The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

According to this week's guest, a company owns its brand; the public owns its reputation. Crisis communications expert Bill Coletti reveals how to build reputational excellence by meeting the needs and expectations of the public. We discuss his various strategies for companies to work their way through a crisis. Bonus -- Bill offers a phenomenal crisis preparation tip you can put into place within your organization immediately. [3:05] Kith’s focus looking forward to 2020. The firm is transitioning from a focus on disrupting the disruption, to transforming organizations to reputation resilience. [5:00] The Zuckerberg vs. Buffett models. We talk about exploring the “move fast and break things” motto of organizations like Facebook lead by Mark Zuckerberg vs. Berkshire Hathaway and Warren Buffett’s way of doing things. We discuss how disruption has its place, but it’s really more about overall transformation. [7:56] Is there a formula for managing a crisis? We both agree that the answer to this one is “yes.” Bill talks about the importance of increasing speed when it comes to responding to a crisis, and how organizations can get better and faster at it. Things like having strong core values, a clear chain of command, and truly understanding your mission and values before your faced with controversy are all key elements. [12:12] Bill’s four A’s of reputation management. You might want to take some notes here - there are some really good points you can use in this part of the interview. What came out of a “well that sucked, let’s never do that again,” situation, lead to Bill creating a framework of how to work through a crisis in a smart, strategic, and proven manner. [29:21] Here’s a great place to start. Before you decide to hire someone like myself or Bill, try this at your next team meeting. Pull out the Wall Street Journal or New York Times and simulate a current issue or controversy to figure out how you would respond. If that happened to you, how would you react? Exercise the muscles that will increase the speed in which you can react and keep your reputation where you want it to be.You can purchase Bill’s book on Amazon, click Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

It’s Thanksgiving week in the United States; a time of year when a lot of people plan to travel through airports on their way to visit family and friends for the holiday. This is the episode to help you, and everyone around you, travel with ease in the air. Everyone holiday, you can almost bet on someone picking up their phone to snap a photo or film a video of not-so-good behavior on the plane. After all, when people are on edge or in a hurry - chances are they are not at their best. So let’s all do our part to make this travel experience more enjoyable, shall we? As most of you know I travel a LOT for my work, so in this podcast, you’ll hear my top 10 air travel behavior tips that I’ve gathered based on personal experience.[3:05] I know it’s tempting because you’ve been planning this trip for months, or there’s an important meeting you don’t think you can miss, but no one wants to sit next to a sick person. My experience with traveling while sick goes all the way back to my days working for the cruise industry when the norovirus made its debut. So trust me when I tell you it’s much better for everyone to just stay home - or at the very least travel with a mask and extra hand sanitizer.[7:07] Don’t rush to the front of the plane right when you land and cut in front of everyone sitting in front of you. Not only is it rude, but your actions are telling people that you are simply more important than everyone else. Not to mention the traffic jam you’re causing. Guess what? We all want to get off the plane, and it will go faster if everyone waits your turn. [11:05] I get it - being on an airplane is a great time to catch up on podcasts, but just be mindful of when you have them in and when you should actually be hearing what’s going on around you. If the flight crew is trying to take your order, for example, take them out of your ears. When we’re all deplaning - out. Bonus tip: you might actually meet more people (I’ve gotten business deals on planes) by keeping them out and striking up a conversation.[12:44] Don’t overdo it on the perfume or cologne. You want to smell nice, but some people are very sensitive to strong fragrance. On the other side of that, make sure to shower and wear deodorant that day. [13:16] Don’t talk to the person behind you, across the aisle from you, or over the middle seat person. You’re making your conversation way too public and including far too many surroundingWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

