
When It Hits the Fan The Secrets of the List: Putting Yourself in the Frame for a Top Job.
Nov 19, 2025
Discover the intriguing world of PR and job lists. Learn how names get seeded on coveted lists and the hidden risks of public speculation. Delve into the fallout from the Penguin campaign, where Merlin Entertainments faces mounting reputational pressure. Explore Sundar Pichai's cautious insights on AI, warning of potential market risks. The hosts dissect strategies for navigating the treacherous landscape of public perception and media influence in securing top positions. Get ready for an engaging discussion on the dynamics of ambition and reputation!
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Succession Stories Are Messy Public Spectacles
- High-profile succession stories generate messy, political publicity rather than seamless transitions.
- Lists of 'runners and riders' are often speculative, assembled quickly, and shaped by relationships and opinion, not certainty.
Cultivate Headhunter Relationships
- Get on headhunters' radars and use discreet channels to signal interest if you want to be considered for top roles.
- Use trusted intermediaries rather than overt self-promotion to protect your current position and relationships.
Press Lists Reflect Networks, Not Reality
- Media lists often reflect journalists' networks and can include unqualified or joking suggestions.
- Journalistic lists are sometimes invented quickly and reveal more about influencers than actual selection processes.
