PR 360

On this special edition of PR 360, we’re revisiting a standout episode that perfectly captures what we aim to do with the show. It’s a March 2024 interview with Gini Dietrich, founder of the influential Spin Sucks blog and author of Spin Sucks: Communication and Reputation Management in the Digital Age. This episode checks all the boxes—it’s fun, insightful, and packed with valuable takeaways on thought leadership, the evolution of...

Jackson Wightman is the founder of the consumer tech PR firm Proper Propaganda and author of the bestselling book, "The Tech PR Playbook." Here, he shares the unique benefits of performance-based billing, the importance of adapting to AI in search engine optimization, the value of staying open-minded when targeting media outlets, and why thought leadership is essential for clarifying ideas and strategies.

 Key Takeaways:

- P...

Karen Sorensen is an award-winning account director at Global Results Communications with a strong track record of securing top-tier media placements in outlets such as USA Today, The New York Times, Forbes, and more. Here, she discusses her upbringing in a large family, the importance of teamwork in both personal and professional life, and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and AI.

 Key Takeaways:

- Why teamwork is es...

Bob Bilbruck, founder of Captjur, is an accomplished and visionary CEO with nearly 30 years of experience in emerging markets and technology. In his third appearance on PR 360, he discusses his role in bringing flag football to the 2028 Olympics, the importance of diverse AI ecosystems, and the need for the U.S. to stay competitive in the global AI arms race.

Key Takeaways:

- The growing world of flag football

- The future of the ...

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 ...

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 bu...

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...

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, ...

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 failur...

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...

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 tr...

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 involve...

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 ...

Chris Caggiano is the senior editor at Fareportal, a travel E-commerce brand, and Intelligent Relations, an AI-enabled PR software-as-service company. His writing has appeared in Inc., where he worked as a reporter, writer, and editor for 13 years, as well as in CMO, D&O Reporter, The American Lawyer, The Advocate, Business.com, among others. Here, he discusses how Preston, Intelligent Relations’ AI tool, aims to democratize PR...

Gilad Bechar is the Founder and CEO of Moburst, a digital full-service, mobile-first marketing agency that helps companies scale and become category leaders. In this conversation, Gilad discusses what sets Moburst apart from other agencies, the importance of client selection, the role of AI in enhancing marketing strategies, and how to understand Google's content ranking algorithm.

Key Takeaways:

- Making sure clients are a good ...

Michelle Rupp is an EMMY and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist and the Founder and CEO of Memorable Results Media, a boutique agency helping small and mid-sized businesses gain media coverage on local and regional TV. Here, she discusses the evolving landscape of local media, how to craft effective media pitches, and how businesses can prepare for a PR crisis.

Key Takeaways:

- The lasting power of local media

- Keeping the...

Kourtney Jason is the president and co-founder of Pacific and Court, a Brooklyn-based book publicity and digital marketing agency, and the author of five nonfiction books, including "Lights, Camera, Booze: Drinking Games for Your Favorite Movies." Here, she discusses the current state of reading and publishing, the rise of audiobooks, and the importance of innovative PR strategies in reaching audiences. She also shares insights on ...

Lindsay Ferraro Bennett is a public relations executive at Pace PR with 20 years of longstanding relationships and results-driven work within the luxury, lifestyle, fitness, food/beverage, travel, health/wellness, and publishing industries. Here, she discusses the evolving landscape of affiliate marketing, the importance of authentic content, and the role of influencers in driving brand success. She also emphasizes the need for a d...

Amanda Lee is the Vice President of Marketing, Analyst, and Public Relations at DDN, the world’s leading data intelligence platform. She has 20-plus years of experience in marketing communications across AI, data intelligence, and technology ecosystems. Here, she discusses the rapid advancements in AI technology, the importance of data infrastructure, and the challenges women face in the tech industry.

Key Takeaways:

- How AI ...