D S Simon Media

05/12/2021

A Global Outlook on Hospitality

Sophie Merven, Head of Communications, IHG Hotels & Resorts, shares her outlook for travel post-COVID from a global perspective. She also discusses how the organization was forced to rethink themselves and make significant changes as a result of the pandemic. Sophie also emphasizes the increased role of PR and earned media in the current environment. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

05/10/2021

Managing Foodservice Communications

Gina Judge, Senior Director of Communications, PepsiCo, discusses navigating communications for the company’s foodservice business, which encompasses “away from home” channels that were greatly impacted by the pandemic. She sheds light on how PepsiCo worked with employees, customers and consumers to make a positive impact in struggling communities and tackle social injustice. Gina also shares key principles she believes are important to advance your career as well as build strong communications programs. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

05/07/2021

Navigating a Decentralized Brand Environment

Julissa Marenco, CMO & Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs, Smithsonian, discusses the challenges of aligned messaging for different museums under the Institution’s umbrella brand. She emphasizes the importance of soft skills and soft influence in building effective relationships within the decentralized enviornment of the Institution. Julissa also dives into the organization’s creative initiatives to reach people across the nation through digital means. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

05/06/2021

The Comeback of Travel

Linda Rutherford, SVP & CCO, Southwest Airlines, shares her predictions for the comeback of travel. She emphasizes the increased importance of integrating communications with marketing. Linda also discusses lessons learned from the pandemic that will continue to be relevant moving forward. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

05/05/2021

Communicating as a Company Leader

Chris Foster, President, North America, BCW Global, shares insights on how the expectations on how to communicate have changed for organization leaders. He discusses the increased importance of DE&I and his own journey of becoming a Black agency leader. Chris also dives into the rising trend of CEOs being more engaged in the communications strategy. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

05/03/2021

The Future of the Workplace

Christine Barney, CEO, rbb Communications, emphasizes that what you stand for as a business is more important than ever. She shares insights on the future of the workplace, and how her team was prepared for the remote environment. Christine also dives into the agency’s initiatives in the ESG space. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with @O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

04/30/2021

Increased Demand for Satellite Media Tours

Why are satellite media tours growing in importance as a must use public relations tool? What are best practices? Host Doug Simon interviewed Doug Simon, Founder & CEO, D S Simon Media. They discussed the significant rise in demand for satellite media tours and the increased importance for organizations to communicate with their stakeholders through the media. He offers insights from Nielsen and local TV producers on recent viewership trends. Doug and Doug also shared the benefits of conducting satellite media tours remotely, making them more efficient and authentic. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

04/28/2021

Navigating Different Voices in the Travel Space

Kristen Vigrass, President, The Brandman Agency, shares insights on the challenges of travel communications during COVID and transitioning into a post-pandemic environment. She breaks down how to navigate messaging for different organizations in the industry. Kristen also dives into the Brandman Agency Partner Program that her team developed to provide opportunities for experienced PR professionals to join the Agency’s network. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

04/26/2021

Maintaining Company Culture Remotely

Ali Lundberg, President, J Public Relations, shares best practices for maintaining culture in the workplace while being remote and spread out. She offers advice on how to gradually revive the travel and hospitality space that has been severely impacted by the pandemic. Ali anticipates a strong return for aspirational travel stories as we transition into a post-COVID environment. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

04/22/2021

The Pandemic's Impact on Women in the Workforce

Ashley Miles, Founder & CEO, Franklyn West, and President, New York Women in Communications, breaks down some of the challenges faced by women and women of color in the workforce as a result of the pandemic. She offers advice for organizations to tackle these issues with a focus on retaining and growing existing talent while reengaging those women who exited the workforce. Ashley also shares tips for women looking to advance in their careers in the current environment. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

04/20/2021

Forming New Healthcare Companies

Donna LaVoie, President & CEO, LaVoieHealthScience, offers insights into communications challenges for newly formed healthcare companies. She breaks down some of the regulatory hurdles faced by these organizations. Donna also shares best messaging practices for companies who are in the later stages of growth. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

04/19/2021

Staying Creative during the Pandemic

Jackie Hartzell, Public Relations Director, Lowe's Home Improvement, shares how her team managed to stay creative in a time of massive change. She discusses the challenges of navigating messaging across different stakeholder groups. Jackie also dives into some of the home trends that emerged amid the pandemic. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

