What lessons can PR professionals learn from Unicorn CEOs about communications? Brendon Craigie, CEO, Tyto, discusses the importance of prioritizing authentic storytelling to have complex topics resonate with massive audiences. Brendon also outlines the unique challenges that Unicorn CEOs face such as mitigating workloads for a fast-growing staff and handling high-pressure situations from a young age.  Interested in learning more about how Unicorn CEOs approach communications and culture? Download Tyto’s guide “Growing Without Borders: The Unicorn CEO guide to communication and culture” here or listen to the Unicorn CEO series of interviews on “Without Borders”, Tyto’s podcast. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

What do communicators need to keep in mind when building an executive visibility strategy? Janine Savarese, CEO of NextTech Communications, shares the importance of building initiatives around topics that leaders are passionate about to avoid purpose washing. Janine also breaks down how to navigate visibility strategies for a CEO of a household brand versus a start-up. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

How can organizations increase awareness around DEI? Maria Rodriguez, President & CEO, Vanguard Communications, urges employers to abandon the assumption that employees only want to work on projects that align with their identities. She shares the value of having open conversations with staff members about what projects they are passionate about and comfortable working on. Maria also recommends that companies partner with organizations like ColorComm, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and the National Association of Black Journalists in their hiring process. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

How can new hires set themselves up for success during onboarding? In the second part of the discussion, Tiasha Stevenson, Vice President, Director of Creative and Agency Resourcing, Golin, emphasizes the importance of listening and being intentional about getting to know your team members to develop strong relationships. Tiasha also highlights the need for employers to create business resource groups to help new hires connect with peers with similar experiences. Watch part 1 here. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

How can professionals be intentional about their skillset when searching for new career opportunities? Tiasha Stevenson, Vice President, Director of Creative and Agency Resourcing, Golin, shares insights on how to successfully land a new role within your own organization or with a new employer. Tiasha also offers advice for hiring managers to look for candidates who would be a “culture add” rather than a culture fit. Watch part 2 here. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

Why should communications firms invest in research? Laura Macdonald, Co-President, Hotwire, emphasizes the need for agencies to ditch the cookie cutter approach with the world changing so rapidly. She shares insights from the agency’s mindset shift from B2B and B2C to “Business-to-Human.” Laura also highlights the importance of having diversity of experience to understand and deliver insights most effectively. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

How has entertainment PR changed with the rise of streaming platforms? Erik Bright, Owner of Prodigy Public Relations, shares insights on how his firm generates buzz for independent films. He also discusses the role of the film festivals, and their transition into a hybrid environment. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

How can brands effectively communicate to Gen Z audiences? Courtney Miller, Executive Vice President of U.S. Strategy and Brand, Edelman U.S., shares insights from the agency’s study on the issues that Gen Z audiences care about the most and the implications for communicators. Courtney also shares how brands can attract Gen Z talent by prioritizing basic safety and security needs. Download The Power of Gen Z: Trust & The Future Consumer report here. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727

What are the most important things to keep in mind when pitching to a podcast? Christina Nicholson, Owner of Media Maven and Founder of Podcast Clout, shares insights on how to make your pitch stand out and what mistakes to avoid. She also offers tips on how to identify relevant podcasts on national and local levels. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

How did healthcare workers help shape internal and external communications during COVID? Josh Wilson, Director of Strategic Communications at Children’s National Hospital, offers insights on how those on the front lines became spokespeople and embraced the duty of educating the public on what they were seeing within the hospital. Josh also shares how the hospital’s new DEI initiative invested in recruiting a diverse class of pediatric residents. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

Barbara Wagner, President of Barbara Wagner Communications, shares her journey of starting an agency amid the pandemic. She shares insights on working with clients in the arts and real estate space. Barbara also shares best practice for building a story and pitching to the media. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

How can a brand leverage the power of its legacy when pivoting its business model? Joy Corso, Chief Marketing Officer at Vonage, shares insights on effectively communicating the company’s transition from a B2C to a B2B brand. She also discusses how to assess your competition in the new space and identify opportunities. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

A strong digital footprint has become a key factor for a successful launch. Nicole Rodrigues, CEO and Founder of NRPR Group, highlights the importance of getting PR right by being patient. She also shares how in-house communicators can gain the trust of an agency by giving strategic advice. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

What areas does the Recording Academy focus on when they are not preparing for The GRAMMY Awards?® Andie Cox, Vice President of Communications at the Recording Academy, discusses how the organization creates awareness for a range of initiatives such as advocacy for artists and pandemic relief. Andie also offers insights into the balance between entertainment publicity and a corporate brand story. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

Michael Kempner, Founder & CEO of MikeWorldWide, believes that caring is the antidote to cancel culture. He offers insights into how brands can maintain a positive reputation in the current environment. Michael also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing crisis communications as an ongoing strategy rather than a reactive tool or an afterthought. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

