The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

The month of June in the year 2020 will always be known as the month that racial inequality was recognized at a global level and discussed on a digital level like never before in history.  One area of the discussions that arose from this month -  the experience for racial minorities in the workplace.  On this week's podcast, Molly speaks with PR professional Cedric Brown about his work experi...

In the week leading up to June 19, 2020, many communicators were faced with the question: to celebrate Juneteenth or not to celebrate Juneteenth on the company's social media feed. For big brands, the choice was an easy one to make: definitely.   But if you’re that lone communicator still agonizing over your organization’s silence on racism in the month of June—whether in its public statement...

As organizations grapple with their responses over recent racial injustice issues, many boards of directors are recognizing the need to change policies at practices at the organizations they govern. However, one overlooked policy could bring the greatest scrutiny straight back into the boardroom - the lack of diversity on the board.   On this episode of the podcast, discussing how the composition...

A sense of belonging is a human need. People need personal connections to feel accepted and supported. Without it, the feeling of exclusion can create toxic environments at home and at work. According to my guest, the key to these personal connections to feel accepted and supported can come from the traits, tragedies, and traumas of our ancestors for over 200 years in our cellular biology. Rajkuma...

The emotions are raw, the disbelieving television coverage from the protests and riots over George Floyd's death is fresh. In such a tragic and confusing time, one thing is clear - the actions from four officers from the Minneapolis Police Department created a nationwide outrage that spilled onto the streets of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, and eventually, cities across the country. Bu...

For leaders, it's not always an easy task to figure out their employees' needs, wants, or struggles in their job, especially if there is a significant age gap. The risk of losing employees who don't feel connected to the leadership at a company is far greater if an effective line of communication is not in place. On the podcast this week, how to bridge the gap between leaders who fe...

“Like, what Chrissy Teigen has done is so crazy to me.”   That statement, in part, was one of the reasons why food writer and New York Times cooking columnist, Alison Roman, faced a severe backlash and a place in the Twitter Hall of Shaming after she attacked the business strategies of the face of the Cravings brand along with Marie Kondo - the best-selling author devoted to helping people declutt...

As the impact of the coronavirus quarantines forced many small businesses to close their doors to customers, many small businesses have served up news ways to continue to serve customers and expand their offerings. On this bonus episode of the podcast, Molly speaks with marketing expert Krista Fabrick, who shares advice for small business owners to help simplify and improve their marketing efforts...

If you turn on the television or spend any time on social media, there is no doubt you've heard from numerous companies sharing their concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. The ad copy is heavy; the music - somber.  Now more than ever... In these times of uncertainty... As the doors may be closed... It's understandable that many businesses adjusted their advertising, voice-overs, and c...

Podcasting has become one of the most effective communication mediums today. Whether it's a weekly internal program for employees or sitting in as a guest in an area of focus, leaders can utilize podcasting for optimal reach and influence.   On this week's podcast, Molly speaks with Kelly Glover, the founder of the Talent Squad, who helps clients get booked on podcast interviews to reach...

As leaders and communicators head into month three of responding to the coronavirus outbreak, many are starting to feel the stress creating content.  I know I feel it. However, writing would feel far more overwhelming to me if I couldn’t tap into one of my favorite writing resources: my favorite writing coach, Ann Wiley.   Her workshops have transformed my writing, and now I’m sharing these valuab...

With over 200 million people now using Zoom to connect (btw, that’s up from 10 million users from just a couple of months ago), this signals a major shift in the acceptability of using tech to communicate. If you’re using these platforms to conduct your business or for meetings, you’re definitely going to want to listen in on this episode. Communication expert Lauren Sergy spoke with me (on Zoom,...

Yes, Virginia, you can still brand your company during a crisis.  On this special BONUS episode of the podcast, learning how to market, brand and skirt a crisis in the time of the Coronavirus. As the owner and founder of Red Fan Communications, Kathleen Lucente has tapped into her extensive crisis management experience to help build crisis communications plans and strategies for clients during the...

