Podcasts about pr week

This week we're pushing our withered hamstrings way beyond their wretched limits, all in order to win the attention of our guest, sport and brand marketing super-baller Lisa Parfitt.  In a career that has been, figuratively, one top bin after the other, Lisa has done more than most to give women's sport a serious platform, particularly when it comes to those all-important commercial relationships.  A star player in the efforts to land the Women's FA Cup their first brand sponsorship, Lisa can be found on the prestigious pages of PR Week's Power 100 for her work in pushing for greater representation for women in the sports business.  Having gone toe-to-toe with the inequalities in the game in her time as both a Level 1 coach and director, she now devotes her considerable skills and stamina to creating better, fairer and more sustainable partnerships, sponsorships and culture in the game. In an episode with absolutely no time wasting, even for the occasional glug of branded energy pop, we ponder everything from the unique brand value of fans of women sport, to how the game is changing, in both sporting and commercial ways. This episode is proudly dedicated to Karen Earl.   Follow Lisa on LinkedIn. ///// Timestamps 04:34 - Transitioning to the Sports Industry 10:31 - First Job in Women's Sport 12:18 - The Shift to Sponsorship and Commercial Focus 15:32 - The Role of Brands in Women's Sport 20:10 - Securing the First Women's FA Cup Partnership 26:32 - The Impact of COVID on Women's Sport 30:35 - Research on Women's Sports Fans Engagement 36:59 - The Future of Women's Sport and Upcoming Events 42:06 - Changing Perceptions in Women's Sport Lisa's Book Recommendations are: Eat Sweat Play - Anna Kessel Why She Buys - Bridget Brennan Game On - Sue Anstiss /////

The latest guest on The PR Week podcast is Cheryl Overton, founder of Cheryl Overton Communications and an alum of agencies including Egami Group, Zeno Group, PMK*BNC and Edelman. She talks about the growing appreciation for earned media and its versatility, why brands are wise to focus on consumers over the age of 50 and the changing nature of DEI at corporations. Overton also discusses the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, from more personnel changes at Edelman, Astronomer's celebrity response to its corporate crisis, American Eagle's controversial jeans campaign and much more.  AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

Sarah Waddington, the new chief executive of the PRCA, discusses her plans for the trade body in the latest episode of PRWeek's Beyond the Noise podcast. Waddington speaks to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington after moving to the chief executive role earlier this month, following six months as interim CEO.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.Waddington talks about the background to her involvement in the PRCA and how the trade body has fared in the recent “challenging market”. This includes how membership has shifted, with agencies that left in 2022 returning to the fold.The CEO discusses her plans for the organisation, including introducing a professional management standards scheme, ‘pushing out' more beyond London, producing an updated Public Affairs Code, and promoting DEI in the industry.She discusses plans to help members adapt further to the AI age – and reveals whether she's an AI pessimist or optimist. Waddington also gives her take on the general state of client/agency relationships and how the PRCA could help. And she updates on how members are coping with fees.As PRWeek earlier reported, Waddington said the PRCA is conducting a review of its global operations that could result in partnerships with other professional associations or a withdrawal from some regions. She also gave details of recent redundancies at the trade body. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the UEFA women's Euros final between England and Spain, PRWeek speaks to Lisa Parfitt, former managing director of Engine Sport, who is now co-founder of The Space Between, a creative marketing agency specialising in sport and entertainment. Parfitt is also a director at Women in Football, an organisation that is driving gender equality in the game.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen in the browser above or on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek UK deputy editor Siobhan Holt, Parfitt chats about the brand campaigns that have stood out to her during this year's tournament. She also offers her analysis of the trends, such as purpose-led work. Separately, she discusses online hate in sport and how organisations such as Women in Football and The FA are challenging discrimination, as well as sharing her views on the future of anti-racism gestures like taking a knee before matches.In the episode, Parfitt explains how an evolving media strategy can build consistent momentum between tournaments, as well as which of the Lionesses could be ‘influencers to watch', and what the lessons are for comms professionals looking ahead to tournaments such the men's FIFA World Cup 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of The PR Week, we're thrilled to welcome JJ Carter, who took the helm as CEO of FleishmanHillard last October.Join us as he discusses the agency's evolution, particularly in light of Omnicom Group's pending acquisition of rival Interpublic Group. Plus, we'll dive into the week's biggest marketing and communications news, including IPG's Q2 earnings, Real Chemistry's latest acquisition and Astronomer's viral crisis.Plus: The 2025 PRWeek US Power List, which features the CEO of Omnicom PR Group in the top slot.  AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

