Q+A: Humanizing our Environments through Mentorship, Inclusivity and Belonging

Featuring expert insight from our VP, Deane Code.

In this Q+A, APEX PR’s Deane Code walks through the essence of what it means to humanize our working environments, have a mentorship mindset, and foster connection and belonging with Jacob Robinson, Consultant, and Megan Poole, Senior Consultant.

Mentorship: There is incredible value in mentorship, in being a mentor and a mentee, taking the time to get to know people and their personal and professional goals to align with an organisation. Talk to us about what this means to you, what you’ve learned, how it’s been helpful.

When I was moving up in my early career, I felt like I wasn’t afforded that opportunity or given the support. It was very sink-or-swim, you were expected to “just know it” without much guidance or support. Knowing what I know now, a seasoned mentor would have been invaluable in helping me navigate the chaos of PR—industry politics, fast-paced culture, public speaking, and showcasing my value in meetings. While sensitivity training and cultural awareness are better now, having this kind of guidance available back then would have boosted my confidence and growth immensely.

I’m still growing into my leadership role here at APEX. There’s a lot more that I’m responsible for, be it people I lead or work I manage. And there’s a balance that has to be maintained by everyone at the leadership level. I love the mentor/mentee relationships, these connections help us learn from each other and inspire each other to achieve greater heights. 

And yes, I love the environment at APEX, it’s an open space where our values are role modelled. 

From your observations, how does APEX create and maintain safe spaces necessary for teammates to feel confident to use their voice? What does APEX do differently? How can we role model good behaviour so people feel like they belong, to view vulnerability as strength, to be comfortable and confident in sharing their perspectives and insight?

A safe space to me means humanizing the environment. When you learn more about your teammates, you’re able to get more inspired work out of them. When you invest in someone, they will invest in you and the problems you’re solving. Trust building is reciprocal, it takes time.

If folks are falling behind, you need to do your best in setting people up for success and everyone has to bring their best. Since agency is a softer side of what can be a cutthroat industry, it allows for more learning, less pressure. APEX is filled with lots of people of different backgrounds and it creates a diverse and dynamic atmosphere. 

APEX is a place where we can be courageous - I’m able to recognize when others aren’t being heard, and I take action to step in to support them, in the same way I’d wished someone had for me. 

My background is my superpower, but it’s also made me have to work harder, and prove my worth which takes a toll. We - as a community- need to have more conversations around next steps, and actionable items we can take to ensure that more people don’t face these same challenges. Not from an ego-centric perspective, but leading with empathy and the understanding that we are all people deserving of community. 

Future of Work: When we think about the future of our PR industry how should we navigate turbulence and shock? 

When we think about the impacts of politics, particularly in the United States right now, there’s an opportunity for the PR industry to lead real inclusivity. When so many organizations are pulling back, we should be doubling down to foster that human connection. Communication is really the backbone of how we work…we have to stand by our words and values. As communication professionals, we have the power to not only highlight global challenges but get ahead of them, too! 

Your number one advice for people entering our industry? (Alternatively: What’s something you know now, that you wish you knew when you were starting out, and how has the landscape changed?)

Public Relations is not always glamourous: it’s hard work, long hours and (in the beginning) a lot of tedious tasks. The industry shifts so much (channels, media landscape, etc.) and you have to unleash your curiosity and passion for the industry, and the people that you work with. No matter where you end up, you have to enjoy the people you work with. We take inspiration from what's around us. As you could tell, my favourite part is the human connection. People are truly at the heart of business and communities.

About Deane Code

Connecting, coaching and mentoring is by far the best part of my day, and I will never lose sight of how fortunate I am to be in this position to offer insight, perspective, and advice.

Trust is earned. To have earned this seat of trust among the people that I truly care for is a blessing.

Coaching is a dialogue, and it comes from a place of respect – for the ones seeking knowledge and the ones sharing their experience through the stories and anecdotes they tell.

I have been in the field of public relations for close to two decades – what I can share is that to succeed means more than mastering the skills – it means cultivating strong relationships. With your teams, with your clients, and every individual involved in your orbit of success.

Creative ideas are born in spaces where individuals feel free to share and collaborate. Through collaboration, more partnerships evolve, teams grow – and feel more invested to help one another.

My focus has always been to create safe spaces – where people can share their thoughts and ideas freely. I empower them with the confidence that they find within themselves to thrive and achieve their best potential.