Every communications professional has seen it: a tweet or post from a journalist bemoaning the raft of impersonal or irrelevant pitches they receive on a daily basis. So how can companies cut through the noise to place stories that reflect well upon the brand, and move the needle when it comes to brand perception and growth?  In the latest episode of Growth Hacks, Katja and Kunal speak with Andrew Vontz, VP of Communications at Strava. Andrew, a former LA Times journalist, gives us his insider perspective into what it takes to place a story that reporters are motivated to tell, and how to prepare internal stakeholders on what that story might look like when it runs. He also talks about how organizations can use earned media to drive growth, and how to conduct crisis communications prep before disaster strikes. Andrew also walks us through Strava's playbook on establishing its purpose-driven narrative both internally and externally.