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Explore every episode of the podcast Smart in Public

Dive into the complete episode list for Smart in Public. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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1–23 of 23

TitlePub. DateDuration
2 - Cozzy Liv10 Sep 202400:52:48

The Katies dive into the world of managing high-functioning PR teams. Topics include how to build a team centered around trust and creativity, managing-up to leadership, and the art of establishing strong executive relationships.

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1 - Only Up From Here06 Sep 202400:44:34

In this very first episode of Smart in Public, Katie and Katie introduce themselves to the podcasting universe and discuss some of the notable signals, trends and shifts happening across the PR landscape.

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3 - Hot Take: My Body My Choice12 Sep 202400:44:54

In our first Hot Take episode, the Katies discuss comms wins and blunders from the US Presidential Debate and the controversy surrounding Elle Macpherson's cancer treatment. 

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6 - Interview with Pip Marlow, NED - formerly CEO of Salesforce A/NZ, Suncorp Executive, and MD of Microsoft Australia01 Oct 202400:53:54

The partnership between comms and execs is critical for success – and can also be complicated. In this episode, the Katies are joined by Pip Marlow, Non Executive Director, former CEO of Salesforce Australia & New Zealand, Suncorp Executive and Managing Director of Microsoft Australia, to discuss the importance of the comms/executive relationship, how to build a strong working relationship between comms and the c-suite, whether comms people make good board members, and inevitably we will discuss the latest and greatest in skincare!

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5 - Flash Mob25 Sep 202400:48:52

This week the Katies explore the mystical world of paid, owned, and earned content strategies. You'll hear insights around which strategy to leverage and when, what the benefits are for each, and how to strategically educate stakeholders around preferred strategies when presenting your plans.


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4 - Interview with Ashish Patel, former SVP of Communications at Salesforce17 Sep 202400:39:38

The Katies welcome long-time friend and colleague Ashish Patel, former SVP of Communications at Salesforce, to the podcast to discuss how to strategically make career changes that evolve with the changing needs of the PR market.

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21 - Master the message, the messenger, and the platform with Burson CEO Corey duBrowa28 Jan 202500:54:14

In episode 21 of the Smart in Public podcast, Burson CEO Corey duBrowa shares insights as to how world of communications has transformed over the years and his predictions on where it's headed. Whether you're a comms leader (or any leader, really) that's building a team, working with an executive or founder, interested in transitioning from agency to in-house (or visa versa), trying to switch to a different PR field, or want to understand how to become a better storyteller, this is your chance to learn from one of the most decorated and influential PR pros out there.

Key insights include:

  • Navigating PR Career Transitions
  • AI's Impact on Communications
  • Storytelling and Influence Strategies
  • Executive Communication Best Practices
  • Talent Development in Organizations
  • 2025 Communications Trends and Predictions

Chapters

11:49 - Career Journey and Insights
21:54 - Navigating Change in Communications
28:51 - The Role of AI in Communications
33:42 - Advice for Executive Communications
35:11 - Navigating Talent Acquisition and Team Dynamics
39:36 - Developing Future Leaders and Succession Planning
42:55 - The Intersection of Passion and Professionalism
50:08 - Exploring the Creative Process in Communication

About Corey

Corey duBrowa is the global CEO of Burson, the global communications leader purpose-built to create value for clients through reputation. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of Burson’s parent company WPP plc, the creative transformation company.

Corey brings a 30-year career at brands, technology companies and agencies to his role leading the flagship Burson and Burson Group of companies, which includes Axicom, earned-first global communications agency for tech brands and brands with a tech story; Burson Buchanan, the financial communications and capital markets advisory firm; GCI Health, the global healthcare specialty communications agency inspired by people; and Hill & Knowlton, the full-service global firm and proven partner for business and brand transformation, providing strategic communication, marketing and corporate affairs solutions

Before Burson, Corey was Global CEO of BCW and the BCW Group of companies. He came to BCW after spending five years as Vice President of Global Communications and Public Affairs at Google and parent company Alphabet. Before his tenure at Google, Corey was Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Salesforce, and spent seven years at Starbucks as Senior Vice President of Global Communications. He has extensive agency experience from his time at Waggener Edstrom and Ketchum Public Relations, having begun his career in employee communications at Nike.