In a time of crisis, most of us look to our leaders for both guidance and inspiration. In the turbulence of the current COVID-19 crisis, it helps to tap into the minds of former leaders. With over 36 years serving in the U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral (Ret.) Timothy Sullivan is an emergency management expert who knows his way around a crisis. On the podcast, bridging the leadership lessons from pas...

Molly McPherson, the creator of the COVID-19 Communication Response Kit, speaks with public relations expert Julia Angelen Joy from Z Group PR, about the best leadership values for CEOs to possess during the coronavirus crisis. Mentioned on the podcast CEOs Will Lead Way Through Coronavirus , co-authored with Jocelyn Brandeis. 

If someone is between the devil and the deep blue sea, they are in a difficult situation where they have to choose between two equally unpleasant courses of action. Capt. Crozier made a decision, and it wasn't "stupid" or "naive." Trying to torpedo his career, however, turned out to be both. U.S. Navy Captain Brett Crozier was fired after a leak of a letter he had emailed...

You know a memorable quote when you hear it. You see it published repeatedly or going viral on social media, you have a quote for the ages. We are weeks into a global pandemic and there are multiple heads of organizations attempting to make their mark on this historic moment. How will they succeed? In this episode, you’re going to learn how to create a memorable quote plus hear examples of memorab...

Adam Schwartz, the founder of The Cooperative Way , speaks with Molly McPherson, creator of the COVID-19 Response Kit about the best practices for cooperatives to follow during the first stages of the coronavirus crisis. Interview Date: March 20, 2020 Mentioned on the episode:  The Communication Response Kit (responsekit.org) is a free online resource for business communications in response to COV...

You can’t make it very far in March 2020 without seeing some kind of news article or social media post regarding COVID-19. This also makes it very easy to identify the leaders who get it, and the ones who are missing the mark. Whether a leader is doing an admirable job by pivoting their message as needed, or a poor job due to lagging communications, people are taking notice. In this episode, I’m g...

If you’re struggling with how to communicate your way through the coronavirus crisis, then this episode is for you. I’ve assembled a group of savvy professionals working in crisis and risk management, public relations, strategy & planning.  You’ll hear how to provide timely and accurate information to your audience, and I share my favorite takeaway tips you can implement immediately in your co...

It can happen to anyone. You’re out of town at a conference or event, and less than 24-hours before you’re set to take the stage for a talk, your voice decides to completely give out. Without access to your kitchen or a pharmacy full of remedies, what can you do? Canceling isn’t an option, but luckily there are a few ways to get your voice back just in the nick of time. Trust me, I know from perso...

All wonderful relationships began with a conversation. That’s why having a conversation starter handy is the gateway for a future connection with a person, whether it be for networking or in a new friendship.  These are my six secrets that work like a charm for starting a conversation with anyone. [2:34] 1: The first one is my go-to.   Everyone loves to be complimented on their appearance. (But it...

Imagine planning a press conference to address a widely publicized cheating scandal and rebuild your baseball team’s reputation. You’ve got your lineup set for what should be a home run, but you end up striking out. In this podcast, I’m dissecting the Houston Astros' failed press conference. The good news is it gives us a perfect example of what not to do. You never know when scandal may aris...

Where do you do most of your communicating in your work and in your life? Chances are it’s mostly email and text. You’ve probably noticed that some correspondence sounds confident and some make you want to say “get to the point already.” In this episode, I’m going to cover the five words and five phrases to get rid of in your emails to make them more concise and direct.  [3:41] Filler word 1.   Un...

When is the last time you updated your passwords? If you answered never or not sure , take a listen to this episode for tips on how to protect your online identity.     Cybersecurity breaches are a real threat to many businesses big and small. But don’t be lulled into thinking it’s only happening to companies. Private citizens are not taking cyber risk seriously and it’s costing people dearly.  Di...