PR's Top Pros Talk

Ken Kerrigan, Senior Vice President and Co-Lead of the Business & Professional Services Practice at  The Bliss Group , and Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, engage in a compelling conversation about PR trends. They discuss how local TV news remains a trusted and highly effective media outlet for reaching audiences. Ken emphasizes the critical factors communicators should consider before laun...

Roger Bolton, Former CEO of the Arthur W. Page Society and Doug Simon, Founder & CEO of D S Simon Media, engage in a thoughtful conversation about effective leadership practices. With so much external pressure to take a stand on every issue, Roger explains why companies should focus on staying true to their core values. He shares his collaborative approach to decision-making, ensuring that eve...

Sean Layton, Executive Vice President of Earned Media at Zeno Group , shares key trends shaping the media landscape and Zeno's strategy for looking beyond legacy media for great opportunities. He explains how to select the right spokespeople and messaging considerations.

What’s ahead for communicators in 2025? We asked 14 of PR’s Top Pros to share their key insights in this episode of What to Watch for in 2025. Featured communicators: Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media Sonia V. Diaz, President of the Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) and Founder & President of Zaid Communications Roger Bolton, Former CEO of the Arthur W. Page Society Jen Dobrzelecki...

Shauna Keough, President of U.S. Public Relations at  Syneos Health , shares how she applies behavioral science to build stronger client relationships. She emphasizes the importance of understanding key factors like risk and work-life balance to gain deeper insights into client mindsets. Shauna also explains how she leverages these insights to strengthen her partnerships and drive success.  Learn...

In our recent episode of PR’s Top Pros Talk, Mike Rosich, CEO of Current Group, shared how mid-sized agencies are uniquely positioned to blend scale, creativity, and strategic agility. He emphasized the importance of building inclusive, audience-first operations and fostering bold, insight-led creativity that earns authentic connections in a polarized world. Drawing on his journey from DNA Communi...

Liz Reilly, Senior PR Manager at  Next PR , highlights key trends from the agency’s client survey. Liz and Doug discuss how clients are increasingly open to exploring innovative strategies to boost brand awareness. They explore the rising trend of employees becoming influencers within their own areas of expertise on social media. Liz also shares valuable insights on how to generate media attention...

Pamela Greenwalt, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at  SAG-AFTRA , reflects on the impactful initiatives taken to secure the ethical use of AI. She explains how AI and deepfakes compromise the integrity of artistic expression. Pamela also encourages other communicators to approach the use of AI with caution and awareness.

Raoul Bhavnani, Chief Communications Officer of Betterment , is redefining fintech with a human-centered approach. He discusses the role of AI in driving innovation internally and externally. Raoul also shares how Betterment’s hybrid work model boosts employee and customer engagement.

Sarah Robarts, President and Founder of  Ballantines PR , discusses the importance of collaboration between employees, brands, and strategic partnerships. Doug and Sarah delve into the significance of arts and culture within the media landscape. She also shares insights on how to integrate passions into your work.

Davelyn Tardi Reyes, Public Relations Director at Discover Puerto Rico , discusses her tactics for building strong relationships with journalists. She emphasizes the importance of staying informed by engaging with local communities. Davelyn also shares an example of a successful brand partnership.

Sarah Wood, Founder and Chief Communication Consultant at Sarah Wood Communication , offers valuable insights on how organizations can utilize their owned channels. She emphasizes the importance of repurposing content while ensuring consistency and communication. Sarah also advises businesses not to underestimate the power of public relations in helping them achieve their vision.

Megan Noel, Global President of Corporate Affairs at  Golin , offers valuable insights from  Golin’s 2025 Trends Report . She underscores that business transformation and corporate reputation are now inseparable. This convergence demands that companies must approach every decision through a dual lens of operational excellence and reputational impact, recognizing that these elements are inextricabl...

Curious about what’s next for communicators in 2025? In our second episode of “What to Watch for in 2025”, 12 of PR’s Top Pros share their unique perspectives. Topics covered include earned media, evolving client relationships, tech innovations, and more. Diana Littman, U.S. Chief Executive Officer, MSL Chris Hook, Communications Lead, Cadence Lucia Lee, Vice President of Media and Public Affairs,...

Renee Mailhiot, Senior Vice President of Earned Media at  Edelman , explains how she collaborates with clients to understand their media coverage goals. She shares how she prepares spokespeople to deliver authentic messages that align with the company's narrative. Renee also emphasizes the importance of cultivating strong relationships with journalists in today’s ever-changing earned media env...

Kary Zate, Senior Director of Marketing Communications at  Locus Robotics , and Christina Gorini, Vice President at  FINN Partners , discuss how they combat misinformation through education. Christina explains how they create in-person experiences to create deeper understanding and engagement. Kary shares insights on how he utilizes testimonials to increase brand awareness.

Mike Gehrig, Managing Director of The Motion Agency , delves into the role of media relations in driving meaningful outcomes. Mike discusses how effective media relations tactics can expand a story's reach and audience engagement. He also emphasizes the importance of analyzing data to uncover meaningful insights.

What’s in store for communicators in 2025? 11 PR’s Top Pros share their top insights in our first episode of What to Watch for in 2025. Some of the topics discussed include challenges navigating disinformation, diversifying media, and the balance between AI and human intelligence. - Doug Simon, CEO, D S Simon Media - Bradley Akubuiro, Partner, Bully Pulpit International - Renee Mailhiot, Senior Vi...

Emily Teitelbaum, Chief Communications Officer of  Libra Group , shares her proactive approach to understanding and leveraging AI. She highlights how comms can lead an organization in adopting new technology and how AI can enhance authenticity and foster collaboration. Emily also reflects on the expanding expectations of – and opportunities for – the CCO.

Bradley Akubuiro, Partner at  Bully Pulpit International , discusses valuable insights on how communicators can combat disinformation. Bradley highlights the importance of aligning goals with business objectives. He also shares the importance of leading with your values.

Blake Simpson, Senior Vice President, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at  Adtalem Global Education , explains how her team defines and measures campaign effectiveness. She shares the importance of integrating non-traditional, owned, and earned media to create a cohesive strategy. She also talks about how the CCO role will continue to evolve.

Melissa Marasco, Corporate Brand & PR at Guardant Health , shares how to leverage the principles of ethos and logos to strengthen strategic communication efforts. She explains the psychological drivers of brand awareness, emphasizing how subconscious decisions influence consumer behavior. Melissa also discusses the importance of blending art and science in storytelling.

For brands aiming to connect with the Hispanic community this holiday season, it’s crucial to understand the traditions that matter to them. Yerddy explains why brands should partner with influencers who are dedicated to social justice and sustainability initiatives. Additionally, she emphasizes the need for communicators to invest in the future of Hispanic students. Yerddy Lanfranco is the Senior...

Julie Murphy, President of  Sage Communications , provides insights on what businesses should expect when working with federal government organizations. She delves into the dynamics of a presidential transition. Julie emphasizes how public relations and rapid response strategies increase visibility in government media. Additionally, she highlights the role of government employees.

Meghan Kelleher, Founder and CEO of  Corner Market Communications , discusses the significance of a people-first culture and how it drives her business forward. She reflects on the core values her team developed. Meghan also emphasizes the role joy plays in fostering a thriving work environment.