Member Spotlight: Q&A with Victoria Lim
Posted on Jun. 19, 2024 / Member Spotlight / Subscribe 0
This month, we're going on the record with former investigative journalist, OCPRSA member, and PR & communications guru, Victoria Lim, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications at Experian. Currently driving Experian's DEI, ESG, reputation management, and executive communications strategies, Victoria's career trajectory is a masterclass in transferable skills. Honing her storytelling talents as a pioneer of "multimedia journalism," Victoria also developed her expertise covering pro sports, teaching at prestigious universities, and creating PR magic for Disney. From the newsroom to the boardroom, Victoria shares how investigative grit and a passion for inclusive, impactful communications have molded her professional path and offers tips for creating content that effectively resonates with diverse audiences.
Can you share your professional career journey and how it led you to your current role at Experian?
My foundation in communications began with my years in journalism. I spent most of my time as an investigative journalist in a top 20 market, pioneering what is known today as "multimedia journalism" (reporting for television, newspapers, and online), then called "convergence." My passion for these skills led me to teach at universities, including the Missouri School of Journalism. After covering pro and college sports for a regional sports network, I landed my first public relations role as managing editor for Walt Disney World public relations and content. I have OCPRSA Board Member Linda Martin to thank for referring me to Experian; we met years earlier when I worked at Disney. Ironically, it was not my first interaction with Experian; I reported on the company as an investigative journalist long before my current colleagues and leaders were there. My story might have turned out differently had they handled my media request back then (laugh).
Which skills and experiences from your time as a reporter have been the most valuable and applicable to your success in corporate communications?
The most valuable skills I brought from my time as a reporter to my work in corporate communications include writing, storytelling, interviewing, and networking. My investigative experience taught me how to take complex information and break it down into understandable and compelling stories for different audiences. My on-camera experience from broadcasting has also been invaluable for video work, emceeing, moderating, and hosting. I also think not being afraid to hear "no" is helpful. You hear that word often as a reporter (requesting interviews, records, information, access, etc.). It's made me not afraid to ask or find other ways towards a solution when my first option isn't available.
What are some best practices for creating inclusive content that effectively reflects and engages a diverse audience?
There is a slogan disability advocates embrace that says, "Nothing about us without us." I think it resonates across many communities. To reach a specific audience you must first engage with them. Understand what is important to them, the appropriate terminology, and their preferences regarding representation. I earned the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida to gain additional insight. For those interested in this area, I highly recommend taking this PRSA certification course.
As an active participant and former board member of OCPRSA, what advice would you give to new members to help them fully utilize their membership benefits and opportunities?
The most value derived from being an OCPRSA member lies in the community of public relations, communications, and business professionals and advocates it provides. Whether you're looking for support, a job, a resource, new skills, or a laugh – OCPRSA has it all.
Given your proficiency in both internal and external communications, what are your top tips for adapting your communication style to meet the different needs of internal and external audiences?
Think of your teammates as another audience you're trying to reach. As an employee yourself, you also have an idea of the kinds of messages (and from whom) make the most impact. But even if you have the best writing, beautiful graphics, engaging videos, or a pyrotechnic show, none of it matters if you aren’t providing this information on the channel’s employees are active on and have access to. That might be email, a good old-fashioned printed newsletter, digital billboards, intranet, or an internal social media platform – just like we do when trying to reach the public, figure out where your employees go to get informed, and be there.
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