By Joshua Smyser-DeLeon David Albritton is the President of General Motors Defense LLC. According to his bio on the PRSA Foundation website, this wing of the GM family is “focused on providing a variety of innovative and advanced automotive technologies and services to the global aerospace, defense and security industries.” Before taking on this role…… Continue reading Perspectives and Advice from a 25-Year PR Vet
Category: Guest Post
‘Finance Geek Girl’ to Communications Leader
By Monica Thomas Valerie Barker Waller, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for the YMCA of the USA, came to communications in a roundabout way. As a self-proclaimed “finance major geek girl,” she was finishing her MBA at the University of Michigan and considering where to go from there. She sat through…… Continue reading ‘Finance Geek Girl’ to Communications Leader
From Farm to Pharma: How Diversity Shaped a Career
By Grace Gubbrud Inside his new office in downtown Chicago, Jeff Winton glances down at his desk to see a picture of his partner, Jim. This may seem inconsequential to many, but as a gay man who has spent over 40 years working in the world of communication, Winton remembers a time where “You had…… Continue reading From Farm to Pharma: How Diversity Shaped a Career
Veteran Newsman Provides Tips for Young PR Pros
By Rob Johnson As I embarked upon my new career as a communications specialist, I can’t tell you how many clients and potential clients have told me, “I just wish we could communicate our message better internally and with the media.” After spending more than 25 years as a TV anchor/reporter, I have seen the…… Continue reading Veteran Newsman Provides Tips for Young PR Pros
Starting the Conversation on Workplace Ageism
By Alyssa Damato Many people envision workplace discrimination as issues relating to race, gender and sexual orientation…but how many would say age? I’ll be the first to admit that ageism is not something I initially think of when it comes to diversity and inclusion. However, this reinforces the importance of why we should actively contribute…… Continue reading Starting the Conversation on Workplace Ageism
Sonya Jackson: The Journey to Finding Your Agency
Sonya Jackson, Chief Experience Officer, Bonfire By Laura Moy While you may not be surprised by the following workplace statistics, starting with this data paints a backdrop for the greater picture. For every 100 men promoted to manager, 72 women are, so men end up holding 62 percent of manager positions, while women hold…… Continue reading Sonya Jackson: The Journey to Finding Your Agency
Growing Career Opportunities in Employee Engagement
By Martin Luenendonk Here’s a fun fact: The song Working for the Weekend by Canadian rock band Loverboy still appears on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of the 80s. What’s this got to do with employee engagement? The fact that the song is still ranked in this list shows that there’s still a lot of…… Continue reading Growing Career Opportunities in Employee Engagement
Day in the Life of Mei Li: Do Good. Do Well
By Mei Li When I came from Shenzhen, China to study at Pratt Institute, I was able to take my time working on an animated short called: “The Blue Butterfly.” The film went on to win awards and key slots at 18 major film festivals. And that was great. But ultimately, while you’re working on…… Continue reading Day in the Life of Mei Li: Do Good. Do Well
Crisis Communications Guide for Young PR Pros
By David Lasker The ability to poetically polish press releases is certainly valued by the public relations industry. In fact, making mundane information meaningful on a daily basis is the lifeblood of many a PR career. Truth be told, though, nothing will test the essential skills of PR professionals like a full-blown PR crisis —…… Continue reading Crisis Communications Guide for Young PR Pros
5 Ways to Overcome Challenges New PR Pros Face
By Tim Johnson Whether you enter the profession right out of college or transition from another area, you will face challenges when starting your communications career. Here are five of those challenges and how you can turn them into opportunities: 1. Learn quickly. When you start out, your colleagues and clients will likely know more…… Continue reading 5 Ways to Overcome Challenges New PR Pros Face