Brian O'Sullivan
Partner


What do you do for SE10?
I'm a partner at the agency, which means I do everything from negotiating new retainer agreements and recruiting talented new staff, down to making tea and watering the plants. But most of my time is still spent writing — press releases, articles, whatever — and dealing with the international press.

What is your philosophy about work?
I did an MBA at a posh business school and waited to be told the secret of business success. It turns out that there is no secret. While a good product or service is important — being honest, agreeable, hard working and reliable are just as crucial.

What are some of your previous jobs?
I was previously the rather grandly titled editor-in-chief of an international business magazine, and before that I had a series of editorial jobs, culminating in being the editor of two UK national trade titles. Originally I trained as a surveyor, but have tried my hand at everything from fork lift truck driver, painter, thoroughbred horse exerciser and tyre and exhaust fitter.

When did you join the agency?
I was SE10's employee number 3, arriving in January 2004 fresh faced from reading for an MBA at Ashridge Business School.

Where is the most interesting place you've traveled?
I once visited Angola shortly after the end of the civil war and had to write a story on a diamond mine 1,000km from the capital Luanda. The only way to get there was aboard an old 707 airliner that was filled with tanks carrying diesel that leaked onto a drip tray. They then landed it on a dirt strip. The diamond mine was amazing — 100 years ago the local people used to decorate the roofs of their mud huts with diamonds they found in the river! (Making them the most valuable houses in the world!)

What is your favorite book?
Captain Scott by Sir Ranulph Fiennes. The story of Scott's epic — and ultimately failed — Antarctic expedition to the South Pole is a gripping tale of human endurance, friendship and loyalty.

How do you get to work?
Along with the millions of other London commuters, I cram myself silently into 'the tube' most days (nobody ever talks on the Tube). But on sunny days in the summer (we don't get many of those in England) I sometimes take my life in my hands and ride to work on a 1960s Triumph Bonneville motorbike.

What sports do you like to watch or participate in?
I'm very fickle when it comes to sport. During The World Cup I am the biggest fan of football — and then immediate forget about the game; during Wimbledon I'm the most knowledgeable fan of tennis, and then abandon it when the last ball has bounced.. etc etc. My only consistent loves are Formula 1, Moto GP — and the Tour de France cycling.


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Ben Shaw
Partner


What do you do for SE10?
As one of the partners I like to maintain an interest in all that is happening at SE10, and I also work on the Manitowoc account, coordinating PR activities and editing their customer magazine.

What is your philosophy about work?
If you do what your clients ask and meet all your deadlines, you are a long way towards achieving success in the public relations business. As easy as it sounds, it is incredible how many companies get it wrong.

What is something that you may not know about me?
I am colour blind and cannot see purple (it appears blue to me).

What are some of your previous jobs?
I was the Editor of a construction magazine before joining SE10. I have also worked as an English teacher in Japan and at the Center for English Teaching at Sydney University.

When did you join the agency?
I am one of the founding partners. We established the agency in 2002.

Where is the most interesting place you've traveled?
My two favourite countries are Guatemala and Japan, both of which I visited for the first time in 1994.

What is your favorite book?
I really enjoyed Joseph Heller's Catch-22. The author makes quite brilliant and serious observations on everything from business to bureaucracy (not to mention war) with great humour.

What are you listening to right now?
Whenever I can, I listen to BBC Radio 4. My taste in music has changed very little in the past 15 years, so I still find myself listening to all the same stuff I did between 1985 and 1995.

Where do you live? Where are you from originally?
I live in Clapham, southwest London, but I'm originally from Winchester in Hampshire.

What's it like to drive on the other side of the road?
It depends where it is. It's easier on the wide-open American freeways than it is in Paris or Milan. I have one rule for driving on the other side of the road, and that's always remember that as the driver you must be sitting in the vehicle's seat that's closest to the centre of the road. If you're seated towards the outside of the road, you will shortly be seeing flashing headlights.

