The Crux of the Story

Described as a “creative instigator,” Cheryl Overton who leads her own firm and previously worked for top agencies – including Ogilvy, Edelman and EGAMI Group – and has worked on several iconic brands from P&G to Lancome, Dove, the American Red Cross, and McDonald’s talks with us about the intersection of brands with culture. We discuss: the NFL and the “Taylor Swift effect,” the American Eagle jeans campaign with actress Sydney Sweeney, the backlash to Cracker Barrel’s brand refresh, and the DEI boycott impact on Target’s retail sales. We also chat about emerging issues: how marketers need to better connect with consumers over the age of 50, balancing cultural connectivity and authenticity, and what CMOs and advertisers might do to future-proof their brands.

Manny Ruiz is a media, marketing and creative dynamo. From founding the first Hispanic PR newswire service in the U.S… to launching Hispanicize an event that highlighted the best of Hispanic and Latino PR, marketing and advertising… to co-founding Brilla Media Ventures with his wife and creative partner Angela, Manny has spent three decades shaping how brands engage with U.S. Hispanic and Latino audiences. He’s also the creative force behind Bistec – Audible’s top Spanish-language fiction podcast of 2024. In this episode we discuss his journey from Miami Herald journalist to entrepreneur, his impact, the missteps of marketers as they try to connect with Latino and bicultural audiences. And the future of Latino media.

Chernoff Newman CEO David Campbell, head of one of the US’s more successful regional agencies, discusses his firm’s integrated approach – employing public relations, advertising, digital media and public affairs – to solve unique client challenges across many industry sectors, government and education. In our conversation we touch on agency growth, how technology and AI are changing the firm’s work, and the challenges of navigating brands in today’s politically charged world as we reflect on Cracker Barrels’ attempt to modernize its brand and other events.

With over 25 years of expertise in organizational transformation, leadership development, and employee engagement, Kate Bullinger, CEO of United Minds (Weber Shandwick’s global management consultancy) discusses how businesses can navigate uncertainty, foster purpose-driven cultures, and lead effectively through change. We also explore the evolving role of communications executives, the workplace of the future given A.I. and technology. In this conversation we take deep dives into the strategies shaping the success of organizations today.

David Grossman is the founder and CEO of The Grossman Group, a leading communications consultancy focused on leadership, change management and internal communications. We spoke with him about his 25th year in business and career journey, the evolution of leadership communication, and key insights from his upcoming book, The Heart Work of Modern Leadership: Six Differentiators of Exceptional Leaders. We discuss how authentic and courageous leadership drives transformation; common communication challenges organizations face; and how leaders can foster employee engagement and cultural change. David also shares recent research on employee engagement in the public relations industry.

What are on the minds of future journalists from technology to storytelling to trust? We speak to three top students from the University of South Carolina's School of Journalism and Mass Communications with different broadcast disciplines and unique work experiences as interns and fellows to give us some insight: Sarah Craft (international news/ WIS-TV, WYFF-TV and WMBF-TV), Chloe Castain (sports/NASCAR), Kiki Gushue (news and broadcast production/The Crux of the Story).

Shelley Spector, founder and CEO of the Museum of Public Relations, and Dick Martin, Chair of the museum’s board and former AT&T communications executive shed light on the rich history of the PR profession, the importance of preserving its legacy, and how the Museum of Public Relations is shaping the future of the profession. Shelley and Dick share their insights on tackling contemporary challenges like disinformation and technological advancements – based in large measure by better understanding our past. Tune in for an enlightening conversation with two PR powerhouses!

Dr. Tina McCorkindale, President and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations (IPR), discusses IPR's declaration of April as Disinformation Awareness Month and sheds light on combating disinformation, trends in public relations and the media. We delve into groundbreaking research reports about the changing media landscape and employee engagement in the communications industry. We also explore strategies for raising awareness, improving trust, and addressing challenges faced by PR and media professionals. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation packed with actionable insights and reflections on the future of public relations.

Professor Damion Waymer, Director of the University of South Carolina’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications, discusses the misuse of scientific information and corporate misinformation. We explore the challenges faced by vulnerable publics, the role of social media, and the impact of political polarization on science communication. Professor Waymer also shares insights on improving public scientific literacy and his current research interests. Tune in for an enlightening discussion at the intersection of communication, culture, and power.

Kim Hunter, a trailblazing entrepreneur with over four decades of making his mark in multicultural integrated marketing, makes the case that the business of diversity is business. His LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS has produced innovative marketing solutions for some of America’s top brands from Verizon to Harley Davidson and the American Cancer Society. THE LAGRANT FOUNDATION, which he founded, has awarded more than $3 million in academic scholarships to aspiring young professionals in advertising, marketing, and public relations. And his executive search firm, KLH & ASSOCIATES, has helped place racially and ethnically diverse candidates in top-level communications roles at top companies and agencies. Join us as we delve into Kim's inspiring journey, his interesting – and maybe surprising – take on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the impact of his work.