In this episode of PodCatalyst, Andrew Marshall, vice chairman of Cognito, joins IABC Executive Director Peter Finn tot discuss how the communications landscape is being reshaped by independent voices and evolving expectations for executives.

Andrew shares how independent voices, from Substack commentators to niche influencers, are reshaping thought leadership. He offers practical advice for engaging with these platforms and why companies need fresh strategies to stay relevant.

You’ll also hear insights on preparing executives for high-stakes interviews, mastering industry language to build credibility, and why media training matters more than ever.

Plus, Andrew weighs in on AI’s growing role in PR, its limitations, and the skills professionals need to standout.

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LINKS

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Visit IABC Online

https://www.iabc.com/

https://www.iabc.com/catalyst

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, we sit down with TimJohnson, president of UPRAISE Marketing and Public Relations.

Tune in as he joins IABC Executive Director Peter Finn to discuss how PR professionals are adapting to an AI-driven landscape, blurring the lines between internal and external comms, and the growing demand for creativestorytelling.

Tim shares insights from his own journey — from his earlydays working on his college newspaper, to today as an agency leader — and reflects on how PR has become a vital strategic function in today’s tech-drivenbusiness world.

Plus, get Tim’s thoughts on the growing value of authenticity as AI becomes more prevalent, ethical considerations when working with influencers, the need for data-driven content, and where he sees PR heading in the next 10 years.

For more than 30 years, Tim Johnson has helped companiesranging from startups to the Fortune 500 in industries as diverse as agriculture, consumer electronics, financial services, many shades of tech, and more.

Prior to starting UPRAISE, Johnson was the managingdirector of Golin, Inc.’s San Francisco office and director of its worldwide tech practice. Clients of the practice included giants such as Amazon, Cisco, HP, Oracle, Texas Instruments, and many more. The team included more than 200 professionals worldwide.

Before Golin, Johnson was a senior vice president atRuder Finn’s Chicago office, where he helped expand the office from pure public relations to integrated communications, and for many organizations, wrote anddesigned their first websites.

Prior, he was an account executive at Rubenstein, Wolfson& Co., in New York, serving financial services clients such as Barclay’s Bank, GE Financial, and Unum.

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LINKS

Mentioned In This Episode

upraisepr.com 

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This episode of PodCatalyst is brought to you by IABC’spartners at the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Provided by the PRFuture podcast, this episode features host Fred Cook in conversation with Matt Tidwell, member of the IABC International Executive Board, Barby Seagal and Victoria Hamilton from Zeno Group, and USC Fellow David Michaelson.

Together, the group unpacks the findings of the 2025 GlobalCommunication Report: Mind the Gap, that USC developed in partnership with IABC and Zeno Group. The communicators discuss insights from more than 1,000 PR professionals across the globe and weighs in on how AI, hybrid work, generational shifts, influencer culture, and polarization are transforming the communications landscape.

Thank you to Fred Cook and the USC Annenberg Center forPublic Relations for their partnership with this report and for providing this insightful conversation to the IABC audience.

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LINKS

Episode

Mind the Gap: 2025 GlobalCommunication Report

Generational Divides on AI, Media,and Polarization Are Shaping the Future of PR

It’s Not Just You — GenerationalDivides Are Impacting PR and Comms

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In this episode of PodCatalyst, we bring you another “InUnder 10” conversation from the ground at IABC World Conference 2025 in Vancouver.

Sia Papageorgiou, managing partner at the Centre forStrategic Communication Excellence (CSCE), joins guest host Dawn De La Torre to talk about findings from the 2025CSCE Professional Development Survey. The research reveals a clear gap between how communicators rate their own skills and how their managers see their performance.

Sia explains why this disconnect happens, what it means forteams, and how to close the gap with better feedback, clearer expectations, and more effective development opportunities. She also shares free resources andhighlights core skills communicators need to sharpen now, including planning, measurement, leadership, and change communication.

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Sia Papageorgiou is one of the world’s leading voices instrategic communication excellence. A globally recognized educator, consultant, and communication strategist, she has earned more than 50 awards for excellencein communication and leadership and continues to shape the future of the profession with bold thinking and practical insight. Sia is a certified Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP), a Fellow of the RoyalSociety for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, and past Chair of the Global Communication Certification Council. She has held leadership roles as President of IABC Victoria and as a Board Director for IABCAsia-Pacific. In 2021, she was named Communicator of the Year by IABC Asia-Pacific for her outstanding contribution to the profession. In 2022, she received the prestigious IABC Rae Hamlin Award for her exemplary service in championing the Global Standard and advancing the influence of strategiccommunication worldwide. Sia is committed to empowering communication professionals to lead with clarity, act strategically, and deliver impact, because your expertise deserves global recognition.

