PRGN Presents: News and Views from the Public Relations Global Network

"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and one tweet to destroy it." Aaron Blank joins us to discuss the crucial importance of crisis communications and the proactive measures businesses should take to prepare for potential crises.

Aaron explains how companies can effectively manage their reputations when unexpected situations arise, emphasizing that having a solid crisis plan is not just a good idea—it's essential. He talks abou...

Bradly Howland, CEO of Alkemi Collective, joins us to talk about accountability and transparency in the PR industry. He discusses the challenges of ownership within agencies and client relationships, emphasizing the impact of generational shifts on workplace culture. Bradly highlights efforts to professionalize PR in South Africa, addressing both agency and client accountability through industry standards and potential regulatory f...

Tammy Zollner, Senior Director of Corporate Communications at RPM International, shares her journey of transforming internal communications and fostering a culture of engagement and understanding among a diverse workforce, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. She outlines the process of centralizing RPM's communications, transitioning from a company where many weren't even aware of the parent organization, to one with a connect...

The Internet today is flooded with low-quality content, so it's critical to produce targeted, impactful writing that can cut through the noise.

In this episode, Ann Smith talks about the evolution of thought leadership content and the importance of crafting genuine, strategic narratives. She explains that simply churning out words isn't enough. The focus should be on impactful, well-researched pieces that that resonate with audience...

Experiential marketing has gained significant recognition over the past decade, becoming essential for brand engagement. Real-life experiences create emotional connections and community, which are often more impactful than traditional advertising methods.

Bryan Duffy explores the evolution of experiential marketing from a "below-the-line" activity to a crucial component in marketing strategies. He discusses the immense value experie...

Nick Leighton, CEO of NettResults Middle East, shares insights on the evolving landscape of public relations in the region, emphasizing the significance of long-term strategic planning driven by regional visions like UAE Vision 2021 and Saudi Vision 2030. He highlights how these frameworks focus on sustainability and technological advancement, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence, which is transforming PR practices ...

Abbie Fink and Terrie Ard discuss the 2025 M.Cast™ Trends Report and the importance of forward-looking thinking and data-driven insights for business leaders and communications professionals alike.

Terrie shares how the M.Cast™ Trends Report was initiated as a guide to help leaders think like futurists, equipping them with the insights to foresee and adapt to inevitable industry transformations.

The report encourages leaders to bal...

Members of the Public Relations Global Network have once again shared their predictions for the public relations industry as we look ahead to 2025.

Gábor Jelinek reflects on the accuracy of last year's forecasts and discusses the evolving landscape of public relations, emphasizing the growing importance of integrated services, data-driven storytelling, and the impact of AI on communication strategies.

Gábor and Abbie explore regiona...

Read the English and Spanish transcripts of this episode on the podcast website.

In today’s media landscape, especially in Latin America, the way companies communicate has evolved. Traditional approaches, where a company’s brand takes center stage, are being joined by a new strategy: unbranded communication. This method enables organizations to share important messages and drive public opinion without a brand at the forefront.

In thi...

Balancing personal life and work can be tough for business owners. In this episode, we explore how leaders can step back, let their teams step up, and find clarity along the way. Louise Oliver, president of Peritus PR, shares her story of how stepping away from her role led to unexpected growth for her team.

Louise opens up about the doubts she had before her recent maternity leave and how completely disconnecting from work for th...

The European Union's new regulatory landscape is setting the stage for transformative changes in how companies report sustainability.

With pending regulations set by the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), companies are facing new challenges in how they report on sustainability and environmental impact.

Michael Diegelmann, co-founder of the Global ESG ...

Bringing Hope to the Family, a nonprofit organization founded in Uganda, has successfully expanded its mission to the United States, focusing on supporting vulnerable children and communities.

Christine Deschaine, Executive Director and Founder of the USA division, shares her journey of introducing the organization to American audiences, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved in effective communication and engagement.

...

"Creativity cannot be forced; it must be invited to the party."

Amanda Hill, CEO of Three Box, shares her insights on fostering a creative environment within a PR firm. She explains why leaders must prioritize creating the time and space necessary for creativity to flourish, as she discovered through her own experiences during the pandemic.

By taking intentional breaks and embracing new environments, Amanda found that inspiration of...

As the United States gears up for a significant presidential election, the political climate has become an omnipresent factor influencing journalism and PR strategies.

David Fuscus, CEO of Xenophon Strategies and founder of Précis AI, shares some insights on navigating the complex landscape of political communications in an increasingly polarized environment.

David emphasizes the need for public relations professionals to be strate...

In the dynamic world of brand marketing, integrating the voices of consumers is not just a best practice — it's a necessity.

In this episode, Jen Belcastro and Bill Southard explain why listening to the consumer is crucial for brand success. They discuss how understanding consumer behavior, preferences, and emotional connections can lead to more effective marketing campaigns and business strategies.

Consumer research is an investme...

Lauren Reed-Williams has a passion for creating PR campaigns that not only drive business success but also make a meaningful difference in the community. In this episode, she discusses the significance and impact of cause marketing in today’s business landscape.

Lauren emphasizes that cause marketing should not be seen as an either-or alternative to traditional marketing tactics but rather as an additional layer that enhances the ov...

Nick Leighton returns to the podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of Generative AI and its impact on marketing and public relations.

Gen AI represents a significant departure from traditional content creation methods, harnessing algorithms to generate original content based on learned patterns from data.

We discuss the rapid growth of Gen AI, challenges and risks associated with its use, the importance of transparency, and the n...

In the world of change management, having a well-crafted narrative is essential for guiding leaders and employees through times of transition.

Marjaana Toiminen, Head of Change Management at Ellun Kanat, emphasizes the importance of a change narrative that is aligned with the leadership team and resonates with all staff members. This narrative serves as a roadmap for understanding why change is necessary, what the current situation...

In response to changing demand, public relations agencies must continuously evolve their service offerings to meet client needs. They must adapt to new market dynamics and emerging trends to remain competitive.

In this episode, Bill Southard explains that PR professionals are increasingly being seen as key strategic counselors to clients, rather than just media relations experts. Clients today want to work with a partner that helps...