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Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight: Malea Lydon

July 28, 2020
My favorite thing about BackBay is its collaborative nature. Everyone really operates as a team working toward the collective goal of achieving success for our clients. My favorite days are the busiest ones – days when we’re juggling several interviews for breaking news stories.

What did you study in college? How does it relate to what you do now?

I studied journalism at UMass Amherst, which really set me up with a strong foundation to write for all sorts of mediums and helped me understand the ins and outs of media ethics and law. I also gained valuable experience from being heavily involved in the school newspaper, the Massachusetts Daily Collegian, and through various internships and freelance opportunities – some of which brought me to Beverly Hills on a press trip and published in a college textbook.

After graduating, I worked in journalism at Central CT Communications and publishing at The Warren Group for four years collectively before a short stint in corporate communications at VHB. My background has prepared me well for what I do now at BackBay Communications − whether it’s developing blogs, articles, or whitepapers for clients or pitching and building relationships with the media. Even my experience in corporate communications has been useful background knowledge to help advise clients on how to communicate with their employees through an acquisition.

What is your favorite thing about BackBay culture?

My favorite thing about BackBay is its collaborative nature. Everyone really operates as a team working toward the collective goal of achieving success for our clients. My favorite days are the busiest ones – days when we’re juggling several interviews for breaking news stories. I also love what we do together outside of work – whether it’s volunteering at a local charity or spending time together at a bowling alley or Red Sox game.

If you could give a piece of advice for new communications professionals, what would it be?

Networking is your friend. I remember teachers telling me this often as a college student, but it really can go a long way in developing your professional network and interpersonal skills. It’s especially helpful in PR to develop those public-facing skills when working with clients.

What do you like to do when you’re not in the office?

I love to travel as much as I can and actively seek out affordable airfare to find my next adventure. I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy inexpensive long weekends in France, Ireland, Iceland, and Norway (separate trips). I always figured that I’d rather go for a short while than not at all.

What are the top 3 things in Boston that you would tell a tourist to do?

  • Sample seafood from a slew of restaurants – buck-a-shuck at Boston Public Market, clam chowder from the Sail Loft, lobster roll from Saltie Girl
  • Picnic on the Charles with charcuterie and refreshments (preferably at sunset)
  • Stroll around South Boston’s Castle Island while enjoying a hot dog and raspberry lime rickey from Sully’s
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