Can you believe it’s been a full year since we launched the Confident Communications Podcast? Well, here we are! One year later and one year wiser. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting at Pat Flynn’s Power-Up Podcasting boot camp (Pat was also a guest on this podcast in episode 40) which played a major role in helping me get this podcast out into the world.I wanted to celebrate this year of helping people become better communicators by highlighting some of our top podcast episodes and a major takeaway from each of them. I chose episodes and guests that were not only top downloads but left my listeners with some quick and easy tips they could take away and start implementing immediately.Here’s what you can look forward to...[4:45] The JFK Jr. Plane Crash: A behind-the-scenes account from July 1999Most of my most popular episodes feature guest interviews, but this unique solo episode got a lot of great feedback because the story is just so memorable to most people. It was released 20 years after JFK Jr.’s plane went missing, and gives listeners a behind-the-scenes perspective from insiders who were there - including me.  [8:18] Episode 18: The Secret to Being a Great Speaker with Gina Razon One of the tips that Gina shares in this episode is literally something that I use every single time I get up in front of a room. It’s a way to help reset your brain back to calm because as we all know, anything can happen when you’re up there behind that podium. This episode is like a free session with a speech coach, so if you’re among the 75% of the public who has a fear of public speaking, you have to give it a listen.[11:36] Episode 22: How to Handle a Difficult Conversation with Lara CurrieIf you’ve ever had to deal with conflict in the workplace (and who hasn’t), you’re going to love these tips on how to slow down and remain calm that Lara teaches. We explore how to ask yourself the right questions before responding to someone, and she helps you be less emotional in your reactions. We also talk about triggers and how they affect the different genders, and how they are a visceral reaction that can show up physically.[14:14] Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

Executive Presence is a term you may hear a lot, but do you know what it means?Simply put, having it means you own a room the second you stand in front of it. It's a mix of confidence and savvy communications that inspire your peers, subordinates and leaders.Lauren Sergy, an expert on all things communications, walks us through the steps for building your executive presence in the workplace.Hear why your pitch, tone, physical stature and gender play a part.Mentioned In This Episode Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are - Amy Cuddy | TedGlobal 2012Send your "Communication Conundrum" to LaurenSergy.com Lauren Sergy on YouTube.comLauren Sergy on Twitter  About Molly  Public Relations expert Molly McPherson, APR, reveals the best practices help leaders become indestructible in today's digital age and crisis-proof their organizations. A mix of discussing current news events along with interviews with newsmakers, communications professionals and business owners while providing insight from 20+ years of public relations and crisis communications expertise working for FEMA and heading communications for the cruise line industry to help take the fear out of communicating in the age of scrutiny. This podcast helps leaders communicate confidently--in writing, speaking, body language, social media -- to be heard, seen and relevant.About Lauren SergyLauren Sergy is a sought-after expert in the art of speaking and communication in business and work. Armed with a deep understanding of the art, science, and alchemy of interpersonal communication and public speaking, she sheds light on difficult communication situations with refreshing energy, humor, and candor. For more information about Lauren, you can visit LaurenSergy.com. Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts.Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

As a business leader, employee or owner, you have the opportunity to interact with many people from all walks of life and places.Just as important as why you interact with people, is that you’re able to greet them appropriately so you get off on the right foot. But greeting etiquette depends on so many factors, aside from culture--how you know the person and who is hosting the meeting also plays a factor.About MollyMolly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help to build crisis-proof businesses. From her work in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C., Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations.  Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts.  © Molly McPherson 2019Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

Someone at your organization was accused of sexual harassment. Perhaps the harassment was in the form of an inappropriate remark, behavior, incident or outburst.  You work in leadership and have to respond. Or you may even be that person accused of harassment.  Now what?  This episode looks at recent news stories of how organizations dealt with a sexual harassment issue when it became public.  Discussing what should happen from a public messaging perspective. What do you say about the incident as a spokesperson for the organization? What do you say about the culture of your organization? What do you say if you were the person who was accused? How to respond to sexual harassment within your organization in the age of social media.  Mentioned In This Episode NBCUniversal releases former staffers from confidentiality agreements about sexual harassment Where in the World Is Matt Lauer’s Reputation? Episode 50: Confident Communications Podcast  Harvard Band Members Walk Out of Centennial Banquet After Alumni Comments on Sexual Harassment Policy Mark Halperin’s interview with Jennie Willoughby on the topic of his sexual harassment. [Full Video] Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

