Culture / People
Three early lessons from life at 393
Owning the power of new perspectives
January 2025: Starting a new job is always a mix of excitement and nerves, but stepping into 393 has been a great experience. Moving from a larger team into a smaller, startup style agency has totally shifted my perspective on the PR world, and I’ve already learnt so much in just one month.
Coming from a larger team, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would I miss the buzz of a big team? Would it feel limiting? Turns out, working in a smaller team doesn’t mean doing less – it means doing more of what really counts. The tight-knit structure means you’re right in the middle of everything, and it’s been amazing to see the direct impact of my work from day one.
Here at 393, I get to work directly with the founder and other team members who’ve got years of experience in communications under their belts. That kind of access is a game-changer – it’s not something you get everywhere, and it’s been a privilege to learn from people who are at the top of their game. And with a smaller team, there’s no room for fluff and busywork – every task and conversation has a purpose.
What’s been especially rewarding is how my own experience has contributed to the team. Coming in with a strong foundation in media relations and storytelling, I’ve been able to hit the ground running and bring fresh ideas to the table. The collaborative nature at 393 means we’re constantly learning from each other, and I’ve loved seeing how my skills have helped open up new conversations with media.
One of the highlights of my first month was attending REGO Day for our client, SmartestEnergy. As the UK’s first conference of its kind, it was great to witness the important work the client is doing in the energy transition space. Meeting some of their team and hearing the conversations they’re having gave me a deeper understanding of their mission and key messaging. It’s made my media outreach feel so much more exciting because I’ve really dived into what’s at the core of their story.
Another standout moment? Our company Christmas dinner. We all sat down all talked about how much the agency could grow over the next 12 months. The excitement was clear across the team, and it’s great to be part of something that’s aiming high and feels ready to take on whatever’s next.
Here are some of the key things I’ve learnt, one month in:
One of the first things I learned at 393 is how important it is to know exactly who you’re trying to reach. The Audience ID programme has been a game-changer. It’s not about guessing the right place for a story to land; it’s about figuring out where the story needs to be.
PR is about relationships, and at 393, that’s not just a buzzword. Whether it’s connecting with journalists or working closely with clients, the focus is always on adding real value. I’ve learnt that the best results come when you’re authentic, collaborative, and genuinely invested in building strong partnerships.
One of the things I’ve appreciated most is how 393 encourages us to lean into what we’re good at. It’s not about trying to do everything – it’s about finding what you’re great at and running with it.
High performance at 393 isn’t about being perfect all the time – it’s about being open to learning. In just one month, I’ve picked up on so much: how to ask smarter questions, build stronger relationships, and think more strategically about PR. It’s only been one month, but I already feel like I’ve found my feet at 393. Moving to a smaller, more focused team has of course been a challenge, but I’m ready to keep learning and sharing my own advice, and I can’t wait to see what the next few months have in store.
By Natalie Williams, Senior Account Executive