His multiple industry awards over the past 25 years include six SABREs, four PRWeek Global Awards and three PRSA Silver Anvils, and he has been inducted into the PR News Hall of Fame. He currently serves on the University of Oregon Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the PR Museum’s Board of Trustees. He was a trustee of the Arthur W. Page Society for five years and a founding member of the USC Annenberg School’s Board of Advisors. Corey was a music journalist for two decades, with more than a thousand bylines in publications ranging from Rolling Stone to GQ. In 2024, he published his first book, “An Ideal for Living: A Celebration of the E.P. – Extended Play.”

Corey earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oregon.


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20 - Land your dream job with Brooke Kruger, Founder of KC Partners22 Jan 202500:37:14

Looking for a job in comms? Well it's your lucky day. This week, the Katies welcome Brooke Kruger, founder of KC Partners, to discuss the current hiring landscape in the communications field through the eyes of one of the industry's best comms recruiters. The conversation covers a broad range of job hunting, hiring, and interview tips including the importance of skills and education, career advice for newcomers in communications, preparing for interviews, and the impact of AI on hiring. They also explore common mistakes made by companies during the hiring process, the dynamics of returning to the office, and advice for international candidates looking to work in the U.S.

Key Topics

  • An overview of the 'go direct' approach in communications and its impact on roles.
  • How AI is increasingly used in the hiring process.
  • How to build a network that can help you break into the industry.
  • How to prepare specific examples of their work for interviews.
  • Company hiring best practices that can fix a broke recruitment process.
  • The return to office trend and where employers should consider flexibility in order to attract top talent.
  • Tips for international candidates to get jobs that take them overseas.

You can get in touch with KC Partners via their website here: https://kc-partners.com/

Time Stamps:
05:07 - Current Hiring Landscape in Communications
08:29 - The Importance of Education in PR
10:29 - Skills and Trends in Junior to Mid-Level Roles
12:53 - Transferable Skills Across Industries
14:27 - The Interview Process and AI's Role
17:16 - Advice for Newcomers in Communications
19:02 - Preparing for Interviews
20:46 - Navigating the Hiring Process
24:11 - The Ghosting Dilemma in Recruitment
27:54 - Return to Office: Balancing Flexibility and Structure
30:21 - International Candidates: Pathways to the U.S.

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11 - Thoughts and Prayers to Intuit’s PR team05 Nov 202400:34:28

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the PR team at Intuit as we dive into this all too familiar case study focused on executive training, expectation setting, and article amendments. We'll dive into the various fallouts that can stem from a CEO interview, the importance of context when navigating article amendments, new ways of thinking around executive and journalist preparation, and what we would have done differently in the situation. It's a tough but critical topic for any PR person who manages the C-suite.

Episode time stamps:

1:14 - Case Study: Intuit and The Verge Interview
4:35 - Analysis of Intuit's PR Response
9:43 - The Importance of Executive Preparation
14:40 - Navigating Media Relationships and Expectations
20:57 - Preparing for Executive Interviews
24:12 - Handling Unexpected Questions
26:54 - Understanding the Journalist's Perspective
28:17 - The Role of PR in Interview Outcomes


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10 - Pitching Cat Food29 Oct 202400:42:29

We’ve been getting a lot of listener emails – some with episode topic requests and some with quick questions. For this episode, we thought it would be fun to read the quick questions and answer on the fly! Hear our experiences and views on media accountability, navigating a PR career when you move internationally, the definition of comms and the role it plays throughout a business, and some PR horror stories that won't get us fired.

Episode Timestamps:

  • 2:51 - Media accountability and journalism
  • 5:36 - Navigating career transitions when moving internationally
  • 8:37 - The definition of Communications and PR
  • 11:26 - PR horror stories and industry challenges

We'd love to hear from you. Email us with topic requests, questions, or feedback at hello@smartinpublicpod.com.