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.Our guest is Jack Storry, head of corporate at Boldspace and author of the first Reputation Hits and Misses of the Week column – PRWeek's new series examining who has handled their reputation adeptly or poorly in the past seven days.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and deputy news editor Evie Barrett, Storry looks at how the Co-op has handled the aftermath of the recent damaging cyber-attack. In particular, he commends the comms of Co-op chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq, who appeared on the BBC Breakfast sofa last week.Separately, the trio discuss how the Coca-Cola Company deftly swerved a potential clash with President Trump.Less positively, they also look at the comms handling of last week's widely reported story about a girl being excluded from her school's ‘Culture Day' for wearing a Union Jack dress and wanting to speak about her pride at being British.Meanwhile, we ask whether data company Astronomer got its comms right after its CEO and chief people officer were caught together on ‘kiss cam' at a Coldplay concert – a major talking point in recent days.We also ask: are brands ever right to ‘newsjack' such incidents? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is a re-brand the answer? The face of ERGs in 2025     Welcome back to Blended!   Today, we're re-visiting a popular topic from a previous show – ERGs.     We took a closer look at ERGs towards the end of 2024, and covered a lot of the basics – how they work, the challenges and opportunities, and the different responsibilities of leadership and teams in establishing, executing, and supporting ERGs.   But, since that episode, a lot has changed. The US has a new administration, and one that has made bold moves in the DEI space. Now ERGs, like many other initiatives, are under the microscope – despite the widely accepted benefits. And Lowe's, Ford and John Deere are just some of the high-profile names that have shared plans to scale back ERGs.   Meanwhile, others seem to be aiming for more of a re-brand. PR Week said that ‘in the age of aggressive anti-woke activism, companies are repackaging their ERGs to take a potential target off their backs while continuing to give their talent a sense of belonging and acceptance.'   So, what does that all really mean? Today's guests are going to be unpacking it for us today.     IN THIS EPISODE:   [01.20] Introductions to our Blended panelists.   ·       Amy – Senior Director of Network Supply Chain at UScellular   ·       Eric – Senior Technology Editor at Journal of Commerce    ·       Hady – Founder and CEO at Boldly Speaking LLC and author      Lori - President at Benson   [08.43] The group discuss what ERGs are, their purpose, and what they mean to them.     ·       Sense of belonging ·       Inclusion ·       Safe spaces ·       Authenticity ·       Community ·       Centered around employee engagement, eg. o   Professional development o   Events o   Community service o   Discussions around important topics  ·       Feeling seen/affirmed ·       Evolution ·       Having people to relate to ·       Fighting isolation ·       Issue with ERGs being under-resourced or under-messaged   ·       The challenges of allyship  ·       Builds culture ·       Talent development – helps develop leadership/managerial skills  ·       Learning/education ·       Insight into microaggressions and challenges     “They're like clubs for employees that share an identity… As a Latina in corporate America, ERGs are the spaces I've felt the most comfortable, the most at home. Sometimes, they were the only places I could really be myself.” Hady “There's a hesitance, even for people who want to be allies – you don't want to be imposing yourself in a space that's designed to make people feel comfortable… It's a challenge to know where you can participate and it's helpful, and where you step back.” Eric   [24.03] The panel explore the challenges and opportunities of allyship, and share their personal experiences.      ·       Balance ·       Respect   ·       Hady's experience of positive allyship ·       Collaboration ·       Intersectional allyship and ERGs ·       Making introductions/connections ·       Company size ·       Empathy ·       Lived experience ·       Blended families ·       Allies in specific functions ·       Keeping allies in the minority  ·       Intent ·       Hady's perspective on an individual running a Latinx ERG who was not Latin themselves   ·       Amy's experience of helping develop an ERG and grow a community as an ally       “I also serve as an ally, and know how uncomfortable it can be... I have to be mindful of how much space I occupy when I'm there, because that space is not for me… You're there to show support. Sometimes that means you speak up, and sometimes it just means you hold space for others.” Hady        [48.25] The group discuss how ERGs have evolved, what they look like today, and how organizations can access the support of people like Eric in light of allyship challenges.   ·       Hady's experience of how ERGs evolved over the years in the companies she worked for ·       Short-term goals and long-term plans for ERGs ·       Purpose ·       How companies can leverage ERGs to help understand/communicate with customers   ·       ERGs linked to current dismantling of DEI strategies   ·       Measuring impact ·       Equitable access ·       How engagement has changed ·       Eric's experience of volunteer groups at JOC ·       Investing in ERG leaders o   Payment/bonuses o   Rewards and recognition o   Career development/leadership training ·       ERG partnerships ·       How allies can help in a meaningful ways ·       Non-alienating language ·       Making things less corporate ·       Making things personal ·       Utilizing networks ·       Awareness ·       Stepping outside your comfort zone   “Are you just ticking a box for people, or are you arming them with the tools to work better with one another, and appreciate each other better?” Eric     “They've gone from informal support groups to strategic partners with the organization.” Lori “If your company has done away with DEI, make sure you're still giving your ERGs very explicit direction about their charter and goals. And if they don't have DEI objectives they're working towards, they need a new north star. That could be around belonging, culture, employee engagement – we still want to measure impact and see what the group is doing.” Hady “We've seen a lot of evolution… I joined a group where people weren't engaged, and it was a struggle for me… I ended up being the chair, we planned the first international women's day event, and we just built on it.” Amy “I want the outreach to be as plain spoken as possible, and let me know what my value to the group is rather than what I get out of it… No one is going to get involved in this if they're not the type of person who thinks they can be a difference maker, or they don't understand.” Eric     [01.22.12] The panel sum up their thoughts from today's discussion.    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: You can connect with Amy, Eric, Hady and Lori over on LinkedIn. [LINK TO OTHER RELEVANT PODCAST EPS]

PRWeek's first Transparency Report has got a lot of people talking this week. The report gives a star rating to every agency in the PRWeek UK Top 150 based on the level of disclosure about parental leave policies, whether they are living wage employers, and also gender and ethnicity pay gaps.Joining the podcast are Katie Eborall, head of north for Grayling, and a member of the Women in PR committee; and Sheeraz Gulsher, co-founder of People Like Us, the networking and campaign group for minority ethnic marcomms and media professionals that works with PRWeek on the Pay Gap Report.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen in the browser above or on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, the guests discuss whether they are surprised at the results of the Transparency Report, which saw 25 agencies receive the top four-star rating and 30 receive zero stars.They talk about why it's important to be transparent as a comms business, with a focus on business success - research by PRWeek found the 25 four-star agencies strongly outperformed the Top 150 as a whole in the 2024 calendar year.The duo also speak about the reputational issues for agencies that choose not to disclose the information.Separately, our guests dig into some of the findings around parental leave policies and Living Wage payments and ask: is the sector doing enough?This autumn will see the sixth iteration of the Pay Gaps Report from PRWeek and People Like Us. Click here for more information and to take part. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pam Jenkins recently left Weber Shandwick, where she spent the last two decades, to join nonprofit Shatterproof as its CEO. The organization works to reduce the burden of substance use disorder in the U.S. by increasing access to treatment, expanding education and driving public policy change. Jenkins talks about her previous work with Shatterproof at Weber and her plans for the nonprofit.Plus, the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, such as Omnicom's poor PR financial results in Q2; reports of a possible tie-up between WPP and Accenture; and prominent people moves at Real Chemistry and Golin.  AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

What's it like making the move from agency-side to an in-house role? That's the topic of PRWeek's latest Beyond the Noise podcast episode.This week, we hear from two leading in-house communications professionals about their experiences moving from agency to in-house roles.Our guests are Alice Jenkins-Bruce, director of communications and content at Sky, and Lindsay Landi, head of PR and communications at Samsung UK.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen in the browser above or on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek's reporter, Elizabeth Wiredu, and UK editor John Harrington, Jenkins-Bruce and Landi explain why they switched to in-house roles, what surprised them most about the transition, and how they now approach client relationships and pitches.They also discuss whether they approach measurement and ROI differently, the skills and perspectives they have gained and developed by working in-house, and what advice they would offer to someone considering the transition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest guest on The PR Week podcast is PAN president and CEO Philip Nardone. He talks about the evolution of tech PR and media over the last three decades, as well as recent changes at major agencies. Also on the agenda is the departure of Sally Susman from Pfizer, CEO Mike Doyle leaving Ketchum, WPP's profit warning and a spotlight on the brands responding to tragic flooding in Texas.  AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

