SNACKING with Michael
Michael
Joseph Ianni
Senior Communications Advisor
Michael Joseph Ianni
Senior Communications Advisor | Consultant | PR, Brand and Events Strategist
Instagram Handle: @littemobilemoments @PR.AID
LinkedIn Profile: Michael Ianni
What are the go-to snacks you like to eat?
Is this a trap? Ok, full disclosure, I absolutely love ketchup chips, but they have to be rippled and peanut butter cups! But since I do a lot of PR work for the health food and nutrition industry, I have grown to love a spoonful of natural crunchy peanut butter with one (or two…ok, three) squares of dark chocolate, 85% above cacao and if I’m feeling really naughty I will dip that into graham cracker powder - I keep a hidden stash for one of those days…Oh! And pizza of course, but napoleon-style wood fire oven pizza - thin crust.
Do you brush your teeth when you wake up or after eating breakfast?
Well, this is getting very personal. I would say, if I woke up in the middle of the night to sleep-snack, then I would brush my teeth first thing in the morning, but honestly, I probably wait until I eat breakfast. I’m going to brush my teeth now and I am happy to report, I floss now!
Do you wet your toothbrush before or after you apply toothpaste?
OK! really? I wet it after. Is that ok? Where are the rules? Are there rules? I am calling my dentist now!
Who is your role model and why?
Daniel Paquette. He took me under my wing at his PR agency DPPR when I first started my career as an intern. He was the first older gay man I connected with and he showed me the ropes of media relations. He also modelled to me what a healthy, level-headed and grounded independant successful gay man looks like and has always helped guide me. He believed in me before I believed in myself, and we still remain friends and PR colleagues to this day.
I have to thank and give credit to my mom Terri-Lynn Sharpe for that brainstorming session we had over a decade ago. It was really her who came up with the brand name PRAID, when I was contemplating Parade PR.
I want to add that my brother Jeff is also a role model for me, because he can compartmentalize better and has a methodical approach to problem-solving and getting things done, where I tend to let my intuition guide me. He’s become one of my best friends and PRAID wouldn’t be the same without him.
Who would you choose to play you in a movie about your life?
Shawn Mendes or Timothee Chalamet - don’t laugh! We rock similar hair!
Favourite Restaurant in Toronto?
A lot of them have closed since the pandemic. RIP. But when I stay in Roncesvalles, I really enjoy Cafe Polonez for its homestyle Polish dishes & eastern European fare and Seoul Shakers for fun Korean fusion snacks on Bloor St - a great soulful playlist too!
What does equality mean to you?
Fairness, accessibility, respect
It’s 2021, what does this decade look like to you?
Fierce, robust, poignant, scarce, but hopeful
When It’s all said and done, the title of your autobiography is called_____?
From Fear to Faith OR All Bets on Rave
Who made the best ‘Sunday Morning’ song A) k-os B) No Doubt or C) Maroon 5?
No Doubt! Too easy!
What’s the last item you purchased with cash?
This is entrapment! Nono, drug and alcohol-free now for 6 years! I buy local organic kale now at the farmer’s market!
What does retirement look like to you?
A beach, hiking, lavish dinners, yoga retreats, travel, photography and dance parties…a sexy boyfriend who shows me love and affection.
According to you, who is the best-dressed person in business?
NATASHA KOIFMAN - she owns a luxury PR agency and if you follow her #NKblackeverything hashtag and you’ll see why.
What skill are you determined to master?
Public speaking and CBT skills for anxiety
What three films best describe your life?
I’m a rule-breaker and I’m giving you five: The Labyrinth, Cruel Intentions, Mysterious Skin, I Killed My Mother and Clueless
The most influential brand right now is?
LUSH - not because they are a client of mine, but because their campaigns actually influence policy making. There are many others.
Do you believe there is a way to turn your passions into work, and if so, how?
I don’t believe you have to necessarily turn your passions into profit, because one day you might resent your passions, but there is always a way, and I would start by finding someone who has what you want and work backwards. I would also look into coaching in the field of your passion.
What are the 3 Albums that soundtrack your life?
Surfacing by Sarah Maclaughlin, Live Through This by HOLE, The Emancipation of Mimi by Mariah Carey (who should have won album of the year, by the way) - Sounds dramatic, right?
What three words would you use to describe the past three months of your life?
Transformational, challenging, exciting
What Public Figure inspired your career path?
Gino Empry known as “Mr. Entertainment” who was a charismatic Toronto-based publicist for the stars!
Name something you couldn’t go a day without. Why?
My breath, because I would die.
What’s your favourite book or author?
Too many, but for a novel, Fall On Your Knees by Ann Marie Macdonald and A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
Dogs or Cats?
Dogs, but cats, but dogs…
What things in life are still a mystery to you?
God.
Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid?
Chamomile tea
Why is celebrating Pride Month important?
Because we've been shamed for too long! When I came out at the age of 14 in 1998 I spent a lot of time feeling ashamed of myself and was bullied by my peers and even authority figures, which impacted my self-esteem and self-worth. For me, Pride is an opportunity to remember how far we've come, for those who made it. 2SLGBTQQIA+ people have higher suicide and substance misuse rates. Violence against our community has even increased in some places. We need to celebrate our lives, because for so many, a lot of people still don't feel seen from their family and friends. We need to continue showing our kids that they are loved no matter who they are and Pride is a great way to demonstrate that. Representation, visibility and healthy role models matter. A lot of us are still dealing with internalized shame and homophobia. We also march for those who can't around the world. If you want to know what love looks like, go to a Pride parade.
How do you incorporate PRIDE/equality in your daily life?
By looking into the mirror, practicing gratitude and remembering where I came from. Taking my own personal lived experiences and trying to apply the same respect, empathy and compassion I wish to receive. I also like to follow queer people on social and share their work.
What can businesses do to work towards equality?
Invest in gender diversity training, dedicate a newsletter with queer content, enforce equal gender pay, have gender-neutral bathrooms, get people to sign their names with their pronouns...Read and ask for feedback.
Some great gender inclusion training that businesses can hire are Queer life coaches like Jeremy Long and The CQ Community