In this episode of the Smart and Public Podcast, the Katies welcome Abenaa Hayes, Founder and CEO of Elysee Consulting. It won't take long in the episode for you to agree with us when we say that Abenaa AND her career are not only impressive, but incredibly interesting. Her experience in communications and brand spans across a wide range of companies - from start-ups to growth to established US and global firms in healthcare, social impact, and more. Abenaa’s professional mission is to guide leaders and brands who want to meet 21st century societal mandates head on by driving engagement and transformation through inclusive communications.

We also discuss the evolving landscape of public relations, the importance of inclusive communications, and how companies can navigate societal shifts. We're so grateful to have spent this hour with Abenaa and can't wait for you to listen.

Show references:

• Annie Jean Baptiste: Building for Everyone https://www.amazon.com/Building-Everyone-Practices-Googles-Inclusion/dp/1119646227
• Alison Taylor Higher Ground https://www.alisontaylor.co/higher-ground
• Forbes - Harvard Rebrands Their DEI Office “Community & Campus Life” In Latest Move To Evolve: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dougmelville/2025/04/29/harvard-rebrands-their-dei-office-community--campus-life-in-latest-move-to-evolve/

Chapters:

• 03:19 - Abenaa's Career Journey and Transition to PR
• 05:52 - The Importance of Inclusion in Corporate Culture
• 07:45 - Navigating Corporate Reputation and Authenticity
• 10:16 - Engagement Strategies for Brands
• 11:16 - Crisis Management in Corporate Communications
• 13:14 - Building Effective Messaging Frameworks
• 14:26 - Adapting Communication Strategies Across Industries
• 15:49 - Employee Enablement and Internal Communication
• 16:55 - The Future of Diversity and Inclusion
• 19:15 - The Interconnection of Business and Inclusion
• 21:28 - Using Employees as a Sounding Board
• 23:02 - Navigating DEI Pushback in the Current Climate
• 27:41 - Acknowledgment of Country: A Cultural Conversation
• 30:54 - The Importance of Representation in Communications
• 34:46 - Diversity in the Communications Field
• 39:16 - Local Talent vs. Expat Leadership
• 40:26 - AI and Inclusion: The Dangers of Bias
• 45:23 - The Importance of Diverse Voices in Brand Messaging
• 48:25 - Resources for Best Practices in Inclusion and DEI

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