2021 BBJ CEO Awards: Krista Conlin Robinson, KC Projects PR

As seen in The Birmingham Business Journal

What’s the top factor that has allowed you to have a successful career? There isn’t just one factor. It has been important for me to invest in a growth mindset, acquiring new knowledge, new skills and changing my perceptions so that I evolve with the times, my clients and my team. Additionally, there has been no magic bullet, but I have focused on working hard, making compounded improvements, and staying true to my values and my character.

What was the most pivotal moment in your career? What happened and how did you respond? When I made the decision to start my own company, I never looked back. From that day forward, I knew where the responsibility stood, the type of clients that I wanted to represent and the level of service KC Projects would provide.

What’s an interesting fact about you most people don’t know? I find great inspiration in adventure, travel and the exploration of cultures. Through the years I lived in Europe and visited every country from Ireland to Turkey, Holland to Greece and took a hiatus to Egypt. Most recently, I have explored Peru, China, Vietnam, India, Oman and Qatar.

What are you most proud of in your career? I am extremely proud of the relationships I have built and maintained through my career. I have clients who will be lifelong friends and team members who will always be like family. My hope is that my clients and team will always know all decisions being made are made with the highest level of integrity and care.

What’s your sales pitch for why someone should move to metro Birmingham? Birmingham is the ideal big small town. We have an amazing culinary scene, a wide variety of entertainment options; it is a short drive to water from every direction, and the southern charm and character of our communities shines bright from the variety of neighborhoods.

What is your biggest pet peeve? Dishonesty and lack of follow through. When you say you are going to do something, do it completely and always be forthcoming and honest with your intentions over the alternative.

What do you do outside of the office? What are your top hobbies? Adventure feeds my soul but when leaving on a jet plane isn’t lining up and I am not spending time with my family then live music, sporting events, and exercise are great releases.

If you were CEO of Birmingham, what one change would you make to the metro area? Just as individuals’ needs and preferences are varied so are the approaches to the city’s evolution. Invest in wellbeing projects because our children’s future demands it. Continue to focus on the growth of Birmingham’s positive business environment with incentives and national marketing to attract more big businesses to our community. Provide more accessible, safe public transportation from designated and upgraded parking hubs to help promote downtown entertainment and events.

What does Birmingham need to succeed in the coming years? Birmingham should continue to focus on thinking big. We should learn from the past, but focus on the future of the Magic City. We want to make our great city a landing pad for new business but also a destination for tourism.

What do you see on the horizon economically for your business in 2022? KC Projects is well-positioned for a strong 2022. The value of public relations showed its cost-effective worth during the pandemic, further positioning the long-term growth of our practice while allowing us to expand the reach of our services for our current and future clients.

Is there an industry or sector that will propel Birmingham in the coming years? The power of communications is real and can propel Birmingham in the right direction. Public Relations is critical for connecting ideas and brands with people and consumers, and no matter where or how Birmingham grows, KC Projects will be here to tell the story.

What is your go-to restaurant when taking clients out for a meal? Frank Stitt’s Bottega or Chez Fon Fon are consistent and forever crowd favorites.

How do you think the Covid-19 pandemic will impact workforce development efforts in Birmingham? The Covid-19 pandemic changed operations drastically, many for the worst but for others, they have found a new appreciation for remote work, increased efficiencies and extended reach. The pandemic has allowed many Birmingham businesses and companies to realize they no longer have to rely on the workforce in one area alone but can provide services from any location decreasing costs and increasing revenues.