Community Highlights: Meet Karen Dumas of Images & Ideas, Inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Dumas

Hi Karen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My professional journey formally began after I graduated from Michigan State University. However, the pillars for my personal and professional development and growth were already in place, although time and circumstances required them to shift to ensure stability. Growing up, I never played house or dress-up; I always played “business” and was the boss. I guess this was the start of my entrepreneurial intrigue. At 24, after two post-graduate professional positions, I started my own company using my interest, emerging PR experience, and commitment to excellence, proving the naysayers (or haters) wrong. I worked harder, produced more, and exceeded expectations to build a reputation for delivering results. I built my business and reputation on the basics that many overlook or undervalue–keeping my word, honoring deadlines, showing up on time, being honest, fostering and maintaining relationships, and exemplifying business acumen that benefited both my business and clients.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No road is ever without bumps, but I have been extremely blessed and lucky. The ride has been relatively smooth, which I attribute to being actively responsible for what is happening in and with my company. I never compromised my or my company’s standards, which has proven to be a barometer for the quality of clients I have attracted and retained, including the level of service delivered. Early on, finding staff who reflected my standards was a challenge, but it was a problem I resolved by using independent contractors who were committed to excellence. Getting pushback from those who, for whatever reason, didn’t want to extend or support an opportunity for me was also a challenge. Still, perseverance and positivity always win over unjustified or personal pushback. Like with any road, you navigate obstacles and potholes, keep your eyes on the destination, and keep going…and growing.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The abstractness of my presence and contributions are appreciated and impactful but perhaps indescribable.

In addition to using strategic communications to enhance organizational and operational efficiency, I also do the same for executives who want to be better leaders. I have one-on-one calls weekly with a few C-suite leaders to help them navigate personal and professional roadblocks.

I do a lot—actually, most—behind the scenes. Sometimes, even some staff are unaware of my participation, as my role is to complement internal efforts, not compete with them. I seek results, not credit or attention.

Writing—op/eds, position statements, speeches, and public/media statements for those who have found themselves dealing with a faux pax and providing guidance. I resolved community issues between residents and small business owners when situations revealed a lack of understanding, communication, and connectivity. I also resolved a problem for a COO who shared the same name as someone who had made derogatory public comments about the community. The company and CEO were taking a brutal hit as a result. Social media, media, internal issues, and external issues, as well.

I’ve hosted talk radio (which I love and miss), get to share my opinions on TV, and been a columnist for a weekly and daily paper.

I am a secret (i.e., confidential) weapon of those I work with and combine PR, politics, and personal relationships to deliver strategic and effective results.

Not liking to talk about myself, I usually say, “I get sh*t done, and just keep it moving.

I don’t do textbook PR or communications, as life and situations demand a creative, impactful, real-life application of experience, expertise, and common sense.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Every day, I learn just how manipulated we are as a society. Our decisions are driven by fear, social standards, and expectations which are fueled by corporate greed and a dismissiveness of general concern for the greater good. I learned more than ever that it is important to think for yourself, ask questions, and do what is best for you and your family, even when told otherwise. The Pandemic revealed so many disparities in this country, many of which are manufactured and maintained to the detriment of those supposed to be “served.” It all reminds me of something my history professor said about things in this country: that they were “structured to maintain themselves.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imagesandideasinc.com
• Instagram: @IAmKarenDumas
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.dumas.750
• Twitter: @KarenDumas