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"I believe in keeping
communications simple," said Gennis Lafayette, explaining how
she helps clients make the
biggest, most positive impact.
"Get right to the point, tell
the truth and be consistent."
And as a communications
professional for nearly 20
years, that simple philosophy
has never failed.
Gennis is
adept at developing strategies
and messages that engage people,
even if the challenges initially
seem complex. Part of this flows
from her capacity to see the big
picture, and part from her
exceptional organizational
skills. "I like to take a mess,
figure out a solution, and
create order where there is
none," she said.
Gennis began her career as a
marketing communications
coordinator in Silicon Valley,
first at Cypress Semiconductor
and then at Aptos Semiconductor.
Subsequently, she moved on to
become a Senior Associate at the
public relations firm Porter
Novelli. Joining a startup, she
became the Director of Corporate
Communications at Cyras Systems,
and – when it was acquired by
Ciena Corporation – served as
the combined company’s "brand
czar."
In her next position, at Lee
Communications, Gennis helped
clients develop strategy and
managed a full range of projects
that included product launches,
media and analyst relations, web
content, print collateral,
events and communication
measurement.
In 2005, Gennis became a
Senior Manager in Corporate
Communications for Broadcom
Corporation. In this role, she
led a team of professionals in
one of the company’s four major
divisions, facilitating the
integration of three
acquisitions, developing and
implementing a new online system
for managing the company’s
market research, and
streamlining the company’s
public relations processes.
Gennis, who earned a BS in
Graphic Communication from
California Polytechnic State
University in San Luis Obispo,
is currently studying holistic
nutrition at the Bauman College
of Holistic Nutrition and
Culinary Arts. To help others
along in reaching their
potential, she volunteers in the
classroom as an elementary
school writing and computer-lab
tutor, and serves as Chair of
the annual Laurel 5K Fun Run in
San Mateo, CA. |
