The Business Communicators

Before we fully embrace the new year, The Business Communicators takes a look back at their “bold” comms predictions for 2023 while breaking down their hits and near misses. From AI and ChatGPT to fact-checking and propaganda, do Thomas and Austin have a future in forecasting models?Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather  FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Rutgers grad student Anna Tamke penned an op-ed in PR Week sharing her thoughts on why college has not prepared her for a career in public relations – a plea for higher education to teach real world skills in the classroom. "It's a rude awakening when you graduate with a PR degree and realize you're unemployed in a post-pandemic world with an unreal expectation for what working in your field looks like,” Tamke wrote. “If the education system properly taught students — like myself — what PR is and how to do it, entering the workforce wouldn't be so hard." Austin and Thomas are joined by Calgary-based comms pro Matthew John to weigh on the opinion piece, share their personal experience breaking into corporate communications, what schools of higher learning can do to properly equip students to succeed, and why it's important for students and professionals to look after their own professional development.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW MATTHEW JOHN ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Meek John Havard, the creator of the kids-focused YouTube channel, Cowboy Jack. Launched during the pandemic, Havard created The Cowboy Jack Show as an educational and fun channel for kids that takes them on adventures to explore this amazing world. Havard describes the channel as a “therapeutic hobby” that has now blown up with more than 8 million views per month. On this episode of The Business Communicators, Havard shares insights into the creation of the show, how he utilizes online resources and his network to grow and evolve the channel, and tips for those looking to monetize, grow, or leverage their passion.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW COWBOY JACK ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

What impact will college athletic realignment have on the future of academic institutions? Are schools of higher learning left chasing the highest dollar from TV networks like Fox Sports, ESPN, and streaming services like Apple TV? On the latest episode of The Business Communicators, data analyst Sam Bradshaw discusses the financial implications of college athletics and what it means from a communications angle. Simply put: Don't think it's about the money, know it's about the money. Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW SAM ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

The summer blockbuster season is in full swing amidst Hollywood's striking actors and writers. Now, studios are turning to influencers to hype up releases like Barbie, Mission Impossible, and Oppenheimer. Can content creators seize this opportunity and how will it shake up advertising for brands?To close the episode, Austin and Thomas discuss their influential mentors and share career-changing advice they wish they had known before diving into the corporate world.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

With nearly 100 million users signed on just days after launch, Meta's Threads has quickly skyrocketed to the top-ranked app in Apple's App Store directly placing Twitter on life support. However, is the growth sustainable or will Threads become the next Clubhouse or Google Plus?On the latest episode of The Business Communicators, Chris Ferris, VP of Digital Strategy at Pierpont Communications, joins the podcast to weigh in on the long-term viability of Threads and Twitter, and what immediate steps your company should take to evaluate the business case for Threads and other digital media platforms.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW CHRIS ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Matt Lanza is a Houston-based forecast meteorologist in the energy sector and part of the team behind the wildly successful Space City Weather and The Eyewell – both dedicated to hype-free weather forecasts that see readers through the storm by providing timely and accurate information.Lanza, who previously worked as a broadcast meteorologist in Upstate New York, joins The Business Communicators to discuss how communications and cross-agency collaboration is crucial during severe weather disasters, the simplification of complex weather information and its potential impact on people and assets, preparedness during a weather crisis, forecasting El Niño, and more.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW MATT LANZA ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

More than a week after Apple's WWDC, communications professionals across the globe are evaluating Apple's latest “one more thing” – the Apple Vision Pro. With a hefty price tag of $3,499, will businesses embrace the headset and utilize augmented reality for their day-to-day operations? What are the implications for communications professionals as we shift toward a world that embraces VR and AR?Then, Austin and Thomas breakdown Reddit's rebellion after a number of subreddits (forums) went dark as moderators attempted to hold the platform hostage over CEO Steve Huffman's new direction on API access – potentially putting some apps like Apollo and others out of business. The show wraps on the diamond by discussing the Oakland A's “reverse boycott” with fans demanding that owner John Fisher sell the team due to his efforts to move the franchise to Las Vegas. The podcast analyzes what corporate comms and marketing pros can learn from international sports and how treating the fans/customers always pays dividends in the long run.  Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

It was a busy week in the business communications world: Former NBCUniversal advertising exec Linda Yaccarino was named the new CEO at Twitter, CNN faced backlash after hosting a town hall with Donald Trump, and YouTube sensation Mr. Beast could face potential legal claims for an Instagram giveaway.Austin, Thomas, and Kim break it all down – plus share insights on Tucker Carlson's move to Twitter, and the NFL's digital media strategy heading into the 2023 football season.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

