Smart in Public

Meredith Klein is a seasoned communications strategist with 20 years in PR, having worked with Jet.com, Walmart, and Pinterest. In this engaging discussion, she sheds light on the disconnect between PR professionals and journalists, emphasizing the need for concise pitches that truly resonate with media. Meredith urges PR pros to embrace personal branding as a survival tactic and reveals effective strategies for building genuine journalist relationships. She also critiques the reliance on AI for pitches and encourages a more authentic, niche-focused approach to media outreach.

Ever notice how when corporate giants go to war, they suddenly discover their deep concern for "customers" and "fairness"? This week on Smart in Public, the Katies dissect the Disney vs. Google/YouTube TV standoff and spoiler alert: neither company gives a damn about you. What they do care about? Leverage, market control, and making sure you think they're the good guys while they battle for billions. Most coverage of corporate disputes treats them like sports rivalries—pick a side, root for your team. We're taking a different approach: exposing how both companies weaponize "public interest" language while actively screwing over the actual public.When unprecedented competitors with unlimited resources clash, "fair access" becomes a PR talking point, not a principle. And communications professionals need to stop pretending otherwise.What we unpack:🎯 The fairness theater - How both Disney and Google deploy "fair access" rhetoric while their actions prove customer experience is maybe priority #47💰 When money isn't the issue - What happens when both sides have infinite resources and the dispute becomes purely about power and positioning🏢 The customer care illusion - Why major corporations can't actually prioritize customers even when they claim to (and why that matters for how we communicate)⚔️ Unprecedented competition dynamics - What changes when competitors are this massive, this resourced, and this committed to winning at any cost📢 The PR strategy breakdown - How both sides are managing communications in this standoff and what that reveals about modern crisis commsThis isn't a negotiation failure—it's a glimpse into how corporate communications works when the stakes are existential. Both companies have unlimited legal budgets, massive PR teams, and sophisticated communications strategies. And yet consumers are still getting screwed.Connect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com

Ever wonder why everyone in PR talks about measurement but nobody seems to have cracked it? Linda Zebian, VP of Communications at Muck Rack, just said the quiet part out loud—and it's exactly what you need to hear right now.In this episode of Smart In Public, the Katies sit down with someone who's uniquely positioned to call out the industry's blind spots: a comms leader who works at the company that literally builds the tools we're all supposed to be using to prove our worth. Linda's journey from traditional media to the tech side of communications gives her a perspective nobody else has—and she's not holding back.Why this episode hits different:📊 The measurement confession - Why PR's universal measurement challenge isn't getting solved by better dashboards (and what actually matters instead)🤖 AI reality without the hype - How AI is actually changing PR measurement and strategy, not just automating press releases like everyone assumes💰 The budget conversation nobody wants to have - Real talk about what it takes to convince leadership to invest in PR technology when "you can't measure PR anyway"📰 Owned media vindication - Why building your own channels isn't just a nice-to-have anymore—it's your insurance policy against platform chaos🎯 Stakeholder education secrets - How to explain PR's value to executives who think communications is just "getting our name out there"The conversations worth stealing:On centralized data: Linda breaks down why scattered analytics across seventeen different platforms is killing your ability to prove impact—and what to do about itOn AI agents: Forget AI writing your pitches. Linda's looking ahead to AI agents that actually change how PR professionals do strategic work (and why that's not as scary as it sounds)On traditional metrics: Why impressions and AVE are worse than useless—they're actively misleading your stakeholders about what communications actually deliversOn the paywall problem: What happens when all quality journalism goes behind paywalls and your citations become invisible? Linda's thinking through this before the rest of usOn authenticity: In a world where AI can generate infinite content, Linda argues that genuine trust and brand authenticity become your only real competitive advantagesChapters02:57 - Linda's Journey to Muck Rack05:38 - The Evolution of Measurement in Comms08:51 - AI's Impact on PR and Measurement11:38 - The Future of Paywalls and Media Citations14:43 - Preparing for 2026: Strategic Planning in Comms17:54 - Budgeting for AI Tools in PR20:42 - The Role of AI Agents in PR23:37 - Embracing AI and Continuous Learning29:34 - The Evolving Landscape of AI and PR31:28 - Essential Tools for Effective Measurement34:30 - Educating Stakeholders on Measurement Challenges37:31 - The Importance of Technology in Measurement38:44 - Telling Your Own Story in PR40:24 - Maximizing Resources in a Tight Budget42:22 - The Role of Owned Media in Brand Authority44:30 - Shifting Budgets Towards Authenticity48:30 - The Future of PR Measurement and StrategyConnect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com