Discover how financial advisors can stand out and grow their business by educating clients and using innovative marketing strategies.   In this episode of the Registered Investment Advisor Podcast, Seth Greene speaks with Andrew Healy, Partner and Co-Founder at Water & Wall, who shares his insights on how wealth management firms and RIAs can use digital marketing and public relations to stand out in a crowded industry. With over 20 years of experience in financial marketing, Andrew emphasizes the importance of building a strong personal and professional brand, creating educational content, and leveraging emerging channels, such as AI.   Key Takeaways: → Why building a personal brand for executives is crucial for attracting top talent. → The shift towards education-focused content in marketing financial services. → How to connect with next-gen clients and differentiate your firm from competitors. → The importance of consistency in educating clients and building trust. → How AI is reshaping digital marketing and making firms more efficient.   Andrew Healy splits his time between managing the agency's operations and growth and working closely with clients to tell their stories. As an entrepreneur, owner, and communications expert, Andrew's workday focuses on both his clients' success and his own. With more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, on both the agency and brand sides, he offers extensive knowledge from working with financial and professional services firms of all sizes. His dedication to excellence shows in his history of delivering impactful results, and his leadership is marked by a dynamic approach to navigating the constantly changing marketing and agency landscape. Andrew actively participates in the financial marketing community, serves as a 2025 PRSA-NY board member, is part of the PRSA's Banking & Finance section, and was included in PR Week's 40 Under 40 list.   Connect With Andrew:   Website Instagram LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transparency - around salaries and parental leave policies at PR agencies - is the theme of PRWeek's latest podcast.PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and deputy editor Siobhan Holt are joined by Elena Lewis, data editor at PRWeek and sister title Campaign, to look at the big trends based on recent research.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.The team discusses a new study by PRWeek that found only around one in four of the UK's biggest PR agencies post salaries on their job ads.They look at separate, newly-released research by PRWeek, as part of the UK Top 150 Consultancies project, into the proportion of agencies that have disclosed whether they pay the Living Wage or the London Living Wage.The Top 150 questionnaire also asked agencies to declare their parental leave policies - the trio discuss how many did, and examine some of the big trends in the policies.On the topic of transparency, UK PR agencies can submit their data for the upcoming Pay Gaps Report from PRWeek and People Like Us - click here for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before you fire up the grill and crack open an adult beverage for the Independence Day long weekend, hear from the latest guest on The PR Week podcast, Luz Corona, U.S. editor of Campaign. She talks about her first trip to the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, which was full of insights but also a few controversies. Other topics on the agenda: layoffs at We. Communications, Pam Jenkins' new role, a new CCO at Gap Inc. and reflections on this year's Pride in PR program.  AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

Gabrielle Gambrell joined Hachette Book Group as Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer in August of 2024.Gambrell comes to HBG from Amazon, where she served as Head of Communications for Inclusive Experiences and Technology, Employee Experience. Prior she was Chief Marketing & Communications Officer of Barnard College of Columbia University. She managed teams across the globe as Worldwide Director of Communications and Public Relations at FCB Global, an award-winning advertising agency network. Before FCB, Gambrell was Director of Communications for NBCUniversal leading all global diversity communications. As a professor, Gambrell shares her marketing and communications experience with students at Columbia University and New York University. Gambrell has been named to PR Net's “Marcomms' Most Influential List,” celebrating top brand marketers and communicators for their leadership, innovation and achievement in the field; Color Magazine's POWER 40 Under 40, a roster of exceptional young professionals of color who are reshaping industries, igniting change, and inspiring a new era of leadership; Advertising Week's AWNewYork Future is Female Shortlist, presented by Warner Bros. Discovery; PRNEWS' list of Top Women in PR; and PRWeek's Hall of Femme.She is originally from Los Angeles, California, and currently resides in Westchester County, New York, with her husband, son and daughter.

What's it like looking for jobs in PR at the moment? That's the topic of PRWeek's latest Beyond the Noise podcast episode. This week we hear from two people with recent experience of the PR job market from the point of view of candidates.Our guests are Deekshima Khanna, who is about to complete an MA in Public Relations at the University of Salford, and is looking for her first job in UK PR having worked in comms in India; and Patricia Mihail, who has worked both agency-side and in-house in comms for 15 years and is seeking her next move.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington, our guests discuss their recent experiences of dealing with recruiters and comms employers directly.They talk about LinkedIn as a recruitment tool; the weight given to comms degrees; and how the market can seem ‘closed off', especially to people who didn't grow up in the UK.The duo discuss their experience of being ‘ghosted', and other poor practices, alongside examples of when the process has worked well for both sides.Our guests also give their take on new research by PRWeek, showing that only around one in four UK PR firms disclose salaries on job ads. They discuss the impact that AI might be having on PR recruitment and emphasise the importance of networking and "resilience" when job hunting.An earlier Beyond the Noise podcast looked at recruitment from the point of view of PR employers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The guest on the latest edition of The PR Week podcast is the global CEO of Allison, Jonathan Heit. He talks about the Cannes International Festival of Creativity, where Allison's holding company, Stagwell, held Sports Beach and other activations. Also on the agenda: Allison's collaboration with other agencies for Go Daddy and what clients are looking for halfway through 2025. Plus, the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, including an upset in the New York City mayoral race's Democratic primary, major executive moves and FTC approval for the Omnicom-IPG deal.  AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

With campaigns by PR agencies picking up fewer awards at the International Festival of Creativity than last year, PRWeek journalists Danny Rogers, John Harrington and Siobhan Holt look at why that might be.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.The PRWeek team pick out some of their favourite Lions-winning campaigns and discuss what made them a hit, and what it says about the main ingredients for a successful earned media campaign.They look at why purpose campaigns continue to show up among Cannes Lions winners, despite the much-discussed retreat from DEI and ESG in the Trump era.The trio also give a sense of how Cannes Lions was different overall, or not, in 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special edition of The PR Week podcast, VP, editorial director, Steve Barrett talks with FleishmanHillard chief inclusion and impact officer Adrianne Smith about the growth of Inkwell Beach at Cannes and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the creative industry. Smith reflects on her journey to make the festival more inclusive, the challenges and misconceptions about DEI, and the role of FleishmanHillard in promoting an inclusive culture. AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

