JULIE TALENFELD

FOUNDER/CEO, BOARDROOMPR, FORT LAUDERDALE

BoardroomPR, founded in 1989, is among the largest public relations and integrated marketing agencies in South Florida. It specializes in media relations, online marketing, branding, event planning, and crisis communications. BoardroomPR has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa and Orlando. Talenfeld says one of her favorite projects has been creating like-minded, local community groups on Facebook, including Legal Eagle (for attorneys) and Plantation Nation, which now has over 27,000 members.

EDUCATION: University of Florida (BS)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: Infrastructure! Bridges are collapsing across the country. Many of our bridges are quite old, and we need a strong infrastructure plan to support daily commuters and residents.

READING: I don’t have a lot of time for books as I’m usually just glued to the news! But I did love Nobody Will Tell You This But Me, a whip-smart debut from Bess Kalb, a writer for Jimmy Kimmel’s show.

MENTOR: My father. He worked as a CBS news reporter, covering national and world events. He was even the first journalist on the scene at Chappaquiddick Island after Ted Kennedy’s fateful night.

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: I loved Florida Gov. and Sen. Bob Graham, who passed away this past April. Bob was the real deal; he genuinely connected with people throughout his five decades in politics on both sides of the aisle.

MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA: Pick up the phone! A text or an email is not enough. It’s important that you create a personal overture, proactively reach out, and have a real conversation with someone to get the job done.