navigating the new pr landscape with michael corrigan
Michael Corrigan is the Founder and Owner of MCPR, a marketing, content, and public relations agency. His agency works with a variety of clients across fashion, food and beverage, experiences, and project-based industries. Originally from Cleveland, Michael moved to Los Angeles for university before settling in Chicago in 2009, where he continues to grow his business and make an impact in the PR world. Through MCPR, Michael has worked with notable clients such as Taylor Stitch, The Spice House, Disney, and Mariah Carey’s Black Irish Holiday Bar.
Q&A with Michael:
What current projects are you working on?
I’m currently working with a diverse range of clients across several industries. In fashion, we’re collaborating with Taylor Stitch, Tie Bar, Boston Scally, and Marc Nolan. For food and beverage, we have The Spice House, E+ J Gallo Winery, and Forward Hospitality Group, which includes Good Night John Boy and The Farm. We’re also working with Bucket Listers, Color Factory, Disney, and Whirlyball on some exciting experiential projects. One of the most fun projects right now is Mariah Carey’s Black Irish Holiday Bar, where we're curating some unique, seasonal experiences.
Who is currently inspiring you with their wild and wise approach to life?
I’m inspired by individuals who prioritize authenticity and purpose. People who live life on their own terms, like my mentors and some of my closest friends who have navigated their careers in a way that feels right for them. They’ve embraced the messy, chaotic moments as part of their journeys. That balance of embracing imperfection while being fully present in their own lives is something I try to incorporate into my own life.
How do you personally define a curated life?
To me, a curated life is about boundaries and balance, but I believe balance is an illusion. I prefer the concept of "progress, not perfection," which I’ve adopted from my recovery program. It’s about setting personal boundaries and creating space for what truly matters to you, while being mindful of how we treat others and talk to ourselves. A curated life involves rewriting the narratives that no longer serve us and knowing when it’s time to step back. It’s a life that’s intentionally built, focusing on personal growth and being honest with yourself.
What are your current aspirations and vision for the future, considering both your wild creative ideas and the wisdom you've gained?
I try not to overthink the future too much. I’m learning to be present and embrace what comes my way. Growth is a constant, and I’m trying to reframe my understanding of it to be more in line with what it truly means to me, not based on external expectations. A big part of my focus right now is on living in the present and not letting worry control me. I strive to approach life with the mindset that worrying is just suffering twice, so I’m working on embracing uncertainty and being open to whatever comes.
What daily practices or habits help you stay connected to your wild and wise self?
Daily medication has been a game-changer for me, especially after years of living with performance anxiety and depression. It’s made a huge difference in quieting the noise in my head. Reading is another passion of mine, and I also dedicate time to learning French on Duolingo—it’s just 15 minutes a day but it's been great for personal growth. Sobriety keeps me grounded, and regular exercise helps maintain my mental clarity. Also, pizza on a Friday is a comforting routine I look forward to!
How has your community or network influenced your current projects and ideas?
Our business has largely been built through referrals, and I’m grateful for that. A mentor of mine once told me, “If your business is by referral, the only marketing you need to worry about is providing excellent customer service.” That’s stuck with me and has guided my approach to client relationships. My network has allowed me to accept new projects and challenges organically, and I believe we all have something valuable to offer each other, which is why I continue learning, even 20 years into my career. Listening and being open to others’ ideas is crucial to continued growth.
What advice would you give to aspiring visionaries?
If you’re planning to forge your own path, buckle up—it’s not going to be easy. But if it were easy, everyone would do it. Know your tribe. The world is full of noise, and allowing outside opinions to steer your business will drive you mad. All you need is a small group of people you trust who can be your sounding board. And trust your gut. Nobody knows your business better than you do, but that also means owning up when things aren’t going right. Don’t be afraid to apologize or admit fault when necessary.
What impact do you hope your current work will have on the world?
I hope my work allows people to see the power of authenticity in both business and personal life. By building meaningful, trust-based relationships, I want to inspire others to create their own paths and build businesses that are aligned with their true values. Ultimately, I want to make people feel seen, heard, and understood, and provide opportunities for brands to communicate more authentically with their audiences.