In this episode, Anita Patrick speaks with Adanna Atuonwu, the Public Relations Lead at AFEX, one of Africa’s fastest-growing companies, to unpack what it really takes to succeed in PR in Nigeria.From building media relationships across West and East Africa, to turning a Master’s degree into a career breakthrough, to managing challenging team members without burning out, Adanna shares practical lessons from her journey that every aspiring PR or communications professional needs to hear.This is a conversation about career growth, leadership, and thriving in structured organisations.What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to build and nurture PR relationships that actually move your career forward
• Where to find networking opportunities (and why “horizontal networking” matters)
• How a Master’s degree can unlock doors and how to maximise its full value
• What it’s like to work in a structured, high-growth company
• Key things to consider when choosing your first job
• The mindsets and attitudes that set successful PR professionals apart
• Practical tips for managing difficult reportees as a first-time manager

Where to find AdannaInstagramLinkedInWhere to find AnitaLinkedIn Twitter Instagram What I Do For Work on socialLinkedInInstagramTiktokTwitter/X#WIDFWPodcastNewsletterChapters00:00 Introduction00:53 What to expect01:24 Working in PR03:41 PR Lead day-to-day06:26 Productive times for working08:00 Building relationships as a PR expert12:14 Undergrad and Master's experience16:49 Getting value (and jobs) from Master's degree19:40 First year at AFEX21:48 Taking advantage of support at work22:57 Having good managers and being a good manager25:49 Handling reportees who need micromanagement30:43 Working in a place with structure35:11 Advice for choosing your first job37:14 Problems in the Comms sector39:52 Advice for working in PR40:52 Networking horizontally42:46 Where to find relationships44:45 Where to find Adanna45:12 Share What I Do For Work podcastProduction and marketing by Anita Patrick