The Crux of the Story

D. Graham Burnett, director and co-founder for the Institute for Sustained Attention, says the problem of fragmented attention has reached “catastrophic proportions.” He is helping lead a fight against “powerful systems” that are “fracking” society’s attention. How? By building a school and community on the topic, and his writing and teachings, including a Princeton course, “Attention Economy.” For communicators, is there a more essential question than this: How do we get people to pay attention to what we are saying?

In this episode of “The Crux of the Story,” highly respected communicators Tom Martin and Gary Grates cover all things mentoring. From the role of technology, to “official” mentoring programs, to building informal relationships, Tom and Gary discuss how potential mentees can maximize their networking opportunities. Tom and Gary's mentorship experiences stem from their extensive careers as practitioners, consultants, educators, and thought leaders in communications. Plus, check out Tom's new podcast, “Mindful Mentoring with Tom Martin.”

What defines a “crisis” in 2024? Crisis consultant Molly McPherson joins The Crux to discuss the evolution of reputation and crises. From working in the “crisis cauldron” that is FEMA to her hugely popular TikTok posts on high-profile crises, Molly has become a leading and insightful voice in what it take to manage crises in a volatile environment. Plus, she’s a Boston University College of Communication grad!

Martin Reeves of BCG and Tomas Kellner of Amazon discuss the importance of strategic storytelling in business, transmitting the basic intent, effective communication in strategy, the impact of storytelling on business, the importance of data and measurement in storytelling, and the importance of storytelling in transmitting strategy.

NYU Stern professor Alison Taylor joins the Crux to discuss the “do’s and don'ts” of business ethics from her newest book, Higher Ground, How Businesses Can Do the Right Thing. She focuses on how companies should focus on addressing their imperfections, rather than realizing statements on problems they can’t solve. From the UN Climate Week, to Levi’s corporate, she comments how key leaders can improve on commenting on social issues. Finally, Alison notes that company’s cannot solve every social issue, rather they must focus on one to three possible issues they can address.

The Ocean Outlaw Project’s Ian Urbina on Non-Profit Journalism on the Open Ocean by Gary Sheffer and Mike Fernandez

Boston University’s professors Marni Zelnick and Meghan Irons join the Crux to talk about the importance of social responsibility in film-making and journalism. Marni emphasizes the importance of “pulling back the curtain” on real world topics within creative filmmaking as she does in her film Druid Peak. Meghan focuses on how her experience working on writing a narrative on the violence in Dorchester taught her invaluable lessons on the challenges and triumphs of this type of journalism. The unifying factor in creating media that reflects the importance of social issues is centering each narrative on real human stories.

What are the “four corners” companies can employ to conquer stakeholder engagement? How can companies employ expertise when releasing statements on the conflict in Gaza? How can AI be the “cure” for economic disease? Matt McDonald, President of the “data native” business consulting firm Penta Group, joins the Crux on today’s episode to provide profound insight on stakeholder engagement to economic theory.

Don Spetner, senior corporate advisor at Weber Shandwick, talks about the evolution of the Chief Communications Officer role. Where the core of public relations was once media relations, now the internet has allowed everyone to have their own “bullhorn”. Gary, Mike and Don break down two of the most controversial PR flops such as the BP oil spill live cam, as well as the newest Bud Light Campaign. Additionally, Don Spetner warns professional communicators to stop “showing their superman logo” and handling everything themselves. Tune in for more.

Have you ever heard of “forced morality?” Why do companies like Patagonia and Chick-fil-a stick to their values? How can employers show more kindness to employees experiencing grief and loss in their personal lives? On this episode of the Crux, Bradley Akubuiro talks about dexterity and nimbleness within the workplace. He tackles topics such as showing courage in corporate settings, especially during his time in the Boeing workforce. Bradley speaks on his experience as a minority leader and the emotional "tax" this role entails. Tune in to hear more about Bradley's diverse roles, the importance of millennial leaders and more.