For public relations, 2020 was all about the pandemic and implacable reality of a life-threatening disease, mass lockdowns and economic turmoil. With economies beginning to show signs of new life and even a possible boom, it’s time to rethink our role as communicators.

Global logistics leader UPS has selected Zeno Group as its Asia Pacific communications agency of record, following a competitive pitch. The remit covers 10 geographic markets in the region, including Mainland China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, led by Zeno’s regional hub team in Singapore. 

Monday, March 8 is International Women’s Day 2021. This day comes almost a year since the outbreak of COVID-19 forced all Zenoids to work remote – a disruption to our lives, routines, and traditions. After an unprecedented and enlightening year, we at Zeno Group are celebrating and reflecting on how we can make a difference.

Leading up to International Women’s Day, Zeno’s Jackie Cox Battles kicked off PRWeek’s series of perspectives from women in PR facing the professional and personal challenges of surviving the pandemic. This is her story. 

I pride myself on being a pretty positive and resilient person. It’s all about perspective. Choose happiness. Life is what you make it. Be grateful. And though I still subscribe to this philosophy, the pandemic has turned me from optimist to realist forcing me to address a silver lining that has dulled or disappeared entirely.

When it comes to representation, especially within media, we constantly hear about how much it matters. But what does that really mean? From empowering all of your employees to be their authentic selves within any space, to integrating intersectionality into how you interpret representation -- considering ways to amplify all kinds of Black voices, and more, there are many ways that you can do your part in ensuring that your team members feel seen and heard in and out of the office all year long. Take a look at what some of our employees had to say.

When we look back on the turning point of the COVID-19 pandemic, we may find that some unexpected heroes made all the difference. It could be that your local barber, the mayor of your city, your pastor or your neighbor will be the unsung heroes who helped get 100 million people in the US vaccinated in 100 days or 70 million vaccines in French arms by the end of August.