Leading with Heart: Barrie Cohen of Barrie Cohen Public Relations On The Power of Authentic Women’s Leadership
An Interview With Pirie Jones Grossman
Stronger relationships: When you lead authentically, you build stronger, more genuine relationships with your team. People are more likely to trust and support you when you’re real with them.
In today’s dynamic world, the concept of leadership is continuously evolving. While traditional leadership models have often been male-dominated, there is a growing recognition of the unique strengths and perspectives that women bring to these roles. This series aims to explore how women can become more effective leaders by authentically embracing their femininity and innate strengths, rather than conforming to traditional male leadership styles. In this series, we are talking to successful women leaders, coaches, authors, and experts who can provide insights and personal stories on how embracing their inherent feminine qualities has enhanced their leadership abilities. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Barrie Cohen.
Barrie Cohen is the Founder and CEO of Barrie Cohen Public Relations (BCPR). This boutique PR firm has transformed brands by creating personalized, creative communication strategies that resonate with audiences. For over seven years, Barrie has built an agency known for its emphasis on relationship-driven service, helping clients secure high-profile media placements and elevate their stories. A passionate mentor, Barrie regularly speaks at universities and supports community causes. She is dedicated to the growth and success of both her clients and the next generation of PR professionals.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about authentic, feminine leadership, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
My journey into PR began after I worked in several agencies and realized there was a gap in the industry for more personalized, creative, and innovative approaches. I wanted to work on creating an agency model where PR is truly a partnership, where working one-on-one with clients to achieve their goals is at the forefront. That’s when I decided to step away from the norm and create Barrie Cohen Public Relations (BCPR). My goal was to build an agency that didn’t treat clients as numbers but as true partners. I wanted to foster a space where authentic storytelling, creativity, and a client-focused experience were at the core of everything we did. BCPR was born out of my desire to create something different, something that truly understood the value of collaboration and innovation in shaping brand narratives.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
Reflecting on my journey, the most valuable experiences have been the freedom and trust I’ve had to take on projects and work directly with clients — something I wouldn’t have had the chance to do working for someone else. Early in my career, I had the unique opportunity to collaborate with MMA fighter George St. Pierre on a press conference announcing his partnership with Hydrorevolution. Despite having little experience, I delivered the project successfully, and that moment was a turning point for me — it solidified my passion for communications. Since then, each opportunity has shaped my career and fueled my drive to keep pushing forward in this industry.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
What truly sets BCPR apart is the personal touch we bring to each client relationship. We don’t just work with brands we immerse ourselves in their stories and vision. One of the ways I make sure every client feels supported is by meeting them where they are. I prioritize building a connection beyond just business, whether it’s through sharing meals, having one-on-one conversations, or being there during their personal moments. Whether it’s traveling to work alongside them in person, supporting them in the studio, grabbing dinner together or attending events like conferences, I make it a priority to be there for them. For instance, we worked with a financial advisor who needed support leading up to a major industry conference. I traveled to meet with them, attended the event, and provided on-the-ground support. It’s not just about PR for us it’s about being there, showing we have their back, and helping them every step of the way.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
- Resilience: Building BCPR from the ground up wasn’t without its challenges. In the beginning, I was juggling every aspect of the business on my own, wearing multiple hats to ensure things ran smoothly. Over time, I had to learn to trust others and delegate responsibilities, but the road wasn’t always smooth. Resilience played a huge role in pushing me through those tough moments. It’s about bouncing back from setbacks and using them as fuel to keep moving forward.
- Flexibility: In PR, adaptability is key. We can’t afford to get stuck on what has worked in the past; we have to constantly pivot, try new things, and stay on top of trends to give our clients the best chance of sharing their voice and expertise. For example, when traditional media was no longer the go-to for reaching younger audiences, I had to quickly embrace new platforms like podcasts to help clients connect with their audience in fresh, engaging ways. Flexibility means being open to trying new strategies and being willing to learn from what doesn’t work, so we can constantly refine and improve.
- Empathy: In PR, it’s essential to truly listen to your clients and your team. Empathy allows me to connect on a deeper level, which helps ensure the brand’s narrative is authentic and aligned with their vision. But it’s not just about the clients — it’s also about my team. I believe that creating a supportive environment, where I listen and understand the challenges they’re facing, has been key to building a strong, motivated team at BCPR. When staff feel heard and valued, they’re more likely to bring their best selves to the table, which ultimately benefits the clients and the company.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader? I’m curious to understand how these challenges have shaped your leadership.
One of the toughest decisions I had to make was transitioning from being a solo entrepreneur to leading a team. I’ve always been hands-on, so learning how to delegate and trust others was challenging at first. But it was also necessary for growth. I had to let go of the idea that I had to do everything myself and embrace the fact that building a team meant I could achieve even greater things. It wasn’t an easy shift, but it was crucial for the business to expand and thrive.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you share a personal experience where embracing your unique leadership style, which might not align with traditional expectations, led to a significant positive impact in your organization or team?