In an industry obsessed with job-hopping, Jess Aptman​, Chief Communications Officer at Zocdoc​, has been at the company for 13 years and she's here to tell you why loyalty isn't a dirty word. In this refreshingly honest conversation with The Katies, Jess breaks down what it actually takes to build a communications function from survival mode to strategic powerhouse, and why the best career move might be doubling down instead of moving on.This episode is a masterclass in (what some people might call) 'the unsexy stuff': resilience, institutional knowledge, ​trusting your gut when you want to take a bet on a brand, and the art of playing the long game. The truth is, these things really freaking matter when you're growing your own career to your own tune, and not based on what you see on LinkedIn. Jess also gets real about navigating company crises, evolving from reactive PR firefighting to strategic business partner, and why internal communications might be the most underrated lever for organizational success.​The a-ha moments:The longevity advantage - Why 13 years at one company makes Jess more valuable, not less (and what assumptions people get wrong about long tenure) Survival to growth mindset - The critical shift every communications leader needs to make when their company (and their function) moves past crisis mode Internal comms as infrastructure - How strategic internal communications shapes culture, builds trust, and actually influences business outcomes The AI reality check - What's actually changing in communications work and what human skills remain irreplaceable (spoiler: it's not what you think) The curiosity imperative - Why continuous learning and genuine expertise in your industry are becoming non-negotiable for comms professionalsKey insights you can steal:Context is everything: The power of institutional knowledge in a world that celebrates the new and shinyCheck your own boxes: How to ​drop the promotion chasing mentality and make career choices based on your goals, not industry narratives about what success should look likeStrategic evolution: The transformation from tactical execution to strategic influence—and how to make that shiftResilience as skill: Why the ability to navigate challenges and bounce back is your ultimate competitive advantageTrust building: How internal communications becomes the foundation for everything else a company tries to accomplishYour career doesn't have to look like everyone else's LinkedIn highlights reel. Sometimes the most strategic move is going deep instead of going wide—building irreplaceable institutional knowledge and evolving with your organization instead of chasing the next big title.​ Thank you Jess for coming on the show!!!Connect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com

In the 50th episode of Smart in Public, The Katies unpack the fallout from Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff’s recent controversial comments and what it reveals about the modern relationship between leadership, communication, and reputation.They explore how Benioff’s remarks led to public backlash and even a Salesforce Foundation board member’s resignation, raising deeper questions about how powerful CEOs perceive risk, influence, and accountability. The conversation examines the role of communications professionals in managing a founder’s public persona, balancing authenticity with responsibility, and navigating the increasingly politicized landscape where every statement becomes a brand statement.From the difference between market power and reputation to the reality that “the mic is never off,” Katie and Katie share real-world insights on reputation as business insurance, the importance of internal influence for comms teams, and how leaders can build — or lose — trust in an instant.Whether you’re a communications strategist, PR professional, or business leader, this episode offers a candid look at how to manage power, perception, and consequence in today’s high-visibility world.🔑 Key TakeawaysMarc Benioff’s comments highlight the reputational risks facing high-profile CEOs.Reputation management remains crucial — even for leaders with massive market power.The political landscape is reshaping how business leaders communicate.Communication professionals must navigate multiple audiences simultaneously.Strong internal relationships are key to influencing leadership decisions.Reputation is a form of business insurance that builds long-term trust.“Conquest over consequence” may work for some, but not for most.🕒 Chapters00:00 — Introduction and context 02:59 — Marc Benioff’s controversial comments 05:55 — The founder’s role in communication 08:52 — Navigating audience expectations 11:52 — The impact of reputation on business 14:58 — The comms person’s dilemma 17:58 — Conquest communications explained 20:49 — Final thoughts 26:00 — Navigating business challenges 28:27 — Why reputation matters 30:32 — The “CEO whisperer” effect 36:26 — Hot takes on leadership and perception 41:58 — Reflections on modern communication strategiesConnect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com

Think climate communications is all doom, gloom, and corporate greenwashing? Corina Standiford, VP of Communications at Elemental Impact, is here to flip that narrative. In this episode of the Smart In Public podcast, Corina sits down with The Katies to break down why the biggest climate week ever happened this year—despite what the political headlines want you to believe—and what that means for every communications professional watching this space.Why this episode hits different:🌍 The narrative shift - Why leading with solutions instead of fear is the only climate comms strategy that works anymore📉 The media landscape reality and what comms people can do when climate desks are shrinking🎯 Creative storytelling secrets - How to communicate complex climate tech benefits to audiences who don't speak the lingo🔥 The boldness imperative - Why playing it safe in climate communications is the riskiest strategy of allThe money insight: Climate Week 2024 was the largest ever, proving that while political winds shift, business momentum toward climate solutions is unstoppable. Smart communicators are learning to tell that story.What you'll steal from this conversation:How to shift from fear-based to solution-oriented climate messagingStrategies for reaching diverse audiences who don't identify as "climate people"The evolving media playbook when traditional climate reporters are disappearingSustainable event practices that actually minimize impact (not just look good on Instagram)Why global climate communications vary dramatically by region—and what that means for your strategyConnect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com

