Risa Heller is the CEO of Risa Heller Communications, a full-service communications and public affairs consultancy based in New York City. Risa has served at the highest levels of government: as Communications Director to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. She served as his chief media strategist and senior spokesperson, and moved on to serve in a similar role for New York State Governor David A. Paterson. In this episode, Risa walks us through her career journey and shares how she unexpectedly found her way into PR. Risa explains why working for the government is one of the best ways to learn a ton of skills, especially early on in your career, and how great it is to see the ways in which the government can be beneficial and help people’s lives. Risa shares the story behind starting the NY forever campaign, a campaign dedicated to rebuilding New York after the pandemic. Risa also gives advice on running your own company and the importance of trusting your instincts throughout the process.