PR's Top Pros Talk

Andrea Sok, Founder and CEO of  Sok Influencer PR , offers valuable insights into her role as a fractional CCO/CMO. She explains how a fractional CCO/CMO can quickly adapt to a company’s culture and operations, providing high-level strategic guidance. Andrea also emphasizes how working with an external strategist can offer a fresh perspective.

Saul Hafenbredl, Partner at CB&A, A Finn Partners Company, and Jacqui Lipson, Partner at Finn Partners, delve into the 2025 Education Marketing Trends report, exploring the rise of state-based marketing and its impact on campaign strategies. Joined by Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, they discuss the evolving dynamics between federal and state communications, the role of education reporters...

Ronica Cleary, Founder and CEO of Cleary Strategies , reveals how viewing a story from a producer's perspective is crucial to achieving earned media success. Doug and Ronica share their experiences of transforming ideas into powerful TV stories that resonate with viewers. Ronica also highlights the growing importance of remote interviews in today’s media landscape.

Kevin Whalen, Partner at the Guyer Group , addresses some misconceptions about analyst relations. He emphasizes that leaders must be transparent about their company’s challenges to forge a strategic path forward. Kevin discusses various meeting formats and details their unique benefits. He also shares valuable resources that can help organizations navigate their growth journeys.

Lauren Meckstroth, Vice President at  Fahlgren Mortine , shares how her team spots trends that clients can contribute to. She emphasizes the importance of selecting the right storytelling medium based on the scope of the subject. Lauren also explains the benefits of taking risks if it makes sense for a client. Learn more about D S Simon Media .

Michael Kempner, Founder and CEO of MikeWorldWide , discusses the significance of maintaining a strong reputation. He explains how communicators can play an active role in reputation management. Michael also shares what tools his team uses to mitigate potential risks. Learn more about D S Simon Media .

Alex Schriver, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the  Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America  (PhRMA), explains how he builds trust with key stakeholder audiences through internal and external localization efforts. He shares how he applies a campaign-style approach to communicate and engage with his team to “win the day.” Additionally, Alex emphasizes how leaders can ensure...

Erin Simon, Vice President and Head of Plastic Waste and Business for World Wildlife Fund , shares valuable insights on bringing people together to tackle environmental challenges. Jessica Berk Ross, Managing Partner of Global Public Affairs for FINN Partners , discusses her strategies for navigating complex issues and fostering consensus. They also emphasize the power of storytelling in raising a...

Toni Harrison, Founder and CEO of Etched Communication , discusses the importance of having PR professionals involved in the business decision-making process. She shares how organizations can authentically engage with their original customers while reaching new audiences. Toni also explains how implementing measurement techniques throughout a campaign can optimize results.

Rachel Rosenblatt, Senior Managing Director at  FTI Consulting , discusses how employees apply their sector-specific knowledge to enhance collaboration and deliver tailored results. She explains how her team creatively shares industry news with a broad audience. Additionally, Rachel delves into what brands can anticipate from consumers during the holiday season. Subscribe to The Goods newsletter .

Michele Moore, Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at the Ford Foundation , discusses the organization's mission. She highlights the importance of check-ins with teams and employees. Michele explains why trust is a key factor in creating a sense of belonging among employees. Michele also shares her advice on how to figure out the next step in your career.

Wynona Redmond, President and Founder of Wyn-Win Communications , shares that building trust is key to sustaining a strong reputation. She highlights that, despite technological advancements, face-to-face communication remains profoundly impactful. Additionally, Wynona discusses her passion for connecting communities to corporations about different causes.

Nick Nelson, Senior Vice President of Corporate Purpose at  Edelman , and Doug Simon, CEO of  D S Simon Media , engage in a compelling discussion about the  2024 Edelman Trust Barometer Special Report: Business & Racial Justice in America . Nick emphasizes the critical role of creating safe spaces for employees. He emphasizes how the use of precise language can significantly impact engagement....

Mikey Sadowski, Vice President of Global Communications at  Intrepid Travel , and Amy Skelding, Managing Partner of the UK Travel Practice at  FINN Partners , discuss how they incorporate local perspectives into their storytelling. Mikey explains the two questions he considers when evaluating a new product. Amy highlights how public relations play a crucial role in strategic decision-making.

Tricia Mahoney, Chief Marketing Officer of Twisted X Global Brands , highlights the importance of focusing on value and prioritization when scaling brands. She discusses how she empowers her team to feel comfortable trying new approaches. Tricia also shares her optimistic approach when dealing with challenges.

Nicole Rodrigues, CEO and Founder of NRPR Group and The Kingdom , reveals how she leverages her public relations expertise to build her businesses. She explains how to utilize social media to build trust with potential clients. Nicole also highlights the role of AI and storytelling in keeping audiences engaged.

Priscila Martinez, Founder and CEO of The Brand Agency , shares her strategies for scoring celebrity placements for luxury fashion clients. These include networking with industry leaders and outreach tactics. She explains what happens when a PR professional finds out a celebrity is wearing a client's clothing or accessories. Priscila also shares her effective approach to building relationships...

Dara Busch, CEO of North America for Havas PR , shares her excitement about her new role and the evolving public relations landscape. She highlights the growing demand for agencies to deliver a comprehensive multi-channel approach. Dara also emphasizes the importance of transparency and effective communication in building and sustaining long-term relationships.

Kate Southall, Manager of Global Brand at SHRM , highlights the value of AI tools for HR professionals. She explains how AI can foster more human connections and learning opportunities. Kate also discusses the significance of language and tone when developing trust in new technology.

Charlie Tansill, President of PR, Social and Influence at Ogilvy North America , emphasizes the significance of engaging consumers in brand experiences. She discusses the immersive communications strategy behind the Grand Prix award-winning "Michael CeraVe" campaign . Charlie also talks about the CMO's evolving role and the power of TikTok.  

John Seigenthaler and Katie Seigenthaler, Managing Partners at FINN Partners , share insights on the current state of local and national news. Katie highlights how local news can spark and sustain growth. John discusses how PR professionals can support shrinking newsrooms. They stress the importance of sharing truthful and honest stories to combat disinformation.

Leah Dergachev, Founder and Chief Storyteller of Austley , shares how she applies her 3D framework to help clients stand out. She emphasizes the importance of creating strong emotional bonds between brands and their audiences. Leah also shares how case studies can be used to demonstrate the value of your offerings while providing data points that support PR opportunities.

Gizem Ozcelik, Founder and CEO of  GO PR , discusses trends in the PR space, including digital media, the rise of sustainable tourism and creative programming. She shares examples of how she collaborates with brands and clients to bring out of the box ideas to life. All of this to help clients break through the noise in a competitive landscape.

Bruno Solari, Founder of SolComms , describes the key strategies he uses when working with startups and scale-ups. He discusses the changing editorial landscape and the growth of affiliate marketing. Bruno also shares the importance of being reactive to increase brand awareness for clients. Read PRWeek’s feature on SolComms: https://www.prweek.com/article/1871432/agency-business-report-2024-solcom...

Tiffany Rafii, CEO of UpSpring , highlights the pivotal role of a thought leadership strategy in driving success and fostering creativity. Tiffany discusses the importance of selecting the right spokesperson to align with the company's business goals. Additionally, shares key strategies for effectively training spokespeople.