Take 5 is a recurring set of questions designed to get to know people in the S.E. Wisconsin PRSA Chapter.  Interested in being our next Take 5 interviewee, or do you know someone we should get to know? Contact Mo Moorman, Chapter Chair of the Communications Committee at moorman.mo@gmail.com and let him know.

Matt Wisla

1. What do you do?

My family often wonders what I do too! I’m a communications professional who recently returned to the US following nine great years in China helping American companies win in one of the world’s most dynamic and challenging markets. I co-founded the Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations forum in Beijing for the American Chamber of Commerce and later became

Matt Wisla and a new friend at the Wolong National Nature Reserve near Chengdu, China

the organization’s Vice President of Communications. My position with the international communications consultancy Fleishman-Hillard is what brought me to China in the first place.
2. What do you like best about being a professional communicator?

Coming up with and executing communications strategies that solve problems and drive business success. It’s an exciting responsibility. Communications has always been a great line of work to me because we get to adapt the best practices of our profession to improve business outcomes and resolve challenges. I like the way T.S. Elliott said, “All cases are unique and very similar to others.”

3. What do you hope to get out of your PRSA membership?

One of the best things about PRSA is how it focuses discussions and information sharing about the big challenges communicators face today. Whether the topic is content management, social media, communicating in international and emerging markets, or big data, PRSA is a great resource for finding out about the latest trends and what’s working (or not) for other professionals.

Matt Wisla and Fleishman-Hillard colleagues in Bejing

4. What do you like to do when you’re away from work?

Study Chinese, try new restaurants and go to movies and plays while waiting for the Cubs to win the World Series (I grew up in Chicago!).

5. What’s your favorite part about living and working in southeastern Wisconsin?

Besides the people? Leon’s frozen custard, of course.