Ms Olubukola (Bukky) George-Taylor is a strategic communications expert, public speaker, and entrepreneurial coach. She is the founder of Robert Taylor Media, a 15-year-old strategic communications agency based in Nigeria and co-founder of Africa’s 1st Tourism App, CRAWL AFRICA.
Bukky is skilled in Public Relations, Media Relations, Crisis Management, Product Launches & New Market Entry, Corporate Comms, Personal Branding, Media Training, Thought leadership, Campaign Building and more. Her work has seen her represent a diverse portfolio of local and international clients such as Estee lauder, M.A.C Cosmetics, Walt Disney Africa, Moet Hennessy, British Petroleum, Intellics, Flutterwave, iFitness, ONE Campaign, Landmark Africa, Pernord Ricard, Josien and more.
With a passion for positive African storytelling, Bukky is one of Directors of The Lagos Today Newspaper. A digital newspaper sharing stories, sights and sounds from Africa’s Metropolitan City… Lagos.
With a love for lifestyle and luxury, Bukky is the Director for Strategic Partnerships of The Luxury Network Nigeria, a global affinity marketing group giving a strong platform that offers visibility and growth for African Luxury Brands. Managing a portfolio of high end members, Bukky has been able to forge strategic partnerships between some of Africa’s best Luxury Brands.
Bukky is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, where she has been involved in chartering a chapter in Nigeria and leading the chapter as President to impact various communities in Nigeria.
To continue to remain relevant in the industry and develop professionally, Bukky is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA, Miami Chapter), The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS, Manitoba Chapter).
As a lover of networking with a strong passion for Women and a desire to bridge the gap between African Americans and Africans, she belongs to other African American communities such The Valence Community and The Gathering Spot.
Her passion points are Women, Young PR Aspiring Entrepreneurs, and Tourism. Bukky is interested in changing the narrative of her home country, Nigeria. Her great work has seen her feature in notable publications such as Forbes Africa, CNBC Africa, Local Publications, digital platforms like Shoppe Black US, and more.
In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, music, and storytelling.
What Inspired You to Start Your Own PR Company 16 Years Ago?
I’ve had an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. I grew up around the media.
The idea of building something from the ground up and having control over my professional destiny was something I have always desired. The world of communications allows for creativity and innovation. I wanted the freedom to think outside the box and develop tailored strategies that could make a real impact on my clients. At that time, I noticed a gap in the market where clients were seeking comms services that were both strategic and personal. I believed I could provide a more personalized approach that truly understood and addressed their unique needs. Starting my own company also offered the independence and flexibility to balance work and life on my terms. This was important to me, especially as I wanted to create a fulfilling career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I must also say that I was inspired by my mom who has a Masters in Public Relations and Marketing from Boston University and who was also the GM of marketing for Nigeria Airways at the time.
What Have Been the Most Memorable Moments or Achievements in Your Company’s Journey So Far?
Reflecting on the journey of my agency over the past sixteen years, there have been numerous memorable moments and achievements that have shaped our path and continue to inspire our work which include: landing our first major client which was a defining moment. It not only validated our capabilities but also provided the financial stability and credibility needed to establish ourselves in the industry. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of receiving several industry awards for our campaigns and achievements. These recognitions not only boosted team morale but also showcased our commitment to excellence. Building and maintaining long-term relationships with clients who have been with us for the entire sixteen-year journey is incredibly gratifying. It speaks to the trust and value we’ve provided over the years. Being able to give back to the community through pro bono work, partnerships with nonprofits, and other initiatives has been an important part of our journey, reminding us of the broader impact we can have.
How Has the PR Industry Evolved Since You Started, and How Has Your Company Adapted?
Since I started my PR company sixteen years ago in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) and since then the public relations industry has undergone significant transformations. These changes have been driven by technological advancements, shifts in media consumption, and evolving consumer behavior. Content has become a cornerstone of PR. We shifted from purely media relations to content creation, including blog posts, videos, infographics, and more. This content not only engages audiences but also enhances SEO and brand authority. Influencers have gained immense prominence in the PR landscape. We incorporated influencer partnerships into our strategies, leveraging the credibility and reach of influencers to promote products, services, and causes. We remain committed to delivering effective comms services that meet the evolving needs of our clients in this dynamic landscape.
What Are Some Lessons You’ve Learned Along the Way, and What Advice Would You Give to Aspiring PR Professionals or Entrepreneurs?
Through the journey of running a company for sixteen years, I’ve learned valuable lessons that I believe can benefit aspiring comms professionals and entrepreneurs. Here are some of the key lessons I’ve learned along the way, along with advice for those starting their own PR careers or businesses: Build Strong Relationships, Adaptability Is Key, Listen and Learn, Content Quality Is King, Networking Is Essential, and never stop learning! In the dynamic field of PR, continuous learning, adaptability, and ethical conduct are the cornerstones of success. As you embark on your PR journey, remember that each experience, whether positive or challenging, contributes to your growth and expertise.
Consistency and Quality are key to maintaining longevity in any kind of business. Staying in business for over 15 years is not an easy feat. It takes Quality Work, Consistency, Adaptability, and the right hands. Invest in a good lawyer, an accountant, and Human Resources.
What Exciting Plans or Initiatives Does Your PR Company Have for the Future?
As we look toward the future, Robert Taylor Media is enthusiastic about several exciting plans and initiatives that we believe will further enhance our services and contribute to our clients’ success. We plan to further expand our digital capabilities. This includes investing in advanced data analytics tools to provide clients with even more insightful and data-driven PR strategies. Building on our success in local and regional markets, we aim to expand our global reach. This includes opening new international offices and partnering with PR agencies in key regions to offer clients seamless global PR solutions. Our company is dedicated to promoting DEI not only in our own organization but also in the PR strategies we develop. We will continue to advocate for diversity and inclusivity within the industry and work with clients to create inclusive PR campaigns.
Connect with Robert Taylor Media here.