It's a HOT TAKE BAY BEE! In this bonus episode of the Smart in Public podcast, the Katies slightly unravel talking about Blue Origin's recent space mission featuring an all-female crew. They unpacked the publicity leading up to the launch, how it aligned to Blue Origin's company mission, the media's reaction, the public backlash, and the implications of celebrity involvement in space exploration. Yes we did some [heavy] critiquing on the PR strategy around the mission, including the focus on superficial aspects rather than substantive discussions about women in STEM and the role of NASA amidst budget cuts. They also reflect on the impact of wealth on space tourism and the need for humility in celebrity culture, ultimately celebrating the achievement while calling for a more meaningful narrative around women in space.

Chapters

• 03:04 - The Crew and Their Significance
• 06:05 - Public Perception and Media Coverage
• 08:57 - The Role of Celebrity in Space Exploration
• 12:06 - Critique of Blue Origin's Messaging
• 15:03 - The Broader Implications for Women in STEM
• 18:08 - Conclusion and Reflections on the Future
• 19:40 - Gail King's Perspective on Space Travel
• 22:00 - The Cost of Space Travel and Public Perception
• 24:35 - Celebrity Influence and Public Relations in Space
• 26:04 - Katy Perry: Public Image and Controversies
• 29:58 - Reflections on Female Representation in Space
• 33:01 - Concluding Thoughts on Space Exploration and Celebrity Culture

Key Takeaways

• The crew consisted of notable public figures, raising questions about representation.
• Media reactions highlighted the superficial focus on celebrity appearances.
• Criticism arose regarding the lack of substantive discussions on STEM.
• NASA's budget cuts coincided with Blue Origin's flight, raising concerns.
• The wealth disparity in space tourism was a significant point of contention.
• Gail King's comments sparked backlash regarding the mission's purpose.
• Katy Perry's involvement drew mixed reactions about celebrity influence.
• The conversation emphasized the need for humility in celebrity culture.

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In this episode of the Smart in Public podcast, the Katies discuss the significance of data storytelling across executive messaging, narrative creation, cross-functional campaign development, industry positioning, and public relations. They explore various types of data research, the importance of sample size, and how to effectively leverage data for storytelling and media engagement. The conversation walks comms & marketing leaders how to strategically plan and collaborate across business functions to maximize the impact of data-driven narratives.

Takeaways

• What data storytelling programs are and how they can can be a critical   communication tool
• Learn good and bad examples of data storytelling
• Why sample size is essential for credible research findings
• Where data can fill gaps in narratives where proof points are lacking
• How to successfully collaborate across business functions to enhance the impact of data
• Why timing is key when releasing data to align with external events
• When to refresh your data should be refreshed in order to remain relevant
• Why quick and dirty research has a limited lifespan
• How engaging journalists with exclusive data can yield better results
• Planning early is critical to avoid rushed research processes

Chapters

• 08:10 - Data Storytelling: The Importance of Data in Communication
• 10:33 - Successful Examples of Data Storytelling
• 13:34 - Challenges in Data Storytelling
• 16:30 - Aligning Data Research with Business Goals
• 19:27 - Funding and Cost Considerations for Research
• 24:30 - Understanding Research Costs and Sample Sizes
• 30:38 - The Importance of Data Storytelling
• 38:33 - Maximizing the Longevity of Data
• 40:54 - Key Recommendations for Effective Data Use

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In this episode of the Smart in Public podcast, the Katies welcome Cath Anderson to the pod to talk about narrative development, messaging, her board seat on Planned Parenthood, career breaks, and A LOT MORE. For those that don't know Cath, she's a comms powerhouse with two decades of experience working in corporate communications and marketing roles. She specializes in shaping company narratives, mitigating reputation risk, and strategically positioning brands for long-term relevance and growth. Cath has built best-in-class communications teams, while advising CEOs and founders across various stages and sectors, from established global brands like Apple, Google, and Meta, to healthcare startups like Amwell and Cityblock Health. Her most recent role was a Corporate Comms Exec at Anthropic.

