The Can Do Spirit of PR Practitioners Crosses Generations

That Solo Life Episode 299 Episode Title 

The Can Do Spirit of PR Practitioners Crosses Generations

Episode Summary 

The hosts, Karen Swim, APR, of Solo PR Pro, and Michelle Kane of VoiceMatters, discuss key findings from the USC Annenberg Global Communication Report for 2025, focusing on Gen Z’s growing presence in the workforce and what that means for public relations professionals. 

Key takeaways include:

• Flexibility prioritized over pay: Nearly half of Gen Z employees value workplace flexibility more than higher salaries, suggesting shifting work-life balance priorities. 
• Concerns over AI's impact: A significant portion of Gen Z is worried about AI diminishing entry-level job opportunities, highlighting the need for AI skills development. 
• Generational perceptions: A fascinating generational divide exists regarding political and social awareness, with each group believing they are the most informed. 
• Hybrid work benefits: The hosts advocate for hybrid work not only as a productivity tool but also as a way to encourage intergenerational mentorship and develop soft skills. 
• The PR industry’s optimistic outlook: Despite challenges like evolving technology and the hybrid landscape, 74% of PR professionals report a positive outlook for the sector. 

Karen and Michelle also explore how these findings tie back to independent professionals, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, adaptation, and mentorship in today’s workforce. 

Episode Highlights  1. Flexibility Over Pay: 

Gen Z is reimagining priorities, highlighting the value of flexible schedules over strictly financial incentives. Karen and Michelle explore how this impacts public relations and solo professionals. 

2. The AI Factor: 

The hosts discuss Gen Z's concerns about AI in the workplace, citing the importance of staying ahead of trends, acquiring new skill sets, and leveraging AI as a tool rather than fearing it as a replacement. 

3. Hybrid Work and Mentorship: 

Hybrid work models provide opportunities for not only business productivity but also intergenerational learning. Karen and Michelle explain how being physically present for mentorship can bridge generational gaps and help develop critical soft skills. 

4. Optimism in the PR Industry: 

Despite disruptions, PR professionals maintain an optimistic outlook. The hosts celebrate this shared resilience and problem-solving spirit that defines the PR community. 

Related Episodes & Additional Resources 

• USC Annenberg Global Communication Report 2025 
• Solo PR Pro resources for independent professionals here. 

Timestamps 

00:00:00 - Introduction to That Solo Life Podcast 00:00:28 - The Impact of Gen Z on the Workforce 00:01:41 - Workplace Flexibility and Generational Perspectives 00:02:53 - Balancing Work and Life: A New Approach 00:04:17 - The Hybrid Workplace: Benefits and Challenges 00:06:30 - AI's Influence on Job Opportunities for Gen Z 00:07:40 - The Importance of Mentorship Across Generations 00:09:35 - Generational Differences in Knowledge and Awareness 00:11:46 - Reflections on Past Experiences and Current Realities 00:13:06 - Optimism in the PR Industry's Future 00:14:15 - Conclusion and Resources

Host & Show Info

That Solo Life is a podcast for public relations, communication and marketing professionals that work as independent and small hosted by Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane. Karen is the founder of Words For Hire, a PR agency that specializes in B2B, Technology and Healthcare, and the President of Solo PR, a community dedicated to independent practitioners in public relations, communications and related fields. Michelle Kane is the Principa