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Amy Jackson has spent her career building and shaping brands during times of rapid change. She helped potato farmers navigate the era of low-carb diets. She secured coverage in major media outlets leading up to the acquisitions of Bebo and Mint.com, and led LivingSocial's PR efforts bridging from Facebook darling to local merchant marketplace. Over the course of 8 years with SAP Concur, Amy built TripIt's high-performing PR and social program from scratch, with led to coverage in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg Businessweek and NBC to name a few. Amy created TaleSplash to help emerging tech, health, and lifestyle brands share their expertise about the world changing around us. With decades in PR growing global technology brands as storytellers and digital strategists. Clients like to think of TaleSplash as an extension of the team that can help in a multitude of ways. She currently lives in the Austin, Texas with her husband, two boys, and a labradoodle (also a boy). Connect with Amy
This latest PRmoment podcast with Grayling's Tom Symondson explores AI integration in public relations.Tom simplifies the process into 3 themes:AI Integration and StrategyAgencies will implement AI by prioritizing internal efficiency and service innovation. Implementation success requires depth over breadth to maximize impact.Human Augmentation and RisksAI should serve as an augmentation tool to support experts rather than replacing critical thinking. Teams must guard against efficiency-focused work becoming low quality.Operationalizing AI ImplementationAgencies should decentralize AI expertise by embedding champions within teams instead of separate hubs. Prioritizing repetitive tasks allows firms to scale high-value client services.If you want to learn more about how the future of PR will be impacted by AI, don't miss PRmoment's PR Masterclass: AI in PR.DetailsIntroduction and Optimistic Outlook on AI in PR: Ben Smith welcomed Tom Symondson, who co-leads Accordience's AI team, to discuss the impact of AI on the PR agency model.Tom Symondson expressed extreme optimism about AI's impact, asserting that core PR skills like relationships, experience, creativity, bravery, and judgment are irreplaceable. They suggested that AI will automate tasks that are not highly valued by clients or consultants, such as general research and formatting of monitoring reports, allowing consultants to focus on high-value analysis and strategic input.Emerging Opportunities and UK Investment: Tom Symondson identified that AI will generate new mandates, clients, and revenue streams, particularly around technology-focused businesses, crises, and regulation issues stemming from AI. They expressed optimism about the UK industry's potential benefit from significant investments in large language models (LLMs) by companies like Anthropic and OpenAI in London and the UK. Three Approaches for AI Implementation in PR: Agencies are anticipated to approach AI integration in three primary ways: improving internal efficiency, changing how client work is currently delivered, and creating entirely new tools and service lines that become new revenue streams. The internal efficiency focus involves automating or augmenting repeatable, client-invisible backend functions such as transcribing meetings, building action lists, and reporting processes. Tom Symondson noted that businesses should focus on depth over breadth, selecting one area for the biggest impact before moving on to the next.Understanding AI Augmentation: AI augmentation, distinct from replacement, refers to the technology supporting human experts rather than substituting them, particularly because much of the PR industry's work requires nuance. Tom Symondson gave the example of using an enterprise LLM system for new business research, where the tool supports initial framing but does not replace the consultant's own deep research process. They emphasized that the challenge for agencies is mapping out where this augmentation will have the greatest impact and providing training to take advantage of the tools.Obstacles to Successfully Embedding AI: The three main obstacles to integrating AI into an organization are cost, data and readiness risk, and time. Cost arises because enterprise-level access to AI tools is often high, and data readiness requires extensive security and system sign-off. Tom Symondson identified time as the biggest obstacle, as consultants need more time to experiment with different prompts and processes to understand the full range of AI's impact on their work.The Risk of Efficiency Over Effectiveness: Ben Smith cautioned that the "race to efficiency" can be a "race to the bottom" if not carefully managed. Tom Symondson agreed, noting the risk that increased automation could lead to less expert consultants if technology performs more research than people. The opportunity lies in using the time saved by AI to allow consultants to specialize further, for example, spending more time networking, attending events, or researching clients.The Role of Human Judgment and Criticality: Ben Smith highlighted the necessity of retaining a critical mind because LLMs, while able to generate answers quickly, still produce errors.Tom Symondson added that LLMs are excellent with structured data; therefore, agencies must connect their LLMs to accurate data tools, in addition to training colleagues on drafting effective prompts and knowing when to use the technology. They cited the doubling of AI's ability to complete long tasks every seven months, projecting that in 14 months, AI could complete a 40-hour human task.Importance of Openness and Ownership in AI Use: Tom Symondson stressed the need for consultants and agencies to use AI appropriately, ensuring it augments and supports work, rather than replacing critical thinking. A crucial element is fostering a culture of transparency where people are open about how they used AI for research, including what worked well, what struggled, and what human work was needed to finalize the product. This transparency ensures that people maintain ownership of the work product, balancing efficiency with quality.Innovation and Use Case Clarity: Ben Smith noted increased innovation in PR firms over the last 18 months, which Tom Symondson attributed to the significantly reduced ease and cost of experimentation, allowing someone to build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in a weekend. However, Tom Symondson suggested that there might be less innovation this year as the industry moves toward a "substance phase," focusing on embedding existing AI use cases across the organization.Creative Quality and the Need for Uniquely Human Work: Tom Symondson identified the risk of "AI slop" or ideas that look and feel similar due to over-reliance on AI-generated content (e.g., AI writing, image, or PowerPoint generation). Great creative agencies will continue to succeed because their ideas are expected to feel "uniquely human" and grounded in culture, emotional intelligence (EQ), and personality.Operationalizing AI Implementation Across Agencies: Recognizing that time is a major barrier for busy teams, Tom Symondson emphasized the McKinsey principle that depth is more critical than breadth when implementing AI.Identifying and Managing Repetitive Tasks: In the internal productivity bucket, agencies focus on automating repeatable tasks, such as templating monitoring reports from spreadsheets into client emails, which Tom Symondson estimated could number in the thousands.Structure for AI Implementation and Expert Teams: The practical implementation of AI is highly decentralized, residing within the agencies themselves. Instead of a separate AI hub, teams have AI champions who are client-facing staff who integrate AI into their normal day jobs. Tom Symondson stressed the importance of having people work on AI who are connected to the day-to-day client work.The Opportunity for PR Compared to Other Marcom Sectors: Tom Symondson suggested that because PR is less structured and repeatable than sectors like production or media buying, the impact of AI is different, offering more opportunity for PR. AI will improve PR's ability to measure and articulate the value of its work by making it easier to structure and analyze diverse data sources. The discussion concluded that in the long term, AI will not replace talent, but rather reduce the fee earned from less-valued tasks, while increasing revenue from high-value services that require judgment, advice, and impactful results.
