Smart in Public

In episode 24 of Smart in Public, the Katies deliver an in-depth analysis of corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today's business environment. This timely episode explores how companies are adapting their DEI strategies, the crucial role of communications teams in driving meaningful change, and strategies for maintaining authentic corporate values during shifting market dynamics.Key Discussion Points:The current state of corporate DEI initiatives and their effectivenessStrategic approaches to measuring DEI success beyond short-term metricsImpact of employee feedback on DEI program developmentBuilding resilient brand values in challenging market conditionsRole of communications teams in corporate leadership decisionsEssential Insights:Strategies for developing authentic DEI programsMethods for measuring long-term DEI successUnderstanding employee perspectives on corporate DEI effortsManaging brand reputation during policy changesElevating communications in corporate decision-makingMaintaining transparency in corporate messagingFor Communications Professionals: Learn how to advocate for meaningful DEI initiatives, develop effective measurement strategies, and navigate complex corporate decisions while maintaining brand integrity.For Business Leaders: Gain insights into balancing stakeholder expectations, measuring DEI program effectiveness, and maintaining authentic corporate values in today's business environment.#CorporateDEI #CommunicationsStrategy #BusinessLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #CorporateCulture #DEIInitiatives #BusinessCommunicationsConnect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com

In episode 23 of Smart in Public, the Katies sit down with Cheryl Sanclemente, Chief Communications Officer at Lattice, for ​a real-talk conversation about career development, ​mentorship, comms leaders on boards, the sentiment in HR tech​ during a time of massive layoffs across the industry, ​and ​age old question of work-life balance.Key Discussion Highlights:Career Transformation: Cheryl's remarkable journey from finance to tech leadershipAI in the Workplace: Exploring the critical role of HR in responsible AI integrationCommunications Strategy: Navigating the evolving landscape of corporate communicationsProfessional Growth: The transformative power of mentorship and networkingWork-Life Balance: Strategies for working parents managing career and familyKey Topics Covered:Cheryl's professional journey from Salesforce to LatticeThe impact of artificial intelligence on modern workforceHR technology trends in the current job marketESG communications and leadershipNetworking strategies for career advancementBalancing professional ambitions with family responsibilitiesListeners will gain valuable insights into:Career development in the tech industryNavigating professional transitionsLeveraging mentorship for career growthAdapting to technological changes in the workplaceChapters04:49​ Cheryl's Career Journey and Transition to Tech09:15​ Navigating Layoffs and New Opportunities14:14​ The Role of a Chief Communications Officer19:16​ Balancing Transparency in Communications23:02​ AI's Role in People Management26:05​ Communicators as Change Agents30:03​ Authenticity in Corporate Storytelling31:40​ The Evolving Role of Comms at Davos34:52​ Building Presence at Global Events38:31​ Board Involvement 40:57​ The Power of Mentorship and Sponsorship45:25​ Balancing Work and Family LifeThis episode is perfect for professionals in tech, HR, communications, and anyone interested in career development and work-life balance.#CareerGrowth #TechLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #AIinWorkplace #HRTech #ProfessionalDevelopmentConnect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com

This week, the Katies are joined by Allie Cefalo, Marketing Partner at Kleiner Perkins, who shares her journey from leading global communications teams to running marketing for one of the world's best known Venture Capital firms. In this episode, you'll get a peek into the world of VC comms and the insider communications strategies. Discover how top VC firms support founders, craft compelling brand narratives, and navigate the evolving landscape of startup marketing.We laughed a lot, we learned a lot, we shared some embarrassing stories. It's an episode you won't want to miss!Podcast HighlightsInsider strategies for startup storytellingThe critical role of video in modern marketingAuthentic branding techniquesCommunications and marketing intersectionCareer insights for PR and marketing professionalsEpisode Timestamps02:43 - Transitioning from Communications to Marketing05:41 - Business Storytelling Evolution08:42 - Video's Impact on Marketing11:29 - Personal Branding for Leaders14:33 - Communications Accountability17:18 - Comms and Marketing Convergence20:18 - PR Career Development23:24 - Strategic Communications for Founders25:45 - Startup Audience EngagementDon't miss this revealing conversation packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs, marketers, and communications professionals!Connect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com

Corey duBrowa, CEO of Burson and a communications powerhouse with a 30-year career at companies like Google and Starbucks, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of PR. He discusses the transformative impact of AI on communication strategies and the necessity of adaptability. Corey also emphasizes tailored messaging during crises and the importance of early communication involvement in decision-making. Additionally, he explores the art of storytelling, drawing parallels with music and highlights the role of effective leadership in navigating talent dynamics.

Brooke Kruger, founder of KC Partners, brings over 20 years of executive recruiting experience in communications. She discusses the shifting hiring landscape and highlights the 'go direct' approach for effective storytelling. Brooke explores the impact of AI on hiring processes, emphasizing the importance of human connections. She shares key interview preparation tips, common hiring mistakes by companies, and advice for international candidates seeking opportunities in the U.S. Get ready to land your dream job with her insights!

