You might remember UnLtd’s Big Clash a few weeks ago – where industry cricket teams attempted to raise over $100,000 for UnLtd’s charity partners. And now, B&T has partnered with UnLtd to showcase some of the heroes in our industry.
First up on our Social Change Makers hit list is Emma Heath, 37, who runs Words By Nuance.
Day job: I run a small copywriting consultancy, Words By Nuance. So, a lot of time spent wrangling words and ideas. And ‘track changes’ (shudder).
First ever job: Mucking out horse stables.
If I wasn’t doing my job, I’d be: Probably still mucking out horse stables.
How I got where I am today: I was pretty strategic about building a career in communications – I definitely didn’t ‘fall into it’. But ending up with my own business took a leap of faith, the support of a mentor, Will Lavender, and a ludicrous amount of work. Also, just a genuine love for using words to help people achieve outcomes.
Side note: If you want to propel your career, fast, grab tickets to B&T Bootcamp here for a massive day of mentoring and masterclasses! Now, back to Emma.
Causes I care about: I’m especially passionate about causes related to teenagers, animals, mental health & the environment. As my Dad ages, causes related to the elderly also increasingly tug at my heart strings.
The change I’d like to see in the world and why it’s important: I wish we’d all down the mobile phones & actually talk. It seems like a grumpy-old-lady thing to say, but I believe it’s such a powerful thing to do. We’re becoming so disconnected, and not even realising.
How did you first get involved with UnLtd: They reached out to me after seeing my campaign to find a key charity partner for Words By Nuance for 2018. I’d never heard of their work and was blown away – such a smart (and necessary) idea. We ended up choosing one of UnLtd’s charities, Hear For You, as our partner.
The charity projects I’m currently working on: Our charity partner for 2018 is Hear For You, a small not-for-profit dedicated to supporting teens who are deaf or hard of hearing. Over the year we will provide $25k worth of communications support for Hear For You, from website copy to workshop materials. It’s a great fit for us, as it can be tricky to find the right words when you talk to teenagers – and even more so when they are deaf. That’s what we’re here to help with.
Some social issues I’m passionate about are: Social connection and community. These days I feel that we’re often buried in technology, removed from the real world – and each other. In genuine communities, people of all ages communicate with and support each other – you see it in country towns like where my dad lives. I think this leads to greater understanding and empathy; and even better health. It’s especially important for people who risk becoming isolated and ignored (such as teens, the elderly, and marginalised communities). It’s so much easier to care about someone when you actually take the time to know them.
Why I want to give back: Because I’m in a position to do so, and because I think it’s my responsibility. I think it’s everyone’s responsibility.
The best or most rewarding volunteering experience I’ve had: Helping with an Equine Facilitated Learning organisation, C-Horses, where we provide ‘horse therapy’ to young people who have experienced trauma. Seeing the impact that horses can have on these kids is amazing.
My greatest achievement: Establishing a copywriting business at a time when such a thing didn’t really exist, and running it in an ethical way I can be proud of.
The person or company I’d like to challenge to get involved and why: I would like to see all companies donate the equivalent of five to 10 per cent of their revenue to a charity that aligns with their values. I believe that even the process of reflecting on values and finding that ‘right fit’ is a really valuable exercise in itself. The Pledge 1% initiative is a step in the right direction but I think we can do more.
My advice for someone just starting their career is: Don’t expect any job to be perfect. There’s basically no such thing. And it doesn’t mean that job isn’t worth doing. Looking back, I learned so much from jobs I didn’t value at the time. Again, I sound grumpy – but lower your expectations and do the goddamn work!
If I could have one super power, that would be: Shapeshifting, so I can take on the form of any animal. There are a few places where I wouldn’t mind being a fly on the wall!
UnLtd is a social purpose organisation connecting the media, marketing and creative industries with charities helping children and young people at risk. Find out how you can get involved at unltd.org.au.