That Solo Life Episode 337: How AI Impacts PR Agencies and Solos with Chip Griffin Part 2 of a crossover episode. Part 1 aired on Chip Griffin's podcast, Chats with Chip. Episode Summary In this episode — Part 2 of a special crossover with returning guest Chip Griffin — hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane take a frank look at what the current landscape really means for PR, communications, and marketing pros who work independently or in small agencies. The conversation spans the mixed economic signals practitioners are seeing right now, why client ghosting is more 'not yet' than 'no,' and the urgent need to evolve beyond a reliance on traditional earned media. Chip makes a compelling case for business acumen as the most underrated skill in the industry, and the group digs into what it really means to speak the language of the C-suite — connecting communications work to outcomes that actually matter to clients. The episode closes with a practical challenge: listen more deeply to your clients and peers, and get serious about learning AI — not at a technical level, but at a practical one — because the agencies that don't evolve will simply get smaller. Episode Highlights [01:30] The Industry Mood: Mixed, Not Falling: Chip characterizes the current market as stagnant — not catastrophic, but not growing either. Many solos and agency owners find themselves in a tough holding pattern, uncertain whether to stay the course or make bold moves, with economic, political, and AI-related pressures all converging at once. [04:45] AI and the Cost-Cutting Trap: Clients are scrutinizing spending, and some are asking whether AI means PR should now cost less. Chip warns that using AI purely as a cost-cutting tool is a race to the bottom — and as AI pricing rises, that strategy will backfire. The real opportunity is using AI to deliver more value, not just more efficiency. [07:10] Client Ghosting: Reframe the Silence: Ghosting has been part of agency life for decades — Chip shares a story from the floppy disk era to prove it. His reframe: silence is an answer, and it almost always means 'not now,' not 'never.' Proposals can resurface months or even years later. The key is to keep having conversations. [11:00] Vetting Prospects Is Part of Business Development: Taking any client when revenue feels tight is tempting — but Karen and Chip both push back on this instinct. True business development means qualifying prospects for fit and readiness, being honest when the timing isn't right, and saving everyone from a mismatch that damages your reputation long-term. [14:30] The Earned Media Reckoning: Karen names something she's observed for years: too many PR practitioners have over-relied on the earned media lever, without building out strategy or demonstrating broader value. As the media landscape shrinks, that single-lever approach is no longer enough. The PESO model — Paid, Earned, Shared, Owned — is the framework Chip points to for thinking more expansively. [21:00] The Missing Skill: Business Acumen: When asked what skill gap stands out most, Chip doesn't hesitate — it's business sense. It affects how practitioners run their own businesses and how well they serve clients. Karen builds on this: having a seat at the table means nothing if you're still speaking the language of outputs rather than outcomes. Understanding what matters to the C-suite — and aligning your work to it — is the real differentiator. [24:30] The 'So What' Factor: Michelle's simple test for every PR recommendation: so what? Can you connect each tactic or placement to a meaningful business outcome? If not, you're not speaking your client's leadership language — and your value will always be at risk. [27:00] What to Do Right Now: Listen and Learn: Chip's advice for the next quarter or two: listen more carefully to how your clients' and prospects' businesses are actually changing, and invest serious time learning AI — not the geeky technical side, but the practical, 'how do I use this today' side. The practitioners who don't evolve in the next two years won't just look different — they'll be smaller. About Chip Griffin Chip Griffin is the founder of SAGA, where he works with owners of PR and marketing agencies to help them build businesses they actually want to own. An experienced entrepreneur and agency owner himself, Chip brings more than two decades of firsthand experience building, growing, buying, and selling businesses. His work focuses on advisory and consulting support for owner-led agencies navigating growth, profitability, talent challenges, and long-term planning. At the core of his approach is a belief that there is no reason to take on the risk and stress of ownership if the business does not give back what the owner wants from it. Chip has held leadership roles inside agencies and global organizations, is a sought-after speaker and commentator, and has been creating content since the late 1990s. Connect with Chip: Website: sagaimpact.com Chats with Chip podcast: chatswithchip.com LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipgriffin/ Resources & Additional Information SAGA Impact (Chip's consultancy): sagaimpact.com How AI Impacts PR Agencies and Solos with Chip Griffin (Part 1 of this crossover): https://sagaimpact.com/how-ai-impacts-pr-agencies-and-solos/ Solo PR Pro membership community: soloprpro.com Host & Show Info That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Solo PR Pro, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and practical advice for solo PR pros navigating today's dynamic professional landscape. Did this episode inspire you? If you found value in this conversation, please take a moment to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more solo pros just like you! Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
SummaryThis PRmoment Podcast discussion with James Thomlinson centered on the theme of agency paralysis within the PR industry due to economic pressures and the increasing complexity - of both the PR market and the PR agency business model.Agency paralysis discussedJames Thomlinson argues that agency paralysis is a trend within the Public Relations industry caused by increased simultaneous pressures and the extensive number of required leadership decisions. These decisions cover flexible working policies, AI platform adoption, strategic sector choices, and new offerings for the business.AI and decision-making frameworksYour profit and loss statement is the critical starting point for agency decision-making, covering revenue and cost sides, with workplace culture and client management following. Agencies should analyse all business functions to determine where AI is applicable, selecting tools that improve efficiencies and free up time for strategic or creative tasks.Agency Model Polarization PredictedThe PR industry is predicted to polarise into 2 main types of agencies due to AI influence: agencies providing platform access and agencies focused on superior culture and original strategic thinking. James Thomlinson believes a 15% profit margin for PR firms is now considered good, and 10% revenue growth is the target for top-performing agencies.
What's the secret to launching a comms agency in today's market? PRWeek's latest podcast takes a closer look.This week's Beyond the Noise episode features the founders of two new agencies: Gerry Wisniewski (pictured left), founder and managing director of Catchfire, and Fenella Grey (pictured right), co-founder of Hello Tomorrow.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek reporter Elizabeth Wiredu, Grey and Wisniewski discuss the origins of their agencies and the biggest early-stage challenges, including recruitment, AI and cash flow.They also cover the importance of networking, growth targets and plans, as well as their views on building an independent agency versus the traditional large agency model.Finally, the duo offer their top tips for aspiring agency founders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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If you've ever thought getting featured in magazines, gift guides, or major publications was only for big brands then this episode is going to change your mind.Today I'm joined by PR expert Gloria Chou, and we're talking about how Etsy sellers can land press features without paying thousands of dollars to a PR agency.Because journalists are constantly looking for products to feature. And increasingly, they want to feature small brands and independent makers.In this conversation, Gloria walks us through how AI tools and simple outreach strategies have made PR far more accessible than it used to be.If you've been feeling like getting media attention is out of reach, this episode will give you a completely different perspective.What You'll Learn:Why PR isn't just for big brands anymoreHow gift guides and product roundups actually workWhy journalists actively look for small business productsThe difference between influencer marketing and PRHow PR features boost long-term SEO and AI visibilityHow tools like Perplexity can help you pitch editors fasterResources Mentioned:Gloria Chou Free PR Masterclass: https://gloriachoupr.com/masterclassGloria Chou on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gloriachouprYour Next Steps for Visibility on Etsy:Work with Me: https://sarahjwaggoner.com/etsy-visibility-acceleratorWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahJWaggonerJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theheartlandcreativeFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahjwaggonerFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjwaggoner
In this episode of Confessions of a Terrible Leader, Layci Nelson speaks with Ronjini Joshua, CEO and founder of Silver Telegram, about the intricacies of public relations, especially in the tech industry. Ronjini shares her journey into tech PR, the importance of effective communication, and how to identify the right time for organizations to invest in PR. They discuss budgeting for PR services, the future of PR in a rapidly changing landscape, and the significance of building strong internal communication. Ronjini also shares valuable insights on choosing the right PR agency and the lessons learned from her leadership mistakes. Episode Highlights:Behind the Buzz: Ronjini Joshua's Journey: Discover how Ronjini Joshua, CEO and founder of Silver Telegram, built a powerhouse PR agency specializing in the competitive tech industry.Is Your Business PR-Ready? Learn the critical indicators that signal the perfect time for your organization to invest in public relations and strategic communication.Budgeting for Impact: Get expert tips on how to effectively budget for PR services and ensure maximum return on investment.The Future of PR in the Digital Age: Ronjini shares her predictions on how the PR landscape is evolving and how tech companies can stay ahead of the curve.The Internal-External Connection: Understand the often-overlooked significance of strong internal communication as the foundation for successful external PR efforts.Choosing Your PR Partner: Essential advice on vetting and selecting the right PR agency that aligns with your company's mission and goals.Leadership Lessons: Hear candid insights from Ronjini on the biggest leadership mistakes she's made and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way.Listen in as Layci and Ronjini demystify the intricacies of tech PR, effective communication strategies, and transforming leadership failures into growth.Takeaways:PR is about effective communication between businesses and their audiences.Ronjini fell into tech PR after starting in entertainment PR.Startups often lack the budget for large PR agencies.A solid PR strategy requires time and investment.The future of PR involves adapting to new technologies like AI.Effective communication is crucial for internal team dynamics.Choosing the right PR agency involves assessing their experience and ideas.Leadership mistakes often stem from a lack of planning.Onboarding new employees takes time and requires a solid training program.Setting employees up for success is key to a thriving business.Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Confessional01:00 Understanding Public Relations07:17 When to Bring in PR10:10 The Future of PR12:41 The Importance of Clarity18:46 Learning from Leadership Mistakes23:53 Final Thoughts and ConnectionsWATCH ON YOUTUBE!EPISODE LINKS:Connect with Ronjini:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronjinim/https://www.silvertelegram.com/
It's my twice yearly chat with W Communications founder and CEO Warren Johnson and today it's our 2025 PR Agency Review of the Year.Warren founded W Communications in 2009. It now has global revenues of £25 m and a headcount of 200, with 140 in London and 60 across the rest of the world.Over the next half hour or so Warren and I will discuss the ups and downs of PR agency life over the last 12 months.Before that, the breaking news is that the PRmoment Awards final entry deadline is Friday 23 January. Don't miss the opportunity to create proof points of the quality of your agency's work.Also, check out the speaker programme for our latest PR Masterclass: The Intersection of PR and GEO. It's another stellar line-up.SummaryWarren Johnson rated the PR agency market happiness index for Q1 as "three out of five" due to economic unease, but Q2 improved for W Communications due to diversification and a trend towards "silliness and frivolousness," while they rated Q4 as challenging due to "speurious pitches" and negative sentiment following a "disastrous budget." The discussion also highlighted the strength of corporate and B2B sectors, the volatility of consumer PR, the necessity of innovation and entrepreneurial agency behavior, and the positive impact of fractional hiring which benefits agencies by providing "phenomenally experienced ex clients." Warren predicts that 2026 will be "a real game of two halves," favouring innovative agencies, and expressed skepticism about AI's current efficiency in PR, suggesting it will allow experienced humans to do "even more work" while acting as a "real time bomb" by hindering junior development.DetailsPR Agency Happiness Index (Q1 and Q2) Ben Smith asked Warren Johnson for a hypothetical happiness index of the PR agency market at large, starting with Q1, which Johnson rated as "three out of five," characterizing it as uneasy and jittery due to negative sentiment in the wider economy. Ben Smith recalled starting 2025 positively, though political and geopolitical uncertainty soon challenged that outlook. Warren Johnson suggested that this constant disruption has become the "new normal". For Q2, Johnson noted that W Communications felt "quite good" due to heavy diversification, including spinning off their restaurant business, Chomp, and growing their influencer business, which was showing better monetisation. This period also coincided with a push in pop culture toward "silliness and frivolousness" to escape depressing global issues.Sectoral Performance and Innovation The discussion shifted to the performance of corporate, consumer, and B2B PR sectors in H1. Warren Johnson highlighted that corporate shops are having a moment, with some valuations moving them toward management consultancy models. B2B is thriving, supported by the ascendancy of LinkedIn and technology powered by AI. Consumer PR, however, is more volatile, experiencing good highs but also lows around the budget. Johnson stated that innovation is critical, as they experienced their best trading quarter ever in Q3, driven by diversification into specialized services like influencer and experiential marketing. They emphasized that agencies must be entrepreneurial and reward innovation, suggesting that clients post-COVID have increased their appetite to buy more from agencies.PR Agency Happiness Index (Q3 and Q4) and Economic Climate W Communications experienced their best trading quarter ever in Q3, predominantly driven by consumer work and specialized services due to extensive innovation. Warren Johnson noted that things started to slow down approaching the budget. Q4 was generally challenging due to "speurious pitches."
Why should most startups avoid hiring a PR agency until after their Series A? Jackson Wightman, founder of a tech PR firm, argues that early-stage companies often waste money on agencies before they are ready. In this interview, he breaks down the right time to invest in public relations and why the playing field has tilted against those who ignore AI. Jackson also reveals how AI has fundamentally changed the agency model—allowing him to grow 15-20% without hiring junior employees. He discusses the problem of "AI Slop" in media pitches, the terrifying reality of a "lost generation" of workers who can't get entry-level experience, and how Chinese manufacturers are aggressively taking over Amazon's "Buy Box" by bypassing traditional branding. Check out the company: https://properpropoganda.net
Lucy Werner, a widely respected PR and branding expert, joins us to dig into the surprising truth behind audience growth. Ever wonder why your smartest ideas barely make a ripple, or why visibility feels so elusive, no matter how hard you work? And what can a full Substack wipeout reveal about the way you show up as a creator? She's experienced this pitfall, and she's here to unpack the real reasons creators stay hidden, the simple shifts that make you instantly more discoverable, and the mindset that helps podcasters and PR-curious beginners finally step into the spotlight with confidence.Episode Highlights: [02:03] Fan Mail and Listener Appreciation[04:47] Introducing Lucy Werner[06:43] Lucy's Substack Journey[16:01] PR Tips for Podcasters[28:28] Color Coordination for Content Creation[29:08] Budgeting for PR: Agency vs. Freelancer[32:27] Using Substack for Podcasting[36:58] AI in Personal Branding and PR[44:58] The PR Prompt Card Dress & Making Yourself Memorable[54:26] Balancing Visibility with Vulnerability in Personal BrandingLinks & Resources: Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingTo Have Your Podcast Considered For Evaluation, Please Complete This Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewformThe Hype: www.hypeyourself.com/communityLucy's Books: https://bookshop.org/lists/books-that-i-have-writtenDomestika PR Course: www.domestika.org/en/courses/3961-introduction-to-pr-strategy-for-personal-brands/lucywernerprCreative Writing Retreat 2026:https://www.hypeyourself.com/retreatLucy's Podcast Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/track/6dLitvcM1cVRQV1vN2jxGM?utm_source=system-ua-share&si=B64ACC46-99D7-493E-B5A5-7A7F8BE8102BLucy's Instagram: www.instagram.com/lucywernerprLucy on LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/lucywernerprNosey AF: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Ld5bm1gXDNAawFkcQPWlLRemember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to our community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wOr Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481dLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronickBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
In this live SocialNext Toronto 2025 conversation, guest host Maddie Alvarez sits down with Lana Rogers, founder of Gentle Lion Communications, for a candid and tactical talk on media scarcity, creative burnout, and why PR isn't just about landing one big headline.Lana breaks down how the media landscape is shifting in real time and what brands and agencies can do to stay relevant, thoughtful, and audience-centered. From earned media realities to owned channel strategy, she outlines a smarter approach to storytelling, trust-building, and campaign planning in a noisy and fragmented landscape.If you're a marketer, comms lead, or founder still chasing the golden press hit, this episode will reset your thinking. Spoiler: that Globe and Mail article might not move the needle the way you think.
Welcome to the PRmoment podcast. Today, we're thrilled to be joined by Lou Hoffman, founder and CEO of Hoffman. Hoffman is an independent US based PR firm with a fee income of approximately $30m. Lou founded the business in 1987.Hoffman specialises in tech PR and recently bought CCGroup in the UK. Hoffman has offices in North America, the UK and Asia. It employs about 460 people globally.Before we start,our PR Masterclass the Agency Growth Forum is now live. Virtual and face to face tickets are now available.Check out PRmasterclasses.com or the homepage of PRmoment for the full speaker lineup.Also, thanks so much to the PRmoment Podcast sponsors the PRCA.Here are the key themes which Lou and PRmoment founder Ben Smith discussed:Lou talks us through the reasons for buying a PR Agency? What are the advantages of acquiring an agency versus organic growth? Hoffman has only made two acquisitions since 1987. Is that regret for Lou? Does he wish he'd made more? Is it sensible to use debt to purchase a PR firm, or is it better to do it from historical profit? How do you buy a PR firm? What does the process look like? There are plenty of examples of PR agency acquisitions that haven't worked out, how do you maximise your chances of success? Practically speaking, how can you get to know agencies before you buy them? How long should an acquisition process take, because whilst it's very important to be thorough, momentum is important? Is a perfect match ever possible? Which professional advisors as an acquirer should you have? How does it work with the agency you're about to acquire clients? Do you talk to them pre or post the deal? How does an earn out work for the previous owners of the business? Post deal it can get difficult, what are the best ways to make it work? The legal fees can be very high. So does that mean that for micro deals you either have to take a punt and be less thorough? Or is there a level of acquisition at which it's really not worth it from a purchaser's perspective?
What happens when you leave a top PR agency to launch your own business, only for the world to shut down weeks later? Darryl Sparey, co-founder of Hard Numbers and former Hotwire leader, shares how he built an agency focused on proving marketing impact through data. In this episode, Darryl explains how marketers can move beyond vanity metrics and start connecting PR and SEO performance to measurable ROI.You'll learn why access to GA4, Looker Studio, Search Console and CRM data changes everything, and how brands like Reddit, The FT and the BBC are shaping authority in the age of ChatGPT and Gemini. We also unpack what generative engine optimisation means for the future of earned media and how to future-proof your marketing results in 2026. If you care about clear metrics, credible reporting and meaningful outcomes, this conversation is for you. Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand's growth.
