Julie Talenfeld is the President & CEO of BoardroomPR, which she founded in 1989. She has extensive experience in public relations and social and digital media marketing, and reputational management, having lead assignments for major corporations, non-profits and family businesses across the state of Florida.
Fun fact: I’m a 24/7 news junkie! Having started my career as a news intern in Washington, D.C., I have long been obsessed with the news and political communications. My dad worked with Dan Rather and Walter Cronkite for CBS in New York, so you can say it’s in my blood.
What is your favorite South Florida dining destination? Cafe Avanti
What do you like to do on weekends? I love to play tennis and spend time with my family and our dogs. I also love to plan, and attend, charity events!
How do you unwind from a long day at work? To unwind, I’ll let off some steam on my Peloton bike and watch any and every episode of Law & Order. I also love to play the stock market and tune into Chris Cuomo on CNN.
What is your favorite quote? “My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant to be your own person, be independent.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg
From whom, or what, do you draw inspiration? My mother, Joan Karp, is my biggest inspiration. She taught me to never take no for an answer, and that “can’t” is a bad word. She is fearless and I am so proud to be her daughter.
What has been the biggest accomplishment of your career? When I was in my early 20s, the brokerage firm I worked for was filing for bankruptcy. They made me a deal: I could take the firm’s public relations division as my own if I changed the name. That’s how, at 25 years old, I turned around an adverse situation and became the president of BoardroomPR. It’s amazing to see how we’ve grown; what started as just me inheriting a blank canvas has become a six-office, 18+ employee operation. I couldn’t be prouder.
What has been the most challenging moment in your career and how did you overcome it? When my first husband passed away suddenly in a freak accident, I was left with two young children to take care of and a business to run. I went through terrible grief, and Boardroom became my refuge. I would work all day, then go home and do sports and homework with the kids. It was the most challenging time in my life, but I like to think that the business saved me. I poured myself into it to escape my tragic loss.
What advice would you give an up and coming professional? Pick up the phone! Texting and emailing is not enough. In order to foster close relationships or even just to follow up with someone, you need to pick up the phone.