TikTok crime sleuth Ken Waks finds himself in hot water as Texas Monthly opines that “what began as a baseless theory has turned into a social media frenzy—one with the power to frighten the public and hamper police investigations.” Waks has also been accused of leveraging his viral content to promote his FinTech start-up company, Foresyte, which he currently serves as co-founder and chief marketing officer.What is the cost of virality? Is it worth sacrificing one's morals or ethics?LA-based writer and content creator Meredith Lynch joins The Business Communicators to offer her insights into the controversy driven by Waks' investigation, his numerous brand plugs of Foresyte, and allegations that have surfaced on his since-deleted Twitter account that have racist, homophobic, and misogynistic undertones. The podcast further breaks down Foresyte, the company CEO Stephen Eddy's string of deleted DMs and LinkedIn posts boasting about Wak's TikTok exploits, and the Denver-based firm, Heinrich Marketing, who is providing $1 million in agency services (according to SEC filings) for the company.The show wraps by analyzing the actions brands must take when working with influencers, the dangers of cyber vigilantes, agency accountability, and lessons to be learned moving forward.Editor's Note: The Business Communicators made multiple attempts to reach Foresyte, Ken Waks, and Heinrich Marketing for comment. According to SEC filings, Heinrich Marketing is Foresyte's established marketing agency. Heinrich president and owner George Eddy is the lead investor. We received no response.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – FeatherFOLLOW MEREDITH ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Taylor Swift fans made their way to Houston in droves over the weekend but neither Austin nor Thomas attended the sold-out shows. The duo did, however, breakdown Swift's marketing and business acumen – and how artificial intelligence is impacting the music industry.Then, the podcast focuses on the $787.5 million Fox Corp. settlement with Dominion, media ethics, and why it's paramount for communicators to stay informed through a variety of news outlets.The show closes by discussing Bud Light marketing VP, Alissa Heinerscheid, who took a leave of absence on Friday, and MillerKnoll CEO Andi Owen who faced backlash for telling employees to “leave pity city” when asked whether they'd lose their annual bonuses.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – FeatherFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

It's not often that Democrats and Republicans find themselves aligned on policy. However, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew unified Congress as he was grilled by a bipartisan committee who argued that the popular short-video app should be banned in the United States.While TikTok claims it offers a powerful tool to bring people together, momentum appears to be gaining as governments across the globe raise concerns over the app's alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party.Did Chew's testimony exude trust? Will Project Texas be enough to satisfy Congress? Is TikTok just part of a larger problem with social media platforms and data privacy? Tune in as Austin, Thomas, and Kim discuss on the latest episode of The Business Communicators.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Axios reported last week that “Starbucks committed ‘egregious and widespread misconduct' while trying to stop labor union campaigns.” How did one of the most-admired corporations in the world get to this point? Austin and Thomas dive into the ramifications of what this means for employee communications, and how Starbucks can learn lessons from Walmart and Texas BBQ joints. The show closes with a conversation on the sudden rise of ChatGPT and AI – and why communications professionals should embrace the new technology rather than fearing automation.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Business leaders have historically played a significant role in using their platform and influence to speak out on pressing issues such as social justice, equality, and sustainability. However, in recent months, companies and organizations that had previously pledged to “create more inclusive cultures” have recently provided a "no comment” when asked to speak on hot-button issues. Why are leaders communicating less during heightened moments of crisis? The podcast breaks down why “authenticity” is paramount when corporate executives engage in civil discourse. The show wraps as the panel provide their communications-focused predictions for 2023 – propaganda, tech companies going bankrupt, the metaverse, and why TikTok will ultimately be banned in the U.S. according to Austin: “If you don't think China is using ByteDance to spy on you, you're completely misguided.” Editor's Note: Season five is here! The podcast ushers in a new era with the addition of Kim Davis as a co-host – and we couldn't be more excited.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Communication provides a myriad of opportunities to connect with our audience. However, without the ability to cut through the noise with transparency and clarity, much of the messaging continues to be a struggle. And if you were to ask Kim Davis, President and Chief Strategist of The KD Company, we have a communication problem, and it stems from a lack of trust. Kim joins Austin and Hattie to share insights from her experiences working with diverse clients and teams to help them transform their approach to increase engagement, productivity, and profits.Kim is also a sports talk show host and producer of “Chalk Talk”, a weekly live-streaming show about sports, news, business, and trending cultural topics featuring interviews with local sports leaders. Kim drops knowledge and gems comms pros are sure to love and want to add to their communication strategy.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather  FOLLOW KIM ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Depending on who we ask or what we consume in the media, the psychology of wealth for many individuals can be viewed as a more subjective term. As a culture that mostly views ‘chasing paper' to accumulate visible assets, are we doing all that we can to ensure that our abundance is creating a legacy for our families, and impacting in our communities?Author, CPA, and attorney David York has worked with a number of financially successful clients over the years, and their interactions have left an indelible mark that also drives his latest book, The Gift of Lift – Harnessing the Power of Stewardship to Elevate the World.David joins Austin, Hattie, and Thomas to talk about stewardship, how to distinguish wealth and money, and more importantly how we can use our stewardship of wealth to make a positive, lasting impression on lives and communities.The show closes this week by discussing remote work and how one comedian is fighting cancel culture by taking back his own work – even with a massive financial risk.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather KEY LINKS FOR THE WEEK 

Diane Primo is on a mission to help businesses find their purpose and live it out every day. As the CEO of Chicago-based Purpose Brand Agency, she joins The Business Communicators to share her thoughts on why brands must be relevant, purpose-driven, and committed to consumers to be successful – and why representation matters. To close the show, Thomas and Austin discuss the upstart LIV Golf Tour, which is financed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, and has poached several high-profile golfers away from the PGA Tour. Is this a money grab, a reputation campaign, or bad PR? Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather  KEY LINKS FOR THE WEEK 

Kate DiLeo is an “accidental brand strategist” who has worked with more than 200 brands across 20 sectors. As a sought-after branding expert, Kate joins The Business Communicators to discuss the power of branding, how businesses have the potential for growth within their own organizations, and why it's important to stop telling stories and start having conversations. Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather  KEY LINKS FOR THE WEEK 