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9 - Future-proof your agency PR strategy with Mandy Galmes, Managing Director & Managing Partner ANZ for Sefiani Agency22 Oct 202400:45:17

It takes a special leader to lead an agency and do it with heart and soul. In this episode the Katies are joined by Amanda (Mandy) Galmes, Managing Director and Managing Partner ANZ for Sefiani Agency, part of the Clarity Group. Mandy dives into all things agency talent, hiring, helping clients tell their stories - particularly around the growing field of responsible business - and the challenges with doing exec comms in this current climate.

Episode timestamps:
00:54 - Mandy's Journey into Public Relations
04:30 - The Importance of People in Agency Work
08:04 - Transitioning to Sefiani Agency
12:12 - Sefiani's Approach to Strategic Communications
13:09 - Agency Leadership and Client Relationships
15:21 - Nurturing Young Talent in the Agency
21:02 - The Evolving Landscape of Communications Education
32:02 - Responsible Business and Media Challenges
35:41 - Navigating Media Interviews and Authenticity

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8 - Interview with David Swan, Technology Editor for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald15 Oct 202400:39:17

This week the Katies welcome one of Australia's leading technology reporters and editors David Swan. David's currently the Technology Editor for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, and was previously Technology Editor for The Australian newspaper. In 2024 he was awarded Australia's best technology journalist at The Lizzies, Australia's national IT Journalism awards. In this episode, we explore the relationship between comms people and media - including when we get it right and when we get it wrong. We also discuss some of the differences between US and Australia in terms of execs and media, David’s style of writing and journalism and his hot take on some of the recent CEO interviews that have made headlines.

Episode Overview w/ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to David Swan and His Career Journey
02:52  - The Challenges of Modern Journalism
05:32 - A Day in the Life of a Technology Journalist
08:03 - Navigating PR Relationships and Pitches
10:47 - The Importance of Storytelling in Journalism
13:35 - The Role of Fundraising Announcements
16:06 - Cultural Differences in Journalism: US vs Australia
18:42 - The Impact of Celebrity Access on Stories
21:29 - The Importance of Genuine Communication
23:51 - Reflections on Memorable Interviews
26:48 - Advice for PR Professionals Pitching to Australia
29:01 - Handling Tough Interviews and Executive Preparedness
31:41 - The Personal Impact of Fatherhood on Work

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7 - Know Your Time Zones08 Oct 202400:50:48

This week the Katies dive into the complexities of building and managing global communications teams. Doing this well means more than just finding the right people overseas – it’s about understanding the market’s storytelling nuances, cultural differences, identifying key publications and journalists, and building trust within your international team members to let them localize with impact.

Episode Time Stamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Global Communications Teams
04:45 - Identifying the Right Time to Hire
10:28 - Hiring the Right People for the Market
16:05 - Managing Teams Across Time Zones
21:46 - Building Trust and Cultural Understanding
27:28 - Best Practices for HQ and Regional Teams
35:54 - Navigating Global Messaging and Localization
42:08 - Personal Stories and Lessons Learned

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19 - Hot Take Episode: Meta & Meghan Markle14 Jan 202500:43:30

In episode 19 of the Smart Public Podcast, the Katies discuss Meta's announcement led by Mark Zuckerberg and the implications of his messages on the company's reputation. They also debate on Meghan Markle's new show on Netflix and the challenges she faces in rebuilding her brand. The conversation highlights the complexities of communication strategies in today's media landscape and the impact of social media on public figures.

