Develop outstanding relationships with PR Professionals and Publicists. I work with the best in the business.
As a part of our series about “Five Things You Need To Succeed As A Journalist”, we had the pleasure of interviewing Jules Lavallee.
Jules Lavallee is an award-winning Journalist who covers celebs, royalty, entrepreneurs for over 20+ magazines. She is adored globally for her diversity and her love for humanity. Jules is a Harvard grad.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
I began my writing career as a writer for Software Magazine and CIO Magazine. I am originally from Boston. My core values are of volunteering and making a difference. I was introduced to celebrities early on in my career and I volunteered and coordinated events to help with homelessness and animal advocacy. I then reached out to publishers of magazines and asked to contribute about celebrities making a difference and the rest is history. I have built a huge network of Hollywood contacts, entrepreneurs, and global leaders.
Can you share the most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your career?
My story with Her Highness, Dr. Uba Iwunwa; The Royal Empress of Peace was one of the most interesting stories I have done. Her Highness is so loved globally for her work to bring peace and love to nations. You can read my feature on Her Highness in Formidable Woman Magazine.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I thought using big words made for the perfect story. I have learned that simplicity is key to writing.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I am working on several celebrity cover stories for Influential People and Formidable Woman Magazine. I am also working on a special issue of World Fashion Media News showcasing the House of iKons fashion show in London and Milan Fashion Week. I am excited to share my interviews about royals, celebs, and fashion designers who are respected globally.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
Filmmaker and director Lawrence Chau and I met in downtown LA. I have watched Lawrence Chau’s film, Justice for Vincent which is about Vincent Chin, who was involved in a brutal Asian American hate crime set in Detroit in the 80s that saw his murderers get off with a mere $3000 fine and three-year probation. To meet Lawrence and for him to have so much compassion and want to fight for just for Vincent was incredible. Lawrence is very down-to-Earth. It was refreshing.
What advice would you give to your colleagues in the industry, to thrive and not “burnout”?
Volunteering is good for the soul. I just came back from Germany, because I wanted to help the Ukrainian Refugees.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
Every day of my life. You will find alongside my celebrity interviews, interviews about inspiring entrepreneurs who are helping their communities. I like to have a balance.
I know this is not an easy job. What drives you?
Let me say, what doesn’t drive me- EGO. I see too much of it in this industry. What drives me the most is when an entrepreneur reaches their goals with my interviews, either by increased awareness, sales, or celebrity connections I provide.
According to this Gallup poll, only 36% of Americans trust the mass media. This is disheartening. As an insider, are there a few things that journalists can do to increase the levels of trust? Can you give some examples?
Authenticity folks, it is simple. It is clear from my work who I am as a person. I value diversity, compassion, and supporting women’s empowerment.
Ok wonderful. Thank you for all of that. Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “Five Things You Need To Create A Successful Career As A Journalist” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
- Network daily- I am constantly networking on LinkedIn and FB groups.
- Wake up at 5 AM, pray, and get to work.
- Be unique and authentic.
- Evolve your craft, by going into uncharted territory. You will find it isn’t as scary as it appears. You will be respected for it.
- Develop outstanding relationships with PR Professionals and Publicists. I work with the best in the business. One example is Publicist, Mickey Mikkelson who works with NY Times Best Selling authors, and creatives globally. He is honest, down-to-Earth, and knows his craft.
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. 🙂
Utopia- It has been a while since I thought of this question. I have always wanted to go to Africa and support the women artisans. I have learned a tremendous amount over the years in small business do’s and don’ts and what success looks like. I have always wanted to provide African Artisans with a blueprint to take their products to the global market. Perhaps, with Her Highness’s help, my dream will come true one day.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Elon Musk, because he keeps it real.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
www.linkedin.com/in/jules-lavallee-56814556/
Jules Lavallee, Celebrity Writer (@JulesLavallee1) / Twitter
I can be reached at jules70001@gmail, if you are an entrepreneur interested in working on an interview.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Jules Lavallee On The Five Things You Need To Create A Successful Career As A Journalist was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.