PR's Top Pros Talk

Knight Stivender, Partner at  MP&F , highlights the value of trusting your instincts during a generational transition. Knight explains how she integrates her journalism background into her agency role. Additionally, she shares how she took her clients' feedback and successfully expanded the agency’s service portfolio. 

Adam Christensen, Chief Marketing Officer at Notified , discusses which communications sector receives the most budget and why. He discusses how PR professionals can apply an earned-first mentality to paid media. Adam also explains how communicators can utilize AI to combat distrust.

The  Can: Diversity Collective  is transforming the advertising, marketing, creative and communications fields into radically inclusive spaces by providing access and opportunities for people of color and underrepresented communities to industries and global events where they have traditionally been excluded. Adrianne C. Smith, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at  FleishmanHillard  and Founde...

Jess Muldoon, Group Vice President of Corporate Media at Ruder Finn , discusses how brands and organizations can build a strong thought leadership strategy. She shares why it’s important to take notice of new content formats created by news outlets and journalists alike. Jess also emphasizes the significance of owned content and having an always-on approach.

Jonathan Heit, Co-Founder and Global CEO of Allison , shares how he applies client insights to continuously grow the agency. He discusses the impact of measurement. Jonathan also explains Allison’s successful onboarding and training practices.

Women's sports have become more popular recently, but it is not just the game that keeps fans engaged. Madelyn Flax, Sports Account Supervisor and Women's Sports Practice Lead at FINN Partners , describes this growth as a “movement, not a moment." She explains how brand partnerships with athletes can propel social change forward. Madelyn also highlights how stories can reach multiple...

Leslie Bishop, Managing Partner and EVP of Global Strategy at 5WPR , reveals the top categories consumers tend to splurge on. She explains how a personal referral can impact spending behavior. Leslie also shares why consumers are choosing to shop in-store versus online. Download 5WPR’s 2024 Consumer Culture Report here . Learn about D S Simon Media: https://www.dssimon.com

Laura Gross, President of Scott Circle Communications , explains how working with mission-driven clients has ignited her team’s passion. She also speaks about the benefits of utilizing a local news strategy. Laura also shares the key questions communicators should ask prospective clients. Learn about D S Simon Media: https://www.dssimon.com

Hanna Bautz, Account Lead at Next PR , shares how creating structure around quarterly plans can boost productivity and collaboration. She explains how she uses the project management triangle model to hone her creative problem-solving skills. Hanna also emphasizes the importance of understanding client’s preferred communication styles. Learn about D S Simon Media .

Rob Bronfeld, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of MikeWorldWide , shares how he set himself up for success after joining the agency. He emphasizes the importance of an earned-first approach through multiple channels. Rob stresses the value of transparent communication with clients. Rob also highlights the significance of mentorship. Learn about D S Simon Media: https://www.dssimon.co...

Jen Berson, Founder and President of  Jeneration PR  and Creator of  Jeneration Academy , explains the process and benefits of affiliate marketing. She discusses the importance of building authentic relationships with journalists. Jen also shares her passion for helping women succeed in the PR industry. Learn more about D S Simon Media here: https://www.dssimon.com

Planning and prioritizing communications initiatives is crucial to any business, but how can you do it effectively? Stacey Jones, Chief Communicator at Honeywell , shares her process for assembling the right team. She explains how to gain the trust of the C-suite when developing new strategies. Stacey also shares the importance of connecting communications plans to business objectives. Learn about...

Paddi Hurley, Managing Director of Health at Allison , describes when clients should move forward with a branded healthcare campaign versus an unbranded healthcare campaign. Paddi emphasizes the importance of taking time to find an authentic spokesperson. Paddi also shares how technology can play a role in clinical trials.

Carin Warner, Co-Founder of Notably , discussed the key factors to success in her life and business. She explains how she makes her AI clients stand out in the press. Carin also discusses how PR strategies can boost lead generation efforts. Learn about D S Simon Media: https://www.dssimon.com

April White, CEO and Founder of Trust Relations , discusses her mission to reinvent the PR industry with strategies to help agency leaders overcome the common challenges that even the best PR agencies have faced for decades. April discusses the shift to remote work, advice to help PR practitioners successfully manage client expectations, tips for better account staffing, insights for junior public...

Matt Kovacs, President of Blaze PR , explains what organizations should focus on when developing their public relations budget. Matt discusses how to have productive check-ins with clients. Matt also describes how communicators can be a resource to clients even after a campaign ends. Learn more about D S Simon Media here .

The first episode of our series "How PR is Promoting AI" features Chris Hook, Senior Group Director of Communications and Marketing at Cadence Design Systems . Chris describes how he tested the messaging for the launch of the first AI powered supercomputer for design. Chris also shares how communicators can effectively tell stories about AI being used in products and services.

Laura Brusca, Chief Communications Officer at  Forbes , discusses her team's strategies for success when promoting and protecting the brand. Laura talks about her involvement with  New York Women in Communications (NYWICI) . Laura also explains the important role of relationship-building.

Steve Hirsch, CEO and Co-Founder of Hirsch Leatherwood , shares his insights on how top-of-the-funnel content can make a big impact on clients, audiences, and stakeholders. He discusses what makes a successful communications leader and what to look for in new hires. Steve also shares the importance of messaging. Learn more about D S Simon Media here .

Brandi Sims, Founder & CEO of Brandinc PR , shares her top tips for creating a winning collaboration between a celebrity and a brand. Inspired by her own internship experience, Brandi discusses how she started a program to help others break into the industry. Brandi also emphasizes the importance of being a mentor as well as a mentee. Learn more about D S Simon Media here .

Jen Fuhrman-Kestler, Managing Director of Health Services at Ketchum , discusses how the changing health ecosystem will affect communications. Jen shares the importance of keeping audiences front of mind when collecting and analyzing data. Jen also talks about some of the trends health communicators might see throughout 2024.

Rachel Huff, President and Founder of Victoire & Co , gives valuable advice on how agencies and clients can build trusting relationships. Rachel shares the top reasons clients hire and fire agencies, and how agencies can stand out when pitching a new client. Rachel also explains how agencies can effectively navigate team turnover both agency and client-side.

Jamie Dowd, North America Health Lead at Weber Shandwick , discusses the impact of misinformation and shares how brands can address it with empathy. Jamie talks about her passion for supporting female leaders in PR. Jamie also shares the importance of maintaining momentum for female-driven campaigns.

Rosanna Maietta, Chief Communications Officer and Senior Counselor to the CEO at the American Clean Power Association , shares her tips on how to navigate a fast-paced news cycle and build strong relationships with reporters to combat misinformation. Rosanna also talks about the evolution of the communications role.

Megan Prock McGrath, Managing Director of MacDougall Advisors , shares what to keep in mind when communicating with investors and consumers. Megan discusses the importance of setting milestones in advance and following through with them. Megan also talks about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the biotech space.