Episode Timestamps
00:44 - Meta's Announcement: The Zuck and His Gold Chain
06:40 - The Impact of Meta's Changes on Society
12:39 - The Masculine Energy Debate: Zuck on Joe Rogan
20:54 - The Impact of Corporate Changes on Employee Retention
22:15 - Megan's New Show: A Blend of Cooking and Interviews
23:14 - The Public Perception of Meghan Markle
24:39 - Navigating Identity and Brand in the Public Eye
26:25 - Challenges of Authenticity in a Media-Driven World
28:42 - Comparing Brands: Meghan Markle vs. Martha Stewart
31:12 - The Role of Guests in Meghan's New Show
34:29 - The Complexity of Meghan's Transition from Royalty
35:35 - The Future of Meghan's Brand and Public Image
38:15 - The Fascination with Royal Family Communications

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18 - Build and lead a highly functioning team with Jane Hynes, VP of Communications for Google Cloud08 Jan 202500:37:27

In episode ​18, the Katies welcome special guest Jane Hynes, VP of Global Communications ​f​or Google Cloud for a masterclass in how to effectively build and lead highly functioning communication teams. If you're currently building a team or managing people managers for the first time, this episode is for you. 

Jane also shares candid insights about:

  • Developing quotable, impactful messaging that resonates in today's fast-paced media landscape
  • Building and nurturing high-performing teams in rapid-growth environments
  • The critical importance of succession planning and talent development
  • How AI is reshaping the future of corporate communications

Whether you're a seasoned communications professional or aspiring to leadership in tech PR, Jane's perspective on maintaining engagement and pride in high-stakes environments while fostering continuous learning is invaluable. Her emphasis on hiring for raw intelligence and proactive thinking provides a fresh perspective on talent acquisition in today's competitive landscape.

Available now on your favorite podcast platform.

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17 - All Inclusive Holiday Special24 Dec 202400:53:59

In this holiday special episode of the Smart in Public podcast, the Katies discuss their top PR campaigns in 2024, like Mastercard's wheelchair ball kid initiative, Dove's Face of Ten campaign, and the rise of women's sports. The conversation also touches on the US election campaigns and notable PR disasters, all while sharing personal anecdotes and insights about the importance of networking and self-awareness in the industry. 

00:00 - Holiday Cheer and Podcast Introduction
02:45 - Reflecting on 2024: Top Moments in PR
05:52 - Innovative PR Campaigns: Dad Shift and Wicked
09:01 - MasterCard's Wheelchair Ball Kid Initiative
14:55 - Dove's Face of Ten Campaign: Addressing Tween Skincare
17:56 - Celebrating Women's Sports: A Growing Movement
21:00 - Jaguar's Controversial Ad and Its Impact
23:59 - Jojo Siwa's Rebranding Journey
32:18 - Lessons from CEO Interviews: What Went Wrong?
40:42 - Reflections on Personal Growth and Professional Networks

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16 - Interview with Tarla Lambert-Patel, co-founder of Agenda Media & Editor-in-Chief of Women's Agenda19 Dec 202400:46:22

This week the Katies welcome Tarla Lambert-Patel, co-founder of Agenda Media, parent company to Women’s Agenda, Women’s Health News, The Crux podcast, and The Keynotes app. In this episode, they discuss the challenges of independent publishing and the importance of addressing women's issues in media. Tarla also shares tips for PR professionals who are looking to pitch and build campaigns around women's issues, curating event content with a publisher that delivers impact, and why International Women's Day shouldn't be the only time your company speaks out to support women.

You can listen to the Women's Agenda podcast here: https://womensagenda.com.au/podcasts

Skippers Paradise:
01:39 - Tarla Lambert-Patel's Journey and Women's Agenda
05:27 - Identifying the Gap: Women's Agenda's Mission
07:43 - The Freedom of Independent Publishing
10:02 - Challenges of Independent Publishing in Australia
12:37 - Impactful Stories and Interviews
15:28 - Navigating Sensitive Topics and Building Trust
17:45 - Working with PR: Building Meaningful Stories
20:22 - The Saturation of International Women's Day
22:27 - Building Brand Partnerships Effectively
27:25 - The Impact of Remote Work on Parents
34:31 - Addressing Women's Health Issues in the Workplace

About Tarla Lambert-Patel
Tarla is the co-founder of Agenda Media - parent company to Women’s Agenda, Women’s Health News, The Crux podcast, and The Keynotes app alongside her business partner, Angela Priestley. Across their mastheads, they engage more than a million Australian women every month and have achieved this as a wholly independent, women-owned and run entity. Tarla is also the editor-in-chief of Women's Agenda, Australia's leading online news site championing women in their lives and careers and she co-leads a team of exceptional journalists and producers. Women's Agenda has been in-market for 11 years, and was launched by Private Media in 2012 as a key career resource for women. Since then, it’s been established as a genuine staple in the Australian media landscape, covering everything from business, tech, and politics through to lifestyle, finance and leadership. It is the go-to news source for thousands.

