The life of a communications professional can often feel overwhelming and all-encompassing. From following the latest industry trends to crafting compelling storylines to executing tailored product campaigns to amplifying executive social media profiles… and that’s only what we accomplish before our lunch break.

But what if life had taken a different turn?

We asked leaders across the Brands2Life Global Network what they’d be doing if they weren’t helping today’s most disruptive global brands tell their stories. Just like when we were all younger, the answers ranged from the creative to the scientific to the downright surprising!

Let’s take a look at the “parallel lives” of our partners from around the world.

The scientists and explorers

Curiosity isn’t just a communications trait – it also drives many to science.

  • • In Italy, Imageware’s Alessandra Merini would have pursued biology. As her first field of study, Alessandra has always been fascinated by how science and innovation can be applied to real human challenges, shaping a better world
  • • In Sweden, André Frisk of GK Nordic imagines himself as a marine biologist, though he admits he’d also enjoy being a fishing guide


The teachers

For some, the classroom is where their spark of curiosity first began.

Mikael Westmark of Westmark in Sweden already lived a career before turning to PR, previously working as a teacher in the 1980s

Likewise, Maria Amélia Costa of Sherlock Communications in Brazil also taught for several years. And who knows, perhaps there is always time for a return to the front of a classroom in the future!

The Creatives: music, writing and design

From symphony halls to bookshops, creativity runs deep in these communications leaders.

  • • In Spain, Canela’s Deborah Gray would be an acclaimed author or politician, already having published writing and lobbied on issues close to her heart. You’ve got our vote, Deborah!
  • • In Germany, Jan Manz of LHLK dreams of playing trumpet in a symphony orchestra, while his colleague Alex Fuchs could see himself making guitars or writing for Rolling Stone magazine
  • • Eric Dragt at En Serio in The Netherlands nearly became a professional musician – he even played in a band that later landed a Sony contract after he left!
  • • Matthias Adel of Adel & Link in Germany would have been a sports psychologist mentoring young athletes; and co-founder Natalie Link would be channelling her creativity into interior design and restoring old Italian farmhouses into vacation homes
  • • Ronelle Bester of Red Ribbon Communications in South Africa also has interior design ambitions, imagining a property business flipping houses with her sister

The unexpected paths

And then there are the more surprising career turns…

  • • In India, Candour Communications’ Suvrata Borkakoty would be a gift consultant, helping people express appreciation through thoughtful, personalised gifts
  • • In Singapore, Raymond Lau at Eastwest PR admits he’d be a dog groomer
  • • Klaus Daidrich at Maisberger in Germany would have loved to become a professional tennis player

So, what do these parallel careers have in common? Whether science, sports, teaching, music, or design, the through-line is passion: for people, for ideas, and for making an impact in the world around us.

In our next blog, we’ll dive deeper into the advice these leaders have for the next generation of communicators. From upskilling to the future of this unpredictable industry… stay tuned!