The D S Simon Media mission includes sharing best practices with the PR community. Our award-winning podcast “PR’s Top Pros Talk…” features conversations with industry leaders. Its 300+ episodes have been featured in a top industry trade publication. We are currently the 11th ranked PR podcast according to monitoring firm Million Podcasts.
Ken Jacobs, PCC, CPC, Principal, Jacobs Consulting & Executive Coaching, discusses the key role leadership plays in an organization’s success. He stresses the importance of building trust and fostering influence with your constituents as a leader. Ken also emphasizes the increased need to have an opportunity mindset.
Sophie Merven, Head of Communications, IHG Hotels & Resorts, shares her outlook for travel post-COVID from a global perspective. She also discusses how the organization was forced to rethink themselves and make significant changes as a result of the pandemic. Sophie also emphasizes the increased role of PR and earned media in the current environment.
Gina Judge, Senior Director of Communications, PepsiCo, discusses navigating communications for the company’s foodservice business, which encompasses “away from home” channels that were greatly impacted by the pandemic. She sheds light on how PepsiCo worked with employees, customers and consumers to make a positive impact in struggling communities and tackle social injustice. Gina also shares key principles she believes are important to advance your career as well as build strong communications programs.
Julissa Marenco, CMO & Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs, The Smithsonian, discusses the challenges of aligned messaging for different museums under the Institution’s umbrella brand. She emphasizes the importance of soft skills and soft influence in building effective relationships within the decentralized enviornment of the Institution. Julissa also dives into the organization’s creative initiatives to reach people across the nation through digital means.
Linda Rutherford, SVP & CCO, Southwest Airlines, shares her predictions for the comeback of travel. She emphasizes the increased importance of integrating communications with marketing. Linda also discusses lessons learned from the pandemic that will continue to be relevant moving forward.