What is your most notable professional award or success?
Errrrr.

How do you get to work?
I use public transport, either the Tube, train or bus. I vary my journey depending on the season. I like to travel by bus in the summer and Tube in the winter. Either way, it's an hour door-to-door.

If you could have a drink with anyone, who would it be?
Probably Brian O'Sullivan. He usually pays.

Outside of work, I enjoy...
I love to read books and watch movies, although sadly my time for both diminishes as years go by. I also like to keep fit and play the odd game of football, squash or golf when I can. And I am a fan of Southampton Football Club, although few "enjoy" following the Saints. It's something of a burden.

What's the better regional manager: Ricky Gervais or Steve Carell
I've only seen Steve Carell in action a couple of times, so I'll have to plump for the original - Ricky Gervais.

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Leslie Shalabi
Partner, vice president, US operations


What do you do for SE10?
I am a partner in the firm and responsible for running and managing SE10's Madison, Wisconsin office. I often work directly with clients to help with public relations strategy, as well as write press releases, articles and answer press inquiries for our clients.

What is your philosophy about work?
Plan ahead. Work hard. Have fun. Be authentic.

What is something that you may not know about me?
I'm the lead singer in a soul/reggae band in Madison, Wisconsin.

What was your most unusual job?
Prior to joining SE10, my professional career was in trade publishing. Most recently, I was the publisher of a magazine covering the design and development of construction, mining and agricultural equipment. I have also written for magazines that covered printed circuit board assembly and thin film deposition.

But I would say that my most unusual job was working in the office of a welding shop/car salvage yard during high school. Often times I would be called out into the shop to help with special projects such as sticking my arm in a repaired gas tank to collect the welding slag inside. My arm was the only one skinny enough to fit through the hole! I was also sent on a few special errands for "blinker fluid" and "muffler jacks". Yes, I did actually fall for that one. But I learned fast. When I was asked to order petcocks for some radiators that were being repaired, I told them "No way!" I wasn't falling for that joke again. Turns out, there are actually petcocks on radiators.

When did you join the agency?
I joined SE10 in May 2006.

What music are you listening to right now?
Cover songs that my band and I are working on: I'll Take you There, The Staple Singers; Clean Up Woman, Betty Wright; Waiting in Vain, Bob Marley; Mr. Big Stuff, Jean Knight; Ain't No Sunshine, Bill Withers; The Harder They Come, Jimmy Cliff...

How do you get to work?
When we aren't covered in snow or freezing to death here in Madison, Wisconsin, I ride my bike to work.

What is your education?
I have a double Bachelor's degree in journalism and anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Outside of work, I enjoy...
Riding my bicycle. I started long distance touring a few summers ago and have participated in two, week-long tours where I rode nearly 500 miles in a week.

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Charlie Ebers
Senior Account Executive


What do you do for SE10?
I am an account executive which involves writing news and feature articles, press releases, award entries, speeches and newsletters.
What is your philosophy about work?
Work hard, meet your deadlines, be polite and do everything with a smile on your face.
What are some of your previous jobs?
Newspaper journalist and chalet host.
When did you join the agency?
I joined the company in November 2010.
Where is the most interesting place you've travelled?
South Africa. With its amazing wildlife and breathtaking scenery it is a wonderful place to visit.
What sports do you like to watch or participate in?
After doing a winter season working as a chalet host I am in love with snowboarding! I also enjoy horse riding but I don’t ride as often as I used to.
What is your most notable professional award or success?
Qualifying as a senior reporter and gaining my National Certificate Examination (NCE) in journalism.
Outside of work, I enjoy...
Snowboarding, socialising with friends, walking my dogs, going to the cinema, reading and cooking.
What are some of your favorite things?
Family, friends, holidays, chocolate, Christmas.
How do you get to work? 
I get the train along with millions of other commuters.

