What's Your Story with Jaime & Stan

What’s Your Story, Caitlin Gardner? Saying yes with zest while building a bold PR career

Episode Summary

In this high-energy and insight-packed episode, we sit down with Caitlin Gardner—PR powerhouse, storyteller, speaker, and founder of Blooming Communications. From reading morning announcements as a third grader in Miami to leading national brands, teaching at the University of Florida, and launching her own business, Caitlin’s story is a masterclass in curiosity, courage, and intentional growth. Along the way, she opens up about motherhood, career pivots, crisis communication, failing forward, and why success today looks like calm confidence, not just titles. If you’ve ever wondered how to build credibility, trust your voice, and say yes with zest, this one’s for you.

Episode Notes

In this high-energy and insight-packed episode, we sit down with Caitlin Gardner—PR powerhouse, storyteller, speaker, and founder of Blooming Communications. From reading morning announcements as a third grader in Miami to leading national brands, teaching at the University of Florida, and launching her own business, Caitlin’s story is a masterclass in curiosity, courage, and intentional growth. Along the way, she opens up about motherhood, career pivots, crisis communication, failing forward, and why success today looks like calm confidence, not just titles. If you’ve ever wondered how to build credibility, trust your voice, and say yes with zest, this one’s for you.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

• Growing up in Miami and discovering a love for storytelling early
   
• Becoming a teen journalist and studying PR at the University of Florida
   
• Transitioning from journalism dreams to behind-the-scenes storytelling
   
• Early career lessons in crisis communications and brand reputation
   
• Navigating career pivots through hospitality, travel, and corporate leadership
   
• Moving across the country for career growth—and Midwest winters
   
• Working with National Geographic Expeditions and traveling the world
   
• Launching Blooming Communications and becoming an entrepreneur
   
• Motherhood, mental health, and asking for help
   
• Building a “reputation bank account” and preparing for crises
   
• Teaching kids calm confidence and communication skills
   
• Defining success as peace, presence, and purpose
   
• Living by the mantra: Say yes with zest

MEMORABLE QUOTES

• “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
• “I’m swimming in the same sea—but I’ve taken a lot of twists and turns.”
• “Build your reputation bank account before you need to make a withdrawal.”
• “If it’s not a yes with zest, it’s a no thank you.”
• “Failure just means you’re one step closer to your yes.”
   

Where to listen & watch:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZX6bfiFqanM
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tY
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan

Connect with Caitlin Gardner:
Personal Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlingardnerpr/

Blooming Communications Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blooming-communications/

Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/caitlingardnerpr/

Blooming Communications Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bloomingcomms/

Blooming Communications Website - https://bloomingcomm.com/

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