Our Comms Spotlight for this week discovered her love for Communications quite young. This love led her to pursue a degree in Electronic Media and Public Relations and kick off her career shortly after. Tessie Omulo is now the Account Director at Burson, formerly known as Hill & Knowlton Strategies. Tessie’s story is one that appreciates the journey she has been on as a professional and the growth that has led her to where she is today. In her interview with us, she shares what it’s like working with the dynamic team at Burson and gives us insights to how she overcame a challenge she faced on her journey.
What motivated you to pursue a career in Communications?
Growing up in an Adventist home, I spent a lot of time in church. I started by narrating children’s stories during divine service, then joined the choir, and eventually became part of the media team. Whether it was curating immersive storytelling sessions for Camp Meetings or bringing Vacation Bible School (VBS) to life, I found joy in creating experiences that resonated with people.
Over time, I naturally gravitated toward storytelling, drawn to its ability to connect, inspire, and bring ideas to life. At the same time, I loved watching the news. I admired how journalists like the late Catherine Kasavuli and Christiane Amanpour commanded the screen with poise and authority. There was something mesmerising about the way they delivered the news; how their words carried weight, how they held the audience’s attention, and how, for a moment, everyone seemed to pause and listen.
That early exposure led me to pursue a degree in Electronic Media and Public Relations. Looking back, I marvel at how those formative experiences shaped my career, allowing me to help brands craft compelling stories that not only inform but also leave a lasting impact.
Tell us about your role as Account Director at Burson.
This is a great opportunity to mention that we recently rebranded from Hill & Knowlton Strategies to Burson. I lead strategic communications for different brands, helping them craft compelling narratives that shape perception, build reputation, and drive meaningful engagement.
The fun part about my role is its dynamic nature; one day, I’m developing a high-impact corporate positioning strategy; the next, I’m steering a product launch, navigating a crisis, or leading thought leadership initiatives that position brands as industry pioneers. No two days are ever the same.
Oooh, I enjoy working with the team at Burson; collaborating with brilliant minds who challenge, inspire, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in communications makes the work even more exciting. Beyond strategy and execution, I enjoy the thrill of problem-solving, uncovering unique angles that make brands stand out, and working with diverse teams to bring ideas to life.
Can you tell us about a project that you particularly enjoyed working on?
It’s hard to pick just one; there have been so many projects that have pushed me, challenged my thinking, and sharpened my strategic edge. But if there’s one thing I truly enjoy, it’s working on campaigns that allow us to go all in with an integrated approach; where PR, digital, influencer engagement, and creative storytelling all come together seamlessly.
There’s something exhilarating about seeing a well-thought-out strategy come to life across multiple touchpoints and create real impact. Those are the moments that make this work so fulfilling!
What tools or resources have been most helpful in your Communications career?
As a principle, continuous learning has always been a cornerstone of my growth; both personally and professionally. This is crucial because working in a fast-paced environment, I’ve seen how the communications industry continues to evolve, with shifts happening more rapidly than ever. Therefore, staying informed and adaptable is essential. For insights, media monitoring tools like Meltwater and Brandwatch help keep a pulse on brand perception, industry trends, and the conversations that matter.
Platforms like PRovoke and AdWeek provide a broader perspective on how global shifts influence storytelling and reputation management. But beyond tools, agility is everything. A campaign can take an unexpected turn, a crisis can unfold in real-time, and what worked yesterday might not work today. The ability to pivot, adapt, and think critically under pressure is a skill no software can teach, but one that experience continuously refines.
And if I had to pick a favourite resource, it would be conversations with fellow communicators. There’s something invaluable about engaging with peers and industry gurus; whether it’s sharing insights, exchanging ideas, or simply knowing that someone else understands the unique highs and lows of this profession. Some of my greatest learning moments and sources of inspiration have come from these exchanges.
Tell us about a challenge you’ve faced on your career journey and how you overcame it.
One of the most transformative phases of my career has been evolving from an execution-focused role to a strategic leadership position; a shift that pushed me to think beyond tactics and take a more holistic, high-level approach to communication. Early in my career, I thrived in the fast-paced nature of campaign execution, but as I advanced in the industry, I realised that true impact goes beyond just executing well.
It requires the ability to shape strategy, influence decision-making, and drive long-term brand positioning. The transition hasn’t been immediate or easy; in fact, it’s still a work in progress. One of my biggest learning curves has been developing executive presence; learning how to advise C-suite leaders, articulate the value of communications in boardroom discussions, and make high-stakes decisions with confidence. The ultimate goal? To be a trusted strategic advisor.
I have leaned on mentorship (I have a great sounding board), continuous learning, and hands-on experience to bridge this gap. My biggest takeaway? Growth happens when you lean into discomfort, embrace challenges as learning opportunities, and continuously refine your craft.
What advice would you give to professionals seeking to build a career in communications?
Communication is about what people remember, feel, and act on. To transition successfully, learn to connect the dots between storytelling and strategy, sharpen your ability to simplify complex ideas, and always stay curious. The real game-changer? Understanding that influence isn’t about volume; it’s about resonance.
