M

Part 1 of Graham’s episode –

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2VH4uM6aAmsrDjDVaw7TEO?si=pA4Y_LqFS6CsbOTGff-G6Q

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-from-25-years-in-pr-with-graham-goodkind-part-1/id1777087032?i=1000731714212

https://youtu.be/_nlmnP371t4?si=dmTtAgeq0jDi1svc

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