Communication Breakdown

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll examine how United Airlines and Harvard University are responding to reputational pressure with two very different transparency strategies. United pulls back the curtain on its safety operations at Newark amid cascading air traffic control failures, launching an ambitious media campaign to reinforce trust. Meanwhile,...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll analyze the 2025 Axios Harris Poll 100 — a comprehensive ranking of corporate reputation based on consumer sentiment. While Tesla’s dramatic fall dominated headlines, Steve and Craig dig deeper into what this year’s results reveal about public trust, market behavior, and the communications strategies that helped comp...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll break down the reputational chaos surrounding UnitedHealth’s abrupt CEO departure and the company's spiraling communications strategy. The largest health insurer in the U.S. lost CEO Andrew Witty to a vague “personal reasons” resignation, just as it faces federal investigations, a cybersecurity breach, investor uncer...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll dissect the reputational fallout from Target's controversial turnabout on diversity. Fourteen weeks after reversing key social commitments, Target finds itself caught between political pressure from the Trump administration and backlash from longtime allies and customers. Steve and Craig break down the retailer's int...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the implications of Amazon's controversial pricing transparency proposal amidst tariff turmoil affecting the automotive industry. They explore the swift corporate responses from Amazon and major automakers like Ford and GM, highlighting the concept of alignment signaling in corporate communication. The conver...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss Harvard's bold response to the Trump administration's pressure regarding free speech and academic freedom. They analyze the strategic PR moves made by Harvard, emphasizing the importance of tone, collective action among universities, and the broader implications for higher education and institutional integrit...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the tumultuous impact of tariff policies on corporate America, highlighting the challenges and strategies companies face in navigating communication during periods of volatility. They explore the delicate balance between speaking out and remaining silent, the evolution of corporate communication strategies, a...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the legal profession. Some of the law firms discussed include Paul Weiss​, Skadden Arps​. Wilkie Farr​, Milbank​, Perkins Coie​, WilmerHale​, Jenner & Block​, and Covington & Burling​. They explore how law firms are responding to executive orde...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the evolving role of Chief Communications Officers (CCOs) in navigating the complexities of corporate communication amidst a chaotic environment. They emphasize the necessity of conducting 90-day reviews to reset strategies, align internal and external messaging, and proactively manage crises. The conversatio...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the evolving landscape of corporate diversity initiatives, particularly in light of pressures from figures like Robert Starbuck Newsom, known online as Robby Starbuck. They analyze the contrasting responses of companies like Target and Costco to diversity challenges, the implications of capitulating to extern...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the impact of tariffs and market volatility on corporate communication strategies. They explore the silence of CEOs amidst economic uncertainty, the role of business leaders in providing clarity, and the opportunities that arise during crises. The conversation emphasizes the need for businesses to take a proa...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the ongoing trade war and its implications for corporate communication and strategy. They explore how companies are navigating economic uncertainty, the role of consumer sentiment and nationalism, and the importance of adapting to local markets. The conversation emphasizes the need for businesses to focus on...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll delve into the reputation crisis facing Tesla, particularly in light of CEO Elon Musk's political activities and their impact on sales and shareholder perception. They discuss the challenges Tesla faces due to its lack of a traditional communications team and the inseparability of Musk from the brand. The conversatio...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the evolving landscape of corporate reputation management under the Trump administration. They explore and rate how companies are navigating challenges such as tariffs, the impact of political affiliations on brand perception, and the ongoing debate around diversity initiatives. The conversation also introduc...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the challenges companies face in navigating communication during times of economic anxiety, focusing on Ford's public stance against tariffs and Meta's controversial layoffs. They analyze the contrasting approaches of Ford and GM in addressing economic pressures and the implications of Meta's performance-base...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss Beyoncé's recent Grammy win. They explore the themes of reinvention, resilience, and the importance of staying true to one's core values while evolving. The conversation highlights the cultural impact of Beyoncé's work, the lessons communicators can learn from her journey, and the significance of focusing on...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the recent changes in Target's diversity policies amidst growing criticism and the broader implications for corporate reputation and strategy. They explore how companies are navigating public perception, the importance of data in defending diversity initiatives, and the delicate balance between appeasement an...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the implications of President Trump's second inauguration, focusing on his inaugural speech, the chaos of his administration, and how companies can navigate this unpredictable environment. They analyze the responses from corporate leaders, particularly Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan's response to Presiden...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the corporate response to the recent wildfires in California, focusing on Starbucks' rapid mobilization to support relief efforts. They explore the importance of preparedness, employee empowerment, and cross-functional coordination in crisis management. The conversation highlights the significance of authenti...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss Meta's recent announcement regarding its content moderation policies, the implications for the company's corporate reputation, and the potential reactions from advertisers. They also touch on the relevance of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the current digital landscape, exploring how companies are ada...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss Costco's recent defense of its diversity initiatives amidst growing pressure from anti-diversity activists. They analyze Costco's proxy filing, the company's communication strategy, and the implications of its stance on diversity for corporate reputation and investor relations. The conversation highlights the...

In this special End of Year edition of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll reflect on some of the most compelling stories and discussions from their first season. From Episode 1, "Ford Quits the HRC Index", they examine the corporate retreat from diversity commitments, the influence of online provocateurs like Robbie Starbuck, and the broader implications for stakeholder...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the recent surge of drone sightings across the eastern United States, the government's response, and the public's reaction. They explore the themes of timing, transparency, and tone in communication, the role of media in amplifying public anxiety, and the implications for corporate security in light of drone...

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the tragic shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and its implications for corporate communication. They explore the public's reaction, the challenges of crisis communication, and the need for empathy in messaging. The conversation highlights the disconnect between corporations and the public, the im...

In this episode, Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss Walmart's recent decision to roll back its commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. They explore the political and economic pressures influencing corporate America, the tactical considerations behind Walmart's announcement, and the implications of this shift on company values and messaging. The conversation delves i...