Getting to know Infinite Global Account Director Yvonnie Phan

Team Spotlight: Yvonnie Phan, Account Director

Infinite Global Account Director Yvonnie Phan was recently honored by the PRNews People of the Year Awards, earning recognition as one of “The Ones to Watch” among leaders and innovators in the public relations industry.

In her more than five years at Infinite, Yvonnie has advised Am Law 200, financial services and other professional services clients to meet their business development goals through media engagement with international print, digital and broadcast outlets. Her experience crosses practice areas and industry sectors, and she has a keen interest in litigation PR campaigns. Yvonnie also works with Infinite’s pro bono accounts.

We caught up with Yvonnie to talk about her PRNews recognition and to learn more about her work at Infinite.

How did you get your start in public relations?

Since I can remember, I’ve known that public relations is the right industry for me. I’ve always been fascinated by storytelling and the impact it can have. And I love being able to elevate someone else’s voice to tell their story.

I double-majored in political science and PR in college, spent a short period with a non-profit organization’s marketing and communications department, and then joined Infinite Global. Being at IG allows me to do what I love on a daily basis, and marries my interests in the professional and financial services industries with PR.

How does it feel to be recognized as a “superstar on the rise” by PRNews?

It’s surreal, and I am proud of myself and all that I’ve accomplished thus far. But this couldn’t have been possible without the support of my IG peers and mentors – they teach me something new every day and continue to challenge me to go beyond my comfort zone.

Do you have any words of advice for someone starting out in the industry?

Learn to trust your judgment. The imposter syndrome is very real, and it’ll probably never fully go away, but you know more than you think.

Much of your work for clients focuses on litigation matters. How does that PR differ from “traditional” PR? 

At IG, our litigation PR offering includes working with individuals and companies involved in litigation, as well as advising our law firm clients – and sometimes the client’s client – on their representative matters. My experience has primarily focused on the latter, and in some ways it can be very similar to “traditional” PR, with the caveat that you’re aiming to add pressure to the opposing side.

The strategy and intent can differ depending on what side of the “v” you’re on. For the plaintiff’s side, you might be getting media coverage to increase settlement pressure on the defendants. If you’re on the defendant’s side, you’re helping reporters understand why the case is meritless and getting coverage that downplays the viability of the case – and in some instances, managing reputational risk.

This type of work also requires a keen understanding of litigation procedure, as well as the ability to identify “wins” and “losses” embedded throughout litigation to enhance your strategy. It also requires the skills to educate reporters – especially non-legal beat reporters – on the legal nuances at play and your client’s positioning.

How do you like to unwind at the end of the day? 

I aim for at least 30 minutes of “alone time” every day. Regardless of what I do during that time, I’ve learned to be more present and not focus on work.

If you could take over as a PR rep for any reality television star, current or former, who would it be and why?

Kandi Burruss from the Real Housewives of Atlanta because she does it all. Not only is she entertaining as a reality television personality, she is also a successful R&B singer-songwriter and has earned a Tony award nomination as a Broadway producer—which almost landed her EGOT status.

Want to know more? Learn more about Infinite Global Account Director Yvonnie Phan here.