04/15/2021

Messaging in Different Health Sectors

Terri Sanders, SVP, Enterprise Marketing & Communications, HIMSS, discusses how to navigate communications for different sectors within healthcare. She emphasizes the increased need for transparency and leveraging data. Terri also stresses the importance for creating a diverse environment in the workplace and shares advice for people of color in leadership roles. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

04/13/2021

Relationship Shift between Brands and Consumers

Joanna O’Connell, VP and Principal Analyst, Forrester, dives into the shifting trends in the relationship between consumers, brands and content publishers. She discusses the challenges of navigating these changes as a communicator. Joanna emphasizes the importance of looking at different communications and marketing channels as a whole, rather than separate entities. She also highlights the increased need for data transparency and using data for value creating experiences. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

04/09/2021

Rebirthing a Post-Peak Brand

Karen Clyne, Head of Global Communications, @BlackBerry, sheds light on the brand's journey from handhelds to #cybersecurity software and rebirthing a post-peak brand. She shares insight on evolving brand perception among key stakeholder groups and audiences to build advocacy. Karen also highlights the company’s initiatives and opportunities for women, including advice for the next generation. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with @O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

04/07/2021

Balancing Motherhood with Work

Alyson Roy, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, AMP3 Public Relations, discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood with work in the #COVID environment. She highlights the organization’s CAMP3 initiative to create opportunities for students, and allow younger employees to take on leadership roles. Alyson also shares insights into the agency’s focus on sustainability. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

04/05/2021

Fostering an Inclusive Workplace

Caitlin Hayden, Senior VP for Communications, BAE Systems, shares insights on advancing in your career as a woman in a previously male-dominated industry. She discusses the company’s initiatives to make the workplace more #inclusive for women and people of color. Caitlin also dives into the organization’s efforts to foster engagement with employees outside of your own bubble. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com

04/01/2021

Shift in Consumer Sentiment

Lindsey Carnett, CEO & President, Marketing Maven, goes into her team’s research on consumer sentiment across different stages of the pandemic’s progression. She also discusses lessons learned from the agency’s work with organizations involved in advancing women’s careers. Lindsey offers advice to women who own small businesses, as well as those who aspire to. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

03/30/2021

How to Become a Good Mentor

Lea-Ann Germinder is Founder & President, Germinder + Associates, and Editor & Publisher, GoodNewsforPets.com. She’s also a past-president of the PRSA-NY chapter, a Co-Founder of the Inez Y Kaiser GKC-PRSA Memorial Scholarship Fund, and a recipient of the Makovsky Excellence in Mentoring Award.

She’s a strong believer in not only mentoring, but reverse mentoring especially with these challenging times. In this interview she shares tips on how to become a good mentor, offers advice to women who aspire to leadership positions, and emphasizes the importance of finding and following your passion. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

03/26/2021

Understanding the Relationship between Business and Government

Lisa Osborne Ross, COO, Edelman U.S., and PRWeek's Agency Professional of the year, discusses the changes to expect in #PublicAffairs with the new administration. She offers insight into the agency’s research on the expectation of business as a result of the pandemic and shifting trends in the public's trust. Lisa also shares advice for women and people of color aspiring for leadership positions. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com

03/24/2021

Navigating Crisis Communications

Beth Monaghan, Founder & CEO, Inkhouse, dives into the challenges of crisis communications in the current environment. She shares lessons learned from the intense crisis period that can be applied to more traditional initiatives. Beth also offers insights into communicating as a startup and mistakes to avoid. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

03/22/2021

Assessing Communications Practices

Sukhi Sahni, Head of Corporate Communications for U.S Card and Retail Bank Divisions, Capital One, urges aspiring women leaders to be fearless and find inspiring mentors. She discusses the intentional nature of the organization to increase opportunities for women in leadership roles. Sukhi also emphasizes the importance having a good understanding and assessment of not only communications practices that work, but also those that don’t, and how to be a resource for stakeholders in an empathetic way. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

03/17/2021

Communicating as a Franchise Business and Impact of Centralized Leadership

Dawn Ray, SVP, Corporate and Brand Communications, Focus Brands, stresses the importance of having both a mentor and a coach to help you advance in your career. She discusses some of the communications challenges faced by franchise businesses in the current environment. Dawn also shares insights on centralized leadership and its impact on the franchisees. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

