HearSay

Dive into the latest episode of HearSay, where Michael Maslansky, Lee Carter, and Ben Feller serve up a no-holds-barred analysis of the Super Bowl ads—because if there's one thing we love discussing more than touchdowns, it's bold messaging! Did brands play it too safe, or did they hit that sweet spot of emotional resonance we're all craving—(even if the game itself was lacking)? The crew takes a critical look at the pharma industry's ads, dissecting Pfizer's heartfelt strategy and questioning the audacity of the Hims & Hers ad that boldly capitalizes on our skepticism about Big Pharma. From themes of patriotism and diversity to an oddly low focus on actual products, this episode is packed with sharp insights into how powerful messaging can shatter or strengthen a brand's image in today's fast-moving landscape. Tune in for spirited debates that might just change how you think about the ads we all saw!

Welcome back to a new season of HearSay! In this episode, CEO Michael Maslansky and President and Partner, Lee Carter delve into the complexities of communication strategies under the Trump administration. With public trust at an all-time low, companies must redefine their messaging to connect authentically with audiences, avoid becoming targets of political and social backlash, and stay aligned with national narratives. Listen in as they offer insights and strategies to help you build resilient communication strategies for turbulent times.

In our final episode of the season, we dive into the language moments that defined politics, culture, and business in 2024. From groundbreaking political quotes to cultural catchphrases and impactful business language, we explore not only what was said but what it means for the future. Join us for an engaging discussion on the implications of these language moments and what they might signal for 2025.

Equity, access, and impact are terms often used but seldom fully understood or effectively communicated within the healthcare sector. In this episode of HearSay, President and Partner Lee Carter, Senior Vice President Maria Boos, and guest Rajni Samavedam, CEO of Rabin Martin, delve into why it's important to go beyond corporate social responsibility, how to measure impact without the numbers, and actionable ways to reframe the story for success.

It's been one of the most unconventional and consequential presidential elections in American history. Amid the confusion, division, and turbulence, we spotted some valuable insights and important takeaways. This special live episode of HearSay will help you make sense of the outcome so you can thrive in these post-election days, with lessons from both sides that you can leverage for your own work.

In this episode of HearSay, Partners Michael Maslansky, Lee Hartley Carter, and Katie Cronen navigate the complex terrain of "bad facts" in messaging—a topic that is as timely as it is uncomfortable. In a landscape fraught with political controversies like Biden's age and corporate scandals such as skyrocketing pharmaceutical prices, denial is simply not an option. Instead, our hosts unpack a transformative approach to confronting these tricky realities through the framework of the four Rs: Reject, Rebut, Reframe, and Replace. Tune in to sharpen your communication strategy and understand the power of language in the face of adversity.

You've got a breakthrough innovation that is much better than what's come before – why is it so hard to sell it? In this episode, CEO Michael Maslansky, Partner Keith Yazmir, and Senior Vice President Will Howard dissect the challenges of selling innovation whether you are selling enterprise technology, a new investment product, or plant-based meat. They discuss language tactics for conveying the benefits of innovation, address resistance to change, and offer solutions for navigating unrecognized problems. Through compelling examples and practical insights, the episode provides valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of selling innovation in today's dynamic market landscape.

In this episode, CEO Michael Maslansky, and Partners Lee Carter and Katie Cronen delve into the pharmaceutical industry's enduring reputation struggles, tracing their origins back to pre-pandemic times and exploring the transformative impact of COVID-19. Through insightful discussions and case studies, they'll propose strategies for reshaping the industry's narrative, emphasizing the importance of recasting pharma as more than profit-driven entities and fostering consumer trust.

In this new episode of HearSay, Lee Carter and Ben Feller look at what the two presidential candidates are saying, what's important about it – and what people should be listening for in the political months ahead. Now that President Biden and Former President Trump are officially set for a rematch, Lee and Ben will analyze their contrasting approaches to how they frame issues like the economy, threats to our democracy, and the issue looming above both of theme room—their age. Lee and Ben offer insights into the current political landscape and speculate on the future trajectory of the election, based on many years of covering and considering how language shapes voter perception and behavior.

Corporations think they know what they need to say but they can never say it when it comes to responsiveness, and empathy, but what is happening behind the scenes causing these crisis situations and what could they have said differently? In this episode of Hearsay, Michael Maslansky, Lee Carter, and Ben Feller explore different moments of crisis and share their insights on what the challenges of corporate speak are, what it cost corporations that do nothing, and the different solutions to manage a crisis.