This is the 216th episode of my podcast, 'Soccernostalgia Talk Podcast'. For this episode, I interview German Journalist Christian Prechtl as we discuss VfB Stuttgart during the decade of the 1980s. Mr. Prechtl has been a Publicist, editor, Certified PR consultant. 27 years of professional communications. He has worked for leading international PR Agency, Start Up Company, Policy Network and Maximum Care Hospitals. He has worked in Campaigns (PR & Marketing) for listed Global Players as well as SME's. He is a Member of the Association of German Public Relations Specialists (Deutsche Public Relations Gesellschaft e.V., DPRG). He has 25 years of blogging and columns for media partners print and online. He is also a Member of VfB Stuttgart For any questions/comments, you may contact us: You may also contact me on this blog, on twitter @sp1873 and on facebook under Soccernostalgia. https://linktr.ee/sp1873 Mr. Paul Whittle, @1888letter on twitter and https://the1888letter.com/contact/ https://linktr.ee/BeforeThePremierLeague You may also follow the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts all under ‘Soccernostalgia Talk Podcast' Please leave a review, rate and subscribe if you like the podcast. Mr. Prechtl's contact info: Link: www.cpkomm.de Twitter (X): @ChrisPrech Bluesky: @heiland.bsky.socialEmail: info@cpkomm.de Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/episode/69F14G3OOzUcu2jUGVEBY7?si=qf5YK0okTGiLiasMB_Xi_g&nd=1&dlsi=0359599a56114c2ahttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soccernostalgia-talk-podcast-episode-216-interview/id1601074369?i=1000730134813 Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WaEn563nGgBlog Link: https://soccernostalgia.blogspot.com/2025/10/soccernostalgia-talk-podcast-episode_4.htmlSupport the show
The Star of the Show This week's guest has done nearly everything in Hollywood. He's a designer, actor, author, memorabilia collector, president of an entertainment company, president of a PR Agency, and he does this all while cohosting one of the most popular entertainment and pop culture podcasts on the planet. That podcast has over 1 BILLION downloads. Jimmy Star joins the show to talk about how he got started in the entertainment world, talks about his favorite collectibles, his podcast, his books, and much more! See why you should be following and listening to The Jimmy Star Show with Ron Russell! For more on today's guest, please visit the following - Website - www.jimmystarsworld.com Author Website - www.Jimmystarauthor.com Social Media Handle - Get Jimmys book - “The Obsidian Circle” for free on Kindle until 9/26/25. Click here - https://a.co/d/9R2ef5D Theme song "Racing in Darkness" by Nautilus '54 - https://nautilus54.bandcamp.com/album/the-fell-star-2 For more on our show partners - Bones Coffee - http://www.bonescoffee.com/FSFPOPCAST and use code FSFPOPCAST Idea Farm - www.ideafarm.store - use discount code FSF15 Level Up Sabers https://bit.ly/FSFLevelUpSabers Win free loot - sign up here - www.fsfpopcast.com/contact For more on our Show - Join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/fsfpopcast Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/cpry4fCDTq Visit our website: https://www.fsfpopcast.com FSF PopCast on BlueSky, Instagram, and Threads - @fsfpopcast This podcast is powered by Pinecast.
The Star of the Show This week's guest has done nearly everything in Hollywood. He's a designer, actor, author, memorabilia collector, president of an entertainment company, president of a PR Agency, and he does this all while cohosting one of the most popular entertainment and pop culture podcasts on the planet. That podcast has over 1 BILLION downloads. Jimmy Star joins the show to talk about how he got started in the entertainment world, talks about his favorite collectibles, his podcast, his books, and much more! See why you should be following and listening to The Jimmy Star Show with Ron Russell! For more on today's guest, please visit the following - Website - www.jimmystarsworld.com Author Website - www.Jimmystarauthor.com Social Media Handle - Get Jimmys book - “The Obsidian Circle” for free on Kindle until 9/26/25. Click here - https://a.co/d/9R2ef5D Theme song "Racing in Darkness" by Nautilus '54 - https://nautilus54.bandcamp.com/album/the-fell-star-2 For more on our show partners - Bones Coffee - http://www.bonescoffee.com/FSFPOPCAST and use code FSFPOPCAST Idea Farm - www.ideafarm.store - use discount code FSF15 Level Up Sabers https://bit.ly/FSFLevelUpSabers Win free loot - sign up here - www.fsfpopcast.com/contact For more on our Show - Join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/fsfpopcast Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/cpry4fCDTq Visit our website: https://www.fsfpopcast.com FSF PopCast on BlueSky, Instagram, and Threads - @fsfpopcast This podcast is powered by Pinecast.
If you're looking for someone who blends the heart of a community advocate, the mind of a marketing strategist, and the soul of an 80s music lover—you've found her. Brandy Alvarado-Miranda isn't just a name in the AV world—she's a force of nature. When she's not courtside cheering on her kid's basketball game (or the Lakers & Sparks), you'll find her chasing waves at the beach, getting her hands dirty in the garden, or spoiling her adorable pug and corgi duo. A true SoCal spirit, she lives for tacos, margaritas, and the synth beats of Depeche Mode—preferably all at once. Brandy dove into the AV industry in 2014 and never looked back. After gaining experience across engineering, manufacturing, and themed integration, she made the bold leap during the pandemic—launching BAM! Marketing & PR Agency in 2021. Since then, she's helped dozens of Pro AV and Digital Signage brands find their voice and amplify it across the industry with strategic branding, impactful content, and fearless creativity. She's dubbed her clients her #BAMily, and has created an ecosystem that not only connects them to work on projects together, but to team up to network. But Brandy doesn't stop at business. She's a passionate advocate for women in tech, founding WAVIT in 2023—a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting women in AV/IT. From her leadership with the AVIXA Women's Council to her mentorship and advisory roles, Brandy is determined to leave the AV industry better, stronger, and more inclusive than she found it. With titles like Woman of the Year in AV, Pro AV Watch Lister, AV Living Legend, and DSE Advisory Board Member, her accolades are impressive—but her mission is simple: to empower others, create meaningful change, and rock out to some 80s jams while doing it. Brandy Alvarado-Miranda: marketing superhero, AV trailblazer, taco connoisseur, and always tuned to WII-FM—What's In It For the Mission. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.
Join us for a PRessing On in Public Relations conversation with Jennifer Kaplan, Founder of Evolve PR & Marketing, Arizona's largest PR firm. Since launching the agency in 2010, she has led Evolve's growth from a small, client-focused team into a powerhouse of 27 full-time publicists serving more than 100 clients across local and national markets. A proud Phoenix native and Arizona State University alumna, Jennifer's deep Valley roots and relationship-driven approach have helped her build lasting partnerships and elevate brands across industries. Her leadership and impact have earned her numerous honors, including the Inaugural Hugh Downs School of Human Communication Alumni of the Year Award, Phoenix Business Journal's 40 Under 40, AZ Business Magazine's Most Influential Women in Arizona Business, Ranking Arizona #1 PR Agency, AZ Big Media's Most Admired Companies and PR News' 2025 Top Women in PR and People of the Year. Outside the office, Jennifer enjoys time with her family, giving back to the community, and finding balance on her yoga mat. She's always cheering on the Sun Devils—forks up! Tune in for real stories, practical advice, and a dose of PR inspiration. Like, share, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! ----------------------------------------------------------------- To track down Jennifer visit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolveprandmarketing https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kaplan-b331948/ https://evolveprandmarketing.com/ https://www.facebook.com/EvolvePRandMarketing/ https://www.instagram.com/evolveprandmarketing/ For more information on the PRessing On podcast visit PressingOnPodcast.com RMGComm.com DeGravePR.com
This is something I've been wrestling with at Podscan, and I know many of you face the same challenge: you're building a product that could serve two, three, maybe even five different ideal customer profiles. And you're trying to figure out how to keep them all balanced—or whether you should even try.This episode of The Bootstraped Founder is sponsored by Paddle.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/handling-multiple-icps-as-a-solo-founder/The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/handling-multiple-icps-as-a-solo-founderCheck out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes every podcast episode out there minutes after it gets released: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvidYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw
This week on The PR Podcast, we sit down with Evan Boyer, founder and CEO of Leaders PR, to talk about what it really takes to make the leap from big agency executive to independent shop owner. After years in senior leadership at FleishmanHillard and other top firms, Evan launched his own consultancy in 2025, driven by the rise of AI, seismic shifts in the agency landscape, and a personal conviction that now was the time to build something new.Evan pulls back the curtain on what “Founder-Year-Zero” looks like — from building a pipeline and saying no to the wrong clients, to using technology as a replacement for agency infrastructure. We also get into how AI is actually saving PR pros time (and where it's still smoke-and-mirrors), why the fractional PR model is gaining ground, and why he believes the Southeast is the next big growth region for B2B communications.If you've ever thought about starting your own shop — or just want to hear how AI and industry upheaval are reshaping PR in real time — this episode is for you.The PR Podcast is a show about how the news gets made. We talk with great PR people, reporters, and communicators about how the news gets made and strategies for publicity that drive business goals. Host Jody Fisher is the founder of Jody Fisher PR and works with clients across the healthcare, higher education, financial services, real estate, entertainment, and non-profit verticals. Evan Boyer: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanboyer/Leaders PR: website - https://www.leaderspr.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/leaders_prLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaderspr/The PR Podcast: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThePRPodcast/Twitter - https://x.com/ThePRPodcast1Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theprpodcast_/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theprpodcast?