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15 - I Ignored My Brain10 Dec 202400:50:14

It's a predictions episode, people! In episode 15, the Katies discuss industry trends, predictions for the year ahead, and best practices for 2025 communications program planning. 

Episode Timestamps

  • 00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Recap of Previous Episode
  • 04:43 - Reflections on Industry Layoffs and Support
  • 13:47 - Best practices for your 2025 communications program planning 
  • 32:20 - 2025 Communications Trends and Predictions
  • 35:52 - The Impact of AI on Communications
  • 43:55 - Dumb in private

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14 - CCO succession planning + United Colors of Benetton and the Paris Olympics had a baby03 Dec 202400:43:30

In episode 14 of the Smart in Public podcast, the Katies explore the evolving role of the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) and the importance of succession planning in communications. They discuss the rise of CCOs in the C-suite, the new 'CCO plus' role that encompasses a broader range of responsibilities, and the skills needed to prepare for a CCO position. The conversation also delves into the recent Jaguar rebrand and the controversial ad campaign that sparked discussions about brand strategy and audience engagement.

Episode links:

Timestamps

  • 02:43 - The Evolving Role of the Chief Communications Officer (CCO)
  • 10:14 - Succession Planning in Communications
  • 19:22 - The Future of Communications Teams and CCO Responsibilities
  • 26:53 - The Importance of CEO-Communications Partnership
  • 29:19 - Analyzing Jaguar's Controversial Ad Campaign
  • 33:59 - Shifting Brand Identity and Audience Perception
  • 36:49 - Speculation on Jaguar's Future Strategy

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13 - JD Sports26 Nov 202400:38:13

If you're looking for an episode that feels like you're eavesdropping on some random gals chatting next to you, this hodgepodge of an episode is the one for you. The Katies have had some manic work schedules lately, so we thought we'd use this time to share some items that are top of mind. Do we talk about PR? Sure. Will you laugh more than you learn in this episode? Likely. We're just happy to be here, honestly. So grab a sandwich and a glass of wine and enjoy our happy ramblings. We'll be more productive next week, we promise!

Episode Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and Life Updates
05:57 - Adapting to a New Industry
12:00 - Work Travel Experiences, Tips, & Self Care
28:00 - The power of the PR community and ideas to bring Smart in Public listeners together
32:13 - Looking Ahead: Upcoming Guests and Future Plans

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12 - Your exec comms playbook told through the eyes of a founder w/ Matt Fairhurst, Co-founder & CEO of Skedulo13 Nov 202400:41:11

In this week's episode, the Katies welcome Matt Fairhurst, co-founder and CEO of Skedulo, to the pod to discuss the partnership between a founder and a comms team. Fun fact: this episode isn't just for Comms people. It's also a great one to listen to if you're a founder wanting to explore how and when to bring comms support into your business, and identify the best strategies to improve your communications style as a leader.

Topics include:

  • How internal communications is critical for founders to maintain alignment and culture.
  • Technology shifts that create opportunities for new businesses and communication strategies.
  • How effective communication requires trust and transparency between leaders and teams.
  • Company culture is a reflection of the founder's personality and values.
  • All hands calls and their ability to provide a platform for transparency and team engagement.
  • How storytelling enhances the memorability and impact of communication.
  • How different cultures have varying expectations for communication styles and performance.
  • Building relationships with external consultants can provide valuable perspectives.
  • Communication is a skill that can be developed over time through practice.
  • Leaders must adapt their communication style as their company grows and evolves.

