PR 360

Jennifer Avril, a communications professional specializing in strategic and effective change for both corporations and nonprofits, is a Senior Account Manager at Warner Communications. In this interview, she discusses the importance of effective communication in addressing climate change, how regulations can create opportunities, and the role of thought leadership in PR. She also shares stories from the summer she spent working on feminist activist Kate Millett’s farm, as well as her contributions to a new e-book on movement communications and advocacy. Key Takeaways:- Lessons learned on Kate Millet's farm- How to effectively discuss climate change- Regulatory changes can create opportunitiesEpisode Timeline:1:45 Jennifer's time on Kate Millet's farm6:30 Kate's friendship with John Lennon and Yoko Ono7:30 What's happening at Warner Communications these days?9:25 How should people be talking about climate change in 2025?10:40 The current state of regulation policy11:30 The value proposition of environmentalism 12:30 The ramifications of recent political changes14:30 Talking about eco-friendly products with consumers17:00 Regulations can create new opportunities19:00 Void packaging22:30 Jennifer's thought leadership philosophy25:00 Jennifer's new eBookThis episode’s guest:• Jennifer Avril on LinkedIn• Liberation Stories eBook • Warner Communications

Mike Atkinson, an account director at Sage Communications, discusses the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the role of public relations in managing crises and media coverage. He highlights current trends, including the impact of AI on cybersecurity threats, the importance of crisis communication plans, and strategies for breaking into mainstream media. Mike also shares insights on effective pitching and the significance of building relationships with reporters to enhance thought leadership in the tech industry.Key Takeaways:- AI's role in cybersecurity- Building relationships with reporters- Crafting the perfect pitchEpisode Timeline:2:20 What are the biggest stories in cybersecurity?3:30 AI's threats to cybersecurity5:20 Crisis communication in cybersecurity7:45 How does Mike stay informed on such a fast-moving industry?9:45 Breaking into mainstream media11:45 The art of newsjacking 12:45 AI in the workforce14:40 Building relationships with reporters16:30 Crafting the perfect pitch20:20 Mike's thought leadership philosophyThis episode’s guest:• Mike Atkinson on LinkedIn• Sage's Website• Mike's email: MAtkinson@AboutSage.comSubscribe and leave a 5-star review: https://pod.link/1496390646Contact Us!• Join the conversation by leaving a comment!• Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Thanks for listening!

Jeff Montegut is the director of Extra Life, a peer-to-peer fundraising program that empowers gamers to support Children's Miracle Network hospitals. Jeff shares Extra Life's inspiring origin story, its impact on children's healthcare, and how the gaming community has rallied to raise over $132 million since its inception. The conversation also delves into the mechanics of peer-to-peer fundraising, the significance of Game Day, and Jeff's personal journey in the nonprofit sector. Key Takeaways:- The ins and outs of peer-to-peer giving- The importance of Game Day- The transformative power of gamingEpisode Timeline:2:20 The origins of Extra Life5:30 The power of kindness6:00 How does peer-to-peer giving work8:15 Touching grass for money9:45 Jeff's love of content creation11:30 Streamers that have gone out of their way for Extra Life14:45 The power of online communities17:30 Game Day, Extra Life's big giving event19:40 Jeff's passion for non-profits23:00 When Tod stopped playing video gamesThis episode’s guest:• Jeff Montegut on LinkedIn• Extra Life's website Subscribe and leave a 5-star review: https://pod.link/1496390646Contact Us!• Join the conversation by leaving a comment!• Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Thanks for listening!

Mark Westlake is the founder and CEO of GearBrain, a tech company focused on simplifying the Internet of Things (IoT). With over 25 years of experience in digital media and technology, his career includes executive roles at prominent companies such as About.com, HowStuffWorks, and Purch. A former member of the 1980s NYC band The Modulators, Westlake shares his journey from music to innovation, offering insights on smart home tech, AI integration, consumer education, and how GearBrain bridges the gap between people and technology. Key Takeaways:- How Mark transitioned from a music career to the tech industry- The benefits of IoT- The future of smart homesEpisode Timeline:3:00 Mark's early years in The Modulators6:00 Transitioning to the Internet and Digital Media9:00 Why some companies can't adapt11:30 The Birth of GearBrain and Its Mission12:30 Innovations in IoT and AI integration15:05 Challenges in the smart home market18:01 The future of smart homes and AI21:30 Consumer education and smart device benefits24:15 The next decade in IoT technologyThis episode’s guest:• Mark Westlake• GearBrain's website • Email Mark at Info@GearBrain.com Subscribe and leave a 5-star review: https://pod.link/1496390646Contact Us!• Join the conversation by leaving a comment!• Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Thanks for listening!

