Anouchka

Burton

COMMUNICATIONS LEAD, DEPARTMENT FOR LEVELLING UP, HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES

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Anouchka Burton chose a career in communications because she wanted to use words to make a positive difference to the world.

Anouchka Burton chose a career in communications because she wanted to use words to make a positive difference to the world. That career has taken her from regional reporting to community engagement via consumer agencies in Soho and corporate consultancies in The City. After roles at several global agencies including Hill + Knowlton Strategies, 3 Monkeys Zeno and Four Communications, she went freelance so that she could work more closely with people who share her values of inclusion, equity, compassion and joy. This led to a psychology qualification and adding a couple more strings in coaching and D&I training. You will currently find her in Westminster, helping local communities thrive.

Q&A 

Why did you sign up to be a judge for The Pros Awards 2024?

Honestly, because I knew I’d be inspired by the work. I knew that I’d see something new and interesting. Why wouldn’t you take the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of Black, Asian, Mixed Race and Ethnic Minority practitioners? Plus, I hear there’s a party afterward and I’m really good at the Electric Slide (this last bit is a LIE).

What Insta/Twitter(X)/Tik Tok account should every comms pro follow and why?

There’s an account called @_languagematters on Instagram which is fantastic for thinking about inclusive language.

What was your favourite PR/comms story from 2023 and why?

There were some high-profile book launches that I enjoyed discussing in 2023, largely due to easy memes and Black Twinstatok: Britney Spears’ long overdue vindication over the Justin Timberlake relationship mess was particular highlight (honorary mention to Michelle Williams for her service to audio books), as was Jada Pinkett (Smith)’s commitment to trolling us all with what I can only assume is an extended performance art collaboration with her “husband”.

As before we’ve got a great DJ booked for The Pros Awards awards ceremony in July – what’s your dancefloor-filler request?

Crush on you by Lil’ Kim
Or
Let’s Talk about Sex by Salt-N-Pepa