Debra Goldblatt-Sadowski attracts big star power and top talent in her role as chief executive officer and founder of rock-it promotions.
One of Canada’s leading lifestyle public relations firms, rock-it promotions’ current client list includes the JUNO Awards, Peloton, Knix, Dr. Martens, Sun Bum and Live Nation. Notable former clients include L’Oréal Paris, Adidas, Toronto Fashion Week and working with major talent such as Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey and Madonna.
From 2018 to 2020, the firm was among Canadian Business’s Growth 500 list of the country’s fastest-growing companies. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
"We lost 75 per cent of our business in 48 hours. Twenty years of business doesn’t prepare you for that," says Goldblatt-Sadowski. "I'm really proud that I’m still standing. We recently came back with full-scale live events in May with the JUNO Awards and a David Foster Gala — and both were incredibly successful. Very happy to be doing what we do best again!”
Career advice
"You need determination, grit, integrity and kindness. Get a seat at the table — whatever table you want to be at — and make space for yourself.”
Professional hurdle
"After giving birth, I couldn't take maternity leave. I had a mortgage to pay, so I returned to work within six weeks!"
Career satisfaction
"I really enjoy the day-to-day action, whether it’s launching a film, opening a theatre or club, handling fashion week or being able to choose which clients we want to work with. It keeps me sharp.”
The Concordia factor
“I started university studies sociology. Then, a fellow student read my poetry and suggested I submit a portfolio to the Creative Writing program. I got in. That advice was the greatest gift I ever received — I’d found my people! I didn’t always feel like I fit in, but the poets and the writers gave me confidence I never had before."
“When I was 18 and living away from home for the first time, my mother received a terminal cancer diagnosis among some other life changing news. The journey wasn’t easy, but Concordia was incredibly supportive.”