Nicole Pence Becker has over 15 years of experience in journalism, communications, media production, social media, and public relations. In 2017, she founded Pence Media Group, an all-female, full-service public relations, media, and marketing consultancy that works with start-ups to Fortune 500s. Here, she discusses how she built her own agency out of necessity and some of her noteworthy clients. Key Takeaways: - How Nicole built a female-centered PR consultancy - Lessons learned working in politics - Nicole's transition from broadcast journalism to PR Episode Timeline: 2:46 Nicole's backgr ..read more

Amanda Proscia is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Lightspeed Public Relations/Marketing. Here, we discuss her new book, “PR Confidential: Unlocking the Secrets to Creating a Powerful Public Image.” The book provides an insider perspective on getting the most out of an investment in a public relations agency. It also provides great insights on how PR works, when it fails, and how to course-correct as the story changes.  Key Takeaways: - Answers to common questions about PR - The "3 I" formula - Why do we need to keep making the case for PR? Episode Timeline: 1:30 What inspi ..read more

Juan Alanis is the CEO and founder of Big Oak Tree Media, an award-winning agency with over 30 years of combined history in marketing and communications. He's also the host of the "In the Business" podcast with his wife, Anjelica Cazares, and the executive producer of the "Latina Leadership" podcast. Here, he discusses how to speak authentically to diverse communities, how to make effective social media posts, and what it’s like being the middle child of 7. Key Takeaways: - How to market to diverse audiences - How to create successful social media posts - The benefits of having diverse team m ..read more

Megan Prock McGrath is the Managing Director at MacDougall, where she provides clients with corporate communications counsel to help them elevate their voices in the industry. She is passionate about healthcare solutions for today's pressing problems, particularly those designed to lower costs, improve care, and serve vulnerable populations. Here, Megan discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry, shares insights on effective messaging for clinical trials, and addresses the healthcare issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Key Takeaways: - COVID-19 increased public awareness ..read more

Gini Dietrich is the founder of the influential Spin Sucks blog and author of "Spin Sucks: Communication and Reputation Management in the Digital Age." For the past 18 years, she has run and grown the Arment Dietrich agency, and currently hosts 3 podcasts, "Spin Sucks," "Inside PR," and "The Agency Leadership Podcast." Here, Gini shares how Spin Sucks went from a blog to a movement and explains why thought leaders must stand for something. Key Takeaways: - The Spin Sucks story - Why thought leaders should be bold - Why Gini loves AI Episode Timeline: 2:00    How to come u ..read more

Dawn Jordan Jones is the Brand & Communications Manager for the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF), an organization that works for barrier-free opportunities for Black technology leaders. She’s also the CEO of 29Eleven Media, which helps businesses and ministries market their truth. Here, Dawn discusses the importance of inclusivity in tech and how faith-based organizations are adopting modern marketing and social media solutions.     Key Takeaways: ·        How ministries are embracing social media ·   &n ..read more

Louis K. Gump is a business builder, transformational leader, and pragmatic optimist. He is the president of Cambian Solutions, which focuses on excellence in innovation, business growth, and team performance. Earlier in his career, he presided over award-winning mobile businesses at The Weather Channel and CNN served as CEO of two digital media firms and led Cox Media. Here, he discusses his recently released book, “The Inside Innovator: A Practical Guide to Intrapreneurship,” and how to find greater fulfillment at work.   Key Takeaways: ·        T ..read more

Paul Cohen runs Milk & Honey PR’s North American business and brings three decades of experience shaping vital conversations in ways that matter. A trusted communications advisor to executives and teams across three continents, Paul has represented multinational corporations, start-ups, industry associations, sovereign governments, and non-profit organizations. Here, he talks about Milk and Honey’s viral vase story, working in important halls of government, and the importance of “nurturing” brands.   Key Takeaways: ·        How to influence altr ..read more

Andrew Staub is a journalist-turned-PR-pro with 15 years in the communications industry. He is the communications manager for Rite Aid Healthy Futures, a nonprofit grantmaking organization affiliated with the Rite Aid retail pharmacy chain. Here, Andrew shares how he worked to rebrand Rite Aid Healthy Futures and why he wouldn’t let a multiple sclerosis diagnosis stop him from pursuing his goals.   Key Takeaways: ·        The frustrations of being a writer ·        Rebranding Rite Aid’s Healthy Futures initiat ..read more

Michael Axman and Jake Fleshner are the founders of The Nucleus Network, a group of highly vetted and seasoned professionals across diverse industries. The network includes tech founders, VC legends, real estate moguls, brand experts, e-commerce wizards, agency owners, festival producers, influencers, and more. Here, Michael and Jake talk about how they created the network and discuss the mindset that’s necessary for success.    Key Takeaways: ·        The importance of curiosity in business ·        How ..read more