PRWeek VP and editorial director Steve Barrett caught up with PR Lions jury chair and Weber Shandwick chief creative officer Tom Beckman in Cannes this week for a wide-ranging discussion.Beckman talks about standout work and other trends from this year's Cannes Lions in the latest edition of The PR Week podcast. AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

With Cannes Festival of Creativity , PRWeek speaks with a creative director about the value of industry awards, and how the rivalry between PR and advertising has evolved.This week on Beyond the Noise, we hear from Ottilie Ross, creative director at PR agency Mischief.Ross – who also has experience at The Romans, Halpern and Milk & Honey – shares her view on whether industry accolades actually matter, and which recent work she thinks is award-worthy.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.Speaking to PRWeek UK editor John Harrington and journalist Evie Barrett, Ross shares her view on how advertising is evolving to compete with PR, and how the UK's creativity compares to that of other markets.She also reveals Mischief's approach to boosting creativity when it comes to clients issuing mundane briefs, and discusses which PR tropes she'd like to see the back of.Cannes Lions takes place from 16 to 20 June. Stay tuned to PRWeek for all the news and insights from the festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's first live-from-Cannes special edition of The PR Week, PRWeek editorial director Steve Barrett interviews Stagwell CEO Mark Penn, who discusses the Stagwell Sport Beach at Cannes, the role of sports in marketing and the positioning of Stagwell as a challenger in the holding company landscape. Penn highlights the importance of collaboration among creative agencies and shares insights on political communication.Listen to their conversation and stay tuned for more exclusive interviews this week from the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

The recent acceleration in CEO and MD departures and arrivals at major UK PR agencies is examined in PRWeek's latest Beyond the Noise podcast.The past few weeks have seen changes at the top of the UK or EMEA operations of big agencies including Edelman, MSL, FTI, Weber Shandwick, FleishmanHillard and Hotwire.Joining PRWeek's Siobhan Holt and John Harrington to discuss the trend is Amy Hayer, a partner at Hanson Search, a headhunting consultancy that specialises in recruiting C-suite comms leaders.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting comms and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.The trio talk about why the current trading climate may be fuelling the rate of change among senior leadership teams, and what skills and career experience agencies and holding companies want for their UK bosses.They also look at the extent to which bosses themselves may want to leave to try something different.The issue of agency leaders being recruited from in-house roles, and the counter-trend of agency chiefs moving client-side, is discussed. So too is the question of whether promotions from within have become less common and why there may be a generational shift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's guest on The PR Week podcast is Josh Earnest, former White House communications director and EVP of communications and advertising at United Airlines. He talks about a wide range of topics and issues, such as his priorities leading earned and paid media at a major international carrier, the challenges of messaging for critical topics like airline safety and issues at Newark Liberty International Airport and next week's Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Plus the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, from Reddit naming its first chief communications officer to WPP CEO Mark Read's decision to step down to the results of the wide-ranging Mars review.  AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

“You build a brand. You earn a reputation.” Just one of a myriad pearls of wisdom Ray Day, executive chair at Allison Worldwide and vice chair at Stagwell Group, shared with PRWeek's Gideon Fidelzeid during this podcast. Reputation has always been among every company's most important assets and every brand communicator's most vital responsibilities. The associated challenges, though, have never been more daunting due to the unprecedented amount of uncertainty we all face today — societally, economically and otherwise. How do you combat that as a communicator? By being data-led, digital-first and future-focused. By being comfortable with the noise. By mastering the admittedly difficult balancing act of appealing to stakeholders on both sides of the political aisle. And by understanding and respecting the emotions of your key audiences. The intelligence you need to do all this is there for you — including in two pieces of recent research and a plethora of inspiring examples that are referenced throughout this conversation. AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket! Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

This episode is a replay of special podcast hosted by PRWeek about the 2025 USC Relevance Report. This special PRWeek podcast, "AI Activated," brought together three PR industry leaders and PRWeek Hall of Famers to discuss AI's impact on public relations. Hosted by Steve Barrett, Editorial Director of PR Week, the conversation featured:Frank X. Shaw, Chief Communications Officer at MicrosoftMelissa Waggener Zorkin, Global CEO of We. CommunicationsFred Cook, Director of USC Center for Public Relations and Chairman Emeritus at GolinThe discussion centered on research from Microsoft, We. and USC about AI's transformative effects on PR practices. AI's Impact on PR and the Role of Humanity 0:02Balancing AI and Humanity in Storytelling 2:31Fostering an AI-Ready Culture 5:49Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption 12:48AI in Media Relations and Measurement 16:21Preparing the Next Generation of PR Pros 22:17The Future of AI in PR 27:34Key insights include:AI as a Tool, Not a ReplacementThe panel emphasizes that AI should enhance human storytelling and relationships rather than replace them. Frank Shaw compared current AI adoption to the early days of personal computers, suggesting we're just beginning to understand its potential.Creating an AI-Ready CultureMelissa Waggener Zorkin highlights the importance of employer encouragement in AI adoption, noting that organizations should empower employees to experiment with AI tools and celebrate early adopters who can share knowledge across teams.Education and Skill DevelopmentFred Cook shares his experience incorporating AI into USC student projects, revealing how prompt engineering skills significantly impact results. He notes that students who crafted detailed prompts received better AI outputs than those using basic instructions.Practical ApplicationsThe conversation covers AI applications in content creation, data analysis, media relations, and measurement. Frank Shaw discusses using AI for strategic planning and information capture, while Melissa emphasizes AI's democratizing effect, allowing professionals at all levels to contribute innovative approaches.Future OutlookThe panel agrees that AI will make PR more exciting for young professionals by automating routine tasks and allowing them to focus on more strategic and creative work. The podcast referenced two reports for further reading: "Energized by AI" and "The Relevance Report."The USC Relevance Report of 40+ forward-looking essays about the current and future use of AI in public relations is available for free download at annenberg.usc.edu/relevance. A production of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California.Host, Fred CookExecutive Producer, Ron AntonetteSeason 6 Producers, Javiera Contreras, Anahita Mehra, Joe Carreon, Marshall WinfieldCreated by ZaZu Lippert LINKSFollow the USC Center for PR (@usccenterforpr) on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow Fred Cook on LinkedIn. Find all our reports at annenberg.usc.edu/cpr.