When Dreena Whitfield was a child, she wanted to be a singer. Eventually, that dream shifted – with Dreena combining her love of politics, storytelling, and media in search of the career and lifestyle that best fit her talent and interests. In this conversation (first released in 2021), Dreena shares how she made her dream of running her own PR agency, WhitPR, come true – and what 10 years of challenges, successes, and lessons learned looked like at that time. She also dives into how she was navigating life as a mompreneur and offers timeless tips for other dream drivers who are giving their all for the dreams they won't give up on. About Dreena (2021): Dreena Whitfield is the Founder & CEO of WhitPR — the integrated strategic communications agency committed to shaping and amplifying the narratives that drive measurable brand success. With over a decade of expertise in the communications space, Dreena cemented herself as a trusted advisor specializing in public relations, social media, crisis communications, and experiential marketing strategy. Throughout her diverse career, Dreena has led communication efforts for leaders in the non-profit, corporate, and political sectors, as well as small businesses, both domestically and internationally, always with a commitment to making a social impact. She has been recognized as a 2021 PR News Top Women in PR Honoree, PR Week's 40 Under 40, Ebony Magazine's “Top 10 Black Women in Politics,'' and Huffington Post's “Top 25 Millennial Publicists.” SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER http://www.dreamsindrive.com/join FIND DREENA ON: Instagram: @dreenawhitpr @whitpr FIND RANA ON SOCIAL: Instagram: http://instagram.com/rainshineluv Twitter: http://twitter.com/rainshineluv FIND DREAMS IN DRIVE ON:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Twitter: http://twitter.com/dreamsindrive Web: http://www.dreamsindrive.com
Sarah Evans is a partner and head of PR at Zen Media, bringing over 15 years of experience as the former CEO of her own nationally recognized PR agency. Known as one of the top voices in PR for the past 17 years, Sarah has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of public relations and communications.At Zen Media, Sarah leverages her extensive background in the technology sector, where she has led high-level strategic communications campaigns and full-scale media relations efforts. Her expertise spans a broad range of sub-verticals, including cybersecurity, commodities, consumer, cloud computing, SaaS, travel technology, medtech, martech, healthtech, edtech and more.Sarah is celebrated for her development of the "Reputation+" methodology, a data-driven and AI-powered approach designed to elevate brand credibility, trust, awareness, and authority in a competitive marketplace. Her innovative strategies have consistently achieved rapid growth for her clients by seamlessly integrating earned, shared, and owned digital tactics.Sarah is often sought for her insights into technology trends, especially in consumer tech. Her thought leadership has led to regular appearances on The Doctors TV show, CBS Las Vegas Now, and as an Adobe influencer. She is a respected contributor at Entrepreneur magazine, Grit Daily and Hackernoon where is the number three writer on business and tech in the world.
Nick Groeneveld is a designer and User Experience expert who has been a valued collaborator on Podscan, my own software product. Nick works as a freelancer for a lot of companies that have no in-house design knowledge, and he's been navigating the rapid changes that AI tools like Lovable and vZero are bringing to the design world. With 10 years of professional design experience and a deep understanding of design theory, Nick brings a unique perspective on what happens when machines start creating interfaces that look surprisingly good.We also tackle deeper questions about whether AI is making us dumber, why human judgment remains irreplaceable, and how to use AI as a learning tool rather than just a productivity hack.This episode of The Bootstraped Founder is sponsored by Paddle.comThe blog post: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/nick-groeneveld-exploring-ais-impact-on-modern-design/ The podcast episode: https://tbf.fm/episodes/407-nick-groeneveld-exploring-ais-impact-on-modern-designCheck out Podscan, the Podcast database that transcribes every podcast episode out there minutes after it gets released: https://podscan.fmSend me a voicemail on Podline: https://podline.fm/arvidYou'll find my weekly article on my blog: https://thebootstrappedfounder.comPodcast: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/podcastNewsletter: https://thebootstrappedfounder.com/newsletterMy book Zero to Sold: https://zerotosold.com/My book The Embedded Entrepreneur: https://embeddedentrepreneur.com/My course Find Your Following: https://findyourfollowing.comHere are a few tools I use. Using my affiliate links will support my work at no additional cost to you.- Notion (which I use to organize, write, coordinate, and archive my podcast + newsletter): https://affiliate.notion.so/465mv1536drx- Riverside.fm (that's what I recorded this episode with): https://riverside.fm/?via=arvid- TweetHunter (for speedy scheduling and writing Tweets): http://tweethunter.io/?via=arvid- HypeFury (for massive Twitter analytics and scheduling): https://hypefury.com/?via=arvid60- AudioPen (for taking voice notes and getting amazing summaries): https://audiopen.ai/?aff=PXErZ- Descript (for word-based video editing, subtitles, and clips): https://www.descript.com/?lmref=3cf39Q- ConvertKit (for email lists, newsletters, even finding sponsors): https://convertkit.com?lmref=bN9CZw
Alice Chen, Partner and U.S. Lead at Pender Hastings Capital, a real estate private equity firm which invests in scalable strategies in Canada and the United States. In this episode, KJ and Alice explore issues surrounding the significant housing deficit, and how Alice’s firm is creating scalable solutions by entering the niche market of land entitlement and horizontal development. Episode Highlights: 12:14 The Impact of the Housing Deficit 17:19 Urban Density Strategies 17:41 Finding the Sweet Spot in Real Estate 18:49 Discovering Land Development 20:21 Understanding Horizontal Development Quote of the Show (23:00): "Real estate is increasingly a bigger problem, but with the right thinking, we can unlock its true potential." – Alice Chen Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Alice Chen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceychen Company Website: http://www.phcfunds.com How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He's not managing Airbnbs, he's buying the companies that do.In this episode, Patrick breaks down his roll-up strategy for short-term rental management businesses, focusing on Joshua Tree. You'll learn: • How to value STR property management companies • The hidden formula top performers are using (4.9+ reviews + max RevPAR) • How he's creating additional revenue from Netflix, OF shoots, and more • The underrated power of real hospitality, hyper-local service, and partner alignmentThis isn't just about scaling, it's about building a legacy business in a saturated market.00:00:11 - Become the Local Expert, Not a Nationwide Manager 00:08:45 - Three Business Lessons from Open Water Swimming 00:09:03 - Use a Roll-Up Strategy to Scale Management Companies 00:10:00 - Study High-Performing PMs for 4.9+ Ratings at Scale 00:11:20 - How to Value and Buy STR Management Companies 00:13:32 - Use Off-Market Outreach to Acquire Small Managers 00:17:00 - Full-Service PM is the Only Way to Compete in Joshua Tree 00:21:22 - Add Production Shoots to Maximize Weekday Revenue 00:25:45 - How to Get Featured by Netflix and PR Agencies 00:35:00 - Partnerships are Marriages—Choose and Lead with Trust Guest Bio:Patryk Swietek is a 28-year-old entrepreneur with a background in building tech companies since the age of 14. Ever since getting into real estate at 24 years old, he's been a thought leader in the STR industry, teaching the co-hosting model with his own Amazon best seller book and online podcast. He scaled from 5 of his own properties to managing over 100 signed properties in Joshua Tree in under 1 year. He has bought 3 STR co-hosting companies to become the #1 co-host in one of the most competitive vacation rental markets in the country. His company and homes have been featured on Netflix, Wall Street Journal, NY Times, Dwell, etc.Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietekGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/
Today Colin and outdoor industry insider Eoin Comerford recap their time at last week's Outdoor Market Alliance Media Event. Here is the rundown!Ortovox has returned fire! After criticizing the brands new mountain biking line on last week's episode, it looks like a brand representative from Ortovox may be appearing on the show soon. Stay tuned! (06:48)Salomon's CEO wants to see the brand expand their products to provide more lifestyle options. A tricky proposition that others have also tried. (09:16)The OMA Media Event has quickly become one of the most important industry events on the calendar for PR Agencies and the writers, YouTubers, and podcasters who make up the outdoor media scene. Colin & Eoin talk about how there is still room for the event to grow especially among the brands who would greatly benefit from the coverage they could get if they attended. (16:12)Colin & Eoin's six favorite brands and products that they saw over the course of the two day event. (30:42)Lastly for The Parting Shot Colin has some choice words for his least favorite airport. (52:19)Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.
