For Deana Tynan, structure and spontaneity go hand in hand. A seasoned communications strategist and storyteller, she’s spent her career shaping brand narratives that resonate—across journalism, marketing, corporate relations, and sponsorships. From leading high-impact media campaigns for some of the world’s most recognised brands to founding her own successful PR consultancy, The Press Garage. Deana’s professional life is built on clarity, creativity, and connection.
Behind the polished press releases and campaign strategies is a woman balancing work, motherhood, and her own creative pursuits with intention and heart. Drawing on her Italian heritage and her life as a mother of three, Deana recently made her authorial debut with Pepe and the Secret Sauce, a heartwarming children’s picture book that celebrates culture, family, and food.
In this edition of My Life Hacks, Deana shares the simple rituals and smart systems that keep her grounded, focused, and fulfilled. From 5am wake-ups and solo runs to colour-coded family calendars and always having snacks on hand when travelling, she’s proof that small, consistent habits can create big impact. Whether she’s planning a media campaign or packing a school lunchbox, Deana approaches each day with optimism—and a strong coffee in hand.
What is your favourite life hack?
Waking up early! I’m usually up by 5am (sometimes earlier) and kick off the day with some kind of movement—whether it’s a run, strength training or yoga. Also, investing in a good coffee machine for home! Total game changer.
What is one quick life hack you use to stay organised?
Colour-coded calendars for the whole family keep us on track. I also plan my week around ‘non-negotiables’ – solo runs, morning coffee with my husband, quality time with friends and my kids’ sports. These are my big rocks. Everything else – work, chores – fits in around them.
Do you have a simple trick for staying productive throughout the day?
I block out dedicated time for ‘writing’ or ‘networking’ and put my phone in another room to stay focused, especially when I need to be creative. I also listen to personal development podcasts, while I am driving, folding laundry or cooking dinner – always open to learning and absorbing different perspectives!
What’s an easy life hack you use while travelling?
Snacks, always! Both for me and the kids. A well-timed snack can be a lifesaver mid-flight or during delays. I also download a few great podcasts before take off and pack a notepad. Travel tends to spark my best ideas.
What’s one small habit or hack that helps you save money?
We cook most meals at home and save eating out for special moments with friends or family. I also ask myself how often I’ll actually use something before buying it – running shoes? Daily. A new handbag? Maybe not.
One piece of advice you live by that you can share with our readers?
Always believe something magical is about to happen. Stepping into the unknown is scary, but real growth comes from doing hard things. The pain of regret is far worse than the pain of discipline.
Deana is a seasoned communications strategist and storyteller with a passion for shaping brand narratives that resonate. With a career spanning journalism, marketing, corporate relations, and sponsorships, she has led high-impact media campaigns and crafted integrated communications strategies for some of the world’s most recognised brands. She honed her expertise as National PR Manager for Flight Centre Travel Group, Australia’s largest travel agency network, where she steered national publicity, brand communications, and philanthropic initiatives through The Flight Centre Foundation and The Wesley Research Institute. She later founded and led her own successful PR consultancy, The Press Garage, advising lifestyle, travel, and wellness brands on how to stand out through compelling storytelling and media engagement.
Drawing on her Italian heritage and life with her three young daughters, Deana recently made her authorial debut with Pepe and the Secret Sauce, a heartwarming children’s picture book that blends culture, family, and food.
For Deana Tynan, structure and spontaneity go hand in hand. A seasoned communications strategist and storyteller, she’s spent her career shaping brand narratives that resonate—across journalism, marketing, corporate relations, and sponsorships. From leading high-impact media campaigns for some of the world’s most recognised brands to founding her own successful PR consultancy, The Press Garage. Deana’s professional life is built on clarity, creativity, and connection.
Behind the polished press releases and campaign strategies is a woman balancing work, motherhood, and her own creative pursuits with intention and heart. Drawing on her Italian heritage and her life as a mother of three, Deana recently made her authorial debut with Pepe and the Secret Sauce, a heartwarming children’s picture book that celebrates culture, family, and food.
In this edition of My Life Hacks, Deana shares the simple rituals and smart systems that keep her grounded, focused, and fulfilled. From 5am wake-ups and solo runs to colour-coded family calendars and always having snacks on hand when travelling, she’s proof that small, consistent habits can create big impact. Whether she’s planning a media campaign or packing a school lunchbox, Deana approaches each day with optimism—and a strong coffee in hand.
What is your favourite life hack?
Waking up early! I’m usually up by 5am (sometimes earlier) and kick off the day with some kind of movement—whether it’s a run, strength training or yoga. Also, investing in a good coffee machine for home! Total game changer.
What is one quick life hack you use to stay organised?
Colour-coded calendars for the whole family keep us on track. I also plan my week around ‘non-negotiables’ – solo runs, morning coffee with my husband, quality time with friends and my kids’ sports. These are my big rocks. Everything else – work, chores – fits in around them.
Do you have a simple trick for staying productive throughout the day?
I block out dedicated time for ‘writing’ or ‘networking’ and put my phone in another room to stay focused, especially when I need to be creative. I also listen to personal development podcasts, while I am driving, folding laundry or cooking dinner – always open to learning and absorbing different perspectives!
What’s an easy life hack you use while travelling?
Snacks, always! Both for me and the kids. A well-timed snack can be a lifesaver mid-flight or during delays. I also download a few great podcasts before take off and pack a notepad. Travel tends to spark my best ideas.
What’s one small habit or hack that helps you save money?
We cook most meals at home and save eating out for special moments with friends or family. I also ask myself how often I’ll actually use something before buying it – running shoes? Daily. A new handbag? Maybe not.
One piece of advice you live by that you can share with our readers?
Always believe something magical is about to happen. Stepping into the unknown is scary, but real growth comes from doing hard things. The pain of regret is far worse than the pain of discipline.
About Deana
Deana is a seasoned communications strategist and storyteller with a passion for shaping brand narratives that resonate. With a career spanning journalism, marketing, corporate relations, and sponsorships, she has led high-impact media campaigns and crafted integrated communications strategies for some of the world’s most recognised brands. She honed her expertise as National PR Manager for Flight Centre Travel Group, Australia’s largest travel agency network, where she steered national publicity, brand communications, and philanthropic initiatives through The Flight Centre Foundation and The Wesley Research Institute. She later founded and led her own successful PR consultancy, The Press Garage, advising lifestyle, travel, and wellness brands on how to stand out through compelling storytelling and media engagement.
Drawing on her Italian heritage and life with her three young daughters, Deana recently made her authorial debut with Pepe and the Secret Sauce, a heartwarming children’s picture book that blends culture, family, and food.
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