Maybe the biggest news to come out of PRWeek's Agency Business Report 2025 was that Real Chemistry supplanted Edelman as the No. 1 PR firm in the U.S. by revenue for 2024. Real Chemistry CEO Shankar Narayanan talks about that honor, and what the disposal of specialist shop Swoop will mean for his firm, on the latest edition of The PR Week podcast. He also previews Real Chemistry's presence at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, talks about how nearly all of his firm's work is rooted in communications and discusses what happens when large organizations combine — spoiler: they don't become more creative. Plus, the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, from the opening honorees on PRWeek's Pride in PR list to McDonald's chief impact officer Michael Gonda's new job at Nike.   Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

This week's episode of The PR Week podcast comes to you from PRWeek's Women of Distinction event at The Lighthouse at Pier 61 in New York City.PRWeek's associate news editor Diana Bradley and reporter Julia Walker discuss this year's Women of Distinction and Women to Watch honorees. Additionally, they give highlights from a panel held with comms execs from Wendy's, McDonald's and Merck on coping with RTO mandates as moms and a talk with Baked by Melissa CEO and cofounder Melissa Ben-Ishay.The episode also includes conversations with honorees from on and off the stage at the event. Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

PRWeek toasted the best international work last week at the PRWeek Global Awards in London. Here's a special behind-the-scenes look at the show with Andy Pharoah, VP of corporate affairs and sustainability at Mars and chair of judges for the awards program. Weber Shandwick was the big winner, taking home six awards from the Jumeirah Carlton Tower, in the heart of Knightsbridge, London.Plus, here's a recap of the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, including Adam Collins stepping down from the top comms job at Molson Coors, major hires at Eli Lilly and Company and Jeep and a tribute to Al Tortorella, a key figure in Tylenol's 1982 crisis response.  Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

The latest guest on The PR Week podcast is Dan Kramer, chief executive of global shareholder services at Equiniti. On the agenda: Kramer talks about his company's recent acquisition of earned media platform Notified, working with PR and investor relations clients that report up through different parts of the business and how companies like his are using AI. Plus, PRWeek senior reporter Jess Ruderman with the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, including a major agency people move and a perspective on how influencers and brands are monetizing personal relationships.  Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

Rachel Catanach is Senior Partner and General Manager of FleishmanHillard's New York operations, responsible for people development, cultivating existing client relationships, and securing new business.  She has held this position since November 2021.  She also spearheads the firm's Global Executive Advisory initiative. A New Zealand native, Rachel started her communications career as a business journalist and at in-house public relations positions before stints at Sweeney Vesty Limited in New Zealand, and then Waggener Edstrom, as General Manager of their Hong Kong operations.   In July 2007, she joined FleishmanHillard Hong Kong as General Manager and in 2016 was promoted to President of FleishmanHillard's Greater China operations, responsible for growing the firm's presence and reputation in this highly dynamic market. Rachel is a strong advocate for the PR industry and a regular commentator on industry issues and trends.   She has presented at Summer Davos in Dalian, moderated on the main stage at the Cannes Festival of Creativity, and was a key writer and contributor to The Page Society's most recent thought leadership report, Beyond Communication: CCO Leadership in Navigating New Complexity.  She has received many awards and in 2024 was recognized by PR Week as a Woman of Distinction.

The latest guest on The PR Week — and not just any week, but Agency Business Report week — is Doug Thornell, CEO of SKDK, a firm that was up 26% in 2025 by revenue earned. He talks about the current complicated operating environment, which includes giving advice to clients about issues such as President Donald Trump's promise to institute a 100% tariff on foreign-made movies. Plus, the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, from the just-convened Papal Conclave to Jack Leslie's return to Weber Shandwick in an advisory role.  Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

In this episode, we chat with Jane Hunt who is a dynamic and engaging public speaker who delivered talks at top industry events including PRWeek and BrightonSEO. With a talent for identifying industry trends and translating them into actionable insights, she has shared her expertise with global digital audiences on podcasts like Digital Marketing Podcast and SEO Video Show. With 10+ years of experience in digital PR, Jane offers valuable insights into how brands can leverage PR for growth. She shares the latest tactics that are driving real results at JBH and discusses actionable strategies that your audience can find in 'The Digital PR Playbook'. We interviewed Jane on the following topics:What are some of the biggest marketing mistakes practices make and how do they fix it?What marketing channel should you prioritize and why?If a doctor has a small marketing budget, what are 3 things they should do first for visibility online?Med Rank Interactive: https://medrankinteractive.com/  Website: https://jbh.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-hunt-jbh/ Digital PR Playbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1399994158 #healthcaredigitalmarketingpodcast janehunt #lamarhull #marketingplaybook #medicalseo #dentalseo #medrankinteractive #doctorpodcast #practicesprodcast #dentalpodcast #jbh

The latest guest on The PR Week podcast is busy putting out a shingle for her own consultancy, Pam Goldstein Advisory.Pam Goldstein previously had a long tenure at McDonald's and before that worked as a corporate communications and crisis wrangler at Edelman. She talks about the type of professional it takes to handle a corporate crisis and the kinds of work her firm will focus on.Plus, the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, from the resignation of Columbia University's top communications executive to the PRWeek Agency Business Report 2025 Rankings, are featured on this edition of the podcast.  Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

Before joining Bully Pulpit International, Jeff Nussbaum was a speechwriter for former President Joe Biden and helped to direct speechwriting and messaging operations at four Democratic National Conventions. He's also the author of the book “Undelivered,” which takes a deep dive into addresses that never saw the light of day from historical figures including former Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Richard Nixon. Nussbaum joins The PR Week to talk about how he gets into the voice of a corporate client, and discusses the importance of humor in effective communications. Plus, the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, including the White House Correspondents Dinner, major people moves and reaction to the death of Pope Francis. Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

