When It Hits the Fan Sirs, Dames and the PR Game
Jun 11, 2025
David Yelland and Simon Lewis dive into the intriguing world of public relations and the intricacies of securing honorary titles like knighthoods. They discuss how strategic PR efforts can influence nominations while poking fun at the British honors system. The conversation also explores navigating political U-turns, assessing the impact of social media on public perception, and emphasizing advocacy for dyslexia in education, inspired by Jamie Oliver's campaign. A blend of humor and insight highlights the delicate balance between personal success and public image.
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UK Honours Reflect Broad Service
- In the UK, honours like knighthoods often reflect a combination of charity, community service, and public influence rather than just business success.
- Strategic PR can shape nominations, but financial donations to political parties is less influential nowadays.
Complex Nature of Honours System
- The UK honours system is both transparent and opaque, with some honours revoked by a secretive Forfeiture Committee.
- Relationships and socialising within elite circles influence honours but do not guarantee them.
Mastering the U-Turn
- When executing a U-turn, do it decisively, with full team alignment and accept the negative publicity.
- Owning the decision without hesitation preserves leadership credibility during policy reversals.