In episode 19 of the Smart Public Podcast, the Katies discuss Meta's announcement led by Mark Zuckerberg and the implications of his messages on the company's reputation. They also debate on Meghan Markle's new show on Netflix and the challenges she faces in rebuilding her brand. The conversation highlights the complexities of communication strategies in today's media landscape and the impact of social media on public figures.Episode Timestamps00:44 - Meta's Announcement: The Zuck and His Gold Chain06:40 - The Impact of Meta's Changes on Society12:39 - The Masculine Energy Debate: Zuck on Joe Rogan20:54 - The Impact of Corporate Changes on Employee Retention22:15 - Megan's New Show: A Blend of Cooking and Interviews23:14 - The Public Perception of Meghan Markle24:39 - Navigating Identity and Brand in the Public Eye26:25 - Challenges of Authenticity in a Media-Driven World28:42 - Comparing Brands: Meghan Markle vs. Martha Stewart31:12 - The Role of Guests in Meghan's New Show34:29 - The Complexity of Meghan's Transition from Royalty35:35 - The Future of Meghan's Brand and Public Image38:15 - The Fascination with Royal Family CommunicationsConnect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com

In episode ​18, the Katies welcome special guest Jane Hynes, VP of Global Communications ​f​or Google Cloud for a masterclass in how to effectively build and lead highly functioning communication teams. If you're currently building a team or managing people managers for the first time, this episode is for you. Jane also shares candid insights about:Developing quotable, impactful messaging that resonates in today's fast-paced media landscapeBuilding and nurturing high-performing teams in rapid-growth environmentsThe critical importance of succession planning and talent developmentHow AI is reshaping the future of corporate communicationsWhether you're a seasoned communications professional or aspiring to leadership in tech PR, Jane's perspective on maintaining engagement and pride in high-stakes environments while fostering continuous learning is invaluable. Her emphasis on hiring for raw intelligence and proactive thinking provides a fresh perspective on talent acquisition in today's competitive landscape.Available now on your favorite podcast platform.Connect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com

In this holiday special episode of the Smart in Public podcast, the Katies discuss their top PR campaigns in 2024, like Mastercard's wheelchair ball kid initiative, Dove's Face of Ten campaign, and the rise of women's sports. The conversation also touches on the US election campaigns and notable PR disasters, all while sharing personal anecdotes and insights about the importance of networking and self-awareness in the industry. 00:00 - Holiday Cheer and Podcast Introduction02:45 - Reflecting on 2024: Top Moments in PR05:52 - Innovative PR Campaigns: Dad Shift and Wicked09:01 - MasterCard's Wheelchair Ball Kid Initiative14:55 - Dove's Face of Ten Campaign: Addressing Tween Skincare17:56 - Celebrating Women's Sports: A Growing Movement21:00 - Jaguar's Controversial Ad and Its Impact23:59 - Jojo Siwa's Rebranding Journey32:18 - Lessons from CEO Interviews: What Went Wrong?40:42 - Reflections on Personal Growth and Professional NetworksConnect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com

This week the Katies welcome Tarla Lambert-Patel, co-founder of Agenda Media, parent company to Women’s Agenda, Women’s Health News, The Crux podcast, and The Keynotes app. In this episode, they discuss the challenges of independent publishing and the importance of addressing women's issues in media. Tarla also shares tips for PR professionals who are looking to pitch and build campaigns around women's issues, curating event content with a publisher that delivers impact, and why International Women's Day shouldn't be the only time your company speaks out to support women.You can listen to the Women's Agenda podcast here: https://womensagenda.com.au/podcastsSkippers Paradise:01:39 - Tarla Lambert-Patel's Journey and Women's Agenda05:27 - Identifying the Gap: Women's Agenda's Mission07:43 - The Freedom of Independent Publishing10:02 - Challenges of Independent Publishing in Australia12:37 - Impactful Stories and Interviews15:28 - Navigating Sensitive Topics and Building Trust17:45 - Working with PR: Building Meaningful Stories20:22 - The Saturation of International Women's Day22:27 - Building Brand Partnerships Effectively27:25 - The Impact of Remote Work on Parents34:31 - Addressing Women's Health Issues in the WorkplaceAbout Tarla Lambert-PatelTarla is the co-founder of Agenda Media - parent company to Women’s Agenda, Women’s Health News, The Crux podcast, and The Keynotes app alongside her business partner, Angela Priestley. Across their mastheads, they engage more than a million Australian women every month and have achieved this as a wholly independent, women-owned and run entity. Tarla is also the editor-in-chief of Women's Agenda, Australia's leading online news site championing women in their lives and careers and she co-leads a team of exceptional journalists and producers. Women's Agenda has been in-market for 11 years, and was launched by Private Media in 2012 as a key career resource for women. Since then, it’s been established as a genuine staple in the Australian media landscape, covering everything from business, tech, and politics through to lifestyle, finance and leadership. It is the go-to news source for thousands.Connect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com

It's a predictions episode, people! In episode 15, the Katies discuss industry trends, predictions for the year ahead, and best practices for 2025 communications program planning. Episode Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Recap of Previous Episode04:43 - Reflections on Industry Layoffs and Support13:47 - Best practices for your 2025 communications program planning 32:20 - 2025 Communications Trends and Predictions35:52 - The Impact of AI on Communications43:55 - Dumb in privateConnect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com