As part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who encourage and do incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Colleen Gallagher.
Colleen Gallagher is CEO of OnWrd & UpWrd Marketing & Communications, a firm that specializes in making trade associations the go-to-source in their industry through earned media and thought leadership. Colleen uses her expertise in communications and advocacy, media relations and video and podcast production to help clients enhance their brand as an industry thought leader. She works with clients to secure national and local media coverage, develop strategic communications plans and implement video and digital strategies to set them apart from the competition. She also serves as the President of the Washington Women in Public Relations Board of Directors.
She previously served as VP of Communications & Research for the Global Business Travel Association where she led and implemented award-winning PR campaigns, launched a broadcast studio and provided strategic input for the overall direction of the association. She also worked at the Biotechnology Industry Organization and the Consumer Technology Association.
Here’s what we found out about Collen’s daily routine, followed by an exclusive Q+A.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and what sparked the idea for your business?
Having spent many years on the client side within various associations, I realized that no agency truly grasped our specific needs. This insight, combined with my journey into motherhood, inspired me to launch OnWrd & UpWrd. I started the company just before my daughter was born, driven by a vision to create a PR firm that not only embraced strategic and creative excellence but also deeply understood and effectively responded to the unique challenges of association clients. This blend of professional insight and personal transformation fueled my commitment to building an agency that truly delivers.
As a woman navigating the business world, what challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
As a woman in business, I’ve encountered stereotypes and the additional challenge of proving my capability. I’ve overcome these by consistently delivering exceptional work and building a company culture that values performance and innovation above all. My best answer to this challenge is to create an environment where the women who work with me don’t feel these issues.
How do you balance the demands of running a business with maintaining a healthy personal life?
True balance is a myth; it’s more about integration. In the early years, my sleep suffered as I juggled responsibilities – and it still sometimes does. Now, I openly integrate personal commitments into my work calendar, ensuring my team understands when I’m unavailable and demonstrating that both facets of life can coexist transparently.
Which networking strategies have most effectively built meaningful connections within your industry?
Being genuine and consistently providing value has been my most effective strategy. Attending industry-specific events and leveraging social platforms like LinkedIn to share insights and start conversations have also significantly expanded my network.
How do you approach mentorship, and how has it shaped your entrepreneurial path?
Mentorship for me is about mutual growth—learning from the mentee’s fresh perspectives as much as imparting wisdom. It’s shaped my path by keeping me connected to the evolving landscape and invigorated by new ideas. I was the beneficiary of amazing mentorship and I want to make sure I help others up the ladder too.
What strategies have worked best for selling your products and reaching your ideal customers?
Understanding and articulating the unique pain points of our clients has been crucial. Tailoring our messaging to address these specific needs directly, coupled with demonstrating proven results through case studies, has effectively attracted and retained our ideal clients.
Which marketing techniques have been most successful for your business, and how do you track their performance?
Content marketing, especially thought leadership articles and strategic social media use, has driven our brand forward. We track performance through engagement metrics and conversion rates, constantly refining our approach based on data-driven insights.
Can you share a significant setback in your business journey and the steps you took to overcome it?
One of the most defining moments early in our business was unexpectedly facing a personal challenge when my baby was born two months premature, just 10 days after launching OnWrd & UpWrd. This unexpected event could have derailed our plans, but thanks to understanding clients, a supportive partner, and my commitment—even from the NICU, where I sometimes brought my laptop—the early days were managed with resilience and determination. This period tested our adaptability and preparedness, and it reinforced the importance of building strong relationships and maintaining a proactive approach to business. Nearly four years later, both the business and my child are thriving, a testament to overcoming initial setbacks with perseverance and support.
What’s the most important advice you’d give to women just starting their entrepreneurial journey?
Embrace resilience. The path of entrepreneurship is fraught with highs and lows—perseverance and adaptability are your greatest assets. Stay committed to your vision, but be willing to pivot when necessary.
Is there a mantra or quote that guides your actions and decision-making as an entrepreneur?
My guiding mantra is ‘All that I can, I will.’ It’s a reminder of my commitment to push the boundaries of what’s possible, personally and professionally, and it’s tattooed on my wrist as a constant motivator.
