Empowering Women In Midlife And Beyond: The Transformative Power Of PR By Sarah Llyod

I was thrilled to be voted one of the Top 40 over 40 by Women in PR, selected from 100 applicants by a panel that really knew their stuff. And of those 40, one of the 4 invited on stage to share my story. Surrounded by such remarkable women – one even had an MBE I mean! – well it really made me question why I was there. I share because I often put myself in the shoes of my clients, and understand how daunting it can be to put yourself out there when tradition dictates we should be entering our invisible decades. 

But, as we journey through this exciting phase of life, we’re the generation rewriting the old narratives and offering a new way to grow up disgracefully. 

Gone are the days of retreating to the kitchen; now we’re donning sequins, shouting in the streets, and blazing a new trail. We truly are the “zero fucks generation,”  So, why Public Relations (PR) for midlifers?  Well Midlife is when we get to reinvent ourselves, and PR is an essential tool that can connect you to your peeps, whilst  amplifying your voice.  It’s not just about landing a spot in magazines; it’s about leaning into the transformation of this rite of passage and an opportunity to reach out to new communities.  If you’re ready to launch that book or product, PR is a great tool to have in your arsenal.

Why PR?

At its heart, PR is about managing the communication between you and the public. It’s not just for big companies with hefty budgets; if you’ve got a story, PR is for you.

PR is built on three key elements: media relations, storytelling, and personal branding. Mastering these – or teaming up with a pro – opens the door to sharing your experiences authentically. And it also is the confidence boost you didn’t know you needed! 

Women in midlife can find PR especially transformative.  It’s time to embrace your full life story and let it shine. Today’s women occupy unprecedented spaces of influence, moving away from traditional roles toward a more fluid, community-focused approach to leadership.

Reaching your Audiences 

When it comes to media engagement, understanding your audience is vital. I break this down into three segments: those we want to inspire, educate, and connect with.

  1. Inspire : Reach people who resonate with your past experiences, the version of you before you stepped into your current role.
  2. Educate : Connect with peers and fellow business owners who are eager for insights and mentorship.
  3. Connect : Set your sights on your stretch goals – networking with those you aspire to be like or engaging with influential publications.

Harnessing Storytelling

Now comes the fun part – writing your narrative.  In the end, people connect through stories, and they’re more inclined to buy from those they relate to. We’ve all craved those tales of community and resilience; they remind us of our shared humanity. Women can draw on their journeys to spark deeper connections. 

Matching your story with your audience to create personal connections that really resonate!

Building Your Brand (and Confidence) Through Visibility

Women often experience an incredible boost in confidence during their PR journeys.  Once you recognise and share more of your true self, fences begin to come down.  Engaging with the media or stepping onto a stage might feel daunting, but these acts reinforce that your voice matters.

Visibility can open doors to new opportunities – collaborations, mentorships, or fresh business partnerships – if you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone.

Navigating Challenges with PR

Let’s talk about fear – putting yourself out there can be nerve-wracking. But here’s the reality: criticism is part of the game. There will always be those in the cheap seats watching you in the area. Being prepared is essential – PR can equip you with the skills to tackle them head-on.  Managing your narrative helps you respond to feedback thoughtfully, turning obstacles into chances for growth.

Celebrate Your Wins

And don’t forget to celebrate your wins!  Sharing your successes not only inspires you, but also shows others what perseverance can achieve. Acknowledging your achievements and those of others creates a ripple effect, strengthening your credibility and community spirit.

Ultimately, PR is so much more than just a marketing tool; it’s a pathway to empowerment and reinvention. By harnessing effective communication, storytelling, and personal branding, you elevate your visibility, celebrate your journey, and convert challenges into stepping stones for success.

When you embrace PR, you’re not just paving paths for yourself – you’re encouraging others to confidently define their own stories.  A true win-win for all!