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LINKS

Mentioned in the Episode

2025 CSCE Professional DevelopmentSurvey: Research ResultsLearn More About CSCECertification Prep TrainingConnect With Sia on LinkedIn

Connect With IABC on Social Media

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https://www.iabc.com/catalyst

In this episode of PodCatalyst, our “In Under 10” seriesbrings you a behind-the-scenes conversation from IABC World Conference 2025 in Vancouver.

Christal P. Austin, public affairs officer for the Government of Barbados, joins guest host Dawn De La Torre to unpack what it really takes to lead during a crisis. Drawing on firsthand examples from government communications, Christal shares how today’s communicators can respond to crises with clarity and credibility, especially when misinformation,disinformation, and social media chaos are in the mix.

You’ll hear why some defensive strategies like denial canprotect your organization and when they absolutely shouldn’t. Plus, Christal introduces a lesser known but powerful tool: ingratiation. Done right, it’s more than damage control, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with your audience in a meaningful way.

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Christal P. Austin is a strategic public relations advisorwith over 20 years of experience. She’s been an active IABC member since becoming the founding president of the Barbados chapter in 2008. In 2023, she presentedat IABC World Conference in Toronto and joined the Program Advisory Committee for the 2024 and 2025 World Conferences. Christal is also a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) award-winning writer, a decorated Toastmaster, and a passionate lecturer in social media and crisis communication. She holds a post-graduate diploma in business administration from the University of Surrey, a certificate in integrated marketing communication from IE Business School, and a Google project management certificate.

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LINKS

Connect With IABC on Social Media

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https://www.iabc.com/catalyst

In this episode of PodCatalyst, we continue our “In Under 10” series with a powerful conversation recorded live at IABC World Conference 2025 in Vancouver.

Juli Holloway, SCMP, IABC Fellow, and communications advisor at the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics, joins guest host Dawn De La Torre to discuss Indigenous-led communication methods and their role in building authentic, cross-cultural relationships. Juli shares how prioritizing empathy, community service, and meaningful engagement can transform the way communicators connect with diverse audiences.

As Juli puts it, “We don't need saviors, we need supporters,” a powerful reminder that true allyship begins with listening, not leading.

From integrating Indigenous voices early in the process to leading with humility over ego, Juli offers practical guidance for anyone looking to make their communication efforts more inclusive and impactful. Whether you’re working locally or globally, this episode is a must-listen for communicators striving to build trust and lasting relationships.

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Juli Holloway is an Indigenous communications leaderspecializing in professional communication within Indigenous contexts. With a master’s in professional communication from Royal Roads University, heraward-winning research developed a model supporting Indigenous self-determination through strategic community engagement. As communications advisor at the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics, Juli advances Indigenouseconomic reconciliation and teaches a master’s program in professional communications at Royal Roads. Throughout her career, Juli has been fortunate to work with First Nations and Indigenous organizations across Canada to supporttransformative change for First Nation communities and people through strategic communications and community engagement.

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LINKS

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https://www.iabc.com/catalyst

In this episode of PodCatalyst, Moody’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Christine Elliott joins IABC Executive Director Peter Finn to share her journey of transforming the company’s communications function. By integrating branding, government relations, and community impact into the work they do, Moody’s communicators have become invaluable players in the company’s strategy.

Christine walks us through how she created Moody’s digital content team and its Story Lab, their source for premium content, including a Netflix-like docuseries that was shortlisted at Sundance. These efforts and more have had notably positive effects on Moody’s social engagement and brand sentiment.

As a former journalist for ABC News, Christine reflects on her career path to the C-suite, offering practical advice and insights for communicators aiming to advance their careers and make a meaningful impact in their organizations.

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Christine Elliott is chief corporate affairs officer at Moody’s. She leads Moody’s dialogue with key stakeholders, including employees, policymakers, government officials, and media to deepen understanding of the company's mission to be the definitive source of relevant insights on exponential risk.

Christine has more than 25 years in senior level corporate communications roles. Prior to joining Moody’s in 2021, she was executive vice president – worldwide communications at Mastercard and chief communications officer at S&P Global. She previously held a variety of communications positions at American Express and was a journalist for ABC News, where she earned an Emmy award.

Christine has a bachelor’s degree in communications and political science from the University of Michigan.

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LINKS

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https://www.iabc.com/catalyst

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, Peter Finn sits down with friend of the podcast Chris Lee from Gallagher Communication.

