21 - Master the message, the messenger, and the platform with Burson CEO Corey duBrowa
Smart in Public
The Art of Storytelling in Music and PR
This chapter explores how personal interests in music and sports influence professional communication strategies. It emphasizes the shared narrative elements between music journalism and public relations, showcasing the value of creativity in storytelling.
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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