Who are you?
Amber Daines Ungar
Communications obsessive would be the most succinct title! I wear many professional hats so to speak – media trainer, communications coach, presenter, podcaster and author. For 11 years I have worked for myself launching Bespoke Communications as a PR agency. Today I help leaders of all backgrounds to fine tune their media and business communications through workshops, webinars, coaching programs and specialist project work, for say crisis communications strategy.
I’ve worked in many forms of communication production throughout my career. I was originally a daily news journo for print newspaper and business magazines, which took me across the Asia Pacific and the UK. I’ve also been an on-air TV reporter and consulted as a PR and media relations expert to hundreds of well-known Australian brands in the business and charitable sectors.
Outside of my business, I’m a keen art collector, embrace the chaos of raising two boys, and sit as a non-executive Director on a number of Boards. Away from the tools, I can also be found indulging in French Rosé, pungent cheese, and air-freighted editions of Vanity Fair magazine. Despite being on the wrong side of 40, I am also considering a return to my marathon competing days.
What inspired you to get started?
Having had a few media and PR/marketing jobs that I really liked but never felt quite were the future for “me”, I took a chance and freelanced as a PR manager one summer, with the idea I would then get a job, and never looked back.
What is your main goal?
To make everyone I work with feel more empowered through greater confidence and clarity in how they speak, write and present.
What has been your greatest achievement to date?
Winning a Walkley award for journalism at the age of 22 was pretty wild professionally speaking but I have to say from a personal level having the courage to have my two gorgeous sons. I was never a natural born mother, if there is such a thing. It has been a journey, and hard but amazing too.
As a working mum how do you find calm in the chaos?
Taking little snippets of time for me through a short walk, meeting good friends for a low key dinner, or getting a massage, and never feeling guilty.
During the times when you feel overwhelmed or lacking in motivation, what helps you get back on track?
Always! I am a great procrastinator which is something only my husband would really know about me. I usually managing my expectations of what I can do in a day helps – just prioritising one or two goals that are deadline based can be enough. That keeps me on feeling like it’s ALL possible but maybe not all at once.
Who or what inspires you?
Other women who are juggling it all and seem to be never complaining.
What do you do to relax and unwind?
Wine helps! Or else reading a good book in the sun with a coffee if it’s before 5pm. Podcasts are my new books too. Love how easy they are to listen to on the go.
What advice would you give your younger self?
What is meant to be will be. Slow down – there only race is in your mind.
What is your life motto or positive affirmation?
“Nobody is more important than you but you are no more important than anyone else.”
Have you ever had a disappointment or setback that ended up leading you to something wonderful?
I recall not getting a TV snow reporter job I applied for after journalism school. I had allied for 10 entry level media jobs by that stage. It felt like such a setback but then I landed a cadetship at the Sydney Morning Herald and a year later was working as a journo in Hong Kong. That was an unexpected turn or events and set my life up in a way I could have never planned for.
What do you like to do with your free time?
Plan holidays and get outside as much as I can. Nature is the best medicine for the mind and body and as I get older I appreciate it more than ever. I long for breaks away from the hustle bustle and tech!
Amber Daines – Bespoke Communications
Social media links:
W: https://amberdaines.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberdungar/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-daines-6731549/
“The Key for Me” will motivate and empower by supporting you to find the keys to set in motional goals and aspirations to help you make a better life for yourself.