I’ve always believed in leading with empathy, transparency, and creativity. Once I embraced this fully, I saw a shift in how my team responded — they felt more comfortable sharing ideas and taking ownership of projects.
At BCPR, we’ve built a family-like culture where we share both personal moments and professional struggles. This openness fosters trust and strengthens communication, allowing us to collaborate better and deliver stronger results for clients. When we feel heard and supported, our creativity flows, and we’re able to solve problems more effectively. Leading with empathy and connection has truly transformed our workplace, driving innovation and success.
In your journey as a leader, how have you balanced demonstrating resilience, often seen as a masculine trait, with showing vulnerability, which is equally powerful, but typically feminine? Can you give an example where this balance created a meaningful difference?
As a leader, I’ve found that balancing resilience and vulnerability has been key to building trust and creating an open, supportive environment. Being open, honest, and transparent about areas where we could improve or where I don’t have all the answers has helped me build stronger relationships. For instance, with clients, I’ve found that sharing my willingness to learn and admit when we could have done better has deepened their trust in us. It shows them that we’re not just about pushing forward at all costs, but that we’re willing to grow and adapt together. This openness has created an environment where clients feel comfortable coming to me with their needs, challenges, and ideas, knowing I’ll listen and work with them to find solutions.
As a woman in leadership, how have you navigated and challenged gender stereotypes, especially in situations where traditional male-dominated approaches are the norm? What strategies have you employed to remain authentic to your style?
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry can definitely present its challenges. The public relations field, for example, is still largely led by men, with only 30% of CEO roles in PR agencies occupied by women. Despite this, I’ve always stayed true to my authentic leadership style. I’ve never felt the need to adopt a traditionally masculine approach to succeed.
It’s about being true to who you are. Oftentimes, I’mthe smallest and youngest woman in the room, which had has made me a fighter, pushing me to find my voice and develop the confidence to lead. This approach has helped me lead with transparency and authenticity, allowing my team to thrive in an environment where trust and creativity are at the core of our work.
How do you utilize emotional intelligence and active listening to create an inclusive environment in your team or organization? Could you share a specific instance where these qualities particularly enhanced team dynamics or performance?”
Emotional intelligence has been crucial to creating an inclusive environment at BCPR. I actively listen to my team, which allows me to understand their concerns, celebrate their strengths, and offer support when needed. Having been there myself, I deeply understand the importance of supporting my team through challenges that go beyond the workplace. I believe that work shouldn’t come at the expense of personal well-being. If we deliver great results for our clients, it doesn’t matter if the work is done at 1 a.m. or midday — we all have lives outside of work. I offer a flexible schedule, which allows my team to manage their personal obligations while keeping the project on track. This approach not only helped us maintain momentum but also ensured that team members felt supported, both professionally and personally.
What role has mentorship played in developing your authentic leadership style, and how do you communicate authentically to inspire and empower both your mentors and mentees?
Throughout my career, I had to be my own mentor, navigating challenges on my own and learning from both successes and missteps. This experience, while difficult at times, has been incredibly formative. It taught me the value of self-reliance and resilience, but also sparked a deep desire to give back, particularly to students who may not have had the same opportunities I did. I believe that offering guidance and support is one of the most meaningful things I can do, as it allows me to become the mentor I didn’t have when I was starting out.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways Leading Authentically As A Woman Will Affect Your Leadership”?
- Stronger relationships: When you lead authentically, you build stronger, more genuine relationships with your team. People are more likely to trust and support you when you’re real with them.
- More creativity: Authentic leadership encourages you to think outside the box and take risks, leading to more innovative solutions and strategies.
- Increased resilience: Being authentic means you embrace your failures as part of the journey, which strengthens your ability to bounce back.
- Empowered teams: When you lead authentically, your team feels empowered to bring their whole selves to work, leading to higher engagement and productivity.
- More impact: Authentic leadership creates a lasting impact on your team, clients, and the broader community. It’s about inspiring others to be true to themselves and lead with purpose.
Are there potential pitfalls or challenges associated with being an empathetic leader? How can these be addressed?
Empathetic leadership is incredible, but it can also come with challenges, especially when it comes to setting boundaries or managing emotions. You need to make sure your empathy doesn’t lead to burnout or compromise decision-making. A way to address this is by finding a balance ensuring you stay connected to your team while also being firm when necessary.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could start a movement, it would be focused on supporting women entrepreneurs, especially those who are just starting out. I want to create a platform where young women can share their stories, access mentorship, and find resources to help them grow their businesses. Empowering women to take risks and lead with authenticity would make a huge difference in breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial community.
How can our readers further follow you online?
You can connect with me on LinkedIn, follow BCPR on Instagram, or check out our website for the latest updates on what we’re doing.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barriecohenpr/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrie-cohenpr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barriecohenpr
Website: https://bcpublicrelations.com/
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Leading with Heart: Barrie Cohen of Barrie Cohen Public Relations On The Power of Authentic Women’s… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.