Houston-based rapper Michael Burton, aka Keybeaux, lives and breathes music. A graduate of the University of Houston, Burton leverages his communications degree and works with major brands and small businesses offering his rapping services on Fiverr where his bars and rhymes have generated more than $400,000 in revenue. He joins The Business Communicators to share insights on entrepreneurship, his creative process, and how digital media has transformed the music industry.The episode closes as Austin, Hattie, and Thomas discuss the mass shooting tragedy at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, which left 21 dead – including 19 young students. The trio share their thoughts on the failure of leadership and what can be done to prevent more tragedies in the United States.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather KEY LINKS FOR THE WEEK 

Internal Communications expert Mike Klein joins The Business Communicators in his second appearance for a follow-up discussion on the evolution of internal communications following the COVID-19 pandemic, how the comms landscape has simultaneously changed while remaining the same, and his #WeLeadComms platform that is taking LinkedIn by storm by celebrating leadership, initiative, and courage across communication disciplines, borders and boundaries. The show opens with Austin, Hattie, and Thomas dissecting an exclusive from Variety on the new “corporate culture” memo from Netflix, and Elon Musk's hesitation on acquiring Twitter.  Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather  KEY LINKS FOR THE WEEK 

It was a tumultuous week for shareholders of Netflix as the company's stock price fell 35% following its latest earnings report – the biggest one-day drop since 2004. Then, CNN, which had planned to spend more than $1 billion on CNN+ over four years announced its collapse just two days following the Netflix saga as executives at Discovery suggested fewer than 10,000 people were watching the service at any given time. Have we finally reached streaming saturation? The show closes as we wrap week two of the Elon Musk quest to buy Twitter. According to numerous reports, he now has the funding secured, but is this right move for Twitter, its investors, and Elon?  Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather  FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Whether its residual impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic or the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the cost of goods and commodities has led to a record rate of inflation that hasn't been seen since in nearly 40 years. But how can impacted brands get ahead of the story? Austin Staton and Thomas Baen discuss global inflation and open communications in a bonus episode of The Business Communicators. Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather KEY LINKS FOR THE WEEK 

How can you create a culture of empowerment and build a culture for good? Houda Elyazgi, Chief Client Officer at Saxum, joins The Business Communicators to share her insights on diversity, inclusion, and the challenges facing today's corporate landscape. Hint: being open-minded and having uncomfortable conversations can serve as a catalyst for change – both internally and externally. Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather KEY LINKS FOR THE WEEK 

Over the last 18 months, Web3, NFT's, and the Metaverse have entered our everyday vernacular. But what does it all mean for communications and marketing professionals? Shiv Malik, CEO at Pool and our first three-time guest, joins The Business Communicators to discuss decentralization and the data economy.  Shiv Malik is a technologist, award nominated broadcaster, author of two books, former Guardian investigative ​journalist and co-founder of the Intergenerational Foundation think tank. He joined the Web3 space in mid-2017 as an adviser to the Golem project and subsequently as Head of Growth for Streamr and co-creator of their Data Unions framework. In 2021 he co-founded Pool and currently leads the organization on its mission to bring Data Unions to the world and ensure that people have control of their data and a genuine stake in the digital economy. Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather HOW TO CONNECT WITH SHIV MALIK 

Each year, brands pay exorbitant amounts for the cost of exposure during America's greatest sporting event – the Super Bowl. It's the one time of year brands are almost guaranteed a captive audience. This year's big game was no different – including an epic halftime performance.  Brands shelled out upwards of $6.5 million for a 30-second ad spot marking the most expensive Super Bowl ad price in NFL history. But were any of them worth the price? And, which brand won the day? Austin, Hattie, and Thomas discuss which ads nailed it, and others that just fell flat. Then, the podcast closes by discussing the iconic halftime show dubbed as #DreDay. Sponsored by Pepsi, Dr. Dre, Mary J Blige, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, and a surprise appearance by 50 Cent brought 90s nostalgia and a party atmosphere to SoFi Stadium. It could be said that this year's performance was one of the top-five shows ever presented.  Let us know what you thought of the Super Bowl and which brands flexed their marketing and communications strength the best. Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather KEY LINKS FOR THE WEEK 

A CNN Business report says that Americans are showing up sick to work even as Omicron spreads. Why? Millions of frontline employees can't stay home without missing a paycheck and many don't have paid sick leave. The Business Communicators discusses why this is a problem and offers potential solutions to keep workers healthy and safe.Who can you trust or is trust overrated? Let's talk about trust. The 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer dropped last week, and it reports that trust in government and media is sinking further into the void. The Trust Barometer reported that people trusted their CEOs more than government and wanted their business leaders to voice more opinion in societal issues. A number of business executives received promotions and the pressure to deliver is high. Is this a valid expectation? Should Business influence government decisions? Also, trust in the media corroded in the wake of ‘fake news,' readers have plethora of mediums for their media consumption.  Listen up as Austin, Hattie, and Thomas provide their key takeaways on the annual report.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

How can communications and marketing professionals future-proof their business to survive and profit from change? On the latest episode of The Business Communicators, Jonathan Brill, hailed by Inc. Magazine as a “Silicon Valley legend” joins the podcast to share his insights on creating a sustainable business that empowers employees. Brill shares insights into what makes leaders like Elon Musk and Tim Cook so successful – and how businesses can utilize the same strategies to create success for their workforce. Then, the podcast breaks down Lake Superior State University and their annual list of “banished” words and phrases – should you oblige? And for kicker's, we share our thoughts on the latest season of Emily in Paris – our guilty pleasure. Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather  KEY LINKS FOR THE WEEK

