The Public Affairs in Practice Podcast

In an interview episode, I talk to Richard Gard, Director and Head of External and Government Affairs Africa, Middle East, Europe, India, Oceania at Nissan Motor Corporation. We talk about his background and how he got into public affairs, how he leads a small team covering such a huge region, his use of agency support, how the work of agencies has evolved over the past 10-15 years and how he manages to keep track of so many markets and balance the pressures on his time. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

In an interview episode, I talk to Robert Magyar, Head of Healthcare, APAC at Weber Shandwick. We talk about his background and how he got into public affairs, his experience of public affairs and lobbying across Asia and, in particular, China, and how his experience of running a consultancy. More details about the book that Robert contributed to, and his chapter on public affairs in China, can be found here. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

In an interview episode, I talk to Matt Day, Head of Government Relations, UK & Ireland. We talk about his background and how he got into public affairs, his experience of working for in consultancy and in-house roles, and how he sees the profession developing in the future. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

In an interview episode, I talk to John Johnston, author of the weekly London Influence email for Politico which covers campaigning, lobbying and political influence in the U.K. We talk about his background and how he got into journalism, how he has found navigating the industry, and trends for 2025. There is also mention of the current consultation on the PRCA's Public Affairs Code. You can read details here. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

In an interview episode, I talk to Doug Pinkham, President of the Public Affairs Council. We talk about the importance of public affairs, its role in reputation management, how the industry has changed and what we can expect from the future. We also couldn't avoid talking about the forthcoming US Presidential election! This episode was recorded before the attempted assassination of Donald Trump and the withdrawal of President Biden from the Democratic nomination. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

In an interview episode, I talk to Zoe Cohen, a highly experienced board-level director and Master Coach. We talk about the importance of taking action to save the planet, climate communications, her activism and work with Extinction Rebellion, Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil. This episode was recorded before the recent UK General Election and *WARNING* it does contain some swearing. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World. Zoe has kindly provided some links and reading materials for us as well. Climate Psychology Alliance (CPA) and support – it's really important for those of who feel this deeply to not be on our own with it, and to seek support, see https://www.climatepsychologyalliance.org/index.php/find-support   Planetary Boundaries – I described how 6 of the 9 ‘planetary boundaries' have been identified as broken/passed – here is the framework behind that, developed by Professor Johan Rockstrom and colleagues -https://www.stockholmresilience.org/research/planetary-boundaries.html (there's a Netflix movie on it too, with David Attenborough if people prefer, but of course it's less blunt than it needs to be)   The ‘Humanity Project' - https://humanityproject.uk/ - I talked about the project here in the UK to upgrade democracy, through local community assemblies, and a new grass roots national people's assembly – by the people for the people    And just to add – deliberative democracy and citizens assemblies can be global as well as local and national. A Global Assembly was run in 2021  https://globalassembly.org/ with 100 ordinary people from all over the world. Now a coalition of organizations, individuals and governments are working to establish a permanent Global Citizens' Assembly, to address humanity's greatest challenges, and try to place citizens at the heart of global governance. See  https://www.gcacoalition.org/   ‘Breaking Together' – I recommend this book by Professor Jem Bendell. It is a critical and multidisciplinary in-depth view of our current predicament, and some of the potential responses to it. Jem's blog is here and includes a page on the book with a free e-read version - https://jembendell.com/2023/04/08/breaking-together-a-freedom-loving-response-to-collapse/   The 'Great Simplification' -  If people aren't already familiar with it, this as Nate Hagen's podcast and YouTube series -https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/ - also a good source of multidisciplinary, big picture perspectives on our human predicament, whilst I don't necessarily agree with all the perspectives represented, it's still a good source.   ‘Defend Our Juries' - https://defendourjuries.org/ this is an important campaign which began last year to defend all UK citizens rights to a fair jury trial. Jurors have an absolute right to acquit a defendant according to their conscience – but this is under attack in multiple ways and must be defended.   ‘This is Rigged' - https://www.thisisrigged.org/ - This is a great youth-led, campaign in Scotland, which is taking nonviolent action to pressure the government on food justice to ensure everyone can eat and no one goes hungry

In an interview episode, I talk to John Harrington, Editor, PR Week UK.  We talk about his work at PR Week, stories that he is particularly proud of, the main challenges facing the public affairs, and how it may evolve in the coming years. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

All organisations need to manage risk. Some do it better than others. Some make basic mistakes; others try to drive out all aspects of risk. But the reality is that some risk needs to be maintained, not least in communications, otherwise innovation can die. Thanks to my editor Callums World.