He's not managing Airbnbs, he's buying the companies that do.In this episode, Patrick breaks down his roll-up strategy for short-term rental management businesses, focusing on Joshua Tree. You'll learn: • How to value STR property management companies • The hidden formula top performers are using (4.9+ reviews + max RevPAR) • How he's creating additional revenue from Netflix, OF shoots, and more • The underrated power of real hospitality, hyper-local service, and partner alignmentThis isn't just about scaling, it's about building a legacy business in a saturated market.00:00:11 - Become the Local Expert, Not a Nationwide Manager 00:08:45 - Three Business Lessons from Open Water Swimming 00:09:03 - Use a Roll-Up Strategy to Scale Management Companies 00:10:00 - Study High-Performing PMs for 4.9+ Ratings at Scale 00:11:20 - How to Value and Buy STR Management Companies 00:13:32 - Use Off-Market Outreach to Acquire Small Managers 00:17:00 - Full-Service PM is the Only Way to Compete in Joshua Tree 00:21:22 - Add Production Shoots to Maximize Weekday Revenue 00:25:45 - How to Get Featured by Netflix and PR Agencies 00:35:00 - Partnerships are Marriages—Choose and Lead with Trust Guest Bio:Patryk Swietek is a 28-year-old entrepreneur with a background in building tech companies since the age of 14. Ever since getting into real estate at 24 years old, he's been a thought leader in the STR industry, teaching the co-hosting model with his own Amazon best seller book and online podcast. He scaled from 5 of his own properties to managing over 100 signed properties in Joshua Tree in under 1 year. He has bought 3 STR co-hosting companies to become the #1 co-host in one of the most competitive vacation rental markets in the country. His company and homes have been featured on Netflix, Wall Street Journal, NY Times, Dwell, etc.Guest Link:https://www.instagram.com/patryk_swietekGet FREE Access to our Community and Weekly Trainings:https://group.strsecrets.com/
Alexander Alvord is an architect, strategist, and founder of a thriving user community. Nutanix is a global leader in cloud software, offering organizations a single platform for running apps and data across clouds. In this episode, KJ and Alexander delve into the issues of cloud bloat, inefficiencies from vendor lock-ins, and the importance of FinOps. Alexander also shares his personal journey and passion for technology and multi-cloud strategies. Learn about the challenges and innovations in making cloud services more efficient and user-centric. Episode Highlights: 01:55 The Hidden Costs of Cloud Bloat 07:39 Impact on Organizations and Productivity 16:10 Solutions to Cloud Bloat 27:58 Nutanix's Approach and Future Vision Quote of the Show (18:00): "Multiple clouds does not equal Multi-cloud." - Alexander Alvord Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Alexander Alvord: LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/alexalvord Company Website: https://nutanix.com How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Emily Steele is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hummingbirds, a self-service platform connecting brands to hyper-local creators & influencers. In this episode, KJ and Emily explore the power of authentic connections and the importance of understanding the types of creators brands should engage with. Tune in for insights on the evolution of the creator economy, the nuances of influencer marketing, and the potential for this model to expand beyond consumer packaged goods to sectors like tourism and small business. Key Takeaways: 07:22 Understanding Influencers vs. Creators 10:31 The Rise of Local Creators 17:53 The Game is Rigged: Media and PR Strategies 18:52 Expanding Beyond B2C: Local Creators and CPG Brands 21:04 B2B Opportunities and Challenges Quote of the Show (16:00): "Authentic connections can create so many opportunities." - Emily Steele Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Emily Steele: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilysteele12 Company Website: https://www.hummingbirds.com/ How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Smart Agency Masterclass with Jason Swenk: Podcast for Digital Marketing Agencies
Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training How are you positioning your services as essential rather than optional, and accurately measuring growth and profitability to sustain long-term success? How are you measuring your agency's growth and profitability? Today's featured guests unpack how they scaled their PR shop past the million-dollar mark in under four years — and their journey offers valuable insights that any agency owner can apply immediately. Learn why they prefer growing the agency as partners, as opposed to sticking to being solopreneurs, how they've been tracking their growth, and how to over-communicate with clients openly so that choosing you is the easiest decision. Caitlin Copple and Holly Conti are the co-partners of Full Swing PR, an agency that offers senior-level PR services to help amplify clients' story or cause and takes pride in creating authentic, lasting relationships with clients. They discuss their unique partnership dynamics, their approach to quarterly planning and KPIs, and their philosophy on "practicing what you preach" in the agency world. They also emphasize the importance of understanding client needs, demonstrating value, and the shift from focusing merely on publicity to generating tangible client pipelines. In this episode, we'll discuss: Breaking the visionary and integrator partner mold. Making sure to walk the walk in your own business. How to make your business a ‘must-have' Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. Breaking the Visionary-Integrator Mold Caitlin started Full Swing solo, but always kept Holly in mind as the ideal partner for her business after they met working at an agency. It took some time, though, since Holly was first pregnant when Caitlin started the agency and then busy being a mom to a newborn. However, her involvement progressed, first as a moonlighter, then the agency's first employee, and eventually becoming the co-pilot Caitlin had always envisioned. Founder duos often get asked about who identifies as the “visionary” or the “integrator.” In their case, Caitlin and Holly both think big and get in the weeds. They take turns in both roles, which makes it complicated, but it works with a dose of brutally clear communication and mutual respect. Why work like this? It all comes from their beginnings as working moms in the business. As they explain, they initially treated it like a job share tagging each other in and out in the early days so they could both keep the wheels turning — and the babies fed. Partner Up or Burn Out Some agency owners do prefer to fly solo, but for the ones stuck doing it all alone — losing sleep over payroll, client churn, or the next contract that might vaporize overnight — Caitlin and Holly are living proof that a solid partner is worth their weight in gold. Having someone to say “we got this” when a contract gets pulled from underneath you is priceless. Sure, partnerships are basically work marriages (with all the ups and downs). But good ones make the tough days survivable — and the big wins that much sweeter. Walk Your Talk or Get Called Out Do you make sure your agency is practicing what you preach? Or are you one of the agencies that just “can't find the time” to work on their own website or marketing? Too many agencies hide behind ‘we're too busy with client work' while their own site looks like it was built in 1997 by a drunk intern. In their specific case as a PR agency, Caitlin and Holly practice the tenacity they teach their clients to have. “PR is about tenacity. It's not enough to do good work. People need to see you doing it.” Just like they tell clients to show up consistently, be visible, and ask for what they want. They make sure to do the same. Furthermore, putting yourself in your clients' shoes as small business owners will help you intimately understand the challenges they face and understand the investment they're making on your agency and how much they're betting on the results you can bring. For Caitlin, this means taking people “from publicity to pipeline,” because she understands as a small business owner how important it is to have four time the sales you need to meet your annual budget. In other words, treat your own agency like your most important client — or watch it slowly bleed opportunities. Quarterly Planning, KPIs, and the Secret Sauce So much can change in just one year (as we all have seen with the last couple of years). In the six years they've been in business, Caitlin and Holly have been through a pandemic, an AI revolution, and the economy doing somersaults. At this point, planning once a year and forgetting about it seems like a rookie move. They still set annual goals, of course. But quarterly check-ins are essential to running the day-to-day behind their million-dollar PR engine. Their leadership team meets every week to ensure that quarterly plan is still reality-proof. Revenue is Cool, But Calls Are King Although they do have a topline revenue goal and a profit margin goals for the agency, their north star isn't revenue — it's discovery calls. After realizing there was much more to building a profitable business than hitting the $1 million mark, Caitlin and Holly have been focusing more on pipeline and conversion rates. They know that if they keep discovery calls flowing, the revenue follows. Right now, if they book 10 calls with good fits, five become paying clients. That's a predictable pipeline. Pro tip: Track leading indicators religiously — site visits, key page hits, opt-ins, booked calls, and conversion rates at each step. If something's off (like calls dropping off, or deals stalling), they fix that exact leak before it kills the next quarter. So, if you're still flying blind, eyeballing topline revenue in your QuickBooks and calling it planning —you're normal… but you're leaving money on the table. How to Make PR (or Any Service) a Must-Have In this economy, how to get clients to see your work more as a must-have than a “nice-to-have”? In down markets, budgets get slashed — but essentials don't. So how do you become an essential? You don't chase anyone who's just looking for a PR vanity headline. You focus on clients who want a pipeline, not just press. If you're having a hard time to get clients to see you as an essential, you may be talking to the wrong people. Think about your ideal clients. What do they believe? What are their challenges? If you define your ideal client and start targeting them, you'll attract people who truly see the value you can bring to their business. Over-Communicate. Then Double It Caitlin and Holly share their process openly with prospects. Step by step. No secrets. Some agencies worry they're giving away the farm. Newsflash: they're not. Clients want to trust you know what you're doing — but they don't want to do it themselves. Everyone loves steak but no one wants to butcher a cow. Their transparency means no confusion, no scope drama, and no “you didn't say that” fights later. It's all upfront. And they even turned this transparency into a smart private podcast: “How to Hire a PR Agency” — a brilliant piece of sales enablement they send to prospects to handle all the FAQs before a call. That way, discovery calls stay focused where they should be: the client's business. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.
