Full name: Diane Allen
Title: President
Company: Diane Allen & Associates Advertising/Public Relations, Inc.
Age: Old
Hometown: Colonial Heights, Va.
Why do you do what you do?
Every client is a new challenge. I never get bored.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Staying in business for over 35 years and overcoming four recession/depression periods.
What was your first job?
Goudchaux’s Department Store, $0.60 per hour.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
You must crawl before you walk.
Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?
I have had many throughout the years but presently I have four visionaries that I admire: Jacqui Vines, Cox Communications; Karen Profita, United Way; Todd Graves, Raising Canes; Jeff Kleinpeter, Kleinpeter Dairy
If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?
Veterinarian
What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you've overcome?
Personal: Losing my home in Bay St. Louis, Ms. from Katrina
Professional: Surviving 1986 Depression; more than 30 ad agencies folded, one was over 100 years old.
If you started over, what would you do differently?
I have been blessed, so with respect to the big picture not too much. My trials and tribulations have made me who I am today.
What is your prescription for life?
Never lose your humility.
What book are you currently reading?
South of Broad by Pat Conroy
If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be? (Authors? Leaders?)
Condoleezza Rice, Arnold Palmer, Billy Graham
Who would play you in a movie?
Katherine Hepburn
What do you do to unwind?
Play golf
What is the most expensive purchase you've made for yourself?
Besides my house – a watch
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Going to my house in Bay St. Louis, Miss. and crossword puzzles
What's your theme song?
"Corner of the Sky" from the musical Pippin
What's your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?
Driving down River Road
How do you take your coffee/tea?
Coffee: cream and sugar. Tea: lots of lemon
What is your favorite movie? TV show? Band?
Movie – Somewhere In Time
TV Show – Mad Men, CBS Sunday Morning
Band – Widespread Panic. Dave Schools, bass guitarist, is my first cousin.
What is your favorite gadget?
iPhone
What is something that you can't live without?
My family and my employees. If I searched the world over I could not find a more dedicated and talented staff
If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?
Traffic
What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?
I have 2 hopes:
--That Baton Rouge will be the next bio-medical mecca.
--That the arts can grow because the quality of a city is measured by the arts. They are crucial if we are to stay ahead of the curve in our recruiting efforts for new business and leadership.
What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?
Loss of a good public education system is my biggest fear.
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