PR's Top Pros Talk

Tish Van Dyke, Executive Vice President at  JPA Health , describes how the One Health concept can be applied to an organization's core business. Tish describes key findings from JPA’s latest report, "One World, One Health: Exploring the Connectability between Human, Animal and Environmental Health". Tish also shares her excitement for the future of the industry. Click here to downloa...

Are you ready for the changing corporate communications landscape? Radina Russell, U.S. Chair, Corporate Affairs Advisory & General Manager, Atlanta Southeast Market, Edelman , dives into the key findings of Edelman’s 2023 Future of Corporate Communications Study. She explains what business areas CCOs should focus on and the traits they should lead with. Radina also shares how CCOs can get the...

Peter Cook, Chief Communications Officer at the American Bankers Association, shares how his team serves as the voice of the banking industry in Washington and the challenge of representing banks of all sizes. He explains his range of responsibilities at ABA, how he applies his journalism background to his job, and the importance of data in reaching a skeptical public.

Blake McEvoy, Head of U.S. Corporate Affairs for Respiratory & Immunology, Vaccines & Immune Therapies at AstraZeneca , describes the communicator's role in the healthcare transformation. He explains how leaders can provide value to the next generation of workers. He also shares his insights on how the healthcare industry is developing a people, planet, and society-focused approach.

Jim O'Leary, Chief Executive Officer at Weber Shandwick , North America, explains the shifts to the corporate affairs profession that have taken place over the past several years – and how the trends of today, for artificial intelligence to CEO turnover, will affect the industry’s future.

Carrie Blewitt, Senior Vice President at Story Partners , discusses the use of jargon in public relations. She also explains how to develop a clear and effective pitch to the media. Learn more about D S Simon Media: https://www.dssimon.com/

Jenny Wang, Senior Vice President at  CLYDE , discusses why DE&I remains business critical when it comes to all stakeholders, including consumers and employees. She explains four pillars of consideration for communicators to consider when it comes to DE&I and health equity communications. Jenny also shares her tips on how brands can avoid performative allyship.

Brendan P. Lewis, Executive Vice President of Global Communications and Public Affairs at Oatly , shares his top three pieces of advice for job seekers. He opens up about the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. Brendan also offers his insights on when brands should take risks. Learn more about D S Simon Media here .

After sharing the history behind her firm’s name, Laura Liotta, President and Founder of Sam Brown Inc. Healthcare Communications , dives into corporate communications and how she works with healthcare companies to get their messages across to various audiences. Laura also offers insights on leveraging authentic spokespeople, including celebrities.

Cherilyn Cecchini, M.D., Partner at  FINN Partners , reflects on the lessons she has learned from her residency and how they apply to her communications role. Cherilyn describes how medical professionals and agency leaders can effectively work together with patients and their families. Cherilyn also shares valuable information from her medical research.

Ryan Lilly, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of MWW Health , describes the dos and don'ts of building a healthcare practice at an agency. Ryan explains how healthcare communicators are continuing to lead with a value-based care approach. Ryan also discusses the importance of patient privacy.

Doug Broad, Principal of Three Rings Inc. , shares how his agency’s hands-on media relations approach positively affects its employees and clients. Doug also discusses how analyst relations should go beyond simply getting in reports and explains some trends they are seeing in the VC space.

Jennifer Bodner, CEO of Babbit Bodner , discusses how to manage the unpredictability of PR by planning ahead and knowing when to pivot. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of gathering insights during the research process. She talks about the value of being a scrappy and strategic communicator. Jennifer also shares what Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and the Barbie movie have in common.

Chrissy Faessen, Principal at ConwayStrategic , shares the methods she uses with clients to develop strategic and authentic messaging. Chrissy also explains how she connects with reporters through email and social media and discusses developing visibility opportunities during tight news cycles for her healthcare clients.

Marie de Foucaud, Founder and CEO of  Elovation Consulting , describes how the  Saudi Fashion Commission  is making a huge impact on local communities. Marie highlights her experience connecting with upcoming talent and political leaders for the  Saudi 100 Brands  project. Marie also shares what communicators need to know before working with international brands.

Krysten Copeland, Founder of  KC & Co Communications , discusses the importance of having open and inclusive conversations when planning the messaging for a campaign. She also discusses valuable tools such as polling through social media to ensure a client’s target audience is being reached. Krysten also shares her advice for getting stories on local and national TV news. Learn more about D S...

Amina Colter Jones, Senior Vice President, on Edelman ’s Health and Multicultural teams, explains how safe spaces can lessen the divide between executives and associates when it comes to racial justice progress. Amina shares the impact of affirmative action and explains why communicators should research the policies. Amina also shares her advice on how companies can be more inclusive in their hiri...

Natalie Boden, Founder and CEO of BODEN Agency, shares her insights on how brands can engage with the Hispanic cohort authentically during Hispanic Heritage Month (and beyond) and why understanding local and cultural nuances matter when reaching this fast growing community. She also discusses her new children’s book, “Sasha’s Big Question,” which she wrote in response to the question “Mom, why do...

Doug Simon talks to Annie Pace Scranton, Founder and CEO of  Pace Public Relations  and Author of  The Guide to Earned Media . Annie explains how communicators can build authentic relationships with journalists. She talks about what to include in an email pitch. Annie also shares her journey of becoming an entrepreneur.  Buy a copy of  The Guide to Earned Media  here .

Seth Linden, President of  ⁠Dukas Linden Public Relations⁠ , describes how to effectively work with clients when they want to secure earned media coverage. Seth explains key skills he’s learned including understanding the news cycle and building strong relationships with journalists. Seth also discusses the importance of local news in the public relations industry.

Byron Calamese, Managing Director of Zeno East for  Zeno Group , shares his knowledge on navigating multicultural communications in an ever-changing landscape. He highlights Zeno Group’s partnership with  EGAMI Group  on projects including “ The Multicultural Mandate 2023 ” report. Byron also explains how the findings from the report can guide brands with their multicultural marketing strategies.

Aaron Sherinian, Senior Vice President of  Deseret Management Corporation , explains how the deforestation of local news is making an impact on the media landscape. Aaron also explains the opportunity the media has if they engage more stories of faith with their viewership. Aaron also discusses how faith and media continue to form a strong community. Learn more about D S Simon Media here: https://...

Mitch Germann, Global Managing Director of Retail, Sports and Lifestyle for FleishmanHillard , shares how brands can get the most value out of their sports sponsorships. Mitch highlights the impact that the younger generation is having on sports culture and how organizations are marketing to those audiences. Mitch also explains his approach to securing earned media coverage.

Jackie Cox Battles, New York Consumer Brand Practice Lead and North America Consumer Brand Practice Growth Lead at  Weber Shandwick , explains the importance of earned media as more consumers feel disconnected from brands. Jackie describes valuable approaches she uses with clients such as “story doing” and more. Jackie also shares key data from the ‘ Earned Effect Study ’.

Tina Beaty, Acting Chief Marketing & Experience Officer for SHRM , explains how businesses can advance their employee brand and experience by hosting events and training in the Metaverse. Tina also discusses how companies can redefine their relationship with technology.