Is there really a difference between political communication and corporate communication? We found out in our conversation with Josh Earnest, former White House Press Secretary and now VP of Communications and Advertising at United Airlines. Josh told us what it’s like to steer a major brand’s reputation in both political and corporate arenas. He took us behind the scenes of United’s bold decisions during the pandemic, from placing massive aircraft orders while the world stood still to quickly creating campaigns that blended PR, social media, and advertising into one powerful storytelling machine. His take? If you’re not proactively shaping the narrative, someone else will do it for you, and probably not the way you’d like it.
We also dug into how Josh has evolved from being the face at the podium to leading strategy from behind the scenes. He also shared how integrating comms and marketing helped United move faster, stay more authentic, and boost employee pride, something they’ve done intentionally through internal platforms like United Daily and even gate-side advertising that resonates with both customers and crews on the ground. We wrap the episode with the topic capturing Josh’s attention—thoughts on coaching youth sports (yes, there are comms lessons there too!), and what the rise of AI means for keeping humanity and honesty in our messaging.
About Josh Earnest
Josh Earnest is the Executive Vice President of Communications and Advertising for United Airlines. He serves on United’s Executive Team and leads a world-class team to develop and implement the airline’s global communications, advertising, and community engagement strategies. Josh works closely with leaders across the company to shape the airline’s public image and serves as the company’s chief spokesman. He brings to this role more than two decades of strategic communications expertise from the highest levels of politics and government, which included serving as White House Press Secretary.
Before joining United in May 2018, Josh was a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, making appearances on the network’s leading news programs, including the Today Show, Meet the Press, and NBC Nightly News. During this time, he traveled across the country and around the world speaking to audiences of corporate executives, senior government officials, thought leaders, journalists, and students about the challenges of communicating in the modern media environment.
Prior to that, Josh served for eight years in the Obama White House, including as White House Press Secretary from 2014 to 2017. In addition to his work in front of the cameras, Josh played a leading role behind the scenes at the White House to develop and implement an innovative communications strategy that was paired with a fully-integrated digital media presence to drive the administration’s agenda.
His two-decade career in politics has taken him from Capitol Hill to some of the largest states and most competitive races in the country, including four presidential campaigns, statewide races in Texas and Florida, and Mike Bloomberg’s first campaign for mayor of New York.
Josh received his degree in political science and policy studies from Rice University. He is married and has two children.
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Resources discussed in this episode:
- HBO Name Change
- McDonald's Snack Wrap Customer Campaign
- United Airlines Post-Pandemic Plane Purchase
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Contact Allison Braley and Sean Garrett:
- MixingBoard.co
- LinkedIn: Allison Braley
- LinkedIn: Sean Garrett
- LinkedIn: Mixing Board
Contact Josh Earnest:
- Website: unitedairlines.com
- X: @joshearnest
- LinkedIn: Josh Earnest
