PR’s Top Pros Talk…Authenticity – Jennifer Beugelmans

Jennifer Beugelmans, CCO at Groupon, discusses how the company navigated massive change internally and externally on a global scale. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and transparency when managing communications on the merchant level as well as the customer level. Jennifer also shares some of the internal changes that Groupon has implemented to tackle social justice issues and create a safe space in the workplace.

PR’s Top Pros Talk…Social Awakening – Marc Banks

Marc Banks, National Press Secretary at the NAACP, discusses how organizations can maintain the social justice momentum created in 2020 heading into the next year. He urges brands to work with organizations like the NAACP to educate themselves and incorporate the ongoing issues into their messaging. Marc also emphasizes the importance of creating not just short campaigns, but complete initiatives centered around racial justice to facilitate change.

PR’s Top Pros Talk…Leadership – Jonathan Adashek

Jonathan Adashek, CCO at IBM, shares his experience of taking on a leadership role at the company shortly before COVID hit. He discusses how the impact of the pandemic on communications affected his leadership style. Jonathan also provides insights on navigating communications on a global scale, staying consistent with core values of the business, but adapting to the specific markets at the same time. Lastly, Jonathan offers his outlook for 2021, and tips for communicators to prepare for the…

PR’s Top Pros Talk…Pitching – Michael Smart

 Michael Smart, CEO at MichaelSMARTPR, shares best practices for pitching to the media heading into 2021. Michael discusses the findings of a recent study his team conducted on journalists’ opinions about various pitches they’d received (grab the ebook here). He provides practical tips that communicators can immediately implement into their pitching strategy to see more effective results. Michael also breaks down some of the internal stresses when it comes to navigating what’s needed to pitch a story successfully.

PR’s Top Pros Talk…Travel – Cristyne Nicholas

 Cristyne Nicholas, CEO at Nicholas & Lence Communications, breaks down the critical role she played in rebuilding New York’s tourism following 9/11, drawing parallels and distinctions with COVID. Cristyne shares examples of creative ways NLC has been promoting travel in New York City in the current environment. She also provides practical tips on how smaller markets can effectively promote safe tourism.