Mateo Valdez is the founder of Gonzaga Sport Consulting Group, providing business solutions to high-profile clients, bridging the gap between education and industry. In this episode, KJ and Mateo discuss how he identified and addressed gaps in traditional education by creating a student-led consultancy that provides real-world business solutions to major sports brands like the NFL, MLS, and New Balance. Episode Highlights: 01:58 The Flaws of Traditional Education 12:35 The Arbitrary Nature of Education Systems 14:36 Why Sports Consultancy? 16:42 Challenges in Traditional Education 17:24 Combining Passion with Education Quote of the Show (23:00): "Don't be imprisoned by the status quo. Just because you hear everyone is doing something one way, doesn't mean you have to do it that way yourself." - Mateo Valdez Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Mateo Valdez: LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mateo-valdez Company Website: https://www.gonzaga.edu How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Scott Kitun is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor. He currently serves as Advisor to the CEO at Republic, where he is building the infrastructure to enable retail investors to access private equity through tokenization. As a Strategic Advisor and Investor at KingsCrowd, Scott is helping to create the leading investment research and advisory firm for retail private markets, empowering everyday investors to make data-driven decisions in the private equity space. In this episode, KJ and Scott explore the impact of AI on the financial ecosystem and the need for investors to diversify to mitigate market volatility. Episode Highlights: 09:11 The Underserved Market and Private Infrastructure 16:18 The Future of Retail Investing 23:43 Simplifying Transactions with Blockchain 24:20 Tokenization and Real-World Assets 26:25 Challenges in Retail Investment Access 36:25 Resources for Learning About Private Equity Quote of the Show (16:00): “Private equity in general has beat public stocks 19 out of 20 years…”- Scott Kitun Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Scott Kitun: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kitun/ Company Websites: https://www.linkedin.com/company/republic.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/kingscrowd/ How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Russell Mikowski is the CEO of SurePeople, a people intelligence platform, transforms workplace dynamics with AI-powered coaching and collaboration tools that enhance interactions, boost teamwork, and drive business success. In this episode, KJ and Russell explore the benefits of integrating these tools into everyday workflow applications like Slack and Zoom, enhancing communication, productivity, and employee morale. Russell also emphasizes the importance of understanding team dynamics and personal development. Key Takeaways: 11:12 Challenges and Opportunities in Psychometric Assessments 20:28 The Impact of People Intelligence on Productivity 23:41 Impact on Workplace Productivity and Morale 25:34 Reducing Meeting Time to Combat Burnout 28:02 Introducing the Prism Psychometric Self-Assessment 30:36 The Future of AI and Human Interaction in the Workplace Quote of the Show (15:00): “Ten percent of employees get eighty percent of development investment,” – Russell Mikowski Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Russell Mikowski: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-mikowski-a349903/ How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
France Hoang is the Co-founder and CEO of BoodleBox, a collaborative GenAI platform for higher education that enables professors and students to work together responsibly with top AI tools. In this episode, KJ and France cover the importance of critical thinking, domain expertise, and responsible AI use in modern education. Key Takeaways: 01:33 AI's Impact on Education 04:14 Challenges and Opportunities in AI-Driven Education 09:16 AI Readiness: Domain Expertise and Enablement 16:29 Real-World Applications and Benefits of AI in Education 18:16 Experiential Learning and Critical Thinking with AI 20:37 The Future of AI in Education and Lifelong Learning Quote of the Show (5:00): "AI is revolutionizing every industry, and education is on the front line of this change." – France Hoang Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with France Hoang: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franceqhoang/ Company LInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boodleboxai/ Company Website: https://boodlebox.ai/edu/ How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Devon Shigaki is the mind behind FreshCredit, a company that is dedicated to increasing access to credit on a global scale and empowering individuals to own and manage their own personal data. In this episode, KJ and Devon explore the broader implications of decentralized credit reporting, its simple yet groundbreaking application of blockchain, and the potential for creating a more inclusive financial landscape. Key Takeaways: 03:56 The Problem with Current Credit Systems 06:57 The Controversy of Blockchain in Credit Reporting 13:28 Devon's Personal Experience with Identity Theft 18:35 FreshCredit's Innovative Solutions Quote of the Show (14:00): "Fear of not fixing the problem drives me." – Devon Shigaki Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Devon Shigaki: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devonshigaki Company LinkedIn: https://freshcredit.com How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Olfa Hamdi is the Co-Founder & CEO of Concord Project Technologies, a company helping project teams in asset intensive industries deliver superior results to their capital project organizations. In this episode, KJ and Olfa delve into the inefficiencies and outdated methods that plague the construction industry and discuss how Olfa's pioneering framework, Advanced Work Packaging (AWP), is transforming project management. Key Takeaways: 15:20 The Importance of Early Involvement in Construction 17:26 Breaking Down the Status Quo 18:02 Empowering Through Micro Learning 18:55 Industry Adoption and Impact Quote of the Show (18:00): "Risk in construction projects is like energy. It transforms, it doesn't disappear." – Olfa Hamdi Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Olfa Hamdi: LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/olfahamdi Company LinkedIn: http://www.tconglobal.com/blog How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to Episode One, Season Two of the PR Resolution Podcast. We're returning strong! In this episode Stella interviews Lucy Hart, Executive Strategy Director at The Romans; the most awarded PR agency in the industry. Often in PR there can be too much focus on media and not enough on the public. That's why this interview is so inspiring. Lucy talks about her passion for social anthropology and you can tell she means it. Its clear that her deep curiosity in people and the psychology of minds is one of the reasons her agency's campaigns make such an impact. Lucy explains how The Romans global team work with their clients to make the magic happen. She explains their ideation process and the tools and data that feeds each of their award-winning strategies. This is a special insight into an agency doing things differently. Special Guest: Lucy Hart .
Gloria Chou is an award-winning PR strategist and host of the top-rated Small Business PR Podcast. Known for her untraditional yet proven approach to PR which makes visibility and access to media accessible for anyone, Gloria helps BIPOC and female founders get featured organically in top-tier media without needing PR connections or a large following. Her strategies have earned small businesses in nearly every industry niche over a billion organic views and features in outlets like the New York Times, Oprah's Favorite Things, Vogue, and Forbes, without any pay-to-play. A former U.S. Diplomat turned small business advocate, Gloria has been on 100 podcasts and was named "Pitch Writing Expert of the Year" in 2021 as part of the Influential Businesswomen Awards, and a Forbes Next 1000 honoree. Here's what you will learn You don't need PR connections or a big following to get featured in top media — you can learn to pitch yourself effectively using Gloria's CPR method. AI tools like Perplexity and Google Alerts can help you quickly find the right journalists and trending topics to pitch. Journalists don't want a sales pitch — they want timely, relevant stories backed by insights, trends, or data. Earned media from credible outlets builds long-term SEO and authority — way more powerful than churning out AI-generated blog content. Taking PR in-house is affordable, effective, and puts you in control of your story — no expensive agencies or gatekeepers needed.
Adrienne looks back to a conversation she had last year with the fabulous Emily M Austen. Emily M Austen is the founder and CEO of EMERGE, an award winning PR Agency, based in London, working with global brands, including Huel, Red Bull, Spanx, and Abercrombie. The 25 strong team was started by Emily in 2012, at the age of 22, after she graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Criminology and Criminal Law. Her new book SMARTER is out on November 7th and can be preordered now. In it Emily reframes the idea of over-productivity equalling success, and will ultimately show that those who work smarter, are those who achieve more long-term success. Featuring 10 achievable steps, and the experience of successful entrepreneur, E.M Austen, SMARTER will show you how to reframe previous systems that your brain predicts, switch your mindset from one of scarcity to one of abundance, join the 8am club, conduct a busyness detox, define what success means to you, track your energy not your time, identify and set healthy boundaries, time block, habit pair and switch to mono tasking, and so much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Castleigh Johnson is the Founder and CEO of MyHomePathway, a company changing the mortgage acquisition process and expanding opportunities to achieve the American Dream. In this episode, KJ and Castleigh explore the historical context of redlining, the persistent wealth gap, and how innovative fintech solutions can foster equity and transform the mortgage landscape. Key Takeaways: 02:17 Systemic Barriers in Financial Services 05:19 Historical Context: Redlining and Its Impact 09:41 Current Home Ownership Statistics 12:06 Economic Impact of First-Time Home Buyers 21:35 Understanding Mortgage Rejections 24:18 Transparency in Underwriting Quote of the Show (11:00): "Home ownership is a trillion-dollar opportunity, not just a societal issue." – Castleigh Johnson Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Castleigh Johnson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/castleigh Company LinkedIn: https://www.myhomepathway.com/ How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to S3E011 of IMpulse, the Influencer Marketing Podcast! IMpulse is brought to you by Phyllo.
