Maxine Winer: Role of Culture in Achieving Success

At FleishmanHillard, the secret to success has always been the firm’s culture. With its global headquarters based in St. Louis versus Chicago or New York like most other global PR firms, Fleishman has always prided itself on its Midwestern roots and a culture rooted in respect for the individual. That was incredibly compelling for Maxine…… Continue reading Maxine Winer: Role of Culture in Achieving Success

Rules for Being a Chicago-style PR Person

Until last night, I hadn’t given much thought to the fact that every city and region has its own “style” when it comes to the practice of public relations. In accepting Chicago PRSA’s senior leaders award for significant contributions to the profession, veteran agency executive Rich Jernstedt brilliantly described the 10 “rules” that define the “style…… Continue reading Rules for Being a Chicago-style PR Person

Chicago PR Students Discover ‘The New York Way’

Besides confirming that Chicago pizza is better than its counterpart in New York, 45 DePaul University students returned from four days of agency, media and association visits in the Big Apple with a better understanding of The New York Way. Perhaps the biggest revelation from the special intersession course was the self confidence gained from…… Continue reading Chicago PR Students Discover ‘The New York Way’

Students and Agency Heads Discuss PR’s Future

Thanks to Kathy Cripps of the Council of PR Firms for the following post summing up an amazing day of interaction between agency heads, faculty and students at DePaul University last week. We know our success depends on our ability to maintain a continuous flow of bright, motivated professionals into our industry. But with rapid…… Continue reading Students and Agency Heads Discuss PR’s Future

Six Great Mentors Share Common Qualities: Passion for Their Jobs and Commitment to Help Others

A “Who’s Who” in public relations showed up in Chicago Thursday night to salute six role-model mentors at the Plank Center’s second annual “Milestones in Mentoring” gala.  The outstanding mentors receiving recognition at the second annual awards dinner in Chicago Thursday night were:  Legacy: Ann Barkelew, senior counselor and founding general manager of Fleishman Hillard Minneapolis/St.…… Continue reading Six Great Mentors Share Common Qualities: Passion for Their Jobs and Commitment to Help Others

Ann Barkelew: A Mentor With Wide Wing Span

I had the special privilege to introduce a long-time friend and PR legend, Ann Barkelew, at this week’s Plank Center “Milestones in Mentorship Awards” in Chicago.  Following are excerpts from my remarks about this amazing woman: “Mutual friend and former Target CMO Bob Thacker sums it up best when he says: ‘Ann is what every brand…… Continue reading Ann Barkelew: A Mentor With Wide Wing Span

Did Boomer Parents Prepare You For A Boomer Boss? These 7 Tips Will Help

    Ron and I recently compared areas of interest. We decided a discussion about a boss (or potential boss) who is a Baby Boomer could be useful.  You know a lot about Boomers.  Your parents are Boomers.  Some tips from my experiences as a Baby Boomer, a parent and a boss:   Don’t stereotype.  There…… Continue reading Did Boomer Parents Prepare You For A Boomer Boss? These 7 Tips Will Help