How can businesses reinvent themselves to ensure long-term success while retaining top-tier talent? Deb Coviello, Founder of Illumination Partners, joins The Business Communicators for a conversation on transforming corporate communications strategies heading into 2022 and the insights needed to equip effective and build leaders. Then, the podcast breaks down the TIME Magazine's person of the year, and the list of candidates that Elon Musk topped. Was he deserving, or were other candidates snubbed? The show closes by breaking down the biggest marketing and communications trends of the year – and what to expect heading into 2022. Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather  KEY LINKS FOR THE WEEK

In the digital media era, data and design are integral tools to effectively engage and captivate your audience through storytelling. On the latest episode of The Business Communicators, Ben Worthen, CEO of Message Lab, joins the podcast to share insights into crafting content and creating experiences that empower communications and marketing professionals to tell stories that people actually want to hear. Then, Austin and Thomas breakdown the controversy surrounding Vishal Garg, CEO of the digital mortgage firm Better.com, who recently fired 900 employees during a Zoom call that went viral and made headlines worldwide. UPDATE: As of Dec. 10, Garg is taking time off from the company while it conducts a “leadership and cultural assessment,” according to an email to employees from the board of directors. Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather  KEY LINKS FOR THE WEEK

What is fearless, inclusive leadership in the workplace? It's about being bold, courageous, and transparent about creating a culture where people feel like they belong and can thrive. And, it starts with having an open mind.  In the past 18 months, organizations have restructured their diversity and inclusion programs in the wake of rallying cries for leaders and companies to take a stand about environmental and social issues. Simply take a closer look at how marginalized groups are hired and promoted and according to the 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer -- the need to rebuild trust with their employees and the communities in which they work is paramount. Brian McComak, founder and CEO of the consulting firm Hummingbird Humanity, joins The Business Communicators to discuss how leaders can evolve by being transparent and committed to creating a safe space for people through a human-centered work culture where real representation matters.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather  KEY LINKS FOR THE WEEK

For decades, businesses have exhausted billions of dollars and spent countless hours developing strategies to increase employee engagement, decrease burnout, and improve productivity. And yet, most workplaces still—to put it bluntly—suck. The reason? The corporate world has always been driven primarily by results, so leaders are not hard-pressed to actually change their ways.  S. Chris Edmonds and Mark S. Babbitt, co-authors of Good Comes First, join The Business Communicators for a conversation on why for today's blended workforce and future generations, this old-school corporate approach of profit and productivity above all else is no longer acceptable. Nor should it be, especially as organizations frame their return-to-work strategies with the intention of bringing their likely-reluctant workforce back into the office. Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather  KEY LINKS FOR THE WEEK

Following the initial recording of this episode of The Business Communicators, tragedy struck in Houston hours later on Friday, Nov. 5, as eight people died at Grammy-nominated artist Travis Scott's Astroworld Festival in a mass casualty event. Austin and Thomas open the podcast by discussing what went wrong and how the crisis response was botched by event promoters. Then, the show breaks down Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers quarterback, handling of his first media interview following his COVID-19 diagnosis. Hint: It did not go well. Find out why Rodgers exclusive interview with The Pat McAfee Show backfired and what communications professionals and business leaders can learn from “friendly” conversations with the media. The podcast closes with election talk – and why polling data is becoming increasingly unreliable. Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather  FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

High-stress situations. We all know them, but how do we thrive under pressure and use it to our advantage? Dane Jensen, CEO at Third Factor and an instructor at Queen's University and the University of North Carolina, joins The Business Communicators to share how some of our highest-pressure moments and what we do in those moments have a major impact on the trajectory of the rest of our lives.Hailed by Entrepreneur as one of the top virtual speakers of 2020, Jensen shares insights on how business leaders, NAVY Seals and Paralympic athletes utilize pressure to increase their performance and how HR and the corporate world can do the same.  Then, Austin, Hattie and Thomas discuss CEO Mark Zuckerberg's announcement that the social media giant is renaming its company Meta. What does this mean for the company moving forward, and what lessons can Meta learn from other corporate rebrands?The show closes with a discussion on 11-year NBA veteran Enes Kanter and his public outcry against Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling him an 'insecure tyrant, and Nike's failure to call out slave labor in the world's largest country.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather LINKS FOR THE WEEK