Originally written for LabourList, and with Scott Goodstein, this episode outlines five crucial challenges for which every candidate should be prepared in creating their own winning election scenario. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

In a different type of episode, we hear from five of the leading monitoring companies. Delivering public affairs training, I am often asked about who can monitoring services. So, I asked leading monitoring companies to tell us more about what they do. A huge thank you to all those who took part. To learn more about the companies took part (in alphabetical order): DeHavilland Dods PolicyMogul - with a special offer of 10% off your first year's subscription PoliMonitor - use the code STUARTSENTME for 13 months for the price of 12 if you trial and sign up Vuelio - or email sam.webber@vuelio.com Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

In an interview episode, I talk to Craig Jones MBE, Executive Director of Fighting With Pride  that supports the health and wellbeing of LGBT+Veterans, service personnel and their families. We talk about his background in the Royal Navy; the lifting of the ‘gay ban' in the armed forces and the challenges he, and many others, faced; his varied career when he left the Royal Navy; how Fighting With Pride started, its achievements in influencing government and the challenges that remain. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

In an interview episode, I talk to Paul Gerrard, Campaigns, Public Affairs & Board Secretariat Director at the Co-op Group. We talk about his background in the civil service, the skills he learned and how he has applied them to public affairs and the fantastic campaign he has led tackling violence against shop workers. It is a case study that everyone should learn from. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

In an interview episode, I talk to Kirsty McHugh, CEO of Carers Trust. We talk about her impressive career, how it all started, and the benefits of serving of a local councillor. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

In an interview episode, I talk to Vallath Kavitha Krishnan, a Team Leader in the Scottish Government's Justice Transformation Policy Team. We talk about her background in public affairs and its benefits in her latest policy-focused role. All views expressed in the podcast are Vallath's own. Learn more about me and my services @CWE Communications Thanks to my editor Callums World.

In an interview episode, I talk to Paul Addison, an Associate Director at Arup who leads their public affairs strategy and delivery. We talk about his work in infrastructure, the changing face of public affairs and the increasing role of devolution. Thanks to my editor Callums World.  

In an interview episode, I talk to Philip Salter, Founder of The Entrepreneurs Network, a think tank for Britain's most ambitious entrepreneurs. We talk about how he established TEN, its role and the challenges of running a think tank. I am one of TEN's advisers.

Engaging with political audiences can often feel like an uphill challenge for those seeking to make an impact. Even when an event seems directly relevant, politicians may not always want to take part. Why can it seem like they have left the room? Thanks to my editor Callums World.

There can be a lot to consider when writing a public affairs strategy. It needs to think about the policy context, stakeholders, their timetables and much else. But sometimes thinking at a more granular, micro level can help focus and drive action. Always ask what needs to change to get the outcome you want. Thanks to my editor Callums World.

There is a common belief that public affairs requires large, well-resourced teams. However, many organisations operate with smaller budgets and teams, which presents a challenge for achieving success. How can we make them effective? Thanks to my editor Callums World.

Small changes in any working day can have a hugely beneficial impact. But what are the small practices that you could incorporate into a working day to improve the delivery of your public affairs? Thanks to my editor Callums World.

Standing out from the crowd is important at any stage of a career but it is best to get into good habits early on. Thinking about your personal branding should be one such early consideration. Thanks to my editor Callums World.  

I talk to Rebecca Deegan, founder of I Have A Voice, about the campaign, and her experience of working in public affairs. If you want to contact Rebecca then email her at rebecca@ihaveavoice.org.uk Thanks to my editor Callums World.

In our first interview, I talk to Louise Abraham, Senior Government Relations at Cafod about her experience of working in public affairs. We talk about how she entered the profession and hear about some of the most effective campaigns she has worked on. Thanks to my editor Callums World.  

