Get to know... Caroline Gault

This month, we’re excited to highlight Caroline Gault, senior communications associate (External Relations) at the Alberta School of Business. A former U of A student-athlete whose early career included an unexpected start in media and journalism, Caroline brings a unique storytelling lens to marketing and communications.

What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know?

I played basketball for the Pandas in my first year at the U of A as an English and Film Studies student. When I stopped playing, I had a bit of an identity crisis — and over the next few years reinvented myself as a writer after falling in love with my Creative Writing classes.

I started writing for the Arts section of The Gateway, and not long after, for a local indie magazine called Parlour. In a right-place, right-time stroke of luck, I landed an interview with Lady Gaga, who was in Edmonton opening for New Kids On The Block, when “Just Dance” was taking off. The story became her first magazine cover and went “viral” in the mid-2000s sense of the word.

I laugh now remembering how I thought that was what everyday life as a writer would look like — but it is what got me hooked on the "perceived" glamour of fashion and lifestyle journalism, and eventually led me to a career in marketing and communications.

Looking back, what I missed most after basketball wasn’t just the sport — it was the team culture and competitiveness. That’s something I’ve recognized at the Alberta School of Business too, and it makes me think I might have had an amazing experience as a BCom student here, had I not pursued writing. Case in point: ASB being named School of the Year at the JDC West case competition recently gave me serious team-sport flashbacks.

What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend or day off?

When my kids are home, we keep busy with activities like swimming, skating and visiting with family, and we always have movie night together on Fridays. When my kids aren’t home, I enjoy a good nap.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Portugal. It feels accessible, beautiful, beachy and relaxed — with great food. That’s exactly the kind of trip I find myself dreaming about in this busy season of life with work and young kids.

What’s a hobby or skill you’ve recently picked up (or would like to try)?

I love eating delicious food and I enjoy trying new recipes, so cooking is something I would love to put more time, thought and energy into.

What’s a book, movie or TV show you’re currently enjoying?

Bad Sisters on Apple TV — I actually finished it last year, but would watch it again. Perhaps it’s the strong female cast, the humor or the beautiful backdrop that is Ireland (where my parents immigrated from in the ‘80s). But it’s a fail-proof recommendation.

Do you have a favourite meal or go-to comfort food?

Sepps Pizza — particularly, their Open Sesame pizza. (We’ve been getting Sepps most Fridays since the pandemic and at this point might be one of their top customers.)

What inspires or motivates you the most in your day-to-day life?

My two kids. Watching them take in the world with fresh eyes and bubbling emotion makes me stop and appreciate what and how precious life is, and how quickly time passes.

If you could have dinner with any historical or famous figure, who would it be and why?

Joan Didion. I would ask her about her book, The Year of Magical Thinking — a very real and powerful read on grief.

Can you share a bit about your role and what brought you to the Alberta School of Business?

I’m a senior communications associate (External Relations) at the Alberta School of Business. My day-to-day work involves writing and strategy for web, social and newsletters, analyzing our content, and working with cross-functional teams, departments and offices to help bring their work and achievements to a wider audience. There are so many impactful things happening at ASB, and I love the challenge of organizing information in ways that are engaging, clear and compelling.

What’s something about your job that you wish more people knew?

In a world where many think “going viral” is their ticket, I wish more people knew that while communications and PR involve both strategy and timing — reputation is never accidental. There are quick, strategic wins and moments when luck plays a role, but even quick successes only matter when they’re backed by steady, long-term consistency.

Building reputation is a long game that takes years of thoughtful, sustained work behind the scenes.

What’s been your most memorable moment at the Alberta School of Business so far?

After years working in PR and communications for Edmonton tech startups like Poppy Barley, I didn’t expect to find that same momentum and close-knit sense of ownership at a large institution — but ASB has it. There’s a strong focus, drive and community here, alongside research and impact that reach far beyond campus. I’m continually impressed by the people.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share with a new colleague joining the school?

Don’t hesitate to ask questions. People at the School are generous with their time and insights, and those early conversations make a big difference.