Episode time stamps:
02:44 - The Impact of Technology on Business
05:39 - The Importance of Internal Communications
08:21 - Navigating External Communications
10:56 - The Role of Transparency in Leadership
13:33 - Building Company Culture Through Communication
16:11 - The Value of All Hands Meetings
19:01 - Storytelling as a Communication Tool
21:54 - The Role of External Consultants in Communication
24:40 - The Value of External vs. Internal Collaboration
26:42 - Building Trust and Access in Consulting
28:49 - Cultural Differences in Communication
31:20 - Adapting Communication Styles Across Borders
36:01 - Personal Anecdotes and Lessons Learned

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22 - Unlock the Secrets of VC Communications with Allie Cefalo, Marketing Partner at Kleiner Perkins04 Feb 202500:48:18

This week, the Katies are joined by Allie Cefalo, Marketing Partner at Kleiner Perkins, who shares her journey from leading global communications teams to running marketing for one of the world's best known Venture Capital firms. In this episode, you'll get a peek into the world of VC comms and the insider communications strategies. Discover how top VC firms support founders, craft compelling brand narratives, and navigate the evolving landscape of startup marketing.

We laughed a lot, we learned a lot, we shared some embarrassing stories. It's an episode you won't want to miss!

Podcast Highlights

  • Insider strategies for startup storytelling
  • The critical role of video in modern marketing
  • Authentic branding techniques
  • Communications and marketing intersection
  • Career insights for PR and marketing professionals

Episode Timestamps

  • 02:43 - Transitioning from Communications to Marketing
  • 05:41 - Business Storytelling Evolution
  • 08:42 - Video's Impact on Marketing
  • 11:29 - Personal Branding for Leaders
  • 14:33 - Communications Accountability
  • 17:18 - Comms and Marketing Convergence
  • 20:18 - PR Career Development
  • 23:24 - Strategic Communications for Founders
  • 25:45 - Startup Audience Engagement

Don't miss this revealing conversation packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs, marketers, and communications professionals!

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23 - From finance to tech: how Cheryl Sanclemente​, CCO at Lattice, ​took her career from strength to strength12 Feb 202500:56:09

In episode 23 of Smart in Public, the Katies sit down with Cheryl Sanclemente, Chief Communications Officer at Lattice, for ​a real-talk conversation about career development, ​mentorship, comms leaders on boards, the sentiment in HR tech​ during a time of massive layoffs across the industry, ​and ​age old question of work-life balance.

Key Discussion Highlights:

  • Career Transformation: Cheryl's remarkable journey from finance to tech leadership
  • AI in the Workplace: Exploring the critical role of HR in responsible AI integration
  • Communications Strategy: Navigating the evolving landscape of corporate communications
  • Professional Growth: The transformative power of mentorship and networking
  • Work-Life Balance: Strategies for working parents managing career and family

Key Topics Covered:

  • Cheryl's professional journey from Salesforce to Lattice
  • The impact of artificial intelligence on modern workforce
  • HR technology trends in the current job market
  • ESG communications and leadership
  • Networking strategies for career advancement
  • Balancing professional ambitions with family responsibilities

Listeners will gain valuable insights into:

  • Career development in the tech industry
  • Navigating professional transitions
  • Leveraging mentorship for career growth
  • Adapting to technological changes in the workplace

Chapters

  • 04:49​ Cheryl's Career Journey and Transition to Tech
  • 09:15​ Navigating Layoffs and New Opportunities
  • 14:14​ The Role of a Chief Communications Officer
  • 19:16​ Balancing Transparency in Communications
  • 23:02​ AI's Role in People Management
  • 26:05​ Communicators as Change Agents
  • 30:03​ Authenticity in Corporate Storytelling
  • 31:40​ The Evolving Role of Comms at Davos
  • 34:52​ Building Presence at Global Events
  • 38:31​ Board Involvement 
  • 40:57​ The Power of Mentorship and Sponsorship
  • 45:25​ Balancing Work and Family Life

This episode is perfect for professionals in tech, HR, communications, and anyone interested in career development and work-life balance.

#CareerGrowth #TechLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #AIinWorkplace #HRTech #ProfessionalDevelopment

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