We tap into Cath's experience to discuss the challenges of navigating social and political issues in corporate communications, the significance of internal versus external messaging, and the art of crafting compelling narratives for executives. 

Chapters

• 02:47 - Navigating Career Transitions and the Power Pause
• 05:40 - Engaging in Strategic Networking and Career Opportunities
• 08:30 - Board Membership and Advocacy in Women's Health
• 11:15 - Communications in a Changing Social Landscape
• 13:57 - Preparing Executives for Social Issues and Crisis Management
• 25:58 - Navigating Emotional Responses in Corporate Messaging
• 28:12 - The Importance of Internal Communication
• 32:08 - Building Trust Through Transparency
• 35:53 - Crafting Compelling Narratives for Executives
• 41:25 - Lessons in Humility and Growth

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In episode 26, the Katie's welcome Roberto Munoz, CEO of Munoz Communications, to give our listeners a crash course in comms consulting. This episode comes at a time when we're seeing a flood of top communications talent leave the corporate world to become consultants, and Roberto is the perfect guest to help set anyone -- from the seasoned consultant to the consultant curious -- on the right track for building a client pipeline, identifying what services you want to offer, how much to charge, how to evolve with the market, and even how to simply get started.

Thank you Roberto for joining us!!

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Roberto and Boysen's Consulting Journeys
02:56 - The Rise of Consultants in the Market
06:12 - Navigating Imposter Syndrome
08:35 - Building a Personal Brand
11:56 - The Importance of Community
14:53 - Pricing Strategies for Consultants
17:56 - Testing Ideas and Feedback
20:57 - Final Thoughts and Audience Questions
35:18 - The Deconstructed Agency Model
38:03 - Fractional CCO: A New Approach
41:31 - Navigating the Consulting Landscape
44:49 - Building Relationships with VCs
47:57 - Finding Clients and Opportunities
49:05 - Starting Your Consulting Journey
52:11 - Leveraging AI in Consulting
56:54 - Essential Tech Tools for Consultants

Have a question, guest idea, or a topic recommendation? Email us at [email protected].

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In episode 25 of the Smart in Public Podcast, the Katies welcome Alexandra Whiting, Head of Content at The Memo, to chat through the world of content creators; brand messaging; and telling stories that will actually build a community. Of course, it wouldn't be like us to not get side tracked into the importance of other areas like the challenges of PR / media relationships and the unique approach The Memo takes in curating parenting products - but we think you'll enjoy all those topics too! Think of Alexandra as a deep well of insights on authenticity in motherhood content and the empowerment of women in business, emphasizing the need for genuine connections and community in the parenting space. It's a really great episode to learn about how to get under the hood of a brand and we learned a lot from this chat!

Takeaways

• The importance of creative writing and marketing.
• Write hooks that capture the audience's attention and drives engagement.
• How to write better pitches.
• Adapting to new formats and audience expectations across blog and magazine content.
• How to create an online community
• Maintaining authenticity in content

Chapters

01:49 - Alexandra Whiting's Career Journey

05:50 - Lessons from Working in Magazines

10:01 - The Importance of the Hook in Content

13:43 - PR Perspectives on Engagement and Pitches

18:43 - Transitioning from Magazines to Content Creation

28:34 - The Evolution of Content Marketing

32:30 - The Power of Loyalty Programs

36:43 - Creating a Unique Shopping Experience for New Parents

45:28 - Authenticity in Motherhood Content

53:59 - Empowering Women in Business

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In episode 24 of Smart in Public, the Katies deliver an in-depth analysis of corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today's business environment. This timely episode explores how companies are adapting their DEI strategies, the crucial role of communications teams in driving meaningful change, and strategies for maintaining authentic corporate values during shifting market dynamics.