03/12/2021

Women Who Changed the History of PR

Shelley Spector, Founder of Spector & Associates and The Museum of Public Relations, highlights extraordinary PR women who changed history. She discusses lessons learned and implications for women in PR spiring for leadership positions today. Shelley also addresses the issues of racial diversity in the industry and the importance of showcasing diverse role models. #PRsTopProsTalk

03/09/2021

Tips for Aspiring Women Leaders

Barri Rafferty, Head of Communications and Brand Management, Wells Fargo, encourages aspiring women leaders to create an ecosystem of diverse mentors around them. She also discusses how can women navigate some of the challenges of the “she-cession,” as women are dropping out of the workforce at higher rates than men as a result of the pandemic. Barri also shares insights on how organizations can increase leadership opportunities for women and minority groups. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership withO'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

03/02/2021

Embracing the Journalistic Mindset

In the 50th episode of PR’s Top Pros Talk, Michelle Mekky, Founder & CEO, Mekky Media Relations, emphasizes the need for communicators to embrace the journalistic mindset to get the best earned media results. She shares insights on being creative and finding unique hooks to secure coverage for smaller businesses and non-profits. Michelle also discusses practices that larger agencies can learn from boutique agencies. #PRsTopProsTalk

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com

02/24/2021

Recognizing Employees as the Primary Stakeholders

Michael Kempner, Founder & CEO, MWWPR, emphasizes the importance of agility in 2021 and staying true to entrepreneurial roots. He emphasizes that employees are an organization’s most important stakeholder, and recognizing that has a big impact on how the brand is viewed externally. Michael also discusses the role of the brands in building trust among the public and the importance of having a social CEO.

In partnership with O'Dwyer's Public Relations News - odwyerpr.com.

02/18/2021

PR's Top Pros Talk: Jason Mudd

Jason Mudd, CEO at Axia Public Relations, encourages organizations to think big and offers tips on improving the quality of ideas. In partnership with O'Dwyer's. #PRsTopProsTalk #PublicRelations

To succeed in 2021, go big. That’s the advice Axia Public Relations managing partner and CEO Jason Mudd gives Doug Simon.

02/16/2021

PR's Top Pros Talk: Carrie Jones

Carrie Jones, Principal at JPA Health, discusses communications challenges surrounding #vaccine rollout. In partnership with O'Dwyer's. #PRsTopProsTalk

JPA Health prinicipal Carrie Jones offer pointers for how communicators can help organizations navigate issues surrounding the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine

02/10/2021

PR's Top Pros Talk: Marty McDonald

Marty McDonald, Executive Vice President, Fahlgren Mortine, encourages communicators to operate boldly in 2021 and hold on to their seat at the table. In partnership with O'Dwyer's. #PRsTopProsTalk

PR practitioners have gotten their seat at the table over the past year, Fahlgren Mortine executive vice president Marty McDonald tells Doug Simon in the latest “PR’s Top Pros Talk” video interview.

02/04/2021

PR's Top Pros Talk: Glen Jackson

Glen Jackson, Co-Founder, Jackson Spalding, asserts that communicating with #clarity and #integrity is going to be more important than ever in 2021. In partnership with O'Dwyer's. #PRsTopProsTalk

What are Jackson Spalding co-founder Glen Jackson talks with Doug Simon in the latest “PR’s Top Pros Talk” video interview.

02/03/2021

PR's Top Pros Talk: Michelle Gross

Michelle Gross, President, Spectrum, advises communicators to lean into the topics that tie in with the news events to make their messages resonate more. In partnership with O'Dwyer's. #PRsTopProsTalk

Spectrum Science president Michelle Gross talks with Doug Simon in the latest “PR’s Top Pros Talk” video interview.

02/02/2021

PR's Top Pros Talk: Kathy Bloomgarden

Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO, Ruder Finn, Inc., emphasizes the importance of #empathy from a leadership point of view, as well as continuous need for #innovation. In partnership with O'Dwyer's. #PRsTopProsTalk

Empathy and innovation will go a long way toward ensuring success for PR pros in the coming year, Ruder Finn CEO Kathy Bloomgarden tells Doug Simon.