It's October, and all four major professional U.S. sports leagues are in full swing, making it the busiest sports month of the year. The sports industry is a very profitable one as well, which means there is a lot to learn about it from a business point of view.    My guest today is Emmy-award winning supervising producer Stu Kirshenbaum, who worked over 20 years in network sports television and is now the owner and executive producer for Keystone Films.      With his intimate knowledge of all things sports, Stu gets into the nitty-gritty of how to gain and retain a fanbase. The sports business is just like most businesses -- how do you keep your multi-generational fans happy even when they are temperamental?   Whether you are a sports fan or a fan of building your business, you’ll want to listen to this episode.  Mentioned In This Episode Keystone Films 2019 World Series Nationals vs. Astros Washington Nationals, DC fans troll Bryce Harper    About Stu As owner and Executive producer, Stu Kirshenbaum has spent over 20 years as a supervising producer working at the highest levels of network sports television, where his work was honored with 5 Sports Emmy Awards. Keystone Films focuses almost exclusively on enhancing the brand of horse racing and breeding clients by implementing a range of strategies in broadcast, digital and social media, which have led to demonstrable bottom-line growth. About Molly Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help to build crisis-proof businesses. From her work in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C., Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations.     Listen + subscribe on Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

This month is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. A perfect time to remind people that we live in a world increasingly reliant on technology, which makes us all vulnerable to cyberattacks.  This week's guest helps companies prepare for the days they hope will never happen -- a cyberattack. Mark Hoffman discusses how phishing attacks occur and why organizations need cybersecurity plans. Mentioned in this episode:  City of Baltimore Ransomware Attack Click here get his guide on the top ten anti-phishing tips, "Don't Be Too Quick to Click"  Follow Mark Hoffman on LinkedIn About Mark Hoffman Mark Hoffman, MBCI, CBCP, is a crisis management and business continuity consultant with cybersecurity response and crisis communications experience spanning over twenty years. With a proven track record across multiple sectors, including financial, insurance, utilities and municipal governments, Mark has extensive experience in the development and execution of tabletop and operational exercises with a focus on measurable results that lead to the overall improvement of plans and programs.  About Molly Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years of news and PR experience to help people become modern-age communicators in their industry and help to build crisis-proof businesses. From her work in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the cruise line industry in Washington, D.C., Molly develops the right plans and messaging for clients to protect and build their reputations.  Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts.     © Molly McPherson 2019Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

Matt Lauer is having is a very bad week. This week, former MSNBC correspondent journalist Ronan Farrow released his book, Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators. The book highlights the claims of sexual misconduct claims against the former host of The Today Show and how his employer, NBC News, handled the fallout. This special edition of the podcast looks at the PR efforts made by Matt Lauer's team to blunt the bad press and to try to win back the loyalty from Lauer's former viewer. A PR rehab project. Did the efforts work? You'll find out in this special breaking news edition of the Confident Communications Podcast.  Mentioned in this episode: Matt Lauer dances with daughter in TikTok video Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators by Ronan Farrow Matt Lauer's full letter, sent via his legal representative Oct. 9, in response to claims made by former NBC News employee Brooke Nevils.     Listen + subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts. © Molly McPherson 2019Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...

We live in the time of the internet, where information travels at the speed of your WiFi connection or data plan. That’s just one reason communication is so important--because communication online isn’t anonymous and anything you post (or say, tweet, etc.) can and will be used against you.This week on the Confident Communications Podcast, I’m speaking with Diana Peterson-More, who has worn many hats over her varied career: author, attorney, corporate manager, executive officer, consultant and more. We talk about her new book, Consequential Communication in Turbulent Times: A Practical Guide to Leadership, which is a compilation of everything she’s learned in her professional career and how to apply that knowledge in your own life.I love her take on how to communicate with others, which she’s dubbed the Platinum Rule of Communication. It’s time we start thinking about what we want others to do with the information we give them and how they might receive our communication. Essentially, we need to focus on communicating the way the other person wants to be communicated with, so we’re seen and heard. This is especially important if we’re leaders because employees who feel valued are more likely to help you work toward the bottom line.Mentioned in this episodeConsequential Communication in Turbulent Times: A Practical Guide to LeadershipAbout Diana Peterson-MoreOver the course of her long career, Diana Peterson-More has been a practicing employment lawyer, a corporate manager, director, executive officer, and a sought-after consultant and guest presenter. Throughout her varied career, she has been fascinated by what motivates herself and others to achieve results, to determine their own unique definitions of success, and then to facilitate a roadmap to get there. You can follow her on her website.  About MollyMolly McPherson, M.S., APR, combines her knowledge of current communication practices with years oWant More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, private member chats, weekly live sessions, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It is the inside hub for communicators who want real strategy, clear judgment, and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter  Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. Follow & Connect with Molly:https://www.youtube.com/mollymcphersonhttps://mollymcpherson.substack.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@mollybmcphersonhttps://www.instagram.com/molly.mcpherson/...