In this week's episode of Smart in Public, The Katies dissect Jimmy Kimmel's media controversy involving FCC threats + Disney's response strategy and Australia's Optus telecommunications crisis that left customers unable to call emergency services. This episode unpacks what happens when crisis management goes right—and catastrophically wrong.What we covered for JimmyThe FCC's unprecedented response: How FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened ABC's broadcast licensesDisney's communication strategy: Why the entertainment giant's immediate capitulation to suspend Kimmel "indefinitely" revealed fundamental flaws in their crisis playbook and values as an organizationKimmel's comeback masterclass: How the comedian returned with emotional accountability, strategic praise for unexpected allies, to turn a cancellation attempt into 8 million YouTube viewsThe censorship debate: Whether this represents a dangerous precedent for freedom of speech in comedy and mediaCorporate values vs. business interests: How Disney's regulatory vulnerabilities (ESPN/NFL deals) influenced their decision-makingWhat we covered for OptusThe technical vs. reputational crisis: How operational failures in essential services create unique PR challengesCommunication speed and transparency failures: Why Optus's response was too slow, too technical, and too disconnected from human impactStakeholder prioritization mistakes: The fatal error of not immediately addressing customer safety concernsRegulatory complications: How government oversight changes crisis communication strategiesThe humanity deficit: Why technical explanations without empathy destroy public trustRebuilding trust: The long road ahead for companies that fail during public safety emergenciesEpisode Chapters & Timeline05:59 - Jimmy Kimmel's controversial comments breakdown08:48 - The role of comedy in political discourse analysis11:32 - Escalation timeline and media response14:34 - Disney's decision and corporate values examination17:31 - The slippery slope of censorship debate20:35 - Public reaction and media influence23:37 - Jimmy Kimmel situation conclusion29:19 - Viewer reactions and industry response30:06 - Jimmy Kimmel's return: communications strategy analysis32:17 - Optus crisis case study begins36:58 - Emergency services fallout and accountability43:02 - Humanity in corporate communication discussion49:25 - Rebuilding trust: the path forward for OptusConnect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com

The Katies are back from our Season 2 intermission to bring you a conversation that goes deep—because that's the only way that Christine Choi, Partner and Head of Brand Communications at M13, knows how (and we wouldn't change a thing). There's a reason why leaders like Sir Richard Branson have trusted Christine with their messaging, programs, and comms strategies over the years. She thinks deeply, considers all angles, and strongly believes that communications isn't just about getting your message out—it's about building the infrastructure that holds your entire business story together.In this episode, Christine breaks down exactly how the communications game is changing and why communities, presence, and experiences will be the deciders of the brands (and founders) that survive in our increasingly digital world.Other highlights include:Behind-the-scenes insights from working with iconic leadersWhy soft skills are becoming the ultimate competitive advantageHow to build community that actually drives business resultsThe art of creating memorable brand experiences that stickWhy curiosity beats strategy every single timePlus: Christine's contrarian take on preparing for both human AND machine audiences (because yes, you need to think about both now).Perfect for: Communications professionals, brand strategists, startup founders, and anyone who's tired of generic "brand building" advice and wants to understand how the pros actually do it.Ready to rethink everything you know about modern brand building? Christine's bringing the strategic depth you've been missing.Connect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com

If you skip this episode you're going to miss an epic 5 6 7 8. Also, moving forward, you can just assume that when those count-ins are over the top, we do not have a guest. lolThe Katies are taking a couple weeks off and will be back Sept 23 with a guest you're not going to want to miss!!Here's a hint: we'll SEA you then!Connect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com

This week the Katies had Gab Ferree, founder of Off the Record and former VP of Global Communications at Bumble, on the show and she doesn't hold back. For the listeners, our emotion-driven chat and sentence-finishing will be a fun ride, but trust me when I say editing this episode was a (worth-while) nightmare. 😂 If you're tired of surface-level industry conversations and want the unfiltered truth about where communications careers are heading, this one's for you.What makes this episode essential listening:🚀 The business mindset shift - Why successful communications professionals are thinking like business strategists first, communicators second🤖 AI reality check - How to leverage artificial intelligence in communications while protecting the human elements that actually matter💼 Career navigation secrets - Straight talk about job market trends, skill evolution, and what companies are really looking for when hiring communications professionals🤝 Community building insights - Behind-the-scenes look at building communities like Off the Record and Comms People, and why authentic professional communities are more crucial than everThe episode covers:Why PR professionals struggle with self-promotion (and how to fix it)Aligning communications strategy with real business impact and ROICareer transition strategies in today's volatile job marketThe future of communications roles and required skillsEthical considerations for AI in content creation and communicationsWhy diverse hiring practices are reshaping communications teamsHow traditional PR education models are becoming obsoletePerfect for: Communications professionals, PR practitioners, marketing leaders, career changers, and anyone building their personal brand in the communications space.Key insight: The most successful communications professionals of 2025 won't just be great storytellers—they'll be business-minded strategists who can prove ROI while maintaining authentic human connection in an AI-driven world.From hiring practices to education evolution, Gab breaks down exactly what's working (and what isn't) in today's communications landscape. No industry jargon, no sugar-coating—just actionable insights you can use immediately.Connect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com