Josef is the founder of BrikMate, a company using AI to transform how commercial real estate teams manage, analyze, and extract insights from complex lease data. In this episode, KJ and Josef delve into the importance of confidence and curiosity for innovators and the potential of AI to revolutionize the service industry. Key Takeaways: 05:41 Evolution of Cybersecurity Threats 08:14 Modern Phishing and Social Engineering Tactics 10:32 Deepfake and Advanced Cyber Attacks 19:50 AI in Cybercrime: The Nigerian Email Scam 26:19 Future of Cybersecurity: AI vs. Human Quote of the Show (19:00): “The customer doesn't always know what they want. It takes someone who's confident, curious, and willing to take action" – Josef Pipoly Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Josef Pipoly: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josefpipoly Company LinkedIn: https://www.brikmate.com/ How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation, Shanté Micah and Josh Moody, co-founders of Good News, discuss the complexities and evolving nature of public relations (PR) in the context of modern marketing. They emphasize the importance of visibility, human connections, and the role of AI in enhancing PR strategies. The discussion also touches on the future of marketing, the significance of credibility, and how PR can serve as a powerful tool in a world increasingly driven by digital interactions and storytelling. In this conversation, Shanté Micah and Josh Moody discuss the evolving landscape of public relations and marketing, emphasizing the importance of podcasts as a powerful medium for reaching audiences. They explore the concept of engineered omnipresence, the need for a systematic approach to PR, and the significance of understanding metrics. The discussion also highlights the growth journey of podcasting, the value of human connection in marketing, and concludes with insightful book recommendations that can enhance marketing strategies.Angelo gives listeners actionable tips on:00:00 Introduction 00:55 Demystifying PR for Law Firms01:52 The Importance of Visibility and Credibility02:37 Do You Really Need a PR Agency?04:05 Effective Pitching Strategies08:36 Leveraging AI in PR14:54 The Future of Marketing: PR's Role17:38 SEO vs. PR: A New Perspective22:00 The Evolution of Google's Authorship and SEO23:30 The Value of Podcasts in Modern Marketing26:28 Engineered Omnipresence and Link Building27:30 The Importance of Systematic PR Processes32:48 Book Recommendations and Human Nature in Marketing37:42 Final Takeaways and EncouragementResources mentioned in this episode:The Laws of Human Nature by Robert GreeneConnect with Shanté and Josh here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thisisgoodnews LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/higoodnews/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantemicah/https://www.higoodnews.com/Connect with meInstagramPinterestFacebookTwitterKarin on TwitterKarin on LinkedInConroy Creative Counsel on Facebookhttps://conroycreativecounsel.com
Ross Lazer is the Co-Founder and CEO of Mirage Security, a company using AI to simulate realistic spear-phishing attacks, including voice-based simulations using deepfakes, to train employees to recognize and resist social engineering tactics. In this episode, KJ and Ross uncover the evolving landscape of cybersecurity where attackers are increasingly targeting human weaknesses using sophisticated AI techniques. Ross reveals how Mirage Security is utilizing AI to simulate realistic phishing attacks, including voice and video deepfakes, to train employees and outsmart potential threats. They discuss the rapid advancements in social engineering tactics, the importance of contrarian thinking in innovation, and the future of cybersecurity training. Key Takeaways: 05:41 Evolution of Cybersecurity Threats 08:14 Modern Phishing and Social Engineering Tactics 10:32 Deepfake and Advanced Cyber Attacks 19:50 AI in Cybercrime: The Nigerian Email Scam 26:19 Future of Cybersecurity: AI vs. Human Quote of the Show (16:00): “In cybersecurity, the real challenge isn't just the technology; it's transforming the human side from our greatest vulnerability into our strongest defense." – Ross Lazer Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Ross Lazer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosslazer/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miragesecurity/ How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
PR doesn't have to be a black box—or a budget buster. In this episode of Retention Chronicles, Mariah sits down with Gloria Chou, a former diplomat turned PR coach, to unpack how ecommerce brands can land top-tier media coverage without an agency or huge following. Gloria shares her CPR pitch framework that's helped thousands of founders get featured in outlets like BuzzFeed, Oprah's Favorite Things, and Refinery29 using nothing but cold emails.From leveraging seasonal trends to finding the right journalists and tracking results, this conversation is a masterclass in scrappy, strategic PR. If you're a Shopify brand looking to turn press into profit, this one's for you.Episode Timestamps:00:00 – 02:59 → Intro & why post-purchase experience matters03:00 – 05:30 → Gloria's unconventional path to PR & why small brands can win05:30 – 11:40 → The power of PR: SEO, credibility, and the CPR pitch formula11:40 – 16:00 → Personalization, pitching journalists, and building relationships16:00 – 20:00 → Follow-up strategies, seasonal pitching, and time-saving tips20:00 – 23:00 → Maximizing ROI: tracking, repurposing, and compounding value23:00 – 25:30 → How PR builds retention and beats influencer marketing25:30 – 28:30 → Favorite tools: Substack, Source of Sources, and Gloria's free masterclass28:30 – End → Where to find Gloria's resources & final takeawaysResources:Free PR Masterclass
That Solo Life, Episode 298: PR Potpourri: A Look Back at Q1 2025 This podcast episode explores the challenges that PR professionals face in the current media and communication landscape. The discussion covers several key topics: The struggles with PR tools and technologies, which often fail to keep up with the rapidly changing industry. This leaves PR practitioners having to "hack together" solutions to get the job done. The broader cultural issues of overwork and lack of work-life balance in the PR and communications field, which contribute to fatigue and burnout. The challenges of cutting through the "sensationalism" and "brain candy" that dominates much of today's media, and finding ways to effectively share meaningful, ethical, and responsible messaging. The hosts emphasize the importance of PR professionals upholding their integrity and values, while also adapting to connect with audiences in creative and engaging ways. Overall, the conversation highlights the unique blend of skills and resilience required to succeed as a communicator in the current environment. Episode Summary: Join co-hosts Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane as they take you on a lively and insightful ride through the current state of public relations, pop culture, and the challenges of living the #SoloPR life in 2025. This isn't just one topic; it's a mix of everything that's shaping the PR landscape today. From the highs and woes of PR tools to the emotional (and professional) toll of our 24/7 work culture, Karen and Michelle share their honest thoughts with moments of humor, empathy, and real-world advice. What You'll Learn in This Episode: An honest review of today's PR tools, touching on media monitoring, analytics, and pitching databases. How the evolving media landscape and shrinking newsrooms are forcing PR pros to become more creative in their strategies. The societal fatigue impacting professionals across industries and how it weighs on productivity and expectations. Why sensationalism and aesthetics dominate public attention and what PR pros can do to create impactful, ethical, and relatable messaging. The power of storytelling in PR, regardless of how complex or mundane the topic may seem. Key Quotes from the Episode:
Welcome to S3E09 of IMpulse, the Influencer Marketing Podcast! IMpulse is brought to you by Phyllo.
Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs
Jessy Klein-Fofana was a beauty brand founder before starting her PR agency, LaRue. Her clients include Health-Ade Kombucha, Ban.do, Unbound Merino, Mustard Made, and more. Here's some of the strategies she uses with to build brand awareness and create media moments.
Behind the beauty of Shen Yun, is a much darker story of political intrigue, sabotoge and sleeper cells being activated worldwide. Master of Ceremonies Leeshai Lemish, shares his journey of becoming a student of Chinese History, the language and eventual activism as a practitioner of Falun Gong, a form of meditation and movement that has its roots in Buddhism. When Leeshai and a group of Falun Gong (a.k.a. Falun Dafa), practitioners went to Tienanmen Square to meditate and show solidarity for the incidents of 1989, it wasn't long before the police showed up, arrested them and put them in prison. Beaten and starved, their pictures were circulated throughout China as an example to not speak out against the government. From that moment on, Leeshai became an activist. He joined Shen Yun Performing Arts as an MC when the company was founded in 2006. This is a powerful episode on Awakened Nation as Leeshai tells the story of the (insert that which shall not be named), attempting to stop their performances— from activating sleeper cells cutting their tires in a way that would have killed every troupe member on the bus, to bomb threats, law-fare, and even getting the New York Times involved in attacking Shen Yun with propaganda. This is an eyeopening episode into espionage, and the unbridled power the performing arts has to fight the iron glove of Communism. © Copyright permission granted to Awakened Nation through Leeshai Lemish and Shen Yun, their PR Agency and limited usage for promotional purposes only. ABOUT LEESHAI LEMISH OF SHEN YUN: Leeshai Lemish has been with Shen Yun for 18 years. He earned his bachelor's degree in Chinese history and language from Pomona College, California, and his master's in International Relations from the London School of Economics. He has spent extended periods studying, working, and conducting research throughout East Asia, and has authored articles on Chinese current affairs in both English and Chinese. He joined Shen Yun Performing Arts as an MC when the company was founded in 2006, and has since emceed close to two thousand performances with the company, taking the stage with Shen Yun at prestigious theaters such as Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center, the London Coliseum, Tokyo Opera City, and many others worldwide. In addition to his performance role, he has tracked and documented on his website over 100 cases of the Chinese Communist Party and its agents trying to sabotage Shen Yun internationally. Leeshai has testified on transnational repression in front of Congress, has been a featured guest on television and radio shows around the world, and is the host of the podcast Shen Yun Voices. Websites: https://www.shenyun.com/https://www.shenyunperformingarts.org/HOST OF AWAKENED NATION: Brad Szollose