The Pandemic. The Great Resignation. Contentious societal and political issues. The challenges we face create unprecedented stress on individuals and families which can seep into the work environment.Ethan McCarty, the founder and CEO of Integral, joins The Business Communicators for a discussion on the company's latest employee activation index (download the report here). McCarty shares insights on how organizations are building more inclusive cultures, why employers need to treat their employees like customers, the biggest challenges facing employers in a post-COVID world, and more.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather EPISODE SPONSOR: From now until Nov 12, renew your IABC membership or join IABC and make the commitment to learning, connecting, and having the resources you need for years to come. The code IABC21 provides a 20% discount on international dues to anyone who renews their membership. For more information, visit IABCHouston.com.FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Has your employee communications strategy effectively adapted over the past 18 months? If not, how can it improve moving forward? In the season four premiere of The Business Communicators, Houston Methodist Hospital's Stefanie Asin and LyondellBasell's Monica Silva join the podcast to share best practices and tips for communicating and engaging employees with compassion and transparency as we emerge in a post-COVID world.Then, Austin, Hattie, and Thomas close the show by discussing the long-term implications of the Facebook outage, the importance of small businesses owning their own channels, and the allegations from whistleblower Frances Haugen.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather EPISODE SPONSOR: From now until Nov. 12, renew your IABC membership or join IABC and make the commitment to learning, connecting, and having the resources you need for years to come. The code IABC21 provides a 20% discount on international dues to anyone who renews their membership. For more information, visit IABCHouston.com.FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Editor's Note: This episode marks the end of season three of the podcast. Season four will debut in fall 2021. Be sure to follow The Business Communicators on social media during the summer months and join the crew for special bonus live episodes.As CEO of Ragan Communications, Diane Schwartz leads a company that has become a trusted resource for the PR and corporate communications industry for more than five decades. She joins The Business Communicators to share insight on the state of communications in 2021, why communicators aren't given a seat the c-suite table, and whether certification programs through IABC and PRSA can truly elevate your career.To close out the season, Austin, Thomas, and Hattie discuss their season three highlights, and why soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo's press conference snub cost Coca Cola more than $4 billion in market capital.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Diana Doukas is the Manager for Economic Impact for U.S. Policy Programs at Facebook where she works with the company's policy goals and how the platform can empower small businesses. She joins Austin Staton and Hattie Horn on The Business Communicators for an in-depth conversation on her role at Facebook, how the company has created tools to facilitate small business development, lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and thetechnology that is here to stay in a post-COVID world.Doukas also shares her insights on the evolving digital media landscape and the ongoing fight to combat the spread of misinformation and bad actors on the platform.Prior to joining Facebook in 2019, Doukas served as Director of the White House Business Council for President Obama, where she worked closely with business leaders from Fortune 500 companies as well as small and medium enterprises, and as White House Liaison to the U.S. Small Business Administration.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

This week on The Business Communicators, the crew discusses Total's corporate rebranding to reflect its netzero ambitions, Twitter's latest premium offering, and a new study from MIT and Google that aims to fight misinformation on social media.Does A Rebrand Really Make A Difference?As public concern grows over climate change, companies have reinvented themselves to become leaders in the energy transition. French oil company Total recently renamed itself TotalEnergies, to reflect the company's strategy to become a more diverse energy company. TotalEnergies is not the first company to rebrand itself to present a better image. Companies and businesses have implemented rebrands as their goals have evolved. Some of them spend millions of dollars to roll out a fresh and updated look. Let's face it, who doesn't love all things shiny and new! Investing in rebranding works for some, not for others. Will it work for TotalEnergies? The Business Communicators weigh in. Will ‘Twitter Blue' Drive More Revenue For Social Media Giant? More than 85 percent of Twitter's revenue comes from advertising, and when the pandemic ignited lockdowns world-wide, sales dropped. Twitter launched Twitter Blue, a monthly subscription service that offers tools such as the ability to edit tweets before posting, and to read long threads in Reader Mode. With more than 200 million daily users on Twitter, it will be ‘wait and see' if Twitter Blue will be a welcome addition to their content palette. What do Austin, Hattie and Thomas think about it?What's The Real Deal About Fake News?Depending on what is read these days on social media, chances are the information is not always accurate. During the pandemic, fake news and other misinformation about COVID-19 and the vaccine was prevalent on social media, and actually convinced people to not get the vaccine when it was available. A new study led by MIT and Google proves that social media can slow the spread of fake news with a simple fix: get people to think about the accuracy of information before they share. The study revealed that when prompted to consider a story's accuracy, people were 20 percent less likely to share fake news. Do we think it will work? Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Amazon made headlines with its massive purchase of MGM. What does this mean for the future of how we consume content? In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation that takes on Silicon Valley. But, is this an assault on private corporations and their constitutional rights? As America heads back to the office, is video calling a thing of the past, or is it something we should embrace moving forward?Amazon Expands Media Portfolio with MGM BuyAmazon made waves in Hollywood with their historic acquisition of MGM studios at a cost of $8.45 billion, giving their streaming services access to a huge catalogue of content. The deal will expand Amazon's Prime Video with about 4,000 films including the James Bond franchise, and 17,000 television shows such as the Handmaid's Tale. Was the buy a good move for Amazon? What will it mean for its competitors' Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu? Florida Moves to Stop Censorship with New Social Media Law Florida governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 7072 recently that “guarantees protection for Floridians against the Silicon Valley elites.” The bill restricts how large social apps and websites can moderate users' content, and will allow users to sue if they believe they were banned without sufficient reason.Tech industry giants Amazon, Google, Intel, Samsung, Facebook and others are suing Florida saying the bill is a violation of private companies' constitutional rights. Tech and Florida have come out swinging. Who's going to win this one? Do I Need to Turn My Camera On During A Video Call?Video conference calls have become the new normal. Video conference fatigue is also a real thing according to Stanford University research. Can companies gradually transitioning back to the workplace be a possible solution for eliminating the exhaustion people are feeling from virtual meetings? Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

