Lisette Paras

President

Lisette Paras is the a fractional Head of Communications leader who works with founders and executive teams to shape company messages, narratives and PR programs during key moments of growth and transformation. She has extensive experience in both in-house and PR agencies, working with brands such as Intel, Dell, WalkMe, Proofpoint (IPO), Coupa Software (IPO), Yammer (acquired by Microsoft), Hired, Strivr and many others. She particularly enjoys working with global brands or those primed for their next stage of growth, and has worked on dozens of M&A/IPOs in her career.

Prior to founding Gravitate PR, she worked at a HR tech company, where she built the brand/PR program from the ground up (including messaging, media/analyst relations, customer stories, events, awards, social/digital and content marketing). Lisette has worked with a range of startups, pre-IPO and global multinationals in the U.S. and in Asia Pacific. She started her career in Australia, and was recognized by PRNEWS for its Top Women Awards, honoring women who push boundaries in the PR and communications industry..

How did you get into PR?

I finished my university degree thinking that I was going to be a war correspondent. After realizing that there weren't many opportunities in Australia, I looked through the Yellow Pages business directory (yes, it's been a while) and cold-called a bunch of PR firms. As luck would have it, a week later someone resigned from one of the agencies, so they called me back and I started working at a boutique tech PR agency.

What type of technology excites you the most?

I'm excited by technologies that truly upend our lives, and do so for the better. Over the years, I've been part of launching and announcing so many innovations that have come and stayed--including VoIP, cloud computing, self-driving vehicles, artificial intelligence and more. I think that's why I've continued to work in tech marketing & communications for all these years, as there's always something new that piques my interest with the potential to reshape how we live.

Favorite hobbies or activities?

I have a ton of hobbies and am always happy to try a new activity. I love dancing (West African, Zumba, and many other styles) and yoga, and I'm currently learning Spanish (I'd love to be fluent one day). On weekends, you'll usually find me going on walks or hikes with my husband and my Aussie cattle dog pup, Sheila.

Favorite movie or book?

I find it difficult to sit and watch a full-length movie, but I can read for hours. My favorite book is the Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Favorite food?

I love Japanese food like sushi, but I also enjoy trying new cuisines from around the world (either making it myself or checking out a new restaurant)

Top destination you'd like to travel to?

So many! I've been to over 40 countries, and my list of destinations keeps getting longer. The top 3 places I'd love to visit are a rather eclectic mix: Greenland, Chile and Kyrgyzstan.

Fun fact most people don't know about you?

I've visited 49 of the 50 US states, and hope to go to the last state (Alaska, aptly called "The Last Frontier") in the not so distant future.