Steve Lombardo recently returned to the agency world at the helm of strategic communications and public affairs shop Adfero. His range of experience includes stops at Koch Industries, Edelman-owned StrategyOne and the presidential campaigns of former President George HW Bush and Mitt Romney. He talks about what he sees as the most important news coming out of Washington, DC, and the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, including Publicis Groupe and Omnicom Group earnings and the effects of tariffs on the agency business. Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

ABOUT ERIKA ICON & THE RUB PR Born in NYC and with an East Coast attitude to match, Erika Icon is one of the feistiest women in the adult industry with over 15 years of experience. In 2008, Icon started her own firm, The Rub PR, a full-service adult PR agency working with the top studios, companies, cam models, creators, directors, and performers. Before working in adult, she worked as an art director and copywriter for top Los Angeles advertising agencies and graduated from UCLA with a BA in Fine Arts, minoring in French and English.   Icon has effectively helped her promote her clients and their brands and brought them into the mainstream arena. In 2014, Icon got her client Kimber James cast on E! Entertainment's Botched and even appeared with her on the show. Icon has helped cast numerous clients in mainstream TV and movies and has scored interviews for clients with Cosmo, Cosmo Latina, Elle, Refinery29, Vice, Playboy, Jezebel, The Daily Beast, GQ, and many more. And she appeared in the Netflix industry documentary “The Skin Business” released in 2013.   The Rub PR clients have also won an unprecedented number of awards from countless awards shows, including XBIZ, XBIZ Miami, XBIZ Europa, AVN, XRCO, AltStar, Bazowie!, NightMoves, Fetish Awards, Urban X, Inked Angels, Australian Adult Industry Awards (AAIA), TEAs, and Cammy Awards. And the nominations they've received are even greater.   Ms. Icon won Most Popular Adult PR Agency from the Urban X Awards in 2023, Best Public Relations Firm from the ASN Magazine Awards in 2022, and the NightMoves Award for Behind-the-Scenes award celebrating the stellar work she's done for adult companies, studios, and performers in 2018.   She's also received multiple XBIZ and AVN Awards nominations for Marketing Campaign of the Year, Outstanding Marketing Campaign, and Best Marketing Campaign - Company Image, Woman of the Year from the XBIZ Executive Awards, Best Supporting Business and Best Public Relations Firm from the ASN Lifestyle Awards, Businesswoman of the Year from the Bucharest Summit Awards, and the Bill Snyder Achievement Award from the Inked Awards    Cosmo interviewed Icon for an article entitled “What It's Really Like to Be a PR for Porn Stars.” She was also profiled by PR Week for their Sex Issue and by the Wall Street Journal for her social media expertise. Icon has been featured twice in XBIZ's WIA (Woman in Adult) and as an Erotic Sky Magazine Expert with a multi-page feature in the July 2023 issue. She's a freelance writer for Hustler, DarkSide, and ASN Lifestyle mags and blogs for Medium. Link to everything The Rub PR at allmylinks.com/therubpr. This episode is brought to you by Olipop, a new healthy brand of soda. Go to https://drinkolipop.com/ and use code Marcela15 at checkout to get 15% off your first order. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Shopify can help you take your business to the next level. Click HERE to set up your Shopify shop today and watch your business soar! This episode is brought to you by BranditScan, the best defese you have against social media fraud. Click HERE to get started with BranditScan today and get your first month for free. There is no better service to protect your social media accounts and your name and likeness. This episode is brought to you by Playboy. Click HERE to get a membership today and unlock a premium Playboy experience like no other. This episode is brought to you by Skillshare. Click HERE to start exploring all the courses Skillshare has to offer, from drawing and music, to graphic design and marketing, start expanding your knowledge today. This episode is brought to you by Fiverr. Click HERE to start hiring professionals to help you in various areas and take your business to the next level. This episode is brought to you by PodMatch. Click HERE to bring your podcasting journey to the next level by getting set up's Only Fans  VIP Membership HERE Free Membership HEREn

In this episode, an award-winning strategic communications executive and tech leader, host of the Trending Communicator podcast, Dan, is highlighted for his expertise and influence in the field. He has been recognized on PR Week's Dashboard 25 and the Propel 100 list. With over two decades of corporate and agency experience, Dan specializes in corporate and brand communications, integrated marketing, content strategy, social media, and brand storytelling. His proficiency in emerging trends like generative AI helps organizations adapt to a rapidly evolving landscape. Born in New Jersey and having spent 16 years in Japan, he brings a global perspective and speaks Japanese, reflecting his adaptability and broad insight.The latest FocusCore Salary Guide is here: 2025 Salary Guide In this episode you will hear:Dan's insights on the pivotal role of AI in shaping modern communicationsThe challenges and opportunities for PR tech leaders in 2024 and beyondHow a global perspective enhances strategy and promotes innovationKey trends in Comtech that every leader should watchAbout Dan: Dan is an award-winning strategic communications executive communications technology leader and host of another wonderful podcast, the Trending Communicator.Dan's named two prs PR weeks Dashboard 25 in both 23 and 2024, and recognized on the Propel 100 list of the most influential PR tech leaders in the world for 2025. And he's at the forefront of AI and innovation and communications. With over two decades of corporate and agency experience, Dan brings proven expertise in corporate and brand communications, integrated marketing, content strategy, social media, and brand storytelling. His deep understanding of emerging trends like generative AI and Comtech enables him to bridge the gap between strategy and innovation, helping organizations adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.He was born in New Jersey. Spent 16 years in the land of the rising Sun, and he speaks Japanese as well, which is a reflection of his adaptability and global perspective. And this curiosity and ability to connect ideas across disciplines drives his passion for empowering PR and marketing leaders to confidently embrace AI and unlock its full potential.Connect with Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nestle/be-inquisitive.com (Company)trendingcommunicator.com Connect with David Sweet:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/ Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/ This podcast was proudly produced by Lisa Yasuda.“Doin' the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.Mentioned in this...