How can communicators redefine success throughout their careers? Cath Anderson, Head of Communications at Cityblock Health, reflects on the moment she realized that success can be defined by her own terms instead of what society or the industry expects. Cath also talks about what PR professionals need to know in order to build their skills. To share your feedback, contact Doug Simon: [email protected] or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

Can public affairs be approached from a bipartisan perspective? Lindsay Singleton, Managing Director & Head of the Social Impact Practice at ROKK Solutions, shares how to navigate the current political environment as a brand and find common ground. She goes into the company’s research on the bipartisan power of ESG. Download Across the Aisle: Unlocking the Bipartisan Power of ESG here. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

What are the advantages of working with a boutique PR agency? David Ball, President & CEO of Ball Consulting Group, LLC and President of PR Boutiques International emphasizes how the ability to be nimble and quickly adapt to client needs has enabled his firm’s continued growth. He also discusses how larger agencies can bring a boutique feel into their practice. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

How can communicators retain their seat at the decision-making table in 2022? Gini Dietrich, Founder and CEO of Spin Sucks and Arment Dietrich, stresses the importance of communicating company values and keeping employees engaged in the wake of the Great Resignation. Gini also shares her passion for PR measurement and using attribution models to quantify communication effectiveness. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

What is social marketing? Jennifer Wayman, President & CEO at Hager Sharp, breaks down misconceptions around the term. She discusses how to sell behavior change as a product. Jennifer also emphasizes the importance of public and private partnerships in social marketing. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

How can earned media be converted into measurable results? Mark LoCastro, Director of Public Relations, SmartAsset, offers insights into utilizing a backlink strategy to generate traffic. Mark also emphasizes the importance of leveraging an internal spokesperson and shares his experience of transitioning from being a PR Manager into a national company spokesperson. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

Why are companies shifting focus from CSR to ESG? Gloria Janata, President and CEO of TogoRun, discusses how the move impacts the role of the communications function. Gloria also dives into TogoRun’s efforts on reducing disparities in healthcare. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

What does it mean to be a patient-focused organization? Krysta Pellegrino, Chief Client Officer at Health+Commerce, shares insights on how to put actions behind words and effectively communicate the patient focus. She also offers advice on how to be creative within a regulated industry? To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

How has the context of leadership changed? Mike Doyle, President and CEO at Ketchum, discusses the shift into more genuine and human communications. He offers advice on increasing and maintaining employee engagement. Mike also shares some ways of developing empathy in the workplace. Learn about careers at Ketchum here. Check out how this interview came to be here.  Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

How has the role of communications become more important to the C-suite over the course of the pandemic? Jim O’Leary, Edelman’s U.S. Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Affairs Practice Chair, shares key data from the 2021 Future of Corporate Communications study. Jim also discusses insights on how senior communications leaders are helping CEOs navigate social issues, ESG, activism and employee engagement.   Download the 2021 Future of Corporate Communications study here.  Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

Workplaces have forever changed and the role of HR is now more important than ever as a result of the pandemic. Tina Beaty is the Vice President of Marketing, SHRM, an association that creates better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. She shares her PR and marketing strategies to change the national dialogue on DEI and workplace culture.  Cause the effect you want to see at work. Download SHRM’s workplace conversation starter cards here.  To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

How is communications different from marketing? Amy Bonitatibus shares how she navigates a dual role as the CCO of Chase and CMO of Chase Home Lending. She discusses how creating synergies between both teams amplifies the impact of the message. Amy also emphasizes the increased importance of bringing the earned media voice into paid content. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

As the Founder and Partner at V2 Communications, Maura FitzGerald values frequent communication and feedback from employees when it comes to return-to-work planning. She emphasizes the increased need for CEOs to be more active in internal and external communications. Maura also underscores the importance of being socially conscious in a fast-paced industry. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

How is holiday shopping going to be different in 2021? Kathryn Hayman, Vice President of Brand Integration, Bollare Communications, anticipates an early start as a result of supply chain issues and consumers craving an in-person shopping experience. Kathryn also discusses how influencers can bring engaging in-person shopping experiences through social media. Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

Fostering meaningful connections with creators is a priority at Pinterest, and what differentiates it from other social media platforms. LeMia Jenkins Thompson, Global Head of Communications at Pinterest, discusses the communications strategy behind the company’s big launch. She also shares how agencies can partner with Pinterest and effectively utilize the platform to engage with their audiences. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

Trey Ditto, CEO, Ditto PR, thinks you should be happier at your PR job. In fact, he’s created his entire business model around employee happiness. Trey's desire is to teach anyone willing to listen how they can make their business a better place to work. One person at a time, his goal is to improve the PR industry. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected]  or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

Sarah Berman, President, The Berman Group, discusses how real estate companies are trying to bring employees back into the office. She shares examples of creative communications approaches that owners and operators are implementing. Sarah also offers insights into how technology has become the driver for growth in both residential and commercial real estate. To share your feedback, contact: Doug Simon: [email protected] or [email protected] - 212.736.2727 For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

