5 Questions with Chris Terry

Chris Terry is the Vice President of Strategic Communications at Telemetry. He is a 26-year public relations veteran, Founder of Weber Shandwick's Automotive Practice and former speechwriter for Ford CEO Mark Fields. Chris is known for story idea generation, creative storytelling and media relations expertise based on over two decades of experience with OEMs and suppliers.

1. What inspires you to work at Telemetry?

One of the most gratifying aspects about working at Telemetry, especially compared to other agencies, is the professional camaraderie, the real esprit de corps, that comes with everyone knowing their role, everyone working hard but working “fun” and having such a complementary assemblage of personalities.  It’s only the second place I’ve worked where everyone likes each other.  Work is executed at a high level, minimal ego is there to be “managed,” and everyone genuinely seems enthusiastic about the work and one another.

2. What's a project you’ve worked on that you’re especially proud of—and why?

When the University of Michigan hosted an open house and technology showcase for the National Science Foundation, officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation and other key figures in the autonomous vehicle industry, they wanted to send a strong message to these and other stakeholders on what needs to happen at the Federal level to accelerate the adoption of AVs.  During the DOT presentation, we timed the release of an AP story featuring an interview with U of M’s Mcity Director, Dr. Henry Liu. The story ran nearly exactly when we wanted (and was picked up by more than 70 outlets), the headline was lit, and the story prompted an unscheduled visit from a key Biden administration official. Our client, the erudite and affable Sue Carney, was thrilled.  Sue is still the best. Full stop.

3. What's a lesson you've learned that shapes the way you approach your work today?

Talk less. Actively listen more.

4. What’s a surprising or fun fact about you outside of work?

I hitchhiked across Ireland after living in Sweden and before moving to Spain for a year. There, I didn’t speak for four months as I’d failed two Spanish classes in Ann Arbor as an undergrad. Then one day, I started spitting out Castellano in complete sentences. So I got that going for me, which is nice.

5. What do you hope readers take away from your posts on this blog?

At the risk of sounding trite and unoriginal, if you figure out how to do the kind of work you love, it’s not work – it’s your calling.  Follow your folly. I talk about best practices in media relations, the first installment of which can be found here. Finally, the one thing Gen X can teach younger generations is the most enjoyable way to experience music: through proper two-channel hi-fi with friends.  Hook up your phone or streamer through the AUX (or “Tape In”) on a vintage stereo receiver or integrated amplifier, find speakers–preferably with walnut veneer and Irish linen grill cloth–and just let your friends know, “I’m having people over on X night.”  It’s a lot of fun.