NEW YORK, NY – The search for honest and effective spokespeople has remained a vital issue for those in the communications world. With every word and sound bite being constantly scrutinized, the individuals who deliver our messages deserve more credit than ever before. That is why today we announce the opening of the 2019 SPOKEies® awards.
During our pro-bono work at the Diverse Voices Book Launch, we were able to interview Torod Neptune, CCO and VP of Worldwide Communication at Lenovo. After meeting him, it’s no surprise he won the Outstanding In-House Professional honor at the PR Week Awards on March 21. During the interview, Torod explored the best ways to turn talk of increasing diversity into action and results. He is one of 40 extraordinary communicators featured in the book Diverse Voices, which comes from the PRSA Foundation and is designed to help communication leaders and professionals better understand the challenges faced by emerging majorities in the field.
To purchase Diverse Voices, visit www.diverseleadership.net.
Find Torod on Social Media:
On Thursday, Beto O’Rourke passed Kamala Harris for the best campaign launch of a Democrat. Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, noted he has three things in common with the last two Democrats to win the presidency. He represents generational change, he’s from neither coast, and he has a message of hope.
The key test will be if his numbers in Iowa grow after his visit. We’ll see what Biden does with his launch. Will he match Beto’s effectiveness? Here are some of his smart PR moves:
He first shared that he was running with local El Paso media, maintaining relationships
Had it coincide with a Vanity Fair profile/cover story that he knew would be friendly
Heading to Iowa immediately for a three day tour
Timed his launch to coincide with Trump being repudiated by Republicans in Congress over the emergency declaration
Shared a message of hope in his social video
Contact Doug At: dougs@dssimonmedia.com
Follow Doug At:
The video features all quotes from Former Counsel to President Trump, Ty Cobb from “Truth on Trial,” Ty shared thoughts on the Mueller Report, “spokesperson-lawyers” such as Rudy Giuliani and Michael Avenatti, handling corporate crises and cases like Jussie Smollett’s. The event was broadcasted live from the Schar School of Policy and Government on Tuesday, February 26th. Mr. Cobb was questioned by Doug Simon, CEO at D S Simon Media, who moderated the panel.
Ty Cobb:
Doug Simon: Contact at dougs@dssimonmedia.com
Two key members of President Trump’s and the White House’s Legal Teams discuss what will or won’t be made public in the Mueller Report. The panel discussed the growing PR role of lawyers as spokespeople and whether it puts brands at risk. They addressed the key legal issues facing organizations including cyber security, privacy and how to navigate them.
The panel took place at the Schar School of Policy and Government on February 26 during “Truth on Trial”, the third in a series of events looking to grow our understanding of messaging in the digital age. “The Intersection of Law and PR” featured Ty Cobb, Former White House Special Counsel to President Trump; Stefan Passantino, Government Relations, Political Law and Public Policy, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP; Suzanne Rich Folsom, Award-Winning General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer; and Richard S. Levick, Chairman and CEO, LEVICK.
Ty Cobb:
Stefan Passantino:
Suzanne Rich Folsom:
Richard S. Levick:
Doug Simon:
Amazon pulling out of New York City is just one challenge brands face from the political divide. What can PR People learn from political strategists and politicians, who are in the cauldron of the political divide, about navigating the current polarization? Judging by this panel, quite a lot. You’ll gain insights into challenges faced by PR pros engaging in political strategy at the highest level. We also asked each panelist about their plans(?) to run for President.
The panel took place at the Schar School of Policy and Government on February 26 during “Truth on Trial”, the third in a series of events looking to grow our understanding of messaging in the digital age. The “Public Affairs in the Digital Age” section featured former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, Maria Cardona, Dewey Square Group, and Michael Caputo, Strategic Communications Expert.
Terry McAuliffe:
Maria Cardona:
Michael Caputo:
Doug Simon:
A panel featuring public relations specialists and members of the media revealed a common trend: organizations aren’t doing enough to build relations with media. Reporters are being ignored or tossed low-level individuals, and companies reapproach only when they have a calculated story. Similarly, due to financial media cutbacks, reporters don’t have time to get to know the key players in the industries they cover. This dynamic only further fractures the public’s faith in both sides. A solution that some panelists seem to favor: CEOs need to talk more to the media, to build a genuine relationship and improve understanding, both ways.
The panel took place at the Schar School of Policy and Government on February 26 during “Truth on Trial”, the third in a series of events looking to grow our understanding of messaging in the digital age. The “Media and Communicators” section featured Lisa Ross, President of Edelman, Washington D.C.; Peter Carson, Managing Director, Public Affairs, North America, Weber Shandwick | Powell Tate; Steven Pearlstein, Columnist, The Washington Post; Gabriel Debenedetti, National Correspondent, New York Magazine.
Lisa Ross:
Peter Carson:
Steven Pearlstein:
Gabriel Debenedetti:
Doug Simon:
Doug Simon spoke with David Rehr in preparation for Truth on Trial: Implications for Communicators, the third installment in a series of events looking to get a conversation started about truth and communication in today’s political, business and social climate. David Rehr has over 25 years of experience in advocacy, public policy, and governance. Among many other accomplishments, he was the former CEO and President of the National Association of Broadcasters, and directed the industries $1.2 billion marketing effort to create awareness for the digital TV transition. Now, he is a professor of policy and government at George Mason University.
Doug Simon spoke with Michael Zeldin in preparation for Truth on Trial: Implications for Communicators, the third installment in a series of events looking to get a conversation started about truth and communication in today’s political, business and social climate. Michael Zeldin is a CNN Analysts and internationally recognized financial crimes expert. He’s a board member of the Association of Certified Financial Crimes Specialists, as well as a member of the American Bar Association and International Bar Association.
Terry Edmonds, former Chief Speechwriter for Bill Clinton and Executive Speechwriter at IBM CHQ Communications is one of 40 extraordinary communicators featured in the new book Diverse Voices. He spoke with Doug Simon, CEO at D S Simon Media, about achieving career success while bringing diversity to an organization. The interview took place during the PRSA Museum’s fourth annual BlackPRHistory event. The event was also sponsored by the PRSA Foundation and Black Public Relations Society—NY Chapter. Terry describes his upbringing and the path he took that led him to becoming Bill Clinton’s chief speechwriter. To purchase the book Diverse Voices, visit www.diverseleadership.net.
Follow Terry Edmonds on LinkedIn.