Laid Off From Noble Energy, Former Public Relations Representative Launches New Communications and Training Firm
DENVER (April 8, 2015) – Jonathan Ekstrom, recently let go from Noble Energy, Inc. after serving as their Denver-based Public Relations Representative for the past 4+ years, has launched Deft Communications, a communications counseling firm specializing in communications training, content creation, employee engagement and employee activation.
“There’s a famous quote from Winston Churchill,” said Ekstrom. “It goes: ‘A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.’ As Noble Energy restructures in response to the collapse in commodity prices, I could either feel sorry for myself about losing my job, or look at this as an opportunity to try something new and be my own boss. I chose the latter. It’s exciting!”
While at Noble Energy, Ekstrom served in a variety of roles. He previously served as the on-the-record spokesman for the Colorado region, managed the company’s regional charitable giving portfolio and served on a variety of boards and committees for trade groups and other organizations. Most recently, Ekstrom worked extensively on Noble Energy’s effort to further enhance the public’s understanding of the oil and gas development process – most notably “fracking” – through the company’s internal training program and community outreach events.
Deft Communications will have a similar focus, but will look to expand this philosophical approach to other industries, while continuing work in oil and gas. “What I’ve found in my time in this industry is that sometimes companies take for granted their most important stakeholders – their employees. Your employees are your ambassadors. Are you getting the most out of them you can?” asked Ekstrom. “That’s what I specialize in.”
Before working at Noble Energy, Ekstrom worked at MGA Communications, Policy Communications, and the Colorado Oil & Gas Association. He received both his Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees in Speech Communication from Colorado State University. He is a Colorado native.
In March 2014, Ekstrom launched the Jon of All Trades Podcast, where he serves as host and executive producer.
“Noble Energy wished me the best in future endeavors,” said Ekstrom. “I offer the same wish for them. I appreciate the opportunities they afforded me and I adore those I worked with in the Denver and Greeley offices, but I’m ready for the next phase of my professional life.”
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Jonathan Ekstrom
Principal
Deft Communications
720.936.2393
Jon@deftcom.us
https://www.deftcom.us
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