After a week off, The Business Communicators are back! The trio discuss the communications efforts behind the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, why comms teams should be diligent in preparing for potential cyber threats, TikTok and (surprise) privacy, and tips to effectively channel your creative ideas.Mask On, Mask Off: The Rules of EngagementThe most recent guidelines from the CDC say that individuals that are fully vaccinated can resume activities prior to the pandemic without a mask. However, if required by state and local guidelines, you will still be required to wear a mask. For the most part, the rules of engagement for wearing or not wearing a mask are still confusing for most people. The Business Communicators offer insight to what comms pros should look out for.Cyberattack Shuts Down the Largest U.S. Fuel Pipeline After a forced shut down by one of the most disruptive cyberattacks in recent history, the Colonial Pipeline has returned to normal operations. As the operator of the largest U.S. fuel pipeline, the shutdown initiated a widespread supply shortage and caused temporary price spikes. This was clearly a crisis many were not prepared to manage. How did it happen and what can Colonial do to make sure it doesn't happen again? The Business Communicators weigh in.Will TikTok's New Login Feature Gain Users' Trust? TikTok ranks as the 7th most used social network in the world, with 689 million global active users, according to the Hootsuite Digital 2021 Report. TikTok announced recently that its new “Login with TikTok” feature will let users log into other apps useing their TikTok credentials. The intentions might sound good on the surface, but it's a pretty big ask for a company that was trusted so little last year. Should users be concerned? Austin, Hattie and Thomas discuss what comms pros should think about.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Ron Carucci, best-selling author, speaker and managing partner at Navalent, has spent nearly four decades working with leaders and organizations pursuing transformational change for their organizations, leaders and industries. Ron's work has been featured in Fortune, CEO Magazine, Business Insider, MSNBC, Inc, Business Week, and more.Ron joined The Business Communicators to discuss current issues impacting businesses (environmental, social and governance) and recent research that culminated into his upcoming book, To Be Honest, that reveals what it takes to build purpose-driven companies of honesty and justice.  Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

If you have not met Jodi-Ann Burey, you're in for a treat.  Simply put, she is a disrupter, speaker and a writer who works at the intersections of race, culture, and health equity. Jodi's TED talk, “The Myth of Bringing Your Full Authentic Self to Work,” embodies her disruption of traditional narratives about racism at work and has almost 1 million YouTube views.Jodi-Ann joins Hattie Horn for an engaging conversation about her mission to disrupt “business as usual” to achieve social change; and, strategies companies and business leaders can implement that enable their people to feel confident about bringing their full, authentic selves to work.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Amazon Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos wrote his final letter to shareholders last week offering clear insight about the customer experience, efficiency, long-term thinking, managing crisis and more. What are the key takeaways for comms pros and business leaders? Then, should CEOs get involved in discussing hot-button political and social issues? If so, how far are they willing to go to affect change? The show closes by discussing a new survey published in PR Week finding that 55 percent of Instagram influencers were involved in some form of social media fraud and fakery in 2020. Can we trust influencers moving forward?Takeaways from Jeff Bezos' Final Shareholder LetterEach year, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos writes a thought-provoking shareholder letter that offers clear insight about the customer experience, efficiency, long-term thinking, managing crisis and more. In his final shareholder letter, Bezos states that “if you want to be more successful in business (in life, actually), you have to create more than you consume.” Bezos also acknowledges the company needs “a better vision for our employees' success.” His messages are clear and concise, and his tone is inclusive and respectful of all the stakeholders involved in the company's success. Austin, Hattie and Thomas discuss Bezos' final shareholder letter and takeaways communicators and business leaders alike can benefit from.Should Business Leaders Get Involved in Politics?In a previous episode, The Business Communicators discussed the Edelman Trust Barometer that revealed a widespread mistrust of government, and more trust in company CEOs. More recently, companies have been speaking out against states implementing voting laws that opponents say will make voting more difficult for underrepresented voters, particularly Black voters. This raises questions for The Business Communicators:Should business leaders get involved in political/government issues? How far are they willing to go to affect change?Will getting involved help or hurt their reputation?How are companies/business leaders communicating to their employees their stance?We're Number One for All Things Comms!Shoutout to Catalyst, the official publication of the International Association of Business Communicators for including The Business Communicators in their list of recommendations to members as one of 14 Podcasts to Add to Your Communication Toolkit. We're number one on the list for All Things Comms!Thank you, IABC, for your support, especially to our sponsors and listeners who tune in and share your insight about the key issues and trends that impact our industry. Let's keep building!Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – Feather FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

Daniel Vaughn is the barbecue editor at Texas Monthly and he is the ultimate barbecue snob. In fact, @BBQSnob is his handle on both Twitter and Instagram where he actively engages with fans and readers throughout the U.S.Vaughn is a licensed architect, he is the author of the bestselling book, The Prophets of Smoked Meat and the creator of popular blog Full Custom Gospel BBQ. He joins The Business Communicators to talk about the science of BBQ, his unique career path, the importance of following your passion, and why brand and audience engagement is crucial to maintain small business success. Listeners will also learn how to use a variety of media platforms to amplify messages that keep audiences coming back for more. And, Vaughn shares his insights on the most underrated BBQ spots in Texas, including some you haven't heard of, and some that might make the coveted Texas Monthly Top 50 later this year.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – FeatherFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