Laura Tomasetti, CEO, 360PR+, shares insights into the shift in storytelling in 2021. She emphasizes the rise in deeper stories and increased usage of brand CEOs to get the message out. Laura also discusses the importance of creating a pathway to attract members of Gen Z to the PR industry. To share your feedback, contact:   Doug Simon: [email protected]   or [email protected] - 212.736.2727   For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

Monique Kelley, Neuroscience & US Commercial Operations Communications Lead, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, shares insights into her transition from agency to in-house communications. She offers advice on how to avoid setting a glass ceiling for yourself reaching your full potential. Monique also discusses how being a former athlete has helped her succeed in the workplace. To share your feedback, contact:   Doug Simon: [email protected]   or [email protected] - 212.736.2727   For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

Darlene Hollywood, Principal, Hollywood Agency, shares tips on getting media coverage for local organizations and brands. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the people when crafting the story. Darlene also discusses the need for building strong relationships when it comes local media.   To share your feedback, contact:   Doug Simon: [email protected]   or [email protected] - 212.736.2727   For more info go to: https://www.dssimon.com

Stephanie Marchesi, President, WE Global Health, shares insights into the significant transformation of the health industry in the last five years. She breaks down the differences between positioning yourself as a health-tech or tech-health company and how to handle regulation challenges. Stephanie also discusses how to communicate the mix of function and purpose.

Michael Roth, Owner and Managing Partner, The Bliss Group, discusses the importance of integrating earned media with paid media. He emphasizes the need to form strategic alliances with practices with relevant expertise. Michael also shares how his experience in law school helped him navigate through PR.

Wendy Lund, CCO, Organon, discusses the challenges of establishing a culture focused on women healthcare. She emphasizes the importance of having a vision to be successful in overcoming those challenges. Wendy also shares key insights from Organon’s research on how to communicate with women about healthcare.

Jonathan Jordan, General Manager, Edelman Southern California, shares key findings from the agency’s Trust Barometer special report, “The Belief-Driven Employee.” He discusses the rise of pandemic-induced burnout, and the ways leaders can effectively reduce it. Jonathan also shares how his background in management consulting has helped him succeed in the PR industry.

Ali Taekman, Partner, BPCM, discusses how brands can effectively integrate celebrities and influencers into their media campaigns. She emphasizes the importance of using both celebrities and influencers to achieve different levels of impact. Ali also shares insights into the agency’s heavy focus on sustainability.

Jennifer Temple, Chief Communications Officer at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, reveals brand strategies she has learned since the company’s split from HP. She discusses how the brand shaped its own narrative, despite consumer association with the former firm, and tactics used to build brand awareness and differentiation. Jennifer also dives into creating a brand image while HPE needed to undergo restructuring with a new CEO and business model.

Alina Diaz, Managing Director of Consumer Practice at MSL Group, speaks on the new means of interactions between communicators and consumers. She emphasizes the absence of physical touch creating new means of internal and external marketing, which has shown to vary between different demographics. Alina also touches on the change in consumer sentiment on virtual communication and responses to it.

Art Stevens, Managing Partner at The Stevens Group, goes deep into the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions. He shares tactics for brands to optimize their firm in order to maximize value for a buyout, for both buyers and sellers. He also touches on the demographic shift in employee tenure at modern companies, and where the next generation is heading with regards to ownership and sale of firms.

Cori McKeever, Global President of Healthcare at Golin, discusses the means in which firms can optimize their campaigns and communications to appeal to the right audiences. She takes it further into her specific industry, healthcare, and how the modern climate on health following COVID can influence the PR tactics brands implement. She emphasizes the distinction in tactics used to reach Pharma clients and general health/wellness clients.

Lisa Rosenberg, Partner + President, Consumer Brands at Allison+Partners, shares insights on the future of brand communications. She speaks about how her experience as a judge at Cannes provided a window into how brands can deploy a compelling narrative to forge meaningful connections in an increasingly fragmented world. Lisa also explains how brands can avoid becoming a “chaser of culture” and move towards making a more sincere and meaningful impact.

Alex Slater, CEO and Founder of Clyde Group, shares findings on where company leaders stand when it comes to DE&I engagement. He offers guidelines for brands on how to get involved to aid healthy conversation and awareness. Alex also discusses the main principles that Clyde Group follows to be best agency to work with and work for.

Michelle Olson, Managing Director at Lambert & Co, talks about the changing roles of communicators in public relations. She emphasizes the importance of the means in which PR departments protect and promote companies through research and tactical positioning. She further discusses the growth prospects of the industry as a whole, and how firms can capitalize on it.

Dallas Lawrence, Head of Communications at Roku Platform Business, dissects the nuances of the streaming world and how communicators can effectively gain leverage in that space. He discusses how the streaming platform has changed advertising, dubbing it a ‘renaissance period’ for ads, with many brands producing more dynamic content to communicate their specific messaging. You can learn more about Roku Advertising here.