With over twenty years experience as a specialist in strategic communication, Jill Valentine's career has soared to dizzying heights. Working primarily for banks such as Deustche, ABN Amro, CBA and the Royal Bank of Scotland, Valentine's experiences partly form the background for her debut novel High Heels and Low Blows.
The novel follows three women struggling against the forces of scheming, controlling men, in the workplace and at home. As the trio work together to support one another, the novel delves into themes of self-worth, identity and friendship.
Though only partly-based on her own experiences, Jill's novel has received praise for its candid portrayal of women's struggles in the workplace, as well as its positive representations of leadership.
Speaking to the AFR's Jemima White in March, Jill said:
In my role as a communications professional you really do get a good look at leadership styles, sometimes you have a seat at the table, sometimes you don’t. People see you as the agony aunt, if you like, because you are a direct report of the CEO.
Jill, who graduated from FASS in 2005 with a Master of Arts in Communication Management (now equivalent to a Master of Strategic Communication), spoke with us about her career, lessons she took from her time at UTS, and how this all led to her latest career step into novel-writing.
What did you study at UTS?
I studied an MA in Communication Management part-time between 2002 and 2005 while working full-time as a communications manager at a global investment bank in Sydney. I started studying at 29, classifying me as a “mature age student.” I honestly believe you’re never too old to go back to university and learn. I’d love to take another course in the future. I studied French and Spanish for my undergraduate degree at Middlesex University in London by the way.
What is your book about?
High Heels and Low Blows is my debut novel, released on March 8 2024, and it's a tale set against the backdrop of Sydney. The story revolves around three different women, each grappling with the same challenge: powerful, toxic, and manipulative men who threaten their happiness.
Bee Bloom is a respected CEO whose unwavering belief in kindness is put to the ultimate test when a cunning new chairman disrupts the harmony of her company. Then there's Lucy Love, a former vivacious TV presenter now battling the demons of depression, binge drinking, and a husband embroiled in sexual harassment allegations. And finally, there's Rosie Reid, Sydney's go-to PR guru dubbed as the "fixer," who is tired of covering up for the misdeeds of her male clients.
Imagine The Devil Wears Prada colliding with The Wolf of Wall Street—that's the essence of High Heels and Low Blows. Readers are treated to generous sprinkles of fashion, friendship and fun while exposed to themes of pervasive male privilege and entrenched old boys' club mentality.
In writing this story, I wanted it to serve as a beacon of empowerment and inspiration, a celebration of female resilience and strength. Ultimately, it's a "girl power" story intended to uplift and motivate readers to seize control of their destinies and forge their own paths in a world rife with challenges.
How did your Master of Communication Management prepare you for your career?
I was already working in Communications when I decided to pursue further studies. Every bit of knowledge I gained during those study sessions only served to supercharge my professional skills. Not only did I feel a significant boost in my abilities and confidence, but having that qualification also gave me a distinct edge in the hiring process with employers.
Just think about it: completing a course while already working sends a powerful message to employers. It shows them that you're not just committed but also incredibly disciplined. Balancing work and studies is no small feat and life itself is one big juggling act.
Can you tell us a little about your work?
Jill at the launch of High Heels and Low Blows.
My career began in London where, after university, I landed a role as an Executive Assistant at a top-tier global investment bank. This role sharpened my organisational skills, becoming a toolkit I've relied on in every aspect of life. I then transitioned into Communications.
The fast-paced nature of a global company offered me incredible opportunities. From working in New York to travelling to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo, I soaked up experiences that shaped my professional journey. In 2000, craving adventure, I took a career break, trading my high heels for sandals as I set off by myself around Asia with just a backpack. I arrived in Sydney later that year and never left.
In Sydney, I've donned many hats, from leading in-house communications teams to providing strategic guidance on major projects as a consultant. What I love most about working in communications is its adaptability. Whether it's steering a company through the excitement of starting up or navigating choppy waters during times of change, the skills I've honed are always relevant, evolving to meet the organisation's needs.
I now work at Jarden, a respected Australian and New Zealand investment and advisory firm. Here, I'm tasked with elevating the firm's profile through strategic media relations. Jarden's culture of excellence makes every day rewarding and fulfilling. I’m also fortunate that I can work part-time which allows me time to write my second novel.
After a career in PR you’ve now written a fictional book, can you discuss how these skills overlap?
Like writing a novel, a career in comms is about storytelling. You’re responsible for crafting engaging narratives for an organisation’s multiple stakeholders. But unlike a fiction novel, it all must be fact!
Are there any lessons you took from your time at UTS that have impacted your career?
Studying at UTS reignited my thirst for learning and reinforced the importance of continuous learning. Beyond structured university programs, there are endless avenues for growth in everyday life. Whether it’s listening to podcasts, delving into the latest trends in the Harvard Business Review, or joining industry forums, it’s important to continually seek out fresh perspectives and new ideas.
Any other points for our readers?
High Heels and Low Blows is available from all good bookstores, online at Fair Play Publishing, and from major online booksellers including Amazon and Booktopia. And if you’re thinking about a career in comms, feel free to reach out to me for a chat!