Nez Sevim-Lawrence, journalist-turned-PR expert, shares how she went from reporting for CNN and NBC to leading celebrity-backed campaigns for global charities. In this episode of Digital PR Explained, Nez gives us a look inside the high-stakes world of cause-driven PR, where aligning the right celebrity, media outlet, and message can make or break a campaign.
Nez walks us through how she finds the right spokesperson, avoids PR misfires, and keeps the focus on what really matters: the cause.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why the most famous name isn’t always the right fit for your campaign
- How to vet celebrity partners to avoid PR pitfalls and protect brand trust
- The tools Nez uses to analyze celebrity alignment, audiences, and risks
- A behind-the-scenes look at a campaign with Judi Dench and Jane Goodall
- What happens once a celebrity is selected—from outreach to press day logistics
- The risk of letting a celebrity hijack your campaign’s narrative
- Why smaller media outlets or niche journalists can sometimes drive more impact
About Nez Sevim-Lawrence
Nez is a London-based PR strategist with a background in international broadcast journalism. Her work spans cause-led communications and global media relations, with a specialty in celebrity partnerships for charities and nonprofits. Before entering PR, she reported for CNN, NBC, and Euronews.
Links mentioned:
- Nez Sevim-Lawrence on LinkedIn
- Tools mentioned: Meltwater, Influencer Intelligence, Cision
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