The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

21: A Crisis Case Study: Elizabeth Holmes in a bloody mess


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When you’re in the public eye, be ready for scrutiny. Even if you’re not in the public eye, your audience is looking for transparency both online and offline. Try to hide and you’re going to get some backlash--especially in the face of a crisis.

This week on the Confident Communications podcast, we’re ripping from the headlines two fallouts from two executives’ mistakes. One flat-out lied and bamboozled the public and investors out of millions (a billion!). The other thought that denial and hiding from bad press was the way to go.

In both instances, they were wrong. Too many business owners, leaders, entrepreneurs and C-suite executives today deny the power of social media and the digital space. They think that not answering questions might make those questions go away.

The truth is, social media is powerful and it can be both a weapon and a tool--depending on how you use it. How are you using social media? Find out what these executives did wrong.

Mentioned in This Episode

  • Episode 16, How to Spot a Liar
  • HBO documentary on Elizabeth Holmes
  • 'Nightline' documentary, podcast: 'The Dropout,' the story - ABC News
  • Boeing letter to airlines, passengers and the aviation community

 

About Molly

Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help build crisis-proof businesses. From her work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C, Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations. Molly founded Confident Communications executive learning program and frequently speaks on crisis communications, public relations and social media.

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© Molly McPherson 2019

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Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.

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