When a crisis hits, communicators are the ones working behind the scenes to fix the problem and rescue a brand's reputation. This episode of The PR Week comes to you live from the 2025 PRWeek Crisis Comms Conference, where leaders from media, corporate communications and public affairs shared what it takes to stay steady under pressure.You'll hear from Judy Smith, whose career inspired Scandal; NFL SVP Katie Hill on managing a live emergency; and former Boeing and White House communications aide Brian Besanceney. Plus, Audrey Cooper of New York Public Radio unpacks the media's shifting role, and reaction from panelists on how to engage audiences that don't want to listen. Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

AJ Jones II is back full-time in Washington, DC, with a new job leading communications for Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the owner of the NBA's Washington Wizards, the NHL's Washington Capitals, the WNBA's Washington Mystics and other sports brands. Jones talks about making the transition to the sports world from Starbucks, where he was EVP and chief corporate affairs officer and previously EVP and chief communications and public affairs officer. There's no shortage of other news coming out of Washington, DC, including Wednesday's major tariff announcements and significant job cuts across communications teams in the Department of Health and Human Services. Jones also offers his two cents on the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, including April Fools' Day campaigns and major people moves at Andreessen Horowitz and Roche Diagnostics.  Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

Send us a textIn this episode, Linda Zebian joins host Jason Mudd to discuss the challenges journalists face in maintaining work-life balance and how PR professionals can better support them. She shares industry insights from Muck Rack, explores newsroom pressures, and offers strategies for improving media relations.Tune in to learn more!Our Guest:Linda Zebian is the senior director of communications at Muck Rack. She leads internal and external communications strategies across the enterprise. Her work spans across messaging, issues management, media relations, social media, and employee communications. As Muck Rack's first-ever communications hire, Linda brought extensive experience from The New York Times, where she spent 10 years in various communications roles. She was named a “Woman to Watch” by PRWeek in 2024 and recognized for her leadership in Ragan Communications' 2023 Top Women in PR list.Five things you'll learn from this episode:1. The current state of work-life balance in journalism2. Key stressors impacting media professionals today3. How PR professionals can improve relationships with journalists4. The evolving landscape of newsroom workflows5. Strategies to support journalists' well-being and efficiencyQuotables"The media industry has changed dramatically, and work-life balance is a bigger challenge than ever." — @LindaZebian"Journalists are under immense pressure. PR pros can help by being mindful of their time and needs." — @LindaZebian"The relationship between PR and journalists should be built on trust, efficiency, and respect." — @JasonMudd9"Empathy in media relations goes a long way. Understanding journalists' workload can improve PR success." — @LindaZebian"Being strategic and concise in your pitches will make journalists more receptive to your stories." — @JasonMudd9If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend, buy us a coffee, or leave us a quick podcast review.About Linda ZebianLinda Zebian is the senior director of communications at Muck Rack, where she leads internal and external communications strategy, including messaging, issues management, media relations, social media, and employee communications. She joined Muck Rack in January 2022 as its first-ever director of communications, bringing a wealth of experience in media and corporate communications.Before working at Muck Rack, Linda spent a decade at The New York Times, where she held various communications roles supporting growth, product, and technology teams. She played a key role in reinforcing the company's innovation and financial success, driving subscription growth, and strengthening brand affinity. Prior to that, she worked at Consumers Union, managing media relations for Consumer Reports. She began her career as a reporter at Folio before transitioning into conference programming for Red 7 Media.Linda was named a “Woman to Watch” by PRWeek in 2024 and a “Top Woman in PR for Leadership” by Ragan Communications in 2023. She frequently givSupport the show On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America's Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

Who starts a PR firm in the middle of a pandemic? Steve Hirsch and his business partner, Evan Leatherwood, did just that, when they launched Hirsch Leatherwood in 2021 at the corner of reputation management and media and content strategy. He joins the latest edition of The PR Week podcast to discuss the agency's founding principles, what types of employees it hires and how Hirsch sees the legacy media landscape. Plus: the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, such as Golin and The Weber Shandwick Collective taking a break from the PR Council, major people moves at TikTok and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Trump administration's Signal fiasco.  Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

The eighth annual PRWeek/Cision industry report recently deployed. PRWeek's Gideon Fidelzeid speaks with Cision's Katie Tod to dissect key data and highlight what it means for communicators' day-to-day function.Since 2017, industry pros have been the main source of a Cision/PRWeek annual report that captures the current state of the comms industry and function. This year's iteration produced some noteworthy findings. Among numerous obstacles they face, communicators identified “a focus that is too reactive, as opposed to proactive” as the factor that challenges them the most. Though improvement is apparent, effective measurement of earned media's impact (on multiple platforms) remains elusive for the majority. A healthy focus on Gen AI's impact and an emerging voice in the never-ending search for optimal influence over consumers round out this in-depth conversation between PRWeek's Gideon Fidelzeid and CisionOne's VP of marketing Katie Tod, during which the numbers are converted to actionable takeaways.Click here to download the 2025 PRWeek/Cision Comms Report. Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

The biggest day in the industry got even bigger this year. The PRWeek Awards U.S. kicked off bright and early on Wall Street last Thursday, with PRWeek ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange alongside prominent industry executives. Later, the stars of the industry were out at the PRWeek Awards U.S., which honored the best work — good to see you again, Michael Cera! — to top agencies, students and organizations. The latest edition of The PR Week takes you behind the scenes at the New York Stock Exchange and includes interviews with winners and special guests from the PRWeek Awards. Cheers!  Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

In this thought-provoking episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we welcome Dan Nestle, a strategic communications expert and AI enthusiast, to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in marketing, branding, and storytelling. With over 20 years of corporate and agency experience, Dan has been at the forefront of digital and content innovation, helping businesses adapt to the rapidly evolving communications landscape. As AI tools become more sophisticated, many professionals are left wondering: Will AI replace human creativity? Can AI-generated content be authentic? How can businesses use AI without losing their unique voice? Dan tackles these pressing questions, offering real-world insights into how AI can serve as a powerful assistant—rather than a replacement—for communicators, marketers, and business leaders. During our conversation, Dan shares his fascinating career trajectory, from teaching English in Japan to leading global corporate communications teams. Now, as the founder of Inquisitive Communications, he helps organizations navigate AI's impact on content strategy, storytelling, and audience engagement. He also provides a step-by-step breakdown of the AI tools he uses daily to streamline content creation, repurpose valuable insights, and enhance branding efforts without sacrificing authenticity. We'll discuss the importance of curiosity in embracing new technologies, the fear and hesitation many professionals feel around AI, and why adopting AI-driven workflows can save time, increase efficiency, and improve creativity. Whether you're a seasoned marketer, an entrepreneur, or just starting to explore AI's potential, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you integrate AI into your communications and branding efforts. Get ready to rethink how you approach content in the age of AI, and learn why being human is still the most valuable differentiator in a tech-driven world. If you prefer to watch the video of our podcast, click here. About Dan Nestle

