Voted “Publicist of the Year” by Creator TV, Lisa Malcolm, CEO of Lynk PR, has established herself as one of the most influential voices in entertainment PR. Leading a growing agency, she combines innovation, authenticity, and social impact to amplify the visibility of actors, filmmakers, and influencers, while also championing female presence in business and turning her journey into a benchmark for purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
You often talk about “purpose-driven entrepreneurship.” At what point in your career did you realize that simply being successful wasn’t enough and that it was time to use your voice for something bigger?
I realized it when I saw the impact of opening doors for others. Early in my career, I thought success meant checking boxes for myself. But when I began helping underrepresented voices find platforms, I saw how transformative that could be. That’s when I understood my work wasn’t just about building my own credibility. It was about creating room for others to rise alongside me.
From backstage to leading an award-winning agency: what has changed in the Lisa who once dreamed of this space and what has stayed the same, even after so many achievements?
What has changed is my sense of certainty. Back then I was driven by hope and grit. Now I carry a confidence built from experience and results. What has stayed the same is my deep love of storytelling and people. I’m still just as curious, still just as energized by the human side of this work. That has always been my compass.
At Lynk PR, you advocate for stories with impact. How can you tell when a story truly has the power to transform someone’s image or perhaps even change an entire industry?
I know it when I feel it in the room. When a client tells their story and it’s not just about them but about resilience, change, or vision that others can see themselves in, I can sense its power. I’ve seen how the right story can shift not only how the world views a person but how industries pay attention. It’s always about truth and connection.
Do you believe every public figure has a mission or social responsibility? How do you guide your clients in balancing authenticity with strategy?
I do. Visibility is influence, whether we acknowledge it or not. I guide clients by helping them peel back to what genuinely matters to them, not what looks good on paper. From there we build strategy. Authenticity comes first because if it doesn’t feel real to them, it won’t resonate with anyone else.
Philanthropy and service-based leadership are part of your essence. Can you share moments when those values changed the course of a project or even the future of your agency?
For me, philanthropy is woven into every chapter of my work. Serving on boards, mentoring young talent, and supporting causes I care about has shaped the kind of clients Lynk PR attracts. There were moments when we chose to align with projects because they had heart, not just budget, and those decisions brought relationships and opportunities that defined the future of the agency. Living those values has never taken me off course; it has always set the course.
The digital era has transformed what it means to “have visibility.” In your view, what is essential for a professional to stand out consistently and ethically today?
I believe it comes down to clarity, consistency, and contribution. I’ve seen too many professionals try to be everything to everyone. The ones who stand out are clear about who they are, consistent in how they show up, and generous in the value they give. To me, visibility without integrity is just noise. The people who last are the ones who lead with substance.
For those just starting out in the communications world, what’s the best way to build a purpose-driven career even without major resources or connections?
Start where you are with what you have. I built so much of my foundation by volunteering my skills and saying yes to opportunities that aligned with my values. You don’t need big resources to begin you need clarity, intention, and the courage to show up. Service is the best training ground. It shapes your career and your character at the same time.
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