Subject Matter’s Post

I've been blessed with great mentors and supporters through my career, but I won't say my path was never lonely. As many minorities can attest, the PR industry has a major diversity problem. And the studies bear that out: over 80% of the PR industry identifies as white, and those who do make significantly more than PR specialists of color. Their desire to be part of the solution is just one reason why I've felt so fortunate to be part of the Jennifer Bett Communications team over the past few months. In a new op-ed for Ad Age edited by James Flachsenhaar, JBC's Melissa Duren Conner discusses the systemic diversity problem crippling the public relations industry, and offers four strategies for planning a more inclusive future -- major words of wisdom from a rare BIPOC leader in our industry, and someone I'm proud to work for. It's the kind of essay I wish I'd run into earlier in my career: designed to be actionable for leaders and make those earlier in their careers feel more prepared and less alone. I'm sharing it here in case it might help you or someone you know too. If you're in comms (or know someone who is), it's a must-read:  https://lnkd.in/ekgJfDP8 #dei #publicrelations #commsjobs #prpros

🔥 In today’s post, let us learn more about the industry founders and their dedication to developing and advancing the PR industry. ✨ Ivy Lee (1877 - 1934) An American publicity expert who is widely recognised as the father of modern public relations. His PR model emphasised the importance of thoroughly explaining the activities of an organization to the media, which should embrace honesty, truth, and accuracy. He released the first-ever press release on the fatal Pennsylvania Railroad accident in 1906, and this practice became an industry standard as we now widely adopt. ✨ Edward Bernays (1891 - 1995) A pioneer American publicist who is generally considered to have been the first to develop the idea of the professional PR counselor. His philosophy focused on manipulating human perceptions and shifting the desire for products to a perceived need for them. He endorsed using opinion leaders, celebrities, experts, and other prominent individuals to shape public opinion. ✨ Betsy Plank (1924 - 2010) Commonly referred to as the first lady of public relations, she achieved many firsts in PR leadership positions and opened up a lot of doors for women, in her 63-year long career. She worked to elevate PR education and were truly a champion for PR education. 📢 These pioneers served as role models for PR professionals in staying ahead of the curve. It is now our job to update ourselves and continue to build on the platforms provided by them to create new PR trends. #Jolen #JolenConsulting #pragency #agencylife #15thanniversary

Organisations that fail to meet public expectations frequently become a lightning rod for public opinion. The limited nature of apologies and action means that efforts to address failings often go unreported and the reputational impact can be longstanding. Women in PR was widely criticised within the UK public relations industry in February for announcing a Shadow Board that did not adequately represent women from racially diverse backgrounds. It was a significant failure for an organisation that aims to increase the number and diversity of women in leadership roles in public relations and corporate communications. PRWeek also failed to spot the issue in its reporting, indicating that the industry has a significant way to address diversity and inclusion in practice. Women in PR has taken exemplary action since. It has engaged with its community, undertaken an internal review, and outlined the steps it plans to take to make change. That started on Friday with a statement to members. Women in PR has set three main goals in response to the issues highlighted by the shadow board: ✅ improving representation ✅ creating an inclusive culture ✅ advocating for issues affecting its diverse membership Women in PR said that it plans to address the immediate issues highlighted by the Shadow Board by conducting an audit, collecting diversity data, recruiting additional committee and Shadow Board members and launching a mentoring program with clear representation benchmarks. It also said that it will seek to address broader cultural issues by undertaking a comprehensive refresh of its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion strategy, including a listening period, incorporating insights and commissioning an external review. Sarah Waddington CBE CDir ChartPR made a good point when she forwarded me the Women in PR newsletter. “If everyone shared the Women in PR response in the way they’d been quick to point out the original issue, perhaps we’d start to see meaningful change as an industry. We must do better at creating a safe space so more people can learn and make change,” she said. In an era when organisations claim to learn from mistakes but then fail to commit to action, the response and plan from Women in PR is refreshing. I look forward to reading about its progress.

Just a CEO or a face of a company is not enough for me. For me this role is about being a trusted partner on the collective journey. And in the years of leading Viseven, I've come to realize the tremendous impact that executive advocacy can have on shaping a company's image. When leaders actively advocate for their company, it humanizes the brand, making it relatable and approachable. In the recent article, "How To Boost A Company’s Reputation Through Executive Advocacy," Forbes Agency Council members, including myself, discuss the strategies, the mindset, and the actionable steps that can elevate your company's reputation to new heights. Drawing from personal experiences, industry insights, and expert opinions, we share our best tips. Take a read here: https://lnkd.in/eGKrS_R9 #executive #advocacy #reputation

Diversity Action Alliance released its second annual Race and Ethnicity in Public Relations & Communications Benchmark Report. In 2020, the data showed 75% of all employees were white, with 25% being racially diverse. 2021 diversity increased by 8% across all organizations and position levels. 73% of employees were white in 2021, with 27% as racially/ethnically diverse. Read more, bit.ly/3CBaTRC #hrnews #race #DE&I #culture #diversity

Young professionals can learn a lot from those who have worked in the industry for years, but seasoned PR pros can also learn a lot from newbies. PR is constantly evolving, and novice professionals have much to offer the industry. Learn more in this article. #PR #womeninbusiness

Why are The White House, #PR pros, advocacy associations and government contractors all using #linkedin to promote their thought leadership? The latest National Digital Roundtable discussion, in partnership with LinkedIn, focused on strategies to build up thought leadership and create content that cuts through the noise - in Washington and beyond. 💡 Suzanne Struglinski shared the secret sauce (or perhaps accidental success) of her PR Tips posts - one of which focused on common mischaracterization of "millennials" reached 1.5 million people 💡 Patrick Kane shared how British diplomat and trade commission Emma Wade-Smith OBE has used LinkedIn to bring a human voice to government announcements 💡 One former White House aid shared that his LinkedIn posts would reach many more people than a large email distribution list 💡 Christina Maruna and the LinkedIn team told us about the success of a new thought leadership ad format on the platform, which some in the room used and endorsed We left with many more questions than answers, but we made some great new connections and learned a ton from one another. If you'd like to be considered to participate next quarter, let us know! #thoughtleadership #digital

Yesterday was my birthday -- I took the day off to spend with friends and family and just having a good time in and around the City. I had a million emails to comb through at the end of the day before my head hit the pillow. When I got home last night from a wonderful day of celebrating, this was one of those emails that appeared in my inbox! What a great birthday gift to be recognized in Business Leaders Review as one of the many incredible "Most Power Women in Business 2023." I am certainly among some other outstanding women. As the publication states, "the world is growing ever more dependent on technology, and women are increasingly making significant contributions in the tech sphere. They are breaking barriers, setting new standards of excellence, and rewriting the narratives of a traditionally male-dominated field. In this edition of 'Most Powerful Women in Business 2023,' we highlight trailblazing women." I am honored... and will continue to have so much gratitude for my clients, partners, mentors and media friends. My fav part of the piece is this: “I am raising two boys, and I am happy they see their mom in an executive, entrepreneurial, and leadership role. They think a girl boss in technology is not an anomaly, which is great. I am hoping to be able to join more women in leadership organizations this year,” concludes Erin.  #womeninbusiness #womenempowerment #womenintechnology #mediarelations #mediacoverage #girlboss