Next up on The PR Week: Dawn Beauparlant, CEO for North America at WE Communications. Recorded just one day before The PR Week Awards, Beauparlant talks about what she's most looking forward to during the big night. She also previews some upcoming agency news and talks about topics including tariffs and the suddenly uncertain economy. Also on this edition of the podcast: Sandy Hook Promise's latest touching campaign, the race to buy TikTok and big changes taking place at Unilever.  Upcoming events!PR pros, it's time to build the future! Join PRDecoded: Comms at a Crossroads on February 4, 2025, at Convene, 237 Park Ave, NYC.Dive into the hottest trends—The White House, employee engagement, State of Mind Marketing, PE & PR, DE&I, stakeholder capitalism—and connect with industry leaders shaping what's next.Don't miss this chance to elevate your impact. Visit PRDecoded.com to register now!PRDecoded: Comms at a Crossroads. Healthcare PR pros, don't miss the PRWeek Healthcare Conference on February 4, 2025, at Convene, 237 Park Ave, NYC.Dive into health under the new administration, health equity, the latest for GLP-1s, industry innovation and best practice shaping healthcare comms. Register now at prweekushealthcare.com Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

The 2025 Comms Report by Cision and PRWeek highlights the significant impact of AI on the PR industry, touching on both the opportunities and concerns AI presents.Abbie and Adrian discuss how AI is becoming an integral part of their workflows, while also addressing fears about job security and budget impacts. They emphasize the importance of adapting to these changes by equipping oneself with AI knowledge to enhance professional value and ensure a place at the decision-making table in future communications efforts.Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website. Key Takeaways AI serves as a powerful tool in PR for brainstorming, research, and content creation, but it should complement rather than replace human professionals. There's a growing trend in the industry towards developing proprietary AI tools tailored to specific needs, rather than relying solely on off-the-shelf solutions. Embracing AI requires upskilling, with an emphasis on understanding and leveraging technology to retain competitive advantage in PR. PR and communications pros need to leverage AI as a tool to enhance their skills and add value, rather than viewing it as a replacement for human expertise in the industry. Despite concerns about budget impacts due to AI capabilities, effective communication professionals must demonstrate how they can integrate AI while maintaining the human element essential for strategic insight. Follow the podcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://www.copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors" CreditsCopper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is a project of HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations and marketing communications firm in Phoenix. The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a B2B communications firm, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like the PRGN Presents podcast, hosted by Abbie Fink, featuring conversations about PR, marketing, and communications with members of the Public Relations Global Network, "the world's local public relations agency.”

This week's guest on The PR Week is Susan Howe, CEO of The Weber Shandwick Collective. She talks about her first six months as Weber's chief executive after succeeding Gail Heimann, as well as her firm's award-winning bowl-game work for Pop-Tarts and the adjustment to another hectic Trump-driven news cycle. Plus, the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, including President Donald Trump's speech to Congress, financial results from Edelman and Stagwell and Finn Partners' latest acquisition.  Upcoming events!PR pros, it's time to build the future! Join PRDecoded: Comms at a Crossroads on February 4, 2025, at Convene, 237 Park Ave, NYC.Dive into the hottest trends—The White House, employee engagement, State of Mind Marketing, PE & PR, DE&I, stakeholder capitalism—and connect with industry leaders shaping what's next.Don't miss this chance to elevate your impact. Visit PRDecoded.com to register now!PRDecoded: Comms at a Crossroads. Healthcare PR pros, don't miss the PRWeek Healthcare Conference on February 4, 2025, at Convene, 237 Park Ave, NYC.Dive into health under the new administration, health equity, the latest for GLP-1s, industry innovation and best practice shaping healthcare comms. Register now at prweekushealthcare.com Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

In this week's episode, PRWeek senior reporter Jess Ruderman takes you inside PRWeek's inaugural Sports Conference, featuring highlights from Wednesday's event in New York City and off-stage insight from industry leaders. You'll hear from our opening keynote presentation, plus exclusive conversations with communications pros from national athletic organizations and clients about what to expect in sports PR in 2025 and beyond.   Upcoming events!PR pros, it's time to build the future! Join PRDecoded: Comms at a Crossroads on February 4, 2025, at Convene, 237 Park Ave, NYC.Dive into the hottest trends—The White House, employee engagement, State of Mind Marketing, PE & PR, DE&I, stakeholder capitalism—and connect with industry leaders shaping what's next.Don't miss this chance to elevate your impact. Visit PRDecoded.com to register now!PRDecoded: Comms at a Crossroads. Healthcare PR pros, don't miss the PRWeek Healthcare Conference on February 4, 2025, at Convene, 237 Park Ave, NYC.Dive into health under the new administration, health equity, the latest for GLP-1s, industry innovation and best practice shaping healthcare comms. Register now at prweekushealthcare.com Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek

The latest guest on The PR Week podcast is Beth M. Foley, VP and chief communications officer for Edison International and Southern California Edison. She talks about Southern California's recovery from wildfires that ravaged the region early this year, and how authorities can ensure their messages remain front and center amid a hectic news cycle. She also discusses the importance of internal comms and reaching different audiences. Plus, PRWeek senior reporter Jess Ruderman on the biggest marketing and communications news of the week, including the death — or not — of Duolingo's mascot, Edelman's new predictive intelligence lead and the ongoing dispute between President Donald Trump and the Associated Press.  Upcoming events!PR pros, it's time to build the future! Join PRDecoded: Comms at a Crossroads on February 4, 2025, at Convene, 237 Park Ave, NYC.Dive into the hottest trends—The White House, employee engagement, State of Mind Marketing, PE & PR, DE&I, stakeholder capitalism—and connect with industry leaders shaping what's next.Don't miss this chance to elevate your impact. Visit PRDecoded.com to register now!PRDecoded: Comms at a Crossroads. Healthcare PR pros, don't miss the PRWeek Healthcare Conference on February 4, 2025, at Convene, 237 Park Ave, NYC.Dive into health under the new administration, health equity, the latest for GLP-1s, industry innovation and best practice shaping healthcare comms. Register now at prweekushealthcare.com Follow us: @PRWeekUSReceive the latest industry news, insights, and special reports. Start Your Free 1-Month Trial Subscription To PRWeek