Meet Eden Gillott of Gillott Communications in Santa Monica

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eden Gillott.

Eden, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Writing breakup letters for friends in elementary school. No joke! The basics of crisis management and strategic communications are the same — delivering bad news in the nicest way possible. Back then, I got paid in Flaming Hot Cheetos and didn’t have e-mail.

Hyperspace jump: I’ve lived and worked in lots of big cities from Los Angeles to London, New York to Seoul, and have settled in Santa Monica, CA. I was a business professor, am an Amazon bestselling author of two books, and run the family firm!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
HA! Has any compelling book or movie NOT had the hero facing a challenge or obstacle?

You know The Simpsons episode with the monkey’s paw? (It grants wishes, but with a dark twist.) Well, as a big believer in putting what you want out there in the Universe, I’m also a big believer in being specific in your ask.

Three years ago, I told myself I needed to slow down and focus more of my time on completing my second book. *BAM* The Universe granted my wish. My gift? A broken leg that definitely slowed me down and resulted in enough hardware that I now jokingly consider myself a part robot.

My priorities shifted. I dedicated myself to three things: kicking ass at physical therapy, writing and editing my book, and improving my work-life balance. As a result, my book became an Amazon bestseller soon after its release. What I didn’t expect was that my business and (fun) travel would simultaneously triple.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’ve been likened to Olivia Pope of Scandal, Ray Donovan, or Eli Gold of The Good Wife. Usually, people don’t agree with how their profession is portrayed on TV, but I’ve honestly laughed out loud hearing those characters say and do the same things that I counsel my clients.

People are often referred to us shortly after saying one of three things:
“Oops!”
“Uh oh…”
“Oh. No.”

When you’re in a tough spot and don’t know what to say, how to say it, or when to say it, that’s when I get called in. For example, a company facing bankruptcy, Facebook over its data and privacy issues, Uber’s #MeToo allegations, non-profits facing fraud accusations, or a company under IRS/SEC/FDA investigation.

What were you like growing up?
A photo of me and my father pretty much sums up my childhood. My father and I have always been like two peas in a pod playing devil’s advocate. Instead of asking “Why?” we also ask, “Why not?”

I’ve achieved a lot in my life because I see things from different perspectives. It doesn’t just make me an excellent crisis manager, but it’s allowed me to imagine the possibilities and get sh*t done.

That’s why I’m always caught off-guard when people say, “Wow! I can’t believe you [traveled there/wrote a book/etc.] I’ve always dreamt of doing that!”

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.gillottcommunications.com/
• Phone: (310) 396-8696 OR (212) 300-3963
• Email: eden@gillottcommunications.com
• Twitter: @CrisisPRguys

Image Credit:
Business Rockstars

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