20 Rod Clayton | Protecting Reputation in a Digital-First World

Crisis, Clients, & Controversy - Navigating Brand Risk in the Digital Age.

In a world where misinformation spreads faster than the truth and reputations can be built — or destroyed — at the speed of a tweet, how can professional service firms protect themselves?

In this timely episode, co-hosts Rob and Jonathan sit down with Rod Clayton, Head of Risk and Advisory (EMEA) at Weber Shandwick, to unpack the evolving landscape of brand and reputation management.

Rod brings over 30 years of crisis management experience, helping global firms and their leaders navigate the complexities of digital influence, media scrutiny, and the increasing weaponisation of information.

Together, they tackle pressing questions:
- Why traditional, reactive approaches to reputation management no longer work.
- How law firms and professional services are increasingly conflated with their clients’ actions.
- The dangers of "no comment" — and when silence can be more damaging than speaking out.
- How AI is amplifying reputational risk, and why firms must prepare for deepfakes and disinformation campaigns.
- The critical role of proactive brand defence, crisis simulations, and internal training

This is a must-listen for firm leaders, communications teams, and professionals who understand that in today’s digital-first world, reputation isn’t just an asset — it’s key to survival. Weber Shandwick Website · Connect with Weber Shandwick on LinkedIn · LinkedIn · Website · Connect with Robert on LinkedIn · Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn