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The Rest Is...Mohammed Al-Fayed - The Fallout, & What Next For Harrods
Season 2, Ep. 43
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This week, Jacki and Lyle discuss a story that has dominated the headlines in the UK and all over the world - the incredibly serious allegations of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment levelled at Egyptian billionaire businessman and former Harrods owner Mohammed Al-Fayed. Al-Fayed had owned a stake in House of Fraser, which owned Harrods, since 1984, before buying the entire company in 1985, and owning Harrods until a change of ownership in 2010. Al-Fayed himself died last August aged 94, and having been accused several times before of sexual harassment of Harrods employees, it was a BBC news report this month citing 20 women accusing him of sexual assault, with 5 of these women accusing him of rape, that ultimately led to these incredibly serious revelations. Out of respect to the, as of this week, now over 200 women who have come forward with allegations against Al-Fayed, Jacki and Lyle do not address these allegations in any great detail due to the sensitivity of the issue. Instead, our hosts address what is next for Harrods, and their current Managing Director Michael Ward as he looks to address the ongoing crisis and the impact it is having on Harrods and its employees. Jacki analyses what Harrods, and Ward, have done right so far in terms of their messaging, with Ward's quotes that Al-Fayed oversaw a 'toxic culture of secrecy and intimidation' pointing to an individual who appears intent on treating the allegations with the seriousness they warrant whilst also looking to humanise an institution that, as Lyle points out, has previously held the mantra of being somewhat elite. Lyle asks how a comms strategy in times of crisis can be affected by the involvement of the police, with Jacki emphasising that in these instances it is important to be cooperative and abide by the various rules the police will have in place regarding transparency and the sharing of information. Jacki and Lyle are careful not to speculate too readily given the circumstances, but Jacki offers one of her trademark predictions that others will be implicated in this scandal, with Lyle agreeing that is is unreasonable to believe that Al-Fayed was able to orchestrate such monstrous acts without anyone else being aware of his behaviour.
TW - much as Lyle and Jacki do not address these allegations in detail, this episode does contain references to allegations of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and rape. Listener and viewer discretion is advised
Artwork & music by Lyle Fulton
Get in touch via lylefulton@hotmail.com
More information at www.therestispr.com
Follow us on Twitter - @TheRestIsPR
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42. The Rest Is...The Power Of No, & The Importance Of Choosing The Best Opportunities
40:46||Season 2, Ep. 42This week, Jacki and Lyle discuss a topic that has resonance throughout not just the PR industry but every industry worldwide. Namely - the power of saying no. This, on the surface, might seem a little reductive, but to be more specific this week our hosts analyse the importance of choosing the right opportunities out of the number of offers you may receive from the media. In an incredibly interesting episode, Lyle asks Jacki to discuss what her own thought process is when saying yes to certain speaking opportunities, with Jacki herself not realising she does take into consideration whether her saying yes would be the best course of action for the client as well as herself! Jacki discusses the importance of making the right decisions at all levels of the business world, and indicates that lower-level businesses such as brand new startups could take a leaf out of the books of larger businesses when ensuring they make a decision that stands to engage best with their key stakeholders, rather than electing to jump on the proverbial bandwagon of larger scaler opportunities such an interview with the BBC, Channel 4 or the like, or expanding into a territory that doesn't fit with their mission, vision and values. That holy triumvirate occurs a number of times throughout an episode that also mentions the likes of Taylor Swift and her uncanny savviness when it comes to selecting opportunities, as well as considerations made around the situations of Amanda Abbington, Huw Edwards, Philip Schofield and more. Jacki urges patience after what she calls a number of 'gaffes' throughout the episode, and Lyle is consistently plagued by a pesky fly - it's not to be missed!Artwork & music by Lyle FultonGet in touch via lylefulton@hotmail.comMore information at www.therestispr.comFollow us on Twitter - @TheRestIsPR41. The Rest Is...Taylor Swift, Fake News, & The Power Of Generative-AI
43:04||Season 2, Ep. 41This week, Jacki and Lyle betray the trust of last week's guest, Alis Wyn Davies Fulton, by discussing another of her favourite subjects - Taylor Swift! That's right, this week our hosts delve into the power of TayTay, who has been making the news this week for her endorsement of Kamala Harris in the ongoing Presidential race in the United States. Swift had previously made news when it came to the election for other reasons, notably when she refused to reveal who she would be voting for an instead insisted everyone should make the choice that is right for them. She also spoke out on the dangers of generative-AI after a fake photo of her seemingly endorsing former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump was used by his campaign on his website. Jacki analyses how Swift's authenticity and the sincerity with which she goes about her day to day life make her an incredibly powerful global megastar, capable of swaying whole swathes of the general public on particular issues. Lyle and Jacki both agree that there is little to go after Swift for, especially when you consider the toxicity she has been met with throughout her career, before Lyle and Jacki both discuss another story which has centred on Swift and her current partner, Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce, where and apparent 'fake contract' outlining a set date for their split was circulated around the media. Lyle finishes the episode by, as ever, extending an invitation to everyone mentioned in the pod, so watch out for Miss Americana appearing on an episode near you. Who knows? We may even make her new album!Artwork & music by Lyle FultonGet in touch via lylefulton@hotmail.comMore information at www.therestispr.comFollow us on Twitter - @TheRestIsPR40. The Rest Is...Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, & The 'It Ends With Us' Drama (With Alis Wyn Davies)
44:30||Season 2, Ep. 40This week, Jacki and Lyle are finally joined by a guest they've been waiting to invite for a long, long time. That's right, the one and and only Alis Wyn Davies, also known as Alis Fulton and Lyle's wife, is on the podcast this week! Alis is an actress and writer who has performed on stage and screen across a number of high profile projects, including notably as Ophelia opposite Sir Ian McKellen in the Theatre Royal Windsor production of Hamlet in 2021. She joins Jacki and Lyle to discuss a topic that has been capturing her attention for the last few weeks - the fallout from the release of 'It Ends With Us', an adaptation of the book by Colleen Hoover which contains graphic depictions of domestic violence, directed by Justin Baldoni and starring himself and Blake Lively. Alis analyses the issues that have arisen since the release of the film, with Blake Lively coming under fire for the tone of her PR for the film where she has at times publicised her own haircare and cosmetic products, promoted her husband Ryan Reynolds' film 'Deadpool X Wolverine', and avoided questions pertaining to how she prepared for the issues surrounding domestic violence when she took the role. Alis mentions one particular example where Lively is alleged to have told prospective audience members to bring their daughters, wear floral dresses and drink prosecco at the film, only for audience members to walk out upon seeing the scenes of domestic abuse on screen. Jacki analyses how Baldoni has been able to rise above the drama, writing an open letter to victims of domestic violence, praising Lively and the rest of the cast, and generally getting his comms strategy right, while Lyle discusses the responsibility actors like Lively have as role models and icons in the industry to tell these stories truthfully, authentically and with empathy both on-screen and off it after the film has released. Alis breaks down where we are now with this situation, including the slightly bizarre scenario that has scene Lively and the wider cast seemingly conduct a separate press tour from Baldoni! It was a pleasure to finally have Mrs Fulton on the podcast, and Jacki and Lyle will be sure to ask for Alis' insight should this story continue to run and run!Artwork & music by Lyle FultonGet in touch via lylefulton@hotmail.comMore information at www.therestispr.comFollow us on Twitter - @TheRestIsPR39. The Rest Is...The Jermaine Jenas Scandal & What The BBC Have Done Differently
45:10||Season 2, Ep. 39This week, Jacki and Lyle are discussing a topic that has had the whole country talking once again. No, it's not the Oasis reunion (although Lyle does his level best to mention this at every possible moment!) It is, in fact, the situation surrounding now former BBC presenter and Match Of The Day pundit, Jermaine Jenas, who was sacked last week after it was revealed by The Sun that he had sent inappropriate text messages to two female members of staff. Jenas later admitted to sending this messages in an interview with the same newspaper, something Jacki agrees was planned by Jenas' comms team who have reacted decisively to his sacking and the resulting fallout. Jenas may well be offered a lifeline if newspaper reports are to be believed, with TNT Sports, where he works as a freelance pundit and commentator, refusing to rule out his continued appearances after the upcoming international break. Tim Davie, meanwhile, is said to be 'deeply unhappy' with Jenas, and Jacki and Lyle praise the BBC's response to this scandal in this episode. Jacki outlines that the BBC have in essence behaved like any standard employer should when faced with this allegations about one of their employees, and Lyle agrees that, despite certain perspectives that Jenas has ultimately paid the price for the BBC getting their act together in times of crisis such as these, this is how everyone associated with the broadcaster should now expect to be dealt with should they behave improperly. Jacki analyses the continued fallout from the Strictly Come Dancing Scandal involving Giovanni Pernice and actress Amanda Abbington, with the latter coming under fire from Jacki for the interview she recently conducted with Krishnan Guru-Murthy. Lyle ultimately assesses the three different approaches taken by the people at the centre of the three most recent BBC scandals - Jenas and his immediate apology, Pernice and his coming-out-fighting approach, and Huw Edwards' ultimately futile silent strategy. All three approaches led to different levels of reporting on the repsective stories, although Lyle does admit the Oasis reunion may have helped Jenas' cause in this regard as well (he just couldn't help mentioning it again!)Artwork & music by Lyle FultonGet in touch via lyle@dimoso.comMore information at www.therestispr.comFollow us on Twitter - @TheRestIsPR38. The Rest Is...What Makes A Great Spokesperson
42:21||Season 2, Ep. 38This week, Jacki and Lyle discuss the importance of having a good spokesperson within your organisation, and what it takes to become a great spokesperson in general. Lyle analyses how important it is to be authentic in the delivery and tone of your message as a spokesperson, and Jacki lists the many excellent spokespeople that have appeared on the podcast so far. These include the phenomenal Chloe Davies, who Jacki continues to catch up with regularly, as well as the likes of Impact Guru Esther Stanhope, AgencyWise's Laura West, and the incredible Beatka Wójciak who has had to learn how to be the best possible spokesperson she can be after being thrust into the limelight by the creation of Chaos Cookie and her involvement with Apple through her game, Squarelets. Lyle and Jacki also discuss bad examples of spokespeople, and the importance of ensuring you are as confident and informative as possible even if you don't wholeheartedly believe in the message you are delivering. Lyle draws on his experience as an actor to offer advice to prospective spokespeople, and there is even time for a truly remarkable story from Jacki about how she ended up taking a job after losing a game of backgammon!Artwork & music by Lyle FultonGet in touch via lyle@dimoso.com or info@therestispr.comMore information at www.therestispr.comFollow us on Twitter - @TheRestIsPR37. The Rest Is...Media Bias - Who Do You Trust?
33:26||Season 2, Ep. 37This week, Jacki and Lyle discuss the current media landscape, with a particular focus on the slant taken on certain stories by a cross section of broadcasters and news outlets in the UK over the last few weeks. In an episode that touches on some very tragic subjects and where viewer and listener discretion is advised, Jacki and Lyle discuss the reporting of the recent tragic murders of 3 young girls at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport, and how the immediacy with which the killer's ethnicity and heritage were reported has since contributed to flashpoints and riots up and down the UK. Lyle compares this situation to that of Sarah Everard, and the fact that the information reported about her killer, Wayne Couzens, didn't have anywhere near the same focus on his heritage and ethinicity, instead concentrating on his job as a police officer. Jacki ultimately discusses how the apparent bias being perpetuated by the mainstream media has informed the rise of independent social media news outlets, such as Dylan Page (otherwise known as News Daddy) who her son follows on TikTok. Lyle asks the question as to whether the vacuum that has been created by this increased mainstream bias has in essence been filled by these independent news reporter influencers, before inserting his trademark sporting analogy in his mention of Manchester United fan channel, The United Stand!Artwork & music by Lyle FultonGet in touch via lyle@dimoso.com or info@therestispr.comMore information at www.therestispr.comFollow us on Twitter - @TheRestIsPR36. The Rest Is...The Importance Of Reputation In The Corporate World
37:52||Season 2, Ep. 36This week, Jacki and Lyle discuss the importance of reputation in the corporate and business world, and how companies and individuals can take steps to manage their reputation in order to elevate their business. This follows hot on the heels of the Huw Edwards Scandal episode, where Jacki and Lyle started to discuss the idea of reputation when it comes to public figures and crisis communications. Lyle discusses his own opinion on the term reputation, including how he sees it as more of a vibe around a business or individual than something that businesses should be prioritising. Jacki responds to Lyle's point regarding how the C suite can have the best reputation in the world by agreeing that upholding your reputation throughout an organisation is important. She analyses how it used to be the customer service department of an organisation that fell foul of poor reputation management, but that now maintaining an excellent customer service reputation is seen as a priority by businesses! There is time for Jacki and Lyle to discuss some brilliant examples of customer service, such as the service delivered to Jacki by Apple recently over a subscription she wished to cancel, and the pair also discuss how maintaining an excellent reputation within the industry you operate in can elevate your business and help give you the competitive edge over your fellow organisations!Artwork & music by Lyle FultonGet in touch via lyle@dimoso.com or info@therestispr.comMore information at www.therestispr.comFollow us on Twitter - @TheRestIsPR35. The Rest Is...The Huw Edwards Scandal & The Importance Of Crisis Preparedness
38:04||Season 2, Ep. 35This week, Jacki and Lyle discuss a story that has dominated the UK news agenda in the latter half of this week, alongside the terrible events that took place in Southport. Huw Edwards, former BBC news presenter and, at one time, the third-highest paid BBC television employee, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to three counts of making indecent images of children. The BBC director general, Tim Davie, has since defended the decision not to sack Huw Edwards, despite knowing that the presenter had been arrested in November over what is considered to be the most serious category of indecent images of children. In an episode that contains references to this crime throughout and where listener and viewer discretion is advised, Jacki analyses the BBC's response to Edwards' charges being made public, again praising their swift response whilst also questioning why, once again, it has taken them this long to acknowledge this situation having known about it for several months. Lyle is conscious of treating the story itself with the sensitivity it requires in order to protect the victims in this case, but he does draw some parallels between this situation and the one the BBC found themselves in with the Strictly Come Dancing scandal, in that it has seemingly taken far too long for any wrongdoing to be acknowledged and ultimately dealt with. Jacki and Lyle then discuss the impact this will have had on the reputation of the BBC, with reference to a new Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy's concerns over the BBC's handling of the internal investigation into Edwards' behaviour, and the continued evidence that the corporation is not learning lessons from previous cases such as those involving the likes of Jimmy Saville and Rolf Harris. TW - this episode contains references to the crimes committed by Edwards, and mentions the likes of Jimmy Saville and Rolf Harris as other examples of this behaviour. Viewer and listener discretion is advised. If you or anyone you know has been affected by this story, the following charities continue to do amazing work helping people affected by child abuse and exploitation:Barnardo's - https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/support-for-parents-and-carers/child-abuse-and-harm/child-sexual-abuse-and-exploitationMind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/abuse/Victim Support - https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/Artwork & music by Lyle FultonGet in touch via lyle@dimoso.com or info@therestispr.comMore information at www.therestispr.comFollow us on Twitter - @TheRestIsPR