Brad Myers is the Charles M. Geschke Director of the Human-Computer Interaction Institute and Professor in the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, with an affiliated faculty appointment in the Software and Societal Systems Department. He’s also the author of a new book, "Pick, Click, Flick! The Story of Interaction Techniques." In this episode, he discusses the importance of usability in design, notable failures in user interface design, and the future of Human-Computer Interaction. Key Takeaways:- Historic HCI failures- What is HCI?- How AI will affect HCI?Episode Timeline:1:45 What is the Human-Computer Interaction field?3:30 The evolution of interaction techniques6:30 Designing for usability and intuition09:40 Historic failures in user interface design10:30 Why Clippy didn't work14:30 The history of copy and paste18:00 Mac or PC?21:30 The future of HCI and AI integrationThis episode’s guest:• Buy Brad's Book "Pick, Click, Flick! The Story of Interaction Techniques." Subscribe and leave a 5-star review: https://pod.link/1496390646Contact Us!• Join the conversation by leaving a comment!• Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Thanks for listening!

Scott McKenzie, managing director of Industrial Talk Media, a leading industrial education and entertainment platform, shares how he is making "volcanic shifts" in industrial marketing through podcasting. He emphasizes the importance of human connection in industry communication and identifies gaps in how companies market themselves. Scott also discusses successful strategies used by companies to attract talent and the necessity of understanding customer pain points in marketing efforts. Key Takeaways:- Shifting industry marketing focus- Authentic communication in industrial marketing- Expanding the industrial talent poolEpisode Timeline:1:45 Scott's 1982 Super Bowl performance5:00 Introduction to Industrial Talk Media8:00 Scott's background in industry 10:00 The networking benefits of podcasts13:15 The industry blind spot with podcasting14:45 Exposing the human side of industry15:50 Communication skills in the trades19:00 The importance of authenticity in podcasting20:00 Holes in industrial marketing strategies 23:00 Selling benefits, not specs25:00 Successful strategies for attracting talentThis episode’s guest:• Scott MacKenzie on LinkedIn• Industrial Talk's websiteSubscribe and leave a 5-star review: https://pod.link/1496390646Contact Us!• Join the conversation by leaving a comment!• Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Thanks for listening!

Craig Cook is a visionary entrepreneur who shares his journey from founding Rhythm.net to becoming a business mentor who uses Qigong to help people find balance and success. Here, he discusses the principles of qigong, introduces his Five Elements of Success framework, and talks about the importance of balance in his personal and professional lives. Key Takeaways:- How qigong can help business professionals- Craig's transition from CEO to mentor- The Five Elements of SuccessEpisode Timeline:1:00 Introduction3:00 Craig's transition to business mentorship6:00 The intersection of Qigong and business8:20 What is Qigong11:00 Personal benefits of qigong13:00 The Five Elements of Success21:30 Qigong for business professionals24:40 The importance of balanceThis episode’s guest:• Craig Cooke on LinkedIn• CSquaredPro.io• C2EnergyMedicine.comSubscribe and leave a 5-star review: https://pod.link/1496390646Contact Us!

Tiffany Aguinaldo is an Account Director at Forge—a creative studio recently ranked the #4 fastest-growing private company in Orange County. Tiffany leads business development and PR at Forge and brings 15 years of experience with major brands like Hoag, Toyota, and The Irvine Company. She’s also the 2024 President of the Orange County PRSA. In this episode, she discusses the value of mentorship, Forge’s rapid rise, and her involvement with Disney Forward. Key Takeaways:- Mentorship is crucial for young professionals in PR- Understanding your audience is essential in PR today- Forge offers a unique experience for clients through personalized serviceEpisode Timeline:0:30 Introduction to Tiffany Aguinaldo2:15 Mentorship in public relations4:20 What are young people in PR most concerned about?7:00 Tod's advice for young people in communications8:45 Forge's incredible growth11:00 What separates Forge from other agencies?13:15 Forge's success stories15:30 The Disney Forward event18:25 Tiffany's reflections on her early career at GRC22:00 Tiffany's thought leadership philosophyThis episode’s guest:• Tiffany Aguinaldo on LinkedIn• Forge's websiteSubscribe and leave a 5-star review: https://pod.link/1496390646Contact Us!• Join the conversation by leaving a comment!• Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Thanks for listening!

Lana McGilvray is co-founder and CEO of Purpose Worldwide, a brand, communications, PR, and growth consultancy that specializes in helping clients drive their purpose and growth. In 2020, PR News recognized Lana as one of the Top Women in PR. Here, she discusses the importance of purpose in brand growth, the impact of AI on business, and the current state of DEI in PR. Key Takeaways:- Purpose is essential for brand growth and authenticity- Brands often struggle to define their purpose- The state of DEI in PR Episode Timeline:1:30  Why Lana was named "One of the Top Women in PR"2:30  Not all brands have a purpose3:45  How to help brands find their authentic purpose5:15  The problem with purpose-washing6:15  Matching purpose to growth 9:10  How AI fuels growth11:45 The importance of human intuition13:50 The current state of DEI in PR16:15 Rebranding DEI20:00 The importance of having a career with purpose  This episode’s guest: • Lana McGilvray on LinkedIn• Purpose North America• Council for Brand Purpose  Subscribe and leave a 5-star review: https://pod.link/1496390646Contact Us! •         Join the conversation by leaving a comment!•         Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Thanks for listening!