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Kayce Henderson
Research Analyst


What is something that you may not know about me?
I'm a terrible cook, but a comparatively accomplished baker.

What are some of your previous jobs?
I've had some fairly diverse jobs, especially in my student days. During college I worked in a restaurant, a pub, an ice cream shop, a gas station, and a church. I think my most unusual job was probably in an office that transcribes textbooks into Braille for blind students. I never mastered reading with my hands, but you'd be surprised at how easy Braille is to learn.

What do you do for SE10?
I work as a research analyst, so my main task is to track the coverage our clients receive in various news sources. I work in the Madison, Wisconsin office.

When did you join the agency?
I joined SE10 in March 2011.

Can you share an interesting travel experience?
My most interesting travel experience was probably at a craft market in Budapest. It was almost a carnival, really, complete with an erected stage for musicians. It was great to hear some of the local music; then the headliner of the event came on stage and sang a rather interesting rendition of "Come Fly With Me."

Where do you live? Where are you from originally?
I am originally from Las Vegas, and lived in Chicago and London before moving to Madison.

What is your education?
I double majored in English and Communications at Northwestern University in Chicago.

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Mark Koenig
Graphic Designer


What do you do for SE10?
I am the firm's graphic designer. The projects that I work on vary from laying out trade magazines, to designing email marketing campaigns.

What were some of your previous jobs? (Alternatively, what was your most unusual job?)
Before joining SE10, I worked as a graphic designer at T.I.S. Inc., a college textbook and apparel company based out of Bloomington, Indiana. While still in university, I worked as a design intern at both the Indianapolis Star and the Columbus Dispatch.

My most unusual job would have to be my first job, where as a 16-year-old I worked as a dish-washer at a retirement home cafeteria.

When did you join the agency?
I joined SE10 in October 2009.

What is your favorite movie?
Shaun of the Dead.

What music are you listening to right now?
The Decemberists, Interpol, MIA and Arcade Fire.

Where do you live? Where are you from originally?
I live in Verona, Wisconsin. I am originally from Indianapolis, Indiana.

What is your most notable professional award or success?
I was named the 2006 Student Designer of the Year, a national award given out by the Society of News Design.

How do you get to work?
I brave the Madison rush-hour traffic with the help of a travel mug full of coffee and my trusty satellite radio.

What is your education?
B.A. in Studio Art from Indiana University.

What sports do you like to watch or participate in?
I'm a pretty big sports fan. I stick mostly to the big three American sports (football, baseball and basketball) and watch as many games as I can. But I like to consider myself a well-rounded sports fan and get excited for any major sporting event...whether I'm a fan of the sport or not! (See: Olympic Curling)

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Ronan Cloud
Account Manager


What do you do for SE10?
Rather than look after a single client, I spread my time across four main accounts, for whom I seek to achieve international press coverage and industry recognition by all and any means. On a day-to-day basis, I liaise with my clients, create articles and press releases, and contact key media to pitch ideas and stories.

What are some of your previous jobs?
Before joining SE10, my working life mostly involved talking. I was a customer service agent for Toyota, a sales & marketing man for electronics giant Sony (among others) and a PR executive for a firm specializing in property, where I began to develop my writing.

One memorable role, however, did not involve talking. I was 15 and growing up in Holland where I spent most summers on work placements at my dad's office. One such role required me to reorganize an entire warehouse made up of what seemed like hundreds of 9ft tall shelving units. I was alone, with nothing but a broken radio as company. After that, I didn't go back.

When did you join the agency?
June 2009.

What is your favorite movie?
Jaws. An absolute classic. I'm not one for scary movies and Jaws may have put me off going in the sea, but it remains the only film I have ever watched three times back-to-back. And still somehow enjoyed it.

Where is the most interesting place you've traveled?
When I was 21, I went on an Asian adventure that took in eight countries in five months. Among them was Laos, which is the most bombed place on earth but, as a country, has never actually been to war. It is a truly wonderful place in its character, scenery and charm. It also has the most vividly blue sky I've ever seen.