Key Discussion Points:

• The current state of corporate DEI initiatives and their effectiveness
• Strategic approaches to measuring DEI success beyond short-term metrics
• Impact of employee feedback on DEI program development
• Building resilient brand values in challenging market conditions
• Role of communications teams in corporate leadership decisions

Essential Insights:

• Strategies for developing authentic DEI programs
• Methods for measuring long-term DEI success
• Understanding employee perspectives on corporate DEI efforts
• Managing brand reputation during policy changes
• Elevating communications in corporate decision-making
• Maintaining transparency in corporate messaging

For Communications Professionals: Learn how to advocate for meaningful DEI initiatives, develop effective measurement strategies, and navigate complex corporate decisions while maintaining brand integrity.

For Business Leaders: Gain insights into balancing stakeholder expectations, measuring DEI program effectiveness, and maintaining authentic corporate values in today's business environment.

#CorporateDEI #CommunicationsStrategy #BusinessLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #CorporateCulture #DEIInitiatives #BusinessCommunications

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In episode 23 of Smart in Public, the Katies sit down with Cheryl Sanclemente, Chief Communications Officer at Lattice, for ​a real-talk conversation about career development, ​mentorship, comms leaders on boards, the sentiment in HR tech​ during a time of massive layoffs across the industry, ​and ​age old question of work-life balance.

Key Discussion Highlights:

• Career Transformation: Cheryl's remarkable journey from finance to tech leadership
• AI in the Workplace: Exploring the critical role of HR in responsible AI integration
• Communications Strategy: Navigating the evolving landscape of corporate communications
• Professional Growth: The transformative power of mentorship and networking
• Work-Life Balance: Strategies for working parents managing career and family

Key Topics Covered:

• Cheryl's professional journey from Salesforce to Lattice
• The impact of artificial intelligence on modern workforce
• HR technology trends in the current job market
• ESG communications and leadership
• Networking strategies for career advancement
• Balancing professional ambitions with family responsibilities

Listeners will gain valuable insights into:

• Career development in the tech industry
• Navigating professional transitions
• Leveraging mentorship for career growth
• Adapting to technological changes in the workplace

Chapters

• 04:49​ Cheryl's Career Journey and Transition to Tech
• 09:15​ Navigating Layoffs and New Opportunities
• 14:14​ The Role of a Chief Communications Officer
• 19:16​ Balancing Transparency in Communications
• 23:02​ AI's Role in People Management
• 26:05​ Communicators as Change Agents
• 30:03​ Authenticity in Corporate Storytelling
• 31:40​ The Evolving Role of Comms at Davos
• 34:52​ Building Presence at Global Events
• 38:31​ Board Involvement 
• 40:57​ The Power of Mentorship and Sponsorship
• 45:25​ Balancing Work and Family Life

This episode is perfect for professionals in tech, HR, communications, and anyone interested in career development and work-life balance.

#CareerGrowth #TechLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #AIinWorkplace #HRTech #ProfessionalDevelopment

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This week, the Katies are joined by Allie Cefalo, Marketing Partner at Kleiner Perkins, who shares her journey from leading global communications teams to running marketing for one of the world's best known Venture Capital firms. In this episode, you'll get a peek into the world of VC comms and the insider communications strategies. Discover how top VC firms support founders, craft compelling brand narratives, and navigate the evolving landscape of startup marketing.

We laughed a lot, we learned a lot, we shared some embarrassing stories. It's an episode you won't want to miss!

Podcast Highlights

• Insider strategies for startup storytelling
• The critical role of video in modern marketing
• Authentic branding techniques
• Communications and marketing intersection
• Career insights for PR and marketing professionals

Episode Timestamps

• 02:43 - Transitioning from Communications to Marketing
• 05:41 - Business Storytelling Evolution
• 08:42 - Video's Impact on Marketing
• 11:29 - Personal Branding for Leaders
• 14:33 - Communications Accountability
• 17:18 - Comms and Marketing Convergence
• 20:18 - PR Career Development
• 23:24 - Strategic Communications for Founders
• 25:45 - Startup Audience Engagement

Don't miss this revealing conversation packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs, marketers, and communications professionals!

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In episode 21 of the Smart in Public podcast, Burson CEO Corey duBrowa shares insights as to how world of communications has transformed over the years and his predictions on where it's headed. Whether you're a comms leader (or any leader, really) that's building a team, working with an executive or founder, interested in transitioning from agency to in-house (or visa versa), trying to switch to a different PR field, or want to understand how to become a better storyteller, this is your chance to learn from one of the most decorated and influential PR pros out there.