The month of April blew in bringing fools, fire and vaccine passports. In this week's episode, Austin, Thomas and Hattie talk about Volkswagen's April Fool fail, Nike's clap-back on rapper Lil Nas X's "Satan Shoes," and concerns about the new vaccine passport policy.Volkswagen is the Biggest (April) FoolIf we had to grade Volkswagen's effort to promote the company's lone electric vehicle to coincide with April Fool's Day, they earned an ‘F.' It all started with a leaked press release from Volkswagen announcing a rebrand to “Voltswagen” and that the change was a “public declaration of the company's future-forward investment in e-mobility.” The company said the “Voltswagen” branding would be on all its EVs going forward. Turns out, it's a big fat lie, and an April Fool's fail. Their attempt to pull a harmless prank shows that jokes like these don't always pan out and possibly can erode consumer trust.Nike, Lil Nas X, and ‘Satan Shoes'Lil Nas X can teach a master class on creating fame. The rap artist is intuitive, and creative, in using digital media to promote his music and most recently, his collaboration with MSCHF to sell 666 pairs of modified Nike Air Max 97s as “Satan Shoes.”Nike sued MSCHF alleging unauthorized use of the Nike logo and requested the court to cancel orders of the Satan Shoes, but not before MSCHF was able to sell off all but one pair of the custom shoes. Sneaker heads and critics alike are taking opposite corners in the controversy. Lil Nas X most likely is smiling and thinking, “Where's the fire?” Marketers, take note.Can Vaccine Passports Help Revive the Economy?Proponents say that if we can identify people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine, or at lower risk of spreading it could help open travel among other things. That's a good thing. We desperately need the effort to work, to get our economy booming again and with summer around the corner, people back to enjoying travel beyond the grocery store, the backyard and the living room sofa.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – FeatherFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

In the latest spirited conversation of The Business Communicators podcast, Austin, Thomas and Hattie exchange viewpoints over US businesses that are offering free stuff to people that get vaccinated, the pros and cons of a potential media merger between The Athletic and Axios, and why social influencer David Dobrik's scope of influence should have included him not making stupid decisions.Free Money, Donuts and Dope: But You Have to Get Vaccinated FirstBreaking news: Getting the vaccine against COVID-19 can score you some swag! Knowing the protection benefits of getting vaccinated against a dangerous virus doesn't seem to be enough to convince some people to take the jab. So, businesses across the US are offering perks to those who receive COVID shots. But is this the right approach or is it a promotional stunt to increase revenue and publicity?Startups Axios and The Athletic Talk Merger, Consider SPAC Deal Does bigger mean better? That's what startups Axios and The Athletic seem to think. While the online news platform and sports-media outlet have done well on their own, they're betting on scale to improve their odds of success. Each online company has its own loyal base of followers and by consolidating, the long-term plan is to bring additional digital publishers whose content draw consumers willing to pay for it and pull in premium advertisers wanting to get on the gravy train. Will subscribers climb aboard? David Dobrik Called Out for Sexual Misconduct, Now He's Crying FoulWe've discussed the genius of social influencer David Dobrik on previous episodes of The Business Communicators. His presence on YouTube, TikTok and podcasts has built a fanbase of millions and he's grown his estimated net worth to $20 million. The Wall Street Journal dubbed him Gen Z's Jimmy Fallon and Dobrik could do no wrong. Until now. Dobrik is riding a wake of multiple accusations of sexual assault against members of his VlogSquad content creation group. Though Dobrik issued a tearful apology, it doesn't seem to be working. YouTube has demonetized his platform and he's losing fans and sponsorships left and right. Is his 15 minutes over as fast as it started?Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – FeatherFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

The NCAA's March Madness is well underway, one year after the annual collegiate basketball tournament was canceled due to COVID-19. What does that have to do with communications? Plenty. The Business Communicators discuss how universities have reimagined their robust strategies to keep fans engaged to overcome the lack of physical connections. The show also focuses on how employees have missed the chance to connect at the water cooler, and how maintaining mental health is crucial as we emerge from the isolation created by the pandemic.Editor's Note: Are you on Clubhouse? If so, we launched a group! Join The Business Communicators on Clubhouse by clicking here.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – FeatherConnect with The Business Communicators on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, and find out more about our show at TheBusinessCommunicators.com. And, if you haven't done so already, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave us a five-star review. Questions or comments? Send us an email to podcast@iabchouston.com or text “podcast” to (713) 360-0133.IABC Houston SponsorsDiamond Partner: Pierpont CommunicationsChapter Partner: Mykrantz & Co

Have you seen Tom Cruise's clips on Tik Tok? He's golfing, performing coin magic and talking to Mikhail Gorbachev. Or is he? The Business Communicators discuss the realities of “deep fakes” and the potential ramifications they could have on world events, the stock market, and why comms pros need to be prepared to combat misinformation in the evolving digital age. Then, the podcast dissects the upcoming multi-billion-dollar NFL contracts and what it means for the future of TV networks and the way we consume digital content.The show opens with Austin, Hattie and Thomas discussing a new Tik Tok account, @deeptomcruise, that features what seem like real videos of Cruise, that if one didn't look deeper would believe they are the real thing. It's both mind-blowing and baffling.  But, Tom Cruise isn't the only deep fake account on the internet -- and that is terrifying. With software becoming increasingly sophisticated, the alarming mountain of misinformation they communicate --  and the confusion they create -- could have a lasting impact on how we operate as communications professionals.Next up, Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka once said, "If you're not IN the parade, you WATCH the parade. That's life. Amazon is in the parade as the frontrunner to sign a deal with the National Football League to carry a significant number of games exclusively on Thursday nights. This is a big deal for the Amazon Prime streaming service and perhaps not so good for traditional TV.  The Business Communicators discuss what the big move means financially for the future of cable network markets, the NFL, and how we consume media.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – FeatherConnect with The Business Communicators on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, and find out more about our show at TheBusinessCommunicators.com. And, if you haven't done so already, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave us a five-star review. Questions or comments? Send us an email to podcast@iabchouston.com or text “podcast” to (713) 360-0133.IABC Houston SponsorsDiamond Partner: Pierpont CommunicationsChapter Partner: Mykrantz & Co

