A Journey From PR to Creative Project Management

For Alex Bryant, timing was everything

“Reinventions” profiles people who’ve made big pivots. Meet Alex Bryant, one-time media relations director who’s since become a project manager at GSD&M.

What were you doing before?

I worked as the media relations director for South African children’s author and speaker Trevor Romain in Austin, Texas. I had a variety of responsibilities which included marketing, operations and public relations. 

What triggered your reinvention(s)?

My volunteer work and association with ACM SIGGRAPH has been the most influential on my career evolution. In 2014, I began my involvement with the organization as a student volunteer while pursing my B.F.A. in graphic design at Angelo State University. I attended the annual SIGGRAPH confab, which is the premier conference in computer graphics and interactive techniques. 

What did the first steps look like?

In 2021, while working at The Trevor Romain Co., I was selected to be the SIGGRAPH Student Volunteers (SV) program chair. The chair leads the integral operational support to the conference through training and supervising up to 200 student volunteers from across the globe. That experience gave me an opportunity to demonstrate my leadership skills and strengthen my abilities at streamlining processes. I realized how effective I with project management. 

What was one hard obstacle to overcome?

Learning to accept that timing is everything. I originally applied for a social media role at GSD&M a year before joining Trevor Romain. Even though I didn’t end up getting that position, they kept my contact information on file in case a more fitting opportunity opened up. In 2022, GSD&M approached me about a project manager post. 

What was easier than you thought?

Networking was easier than I imagined, so when I started reaching out to people within the advertising community and other industries, many people were willing to share stories about their career paths as well as knowledge on software and skills I should develop. At GSD&M, I joined employee resource groups and got involved in industry events through Ad2Austin and the American Advertising Federation. 

What’s something you learned along the way that other people, hoping to do something similar, should know?

Empathy matters. As a project manager, my role is at the intersection of multiple departments to make sure projects are finished efficiently and effectively for our clients. But you’re also working with human beings. For someone who wants to work in project management, I would recommend taking the time to understand people’s communication styles. For example, don’t contact a key stakeholder via email if they prefer a phone call; don’t schedule a meeting when someone has to pick up their child from school. Something I continue to work on is putting myself in someone else’s shoes—this gives you perspective. One way to start: try setting up informal “lunch and learn” breaks with co-workers to get to know them better. 

Did anyone or anything inspire you along the way?

Many people, past and present, continue to inspire me, including my wife, my immediate and extended family, friends, former and current colleagues, mentors, mentees and educators. I believe there are always lessons to learn through every experience and encounter, whether it’s good or not-so-good. So, I try to embrace each day to the fullest and pay it forward. 

How has this fundamentally changed for you?

Meeting industry professionals from different walks of life has always fascinated me. Growing up bi-racial and dual-nationality, I’ve grown to embrace and build confidence to share my experiences and vulnerabilities while empathizing with other views and cultures. 

Do you think you could go back/do you want to?

I don’t see myself going back. However, I am forever grateful for the learnings with each company and role I performed. 

Tell us your reinvention song.

Shine by Luther Vandross. 

How would you define yourself now? 

Today, I merge my background with graphic design, television production and social media to help guide my teams and make impactful work.