Powerful Marketing Tips podcast

EP143: Why Every Marketer Needs a Crisis Plan with Michael Kempner

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In this episode of the Powerful Marketing Tips Podcast, host Mari-Liis Vaher speaks with Michael Kempner, Founder and CEO of MikeWorldWide (MWW), one of the top independent PR and marketing agencies in the US and UK.

With over 37 years of experience guiding Fortune 500 CEOs, global organizations, and political leaders through high-stakes situations, Michael shares why every marketer needs a crisis plan and how reputation management has become essential for every business today.

They talk about how to build trust before a crisis, how to communicate effectively under pressure, and why preparation can turn a problem into a brand-building opportunity. Michael also discusses the role of marketing, social media, and AI in today’s fast-moving communication landscape.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
  • Why we all operate in a world of “permanent crisis”
  • The key steps to creating a crisis communication plan
  • How trust and transparency protect your brand
  • The role of marketing and internal communication in a crisis
  • Turning challenges into opportunities for reputation growth
  • How social media and AI have changed crisis management
  • Why preparation and empathy matter more than perfection
    • Key Timestamps

    32:11 How prepared companies build lasting trust

    02:00 What counts as a crisis today
    06:00 Building trust and relationships before you need them
    11:00 How to create a practical crisis communication plan
    17:00 Marketing’s role in crisis management
    22:00 Managing social media, AI, and misinformation
    30:00 Lessons learned: how preparedness builds resilience

    About Michael Kempner

    Michael Kempner is a recognized authority on reputation management, crisis communication, and corporate responsibility, and has advised many of the world’s leading executives and organizations.

    Michael has been named PRWeek’s PR Professional of the Year twice and was inducted into the PRWeek Hall of Fame in 2020. He also served on national boards and was appointed by President Obama to the White House Council for Community Solutions and as a Governor of the US Agency for Global Media.

    🌐 Website: mww.com

    💼 LinkedIn: Michael Kempner
    📸 Instagram: @mww_pr

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