Chris helps us unpack this year’s Gallagher State of the Sector 2025, looking at different profiles of communicators: thrivers, strivers, and survivors. He walks us through how to address change fatigue, smart ways to use AI with the human touch in mind, and more.

As an added bonus, Chris shares his fascination with quantum computing breakthroughs and the future of work.

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Chris Lee is vice president, employee experience and internal communication practice at Gallagher Communication. In this role he helps employers rediscover the magic that people can bring to the table when they’re properly engaged and motivated.

Chris has over 25 years of experience in marketing, brand, and communications. He is also the president of the Board of Directors for IABC Toronto and has served on other various boards and committees.

Chris hosts a successful podcast called Why Does It Feel So Wrong to be Human at Work?, which looks at the nature of the modern workplace and possibilities for innovation to better reflect people’s needs and their true potential.

Chris has been featured as a speaker at numerous conferences and events, featured in a host of publications, including Fortune magazine, and has been a guest on various podcasts.

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LINKS

Mentioned in This Episode

Gallagher State of the Sector 2025

ConnectWith IABC on Social Media

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VisitIABC Online

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https://www.iabc.com/catalyst

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, we speak with MergeGupta-Sunderji, a highly respected leadership expert. We dig into common misconceptions across generations, research that busts certain generalizations, ways to tap into certain strengths, advice to help bridge the gap without compromising quality, and more.

Merge is a speaker at IABC World Conference, takingplace in Vancouver, 8-11 June. Tune in to this conversation to get a better idea of what you can expect from her session, “Generations Exposed: Unexpected Insights Into the People You Work With.”

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Merge Gupta-Sunderji turns managers into leaders. Ahighly respected leadership expert and columnist, Merge gives people specific and practical tools to achieve leadership and communication success. Over 94,000 managers in 29 countries have attended her fun, content-rich keynotes and facilitated workshops.

A leader at one of Canada’s premier oil and gas companies and a board leader at a Credit Union for a combined total of over 17 years, Merge offers a unique blend of realism and humor that consistently engages and entertains her audiences. She is called upon frequently to individually mentor high-potential leaders in a variety of organizations.

Previously, she was the well-known voice behind the national CBC radio column The Softer Side of Business. She’s an award-winning published author, writing for many well-known organizations and publications, including the very popular Merge’s Monthly Mega Minute, and a regular monthly column in The Globe & Mail, Canada’s most respected and widely-circulated national newspaper.

Her first book titled "Why Does the Lobster Cast OffIts Shell?" is now in its third edition, and her last book"Generations Exposed – Unexpected Insights Into the People You Work With" is in its second printing.

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LINKS

Mentioned in This Episode

IABC World Conference

Connect With IABC on Social Media

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https://www.iabc.com/catalyst

In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, IABC ExecutiveDirector Peter Finn returns as host, sitting down with Shane Hatton to talk all things company culture. From the critical role communicators play in shaping the language of the organization, to understanding Gen Z’s expectations, what this year’s Edelman Trust Barometer means for leaders, and more, this conversation covers some of the more pressing issues today’s workforce faces.  

Shane is a speaker at this year’s World Conference, takingplace in Vancouver, 8-11 June. Tune in to this conversation to get a better idea of what you can expect from his Master Class, “Culture Is Your Unseen Competitive Advantage — Is Yours by Choice or by Chance?” and session, “Gen Z Uncensored.”

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Shane Hatton is a global expert in leadership and teamculture with over a decade of experience developing remarkable leaders, teams and cultures. Blending business experience with psychology, Shane’s passion lies in empowering leaders to communicate, connect, and collaborate more effectively. He thrives on helping leaders have the conversations they need to build the team they want. His perspectives and expertise have been shared in notable publications such as the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, The Australian, HRD, CEO World, Smart Company, Kochies Business Builders, The Herald Sun, Foundr, Company Director, and more. Clients consistently value Shane’s skill for introducing clarity to their thought processes and distilling complex ideas into pragmatic strategies.

Shane is the author of two books: "Lead The Room —Communicate a Message That Counts in Moments That Matter," and the bestselling "Let’s Talk Culture — The Conversations You Need to Create the Team You Want." He is also the host of the insightful podcast Phone Calls With Clever People, which delves into a diverse range of leadership topics.

With a prolific career as a speaker, executive coach andfacilitator, Shane has collaborated with businesses spanning a range of industries across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Currently, Shane is elevating the conversation about culture across Australia, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S., upholding his reputation as a global thought leader in leadership and culture.

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LINKS

Mentioned in This Episode

IABC World Conference

EdelmanTrust Barometer

Connect With IABC on Social Media

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https://www.iabc.com/catalyst