What is your philosophy about work?
The more you put in, the more you get out. Focus on the job in hand but stay relaxed. Work is serious business but if you can't enjoy doing it, it's not worth doing.

What is something that you may not know about me?
I play roller hockey for a regional division team in Surrey.

How do you get to work?
I have the enviable privilege of being able to walk to work. Although it means I have no excuse for being late!

Where are you from originally?
An interesting question; I was born in England and then, at the age of two, moved to Belgium. From there, due to my father's job, we moved home every three years, mostly between the glamorous delights of Holland and Belgium. At the age of nine, I joined a boarding school back in England where I spent the following nine years. By which time my parents had finally moved back to England, where they now live in Surrey. I think that answers the question.

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Elizabeth Tilley
Asia Pacific Correspondent


What are some of your previous jobs?
Fashion & Beauty Editor, Business/Property Reporter, Police Reporter, Finance News Journalist & Presenter

What do you do for SE10?
Based in Sydney, Australia, I manage Volvo Construction Equipment's Region Asia account and report on anything happening for our clients in Australasia. I also write stories for some of Volvo CE’s other internal publications and the occasional story for some of SE10’s other clients.

When did you join the agency?
I joined SE10 in June 2009.

Where is the most interesting place you've traveled?
I think I'd have to say Poland. Visiting the Nazi concentration camps was an incredibly moving experience. My favourite place to have travelled so far though would have to be Greece, in particular the magical island of Santorini.

What are you listening to right now?
George Michael’s Greatest Hits

What is your most notable professional award or success?
Receiving an award for Best Stunt Journalist after rolling a company car during my cadetship at the first newspaper I ever worked for! It was an accident of course and walked away with only a hint of whiplash.

What is your education?
Bachelor of Journalism (Distinction)

Outside of work, I enjoy…
Painting, yoga, running, shopping, fine dining and exploring new places.

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Christin Runkle
Senior Account Executive

What are some of your previous jobs? I’ve worked in a shop on London’s Regent Street (which was manic!), I’ve been a reporter and editor at a newspaper in the US, I worked on a US Senate campaign, and I’ve been a White House intern.

What do you do for SE10? I’m an account executive, so I do lots of writing – press releases, news articles and features – and traveling. I work primarily on the Volvo Construction Equipment account.

When did you join the agency? I joined SE10 in May 2011.

What is your philosophy about work? I may be American, but I really like the European philosophy of working to live rather than living to work. Do your best on the job, but try not to take it all home with you.

What is your favorite book? Funnily enough, it’s Catch-22, which is also Ben Shaw’s favorite book. (This is purely coincidental!) In the interest of a little variety on the SE10 Web site, I will also say White Noise by Don DeLillo, which, like Catch-22, deals with death in a darkly funny way – it’s brilliant, and I wish I had written it. Also, Possession by AS Byatt is completely wonderful.

What are you listening to right now? It’s a vague, catch-all category, but I love indie rock (I go to as many gigs as possible). Right now, I’m listening to a lot of Lykke Li, Metric, Explosions in the Sky and Ryan Adams & The Cardinals. And always Radiohead.

Where are you from originally? I’m from Idaho, USA.

What’s it like to drive on the other side of the road? Um, I haven’t been brave enough to try it yet. I’ve had my driver’s license since I was 15 and have probably logged around 200K miles behind the wheel; I’ve driven in New York and LA, on winding mountain passes with sharp drop-offs, and in dense fog and on snow and ice – none of that fazes me. Driving on the left and negotiating roundabouts, on the other hand… I’m sure it’ll happen eventually, but I’m putting it off as long as possible!

How do you get to work? I get two Tube lines, and it takes close to an hour door-to-door. 

Chloe Doyle
Account Executive


What is something you may not know about me? 

Diana Henry

What is your philosophy about work? Work hard and have some fun while doing it. No one wants to hate their job—so don’t!