Keir Starmer continues to face challenges as leader of the Labour Party. There is no doubting the improvement he has already made to their electability, but further change is promised. Is Labour likely to form the next Government? How should those in public affairs be preparing? Thanks to my editor Callums World.

In a change to the usual format, I discuss Reputation Management & Public Affairs with Milos Labovic. We also discuss my latest book, 'Reputation in Business: Lessons for Leaders. Thanks to my editor Callums World.

A creative working environment should recognise the abilities and contribution of everyone. Sadly, despite what they may say, not all organisations live up to the high standards they claim to live by.  But don't give up on them.  Instead, think about how to encourage change. Thanks to my editor Callums World.

There is no doubt that the reputation spotlight is expanding and intensifying. But more than anything, expectations are changing, and this brings with them a new set of rules for communications. Ignore those rules and risk your reputation. Thanks to my editor Callums World.

Too often in a bid to save reputations, communications become the absolute focus. If the media statement kills the issue, then it will have been successful. But such an approach can inflict more damage. Thanks to my editor Callums World.

The development of a reputation takes time, effort, and resources. It should be central to all engagement and communications, internal and external. But there continue to be examples of the communications outstripping the reality and that brings with it political dangers. Thanks to my editor Callums World.

It would be wonderful if a public affairs campaign could assume a level of knowledge or understanding by key audiences. But that would be the wrong starting point. You need to start by establishing the key facts. Thanks to my editor Callums World.

There are a number of issues facing any local project. It has to build the trust and support of local communities as well as decision-makers and there is often a role for central government too. But what are the key issues that local project champions should consider? Thanks to my editor Callums World.  

Reputations need to be built, managed and protected. That means being active rather than passive when it comes to reputation management. This does not mean playing everything out in public. What are the practical steps you should take? Thanks to my editor Callums World.

Governments love to commission independent reviews. They are launched and report back with significant fanfare. But all too often they are then immediately consigned to history. The reality is that they should be seen as the start of public affairs engagement, not an end point. Thanks to my editor Callums World.

Every public comment from an organisation can have an impact on reputation – positive or negative. That means being careful about every single word, all the time. If not, you are playing with your reputation. Thanks to my editor Callums World.  

There is no denying the need for everyone to undertake professional development at all stages of a career. But too often courses aimed at senior leaders, such as MBAs, fail to consider the critical role of public affairs. They are leaving a huge gap. Thanks to my editor Callums World.

It is a basic requirement but one that is very easy to get wrong. What are the steps you should take for preparing and conducting a useful public affairs meeting? Thanks to my editor Callums World.

There can often be a need to get ahead of an issue and to lead the debate. This can help secure stakeholder attention and contribute to the process of becoming a trusted adviser. But how can you do that? Thanks to my editor Callums World.    

Talk from Westminster Forum conference, 20/5/22 Thanks to my editor Callums World.  

The higher your level of political exposure, the more need there is to engage with government and politics. Without this engagement, you are failing to manage your risks. Check out my website. Thank to my editor, Callum Thomson Callums World. MaverickMyersRadio for the use of the music shorturl.at/qJL24    

Keeping track of political intelligence is the lifeblood of public affairs. But having information is not enough. The critical element is what you do with it. Check out my website. Thank to my editor, Callum Thomson Callums World. MaverickMyersRadio for the use of the music shorturl.at/qJL24

Conversations are fundamental to public affairs. Not talking to people leads to narrow thinking and a failure to develop networks. We must all consider our conversations if we are to deliver good advice. Check out my website. Thank to my editor, Callum Thomson Callums World. MaverickMyersRadio for the use of the music shorturl.at/qJL24

This episode considers the issue of reputation during a crisis and uses examples from the Covid-19 crisis. Always keen to hear feedback as we develop the podcast @redpolitics Thanks to: Callum Thomson, podcast producer. MaverickMyersRadio for the use of the music shorturl.at/qJL24

First episode that looks at the role that personal engagement plans can play in delivering a public affairs strategy. Please rate, review and subscribe. You can read my blog. Check out my website. Thank to my editor, Callum Thomson.  You can subscribe to his YouTube channel, Callums World.