Photography is visual artistry. The right images have the ability to transform in ways mere words cannot. Ask Austin-based photographer Marc Morrison, who has shot worldwide campaigns more than two decades, and his commissions have ventured into various genres. His portraiture includes everyone from celebrities to Fortune 500 CEOs and world leaders. And Marc's work has appeared in countless outlets like Fortune, Forbes, The Verge, TIME, Rolling Stone, Essence, New York Times, Golf Digest and Sports Illustrated.Whether it's shooting for global brands like Samsung, Sony Music, Ogilvy & Mather and ExxonMobil, or with A-list artists and athletes like Cardi B, Lil Wayne, Tan France or Myles Garrett – Marc pushes creative boundaries while understanding how to achieve a client's vision.On this week's episode of The Business Communicators, Marc joins Austin Staton and Hattie Horn to talk about working with clients to develop a strategy that achieves their vision, and how images elevate campaigns and communications. Plus, he'll also share amazing behind-the-scenes stories on what it's like working with some of the world's biggest artists.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – FeatherConnect with The Business Communicators on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, and find out more about our show at TheBusinessCommunicators.com. And, if you haven't done so already, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave us a five-star review. Questions or comments? Send us an email to podcast@iabchouston.com or text “podcast” to (713) 360-0133.IABC Houston SponsorsDiamond Partner: Pierpont CommunicationsChapter Partner: Mykrantz & Co

As Texas recovers from Winter Storm Uri, many across the country are asking, “what went wrong” in the Lone Star State. From a crisis communications perspective, many Texans were left in the dark by state-level leaders and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). With more than 4.5 million customers without power – and many more without access to clean water – could this have been prevented? Pinch-hitting for Hattie Horn this week, Dan Gold, an award-winning global MarComs strategist hailing from Canada, joins Austin Staton and Thomas Baen to dissect the crisis in Texas, and how Texans could have benefitted from effective crisis management. The Business Communicators offer their insights for a crisis comms playbook and give key takeaways that businesses can use to equip their teams in the event of a crisis.Then, Facebook has taken a drastic approach in Australia to ban all news stories from its site, after a long-running battle over who should pay for news online. Rather than pay media companies in return for linking to their stories, as a forthcoming Australian law would require, the company opted to block all such links on its platform. What does this mean for free speech and access to information in Australia? Will it have longer-lasting implications globally?The show closes with a new segment that focuses on writing prompts and extemporaneous speaking. This week's: “Name something simple that brings you joy.” To our listeners: We want to hear from you. Tell us on social media what things in life bring you joy. We'll share the best responses on next week's episode of the podcast.Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) – FeatherConnect with The Business Communicators on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, and find out more about our show at TheBusinessCommunicators.com. And, if you haven't done so already, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave us a five-star review. Questions or comments? Send us an email to podcast@iabchouston.com or text “podcast” to (713) 360-0133.IABC Houston SponsorsDiamond Partner: Pierpont CommunicationsChapter Partner: Mykrantz & Co

This week, The Business Communicators tackle the biggest headlines in the PR, branding and digital media world. The show begins by analyzing the downfall of The Lincoln Project, and Aunt Jemima's rebranding, finally retiring the racist stereotype that has adorned its label for decades. Then, Austin, Hattie and Thomas weigh in on why Instagram banned Robert Kennedy Jr. from the platform, and the emergence of Clubhouse, the upstart $1 billion social media platform taking the world by storm.First up, The Lincoln Project, a political Super PAC which raised more than $90 million ahead of the 2020 election, is under fire after co-founder John Weaver is alleged to have sexually harassed more than 20 men. What did the organization know and when? To make matters worse, it's speculated that the organization hacked co-founder Jennifer Horn's Twitter account last week after she stepped down from her role due to Weaver's "grotesque and inappropriate behavior." Can the organization be trusted moving forward, or are these communications and ethical failures the beginning of the end for the Super PAC?Then, although reinventing the company was a long-time coming, will the new look and image of the Pearl Milling Company resonate with consumers that are used to the previous image and name that sustained Aunt Jemima for over 100 years; or once the new packaging is on retail shelves will customers say “yum” or “yuk”, and will it mean that the Pearl Milling Company might get flattened by the competition? Next up, the Kennedy name is powerful, and it is also synonymous with controversy. Instagram has shut down Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s account for spreading misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines. With more than 800,000 followers on Kennedy's account, Facebook, which owns Instagram, announced that it would flag or remove posts from users and groups that spread misinformation about vaccines. Spreading misinformation on social media is dangerous. Full stop. However, can are digital media companies taking censorship too far, and is their business model sustainable with a lack of moderation?Closing out the show, if you are a social media enthusiast like us, you're likely well-aware of Clubhouse, the invite-only social audio app, where everyone wants to be part of the club. Founded in March 2020 by Paul Davison and Rohan Seth, Clubhouse boasts more than six million weekly users and boasts a value of over $1 billion. Buoyed currently by a host of A-list celebrities including Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey, Clubhouse's exclusivity, candid conversations, and the opportunity to share the stage is what currently makes it so alluring. Although Davison and Seth say Clubhouse was created for everyone, can the app maintain its appeal to user once it's open to all?Music Credit: Smoke (with Lostboycrow) -- FeatherConnect with The Business Communicators on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, and find out more about our show at TheBusinessCommunicators.com. And, if you haven't done so already, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave us a five-star review. Questions or comments? Send us an email to podcast@iabchouston.com or text “podcast” to (713) 360-0133.IABC Houston SponsorsDiamond Partner: Pierpont CommunicationsChapter Partner: Mykrantz & Co