What is something that you may not know about me? I still have a baby tooth. Yes, you can see it – now that I told you!

What are some of your favorite things? Meeting people! I love meeting people I would never have otherwise met. Life takes you on a journey and the people you meet helps to shape who are at the end of the road.

What are some of your previous jobs? (Alternatively, what was your most unusual job?) I was a television news anchor for more than 10 years. I loved my job! I had the amazing opportunity to come into people’s homes and tell them what was happening in their backyards and across the world.

On the flip side, I had to make sure every hair was in place and I didn’t wear the same outfit within 2 to 3 weeks of each other (I kept track of what I wore every day)! It’s also live TV—so there are no re-do’s! I had to learn how to stumble through some of the most awkward moments (choking/coughing while trying to get my co-anchor to take over for me). I also had to accept that sometimes even the most simplest of words just won’t come out right!

When did you join the agency? January 2012

Where is the most interesting place you’ve traveled? (Alternatively, what is your most interesting travel experience?) While I have traveled to quite a few places for vacation (which I have loved) – I have to say that seeing Haiti post-earthquake has left the biggest impression on me.

As you can imagine, going to a third-world country just destroyed by an earthquake comes with challenges. I slept in a tent in a rural mountain village. I slept on the roof of a clinic on a mat, under a mosquito net in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. I took bucket showers. I had to be treated for dehydration while there—having two liters of fluid pumped in through an I.V. That said, I would go through it all again in a heartbeat.

While all of that is memorable, it is the people of Haiti that left the biggest mark. They have an amazing faith and to see them so proud of what they do have, including family, and how grateful they are— is nothing short of humbling.

What is your favorite movie/book? I love to laugh.  My favorite movie is Tommy Boy. Don’t get me started on quotes from the movie!

What are you listening to right now? I recently borrowed my friend’s massive CD collection and uploaded 500 songs to my iPod. So that might be hard to narrow down right now!

Some favorites: John Legend, Frank Sinatra, Van Morrison, Michael Buble, Diana Krall, Adele, Colbie Caillat.

I need to go to more concerts! There’s nothing like listening to live music and seeing them perform. I have seen John Legend in concert in Milwaukee, WI and Michael Buble in Minneapolis, MN.

Where do you live?/Where are you from originally? I live in Madison, WI. I am from neighboring state, Minnesota. The states have big sports rivalries so sometimes I am not the most welcomed guest at the table! Between college and professional sports teams—there is always a debate to be had over who has the better player or record.

What is your most notable professional award or success? I was honored with regional Emmy and Edward R. Murrow awards within just a few months of each other recently. Both for stories I hold dear to my heart: The Jackie Millar Story (Emmy) and Lifeline to Haiti (Edward R. Murrow).

How do you get to work? I am that typical American and drive a gas-guzzling SUV. I know I should get a better fuel-economy vehicle but every time someone wants me to haul something for them (or I need it)—I sing its praises! What can you do!?

What is your education? I studied Mass Communications and Speech in college. I started my television news experience at the college station. Although funny for you, I would not like the idea any of those old tapes resurfacing!

Outside of work, I enjoy… I enjoy trying new things! Ask me if I want to jump out of an airplane—done it twice! Ask me if I want to dive 85 feet deep into an ocean—yes I will! I am open water advanced scuba certified!

I also love to bake. Chocolate chip & walnut cookies, orange/cranberry scones, and triple layer chocolate cake are my current favorites. While I like to cook—I also love to eat at that amazing restaurant and have an occasional glass of wine—and tell everyone about it on my blog!

Which do you prefer --football or futbol? Football (of the American variety) — go Vikings! Please don’t hold that against me! I am from Minnesota and yes Packers rule in Wisconsin, however, the color purple runs deep in my family! You can find me on the couch on Sundays watching the NFL! On Saturdays, I wear UW-Madison Badger red. So I guess you could say my allegiance is split.