This week, Erica catches up with Jacob Duarte, U.S. Media Relations Supervisor at McDonald's, to walk through career advice for communications professionals, how to build and maintain relationships with journalists and craft unique messaging, and how McDonald's continues to remain culturally relevant and speak to a variety of generations at the same time.

Here's a peek at what we cover in this episode:

[00:03:50] - Jacob shares his unique career trajectory utilizing his degree in PR in the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) space, starting at Taco Bell and ultimately transitioning over to McDonald's.

[00:05:58] - Jacob provides advice around mentor/mentee relationships, including how to find and maintain thriving network relationships.

[00:11:52] - Jacob shares what his day to day looks like as U.S. Media Relations Supervisor at McDonald's and provides actionable tips for communications professionals attempting to share their brand story in the media today. He also explains how to curate relationships with journalists by giving them exclusivity to information they can't find on their own.

[00:17:24] - How McDonald's is maintaining cultural relevance as a long lasting legacy brand and attracting Gen Z attention by going beyond the menu to look at their passion points and infuse them into initiatives however and whenever they can.

[00:21:46] - Jacob shares some of his favorite campaigns he's been able to craft messaging around, including the Mariah Menu, the Cardi B and Offset meal, and the LTOs (limited time offers) he gets to curate messaging and press around (like the new summertime favorite Strawberry Shortcake McFlurry and Grimace's Birthday Meal).

Grab a drink and listen in to this week's Marketing Happy Hour conversation!

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Other episodes you'll enjoy if you enjoyed Jacob's episode:

PR 101: Set Yourself Apart | Alice Hampton of ACP Management

If you're looking for a sign to take that job in the big city, this is it! | Liz Dowen of Verizon

Stories with Impact: How to Land Press Placements | Emmy Liederman of Adweek

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