March 5, 2023
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Inspiring Female Founder Spotlight: Heather Delaney

Heather Delaney, Founder and Managing Director of award-winning communications consultancy Gallium Ventures, is a world-leading expert in growing brands and launching products or services, creatively. Heather specialises in building and fixing global organisations and startups alike — from their communications strategy, to product development and everything in between.

Can you tell us a little about your background and the company?

Gallium Ventures is a PR and Communications consultancy. We work with Tech and Lifestyle brands across the globe. As for my background, I’ve taken a less than traditional career path, but this has served me (and my clients!) well. I’ve learnt skills otherwise not found in the PR industry. I have been lucky enough to work with brands on product development and evolution as well as ideate award winning creative campaigns. I’ve founded agencies in the UK and the US, and worked with companies and press across the globe.

How did the idea come to you for the company?

I was completely burned out from my last company. Unfortunately, the PR and Marketing industry does not treat its employees well, so burnout has become an all too common story. The idea came from the need to create a safe environment for people in the PR and Marketing industry and was about having healthy and happy employees. Only then can we create great work. Gallium Ventures has become a safe space for incredible people who have either experienced the same thing, and are looking for a place with a heart, or those who have a non-traditional background and the industry would benefit from their great minds.

What are the key successes?

There have been so many successes — and at Gallium we make it a point to celebrate all kinds of wins, no matter how large or small they might be. But I have to say, there is a pinnacle and Gallium Ventures winning Best New Agency at the UK Agency Awards in the first year was incredibly validating.

What were/are the challenges and how have you overcome these?

COVID-19 was of course the biggest challenge — as I’m sure most founders would agree. When I created Gallium Ventures, I did so with working around the world in mind, as we will travel regularly for events and media. Because of this we were already working on the cloud and with laptops so we could work flexibly with clients across the globe, including the regular use of virtual meetings meaning there was no disruption.

What are your plans now/for the future?

Our plans are focused on growth, continuing creating award-winning campaigns and maintaining a happy, healthy team.

What would you like to share with others to encourage them to start their own entrepreneurship journey?

You’re not alone. Everyone feels like they are the only one to have issues with accounting, hiring and the million other things a founder is now responsible for. The key is to find your mentoring board. A mentoring board is made up of entrepreneurs, founders and business leaders who can advise you when needed, as they have the experience in various areas of business and can give guidance.

Can you share your top tips for entrepreneurial success?

I’m sorry to say there are no top tips. You need to work hard and take the wins when you can. But do try to create a work-life balance — even if you have to force yourself. Otherwise you’ll work all hours of the day and at weekends, and burnout before you know it.

Who are the 5 people who inspire you the most and why?

I am always inspired by the founders I get to work with, so I can’t just pick 5. Learning their stories, where their idea(s) came from and how they built their business inspires me. A celebrity founder can’t compare to having a courtside seat to a founder that grafts to make their business thrive.

Heather Delaney, Founder and MD of Gallium Ventures.