In Conversation with Cynthia McCafferty of Hawthorne Strategy Group
Cynthia McCafferty is the current Chief Executive Officer and President of Hawthorne Strategy Group and like many others in our field, she stumbled into public relations unintentionally and quickly found her calling. After more than 20 incredibly successful and fulfilling years in the industry, she has been assured that crossing paths with public relations was no accident but actually exactly where she was always meant to be.
Why Public Relations?
Like any young professional during the evolution of their career, Cynthia changed course. She initially wanted to be a doctor but had second thoughts after realizing just how much chemistry was involved in that career path. She then found herself in politics working on campaigns and elections in addition to grassroots organizing and community involvement. It was during her time in politics that FleishmanHillard reached out to McCafferty for help on a short term project for a ballot initiative which turned into another short term project and eventually blossomed into a full time position that evolved over the course of 18 years into a truly successful career in public relations. During her time in politics, Cynthia developed a passion for connecting people and issues but found an affinity for these values in the application of public relations.
How did your time at FleishmanHillard differ from your role at Hawthorne Strategy Group?
Being that Cynthia grew immensely during her time at FleishmanHillard and experienced the career changes that occur for any young professional during the evolution of their career, it was hard for her to compare the two organizations. Though, from a work perspective, there really has been no difference as both organizations and roles have proven to be interesting and engaging while both offering a very unique mix of clients. But, as CEO there is a different level of administrative work and agency planning at Hawthorne Strategy Group. While differences between the roles haven’t been extensive for Cynthia, they have been more so for her team. Being that Hawthorne Strategy Group is significantly smaller than FleishmanHillard, her employees often have more opportunities to grow and stretch themselves within their assigned tasks and accounts as Hawthorne Strategy Group doesn’t have the volume to assign each individual to a specific task or client.
How have your past experiences shaped you into the leader you are today?
McCafferty’s past experiences formed her into the leader she is today as she truly believes that there is so much to learn from your past mistakes and your failures. Having the opportunity and the ability to look back at a situation and ask yourself “what did I do wrong?” offers up a great learning experience and self-reflection opportunity. Aside from this, Cynthia has learned a great amount from those around her, those she looks to as leaders, and those whom she does not necessarily look to as leaders. She has built her leadership tool box by inadvertently collecting tools from past and present leaders, tools that she admires and has adapted and intertwined into her own leadership style. While past failures and learning from others have shaped her way of leading, Cynthia says that the most valuable tool you can have as a leader and professional is an honest mentor who will tell you when you are doing something right and, most importantly, when you are doing something wrong.
AGENCY PROFILE
Hawthorne Strategy is a small but mighty public relations firm in Chicago that represent clients and organizations of all industries and sizes. They offer a full range of services from crisis and corporate communications to brand reputation analyses. The agency is also a certified Women’s Business Enterprise. As noted on their website, “Hawthorne provides the experience of a big public relations firm with the tailored attention of a small firm.” Some notable clients of Hathorne Strategy Group are Vyaire and Choose Chicago.
about the Author
Madi Shaw is a second term student in DePaul University’s Public Relations and Advertising Master’s program. She is a chef, an avid traveler, and a strategic thinker who has the unique perspective of a Northern Idahoan. Madi utilizes her concise communicative skills and her ability to tell stories daily in her position as a Content & Advertising Manager at Guerrero Media.
