Influential Woman · PR firm owner and community leader
Beth McRae
Business Owner, Beth McRae
Phoenix, AZ
Her Story
About Beth
Beth McRae owns the McRae Agency, a public relations firm she established in 1995 after working five years at a large agency in San Diego. She earned dual degrees in journalism and marketing from Texas Christian University and later completed an MBA at the University of Phoenix while running her firm. With 31 years in the industry, Beth focuses on earned media and publicity for clients, personally overseeing strategy on every account and leading a team of women professionals. She is active in professional and civic organizations including ULI, Charter 100, the Phoenix Heart Ball, the Women's Board of Honor Health, the FBI Citizens Academy, and Scottsdale Leadership. Beth also dedicates significant time to philanthropic work with the American Heart Association, the Joy Bus, and other charitable boards in the Phoenix and Arizona area. She attributes her success to maintaining a positive attitude and being willing to take on new challenges without overthinking them, values she traces back to advice from her mother.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Beth
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to not overthinking anything and being willing to jump in the deep end of the pool. I believe that if somebody's called to do something, even though it's scary, they should really just go for it. I keep a positive attitude on everything, which is probably a big part of my success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My mom told me from a fairly young age that I could do whatever I wanted. She said you dream, you think about it, whatever you want to do, you should do it. That advice came in handy when I decided to leave a large agency after 5 years and start my own firm in 1995, and she was just like, yep, you should go for it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
They should do internships, ideally in college for credit. When they come to us, we want to make sure they are learning everything possible. They should get a letter of recommendation from their supervisor. They should ask to be a referral. Post on LinkedIn to be known by decision makers, build your network while in college, and showcase yourself appropriately on LinkedIn as it's a great place for job opportunities.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity is the word that comes to mind. I want to be considered trustworthy. I'm also very reliable and responsive. I answer client emails rapidly. I'm a good connector. I love connecting great people with other great people.
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