Key insights include:

• Navigating PR Career Transitions
• AI's Impact on Communications
• Storytelling and Influence Strategies
• Executive Communication Best Practices
• Talent Development in Organizations
• 2025 Communications Trends and Predictions

Chapters

11:49 - Career Journey and Insights
21:54 - Navigating Change in Communications
28:51 - The Role of AI in Communications
33:42 - Advice for Executive Communications
35:11 - Navigating Talent Acquisition and Team Dynamics
39:36 - Developing Future Leaders and Succession Planning
42:55 - The Intersection of Passion and Professionalism
50:08 - Exploring the Creative Process in Communication

About Corey

Corey duBrowa is the global CEO of Burson, the global communications leader purpose-built to create value for clients through reputation. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of Burson’s parent company WPP plc, the creative transformation company.

Corey brings a 30-year career at brands, technology companies and agencies to his role leading the flagship Burson and Burson Group of companies, which includes Axicom, earned-first global communications agency for tech brands and brands with a tech story; Burson Buchanan, the financial communications and capital markets advisory firm; GCI Health, the global healthcare specialty communications agency inspired by people; and Hill & Knowlton, the full-service global firm and proven partner for business and brand transformation, providing strategic communication, marketing and corporate affairs solutions

Before Burson, Corey was Global CEO of BCW and the BCW Group of companies. He came to BCW after spending five years as Vice President of Global Communications and Public Affairs at Google and parent company Alphabet. Before his tenure at Google, Corey was Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Salesforce, and spent seven years at Starbucks as Senior Vice President of Global Communications. He has extensive agency experience from his time at Waggener Edstrom and Ketchum Public Relations, having begun his career in employee communications at Nike.

His multiple industry awards over the past 25 years include six SABREs, four PRWeek Global Awards and three PRSA Silver Anvils, and he has been inducted into the PR News Hall of Fame. He currently serves on the University of Oregon Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the PR Museum’s Board of Trustees. He was a trustee of the Arthur W. Page Society for five years and a founding member of the USC Annenberg School’s Board of Advisors. Corey was a music journalist for two decades, with more than a thousand bylines in publications ranging from Rolling Stone to GQ. In 2024, he published his first book, “An Ideal for Living: A Celebration of the E.P. – Extended Play.”

Corey earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oregon.

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Looking for a job in comms? Well it's your lucky day. This week, the Katies welcome Brooke Kruger, founder of KC Partners, to discuss the current hiring landscape in the communications field through the eyes of one of the industry's best comms recruiters. The conversation covers a broad range of job hunting, hiring, and interview tips including the importance of skills and education, career advice for newcomers in communications, preparing for interviews, and the impact of AI on hiring. They also explore common mistakes made by companies during the hiring process, the dynamics of returning to the office, and advice for international candidates looking to work in the U.S.

Key Topics

• An overview of the 'go direct' approach in communications and its impact on roles.
• How AI is increasingly used in the hiring process.
• How to build a network that can help you break into the industry.
• How to prepare specific examples of their work for interviews.
• Company hiring best practices that can fix a broke recruitment process.
• The return to office trend and where employers should consider flexibility in order to attract top talent.
• Tips for international candidates to get jobs that take them overseas.

You can get in touch with KC Partners via their website here: https://kc-partners.com/

Time Stamps:
05:07 - Current Hiring Landscape in Communications
08:29 - The Importance of Education in PR
10:29 - Skills and Trends in Junior to Mid-Level Roles
12:53 - Transferable Skills Across Industries
14:27 - The Interview Process and AI's Role
17:16 - Advice for Newcomers in Communications
19:02 - Preparing for Interviews
20:46 - Navigating the Hiring Process
24:11 - The Ghosting Dilemma in Recruitment
27:54 - Return to Office: Balancing Flexibility and Structure
30:21 - International Candidates: Pathways to the U.S.

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