Do you remember when we were told the world was heading inexorably towards globalisation? That technology would dissolve borders, that liberal stability was the model forevermore, and that everything was, more or less, under control?

Yeah. About that.

In this episode of The Little Questions, we're not here to solve geopolitics (there are people far better qualified doing that already). Instead, we take a grumpy, passionate look at how recent stories have been handled - or more accurately, mishandled - from a PR and communications perspective.

From accidental emails and executive ego clashes to corporate silence and spectacularly bad judgment calls, this episode is a masterclass in what not to do when things go wrong.

Joining Apella's Matt Young to mutter into the microphone is Andrew Brown.

What we cover in this episode

• Amazon's accidental email nightmare What happens when job losses are revealed by mistake and why leaning in might not always be the right communications strategy.
• Musk vs O'Leary: PR genius or performative chaos? Ireland's greatest-ever swearer meets Silicon Valley's biggest ego – grab the popcorn for a PR cage-fight masterclass
• Quelle horreur! Why banning children from first class on French high-speed trains tells us more about brand values than policy documents ever could.
• Trust, values and social fracture New research suggesting most Britons don't trust people with "different values" and what that means for brands trying to speak to everyone.
• The Spotify star who might not exist AI artists, manufactured authenticity, and what happens when the audience realises the emperor may have no clothes.
• South East Water's communications disaster Yes, the operational failure was bad. The CEO hiding made it worse. A reminder (again) that visibility, accountability and clarity matter.
• Holiday Inn's 'Waitrose moment' When a brand says "no" to homeless people and why it might be a sign that something more serious is amiss.

If you enjoy a slightly exasperated take on PR failures, corporate ego, and avoidable messes, this one's for you.

Andrew Brown; formerly Director of Communications and Public affairs at Ageas Insurance, Andrew has more than ten years' experience leading the corporate affairs functions for global, listed, multifaceted firms across a range of regulated and unregulated sectors. He has considerable experience in issues, crisis and change management as well as reputation sentiment analysis and insight. Formerly Director of Communications at Drax Group plc and Group Corporate Affairs Director at Regus plc.

Matt Young has 25 years of experience across media relations, public affairs, regulatory development, employee engagement, brand development, competition and CSR. Group corporate affairs director at Lloyds Banking Group, part of the senior team which rescued the bank and rebuilt its reputation following the financial crisis. Formerly communications director at Santander UK and board member of the BBA.

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This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.