SISTER SWANS: Rachel Noerdlinger

10 Jun SISTER SWANS: Rachel Noerdlinger

RACHEL NOERDLINGER
President of Noerdlinger Media,
Executive Vice President of Communications for Reverend Al Sharpton and National Action Network

 SISTER SWAN

1. What are you working on right now?
I’m currently working on branding Rev. Al Sharpton and NAN (National Action Network), the organization he founded, while simultaneously building my own public relations consultation firm Noerdlinger Media. The Sharpton effort has been a gradual evolution and one that I have worked on diligently on for almost ten years. I’m also working on fulfilling my role as a new appointee to the Diversity Advisory Board of Ogilvy & Mather, one of the largest marketing communications networks in the world.

2. What book(s) are you reading?
I am currently reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

3. Describe a moment of sweet vindication.
A re occurring moment of sweet vindication has been rising in the ranks of the media world after dropping out of graduate school. Many said I wouldn’t be able to reach the level of success I’m at and I feel pretty good as the President of my own company and Executive Vice President of Communications for Rev. Al Sharpton.

4. Share something you do for work that’s harder than it looks.
Something I do for work that’s harder than it looks is keep my game face on. The media business is in transition and the world as we know it is changing so I have to try new and different strategies for enhancing the visibility of those I work with.  All the while, I try and stay cool, calm and collected even though it is intense pressure. 

5. What’s the most dangerous aspect of the waters you navigate?
The most dangerous aspect of the waters I navigate is the requirement that I have to constantly be on point when dealing with political reporters and journalists because they triple-check everything. I once sent out a press release with wrong information and had to recall it which was embarrassing. I still have flashbacks because it was a huge mistake. 

6. Name two places you call home.
Two places I call home are New York City and Colorado where my Dad lives.  I only make it a couple of times a year but when I do it is serene and a wonderful escape.

7. Who are your influences?
My influences are: Terrie Williams–my mentor, Godmother and a woman that has been supportive of me through thick and thin. She taught me most of what I know about public relations. Another great influence to me was the late Attorney Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. I was his PR advisor before he passed away and he was one of the most joyful, charismatic, enlightening people I have ever met. He was very kind to my son Khari and he even let my son’s babysitter cook him home cooked meals. Rev. Sharpton is also a great influence on my life. Working with him on his public relations has been an incredible synergy and he’s not only taught me about risk taking but showed me that with a little faith, one can accomplish anything in this world.

8. What is your favorite creative food?
My favorite creative food is Thai Food. I can never get enough!