KJ Blattenbauer
KJ Blattenbauer is a powerhouse publicist who transforms overlooked experts into headline news. With nearly three decades of experience helping creative founders, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders earn consistent media coverage, KJ is the go-to pro when you’re tired of being ignored and ready to own the spotlight.
Her clients have been featured everywhere from Forbes to Architectural Digest, and her own work has landed in top-tier outlets across business, lifestyle, and design. She’s also the author of How to Be a Media Darling, a practical PR playbook for anyone ready to master visibility with confidence and clarity, and the forthcoming Pitchworthy (January 2026), a modern guide to building lasting visibility and authority.
Known for her bold, approachable style, KJ cuts through the PR fluff to deliver strategies that work—building credibility and revenue without burnout. Whether she’s keynoting a conference, hosting a workshop, or appearing on a podcast, audiences leave with a clear roadmap and the confidence to act on it immediately.
KJ’s mission is simple: to help women stop playing small, start owning their authority, and finally act like the big deal they already are. To learn more about KJ, visit hearsaypr.com or follow her on Instagram at @kjblattenbauer.
• University of North Dakota- Bachelor's
• University of St. Thomas- Master's
• Woman to Watch
• PR Person of the Year
• Miracle League
• Make a Wish
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to equal parts clarity, strategy, and empathy. From day one, I built my business on helping talented founders who fear being ignored become in-demand authorities. Decades in PR taught me that visibility isn’t luck. Visibility is structure, story, and follow-through. I rely on relationships and repeatable systems, not hype, to deliver consistent press and measurable credibility. And because I know what it feels like to be overlooked, I turn empathy into action, giving every client a roadmap they can use today to be seen, heard, and sought-after.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is this: You don’t need to wait for permission to be seen. Early in my career, I spent too long waiting for validation like the right title, the right moment, the right someone to say “you’re ready.” Then I realized visibility isn’t granted; it’s claimed. The people you admire aren’t necessarily the most talented, they’re the most consistent about telling their story. So now I remind my clients (and myself) to stop waiting for a spotlight. Build your own.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice would be to stop chasing “exposure” and start building authority.
PR isn’t about being everywhere. PR is about being intentional. Learn how to think like an editor, not just a publicist. Lead with strategy, not spray-and-pray pitching. The industry will tempt you to chase trends, clients, and clips. Don’t. Master relationships, refine your storytelling, and protect your reputation like your portfolio depends on it (because it does).
And most importantly? Don’t wait for someone to give you a seat at the table. Pull up your own chair, start the conversation, and make it impossible for them to ignore your name.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge and opportunity are the same: cutting through the noise.
PR used to be about access and who you knew. Now it’s about clarity and what you stand for. With media more fragmented than ever, the real power belongs to those who can craft a message that resonates, not just trends. The challenge? Everyone thinks they can DIY visibility. The opportunity? Most can’t do it well. There’s never been a greater demand for communicators who can turn complexity into connection and credibility into conversation.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Clarity, integrity, and generosity.
Clarity keeps me honest. If I can’t explain it simply, it’s not ready. Integrity is non-negotiable. Credibility takes years to earn and seconds to lose.
And generosity is my north star. Whether it’s a client strategy or a personal connection, I believe in giving value first, because reputation is built on what people experience when you’re not in the room.
