Introduction: In an era of digital transformation, Briar Prestidge stands as a visionary entrepreneur, leading the way with Prestidge Group, one of the world’s first personal branding agencies for executives. Hailing from New Zealand and now split between New York and Dubai, Briar is the CEO of Prestidge Group, a digital marketer, Neuro-linguistics Business Practitioner, and designer behind BRIAR PRESTIDGE – The Label. Her journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of new opportunities and an unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges.
Early Life and Career: Briar’s remarkable journey began when she left her small town in Canterbury, New Zealand, for the bustling streets of New York City. Armed with little more than a suitcase and boundless ambition, she found herself working as a waitress in Manhattan. Her career then took her into real estate for a few years before she ventured to London. In the UK, alongside her work in recruitment, Briar began dabbling in digital marketing and website development. Witnessing the rise of beauty and fashion bloggers, she foresaw the potential for CEOs and business leaders to build their personal brands on social media. This foresight led to the birth of Prestidge Group, a personal branding, PR, and content production agency specializing in working with high-profile CEOs, HNWIs, and investors.
What started as a small side business grew rapidly. Today, Prestidge Group has a global presence, with headquarters in Dubai and New York and partners in London and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
BRIAR PRESTIDGE – The Label: In 2019, Briar’s love for corporate fashion culminated in the design of a power suit collection for women. Crafted from premium European wool and cashmere, BRIAR PRESTIDGE – The Label debuted in Dubai and New York in November 2020, adorning women around the world. The feeling of seeing her designs worn on news channels, conference stages, and red carpets is an indescribable source of pride for Briar.
Innovative Approach of Prestidge Group: Prestidge Group is a pioneering personal branding agency specializing in public relations and content production for CEOs, HNWIs, tech experts, thought leaders, and celebrities. Their approach is comprehensive, encompassing media coverage, interviews, awards, keynote opportunities, content creation (including podcasts and ghostwritten articles), and the management of personal social media channels. Briar emphasizes that personal branding goes beyond social media content; it includes leveraging traditional media coverage and keynotes to establish credibility and cut through the social media noise.
Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges but also opportunities for Prestidge Group. Lockdowns led to increased social media usage, prompting companies to recognize the importance of CEO communications online for building trust and connecting with communities. What once required education about integrated PR and digital approaches to reputation-building is now a recognized value. CEO personal branding is becoming an integral part of marketing budgets, reflecting the shift in the business landscape.
Advocacy for Women in Business: Briar is a strong advocate for women in business. She highlights the significant gender gap in funding for women-led startups and the underrepresentation of women in VC decision-making roles. Research indicates that women-founded businesses tend to be more successful when funded, delivering higher revenues. Greater diversity on boards is also vital for mirroring client and customer bases.
Daily Routine and Lifelong Learning: Briar’s daily routine reflects her commitment to a healthy lifestyle, discipline, and lifelong learning. Her day begins early with high-intensity interval training on gym days. Balancing her role as CEO of two companies, her schedule includes meetings with global clients and partners. She prioritizes self-care and dedicates evenings to studying and staying updated on tech trends and leadership skills.
Advice for Entrepreneurs: Briar’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to take the first step. She emphasizes the importance of creating a plan of action, learning, networking, and persevering. Bill Gates’ wisdom, “People overestimate what they can achieve in one year, but underestimate what they can achieve in 10 years,” resonates with her. Briar encourages daily efforts, even if they amount to just 30 minutes, as they compound over time, and believes that anyone can shape their life through hard work, determination, and persistence.
In Briar Prestidge, we find an inspiring entrepreneur who has not only created a successful business but also fosters personal growth, challenges stereotypes, and advocates for greater diversity in the business world. Her journey is a testament to the power of vision and determination in achieving success.