Can You Hear Me?: Recent Episodes
Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford
A bi-weekly podcast for leaders who want to get serious about using effective communications to advance their organizations. Don’t miss communications pros Rob Johnson, veteran broadcast news anchor and current President of Rob Johnson Communications, and Eileen Rochford, CEO of the strategic communications firm The Harbinger Group, discussing issues of the day and the communications implications they present for businesses and organizations.
Dr. Debbie Qaqish is a pioneering marketing strategist, leadership expert, and the creator of The Growth Factor MethodTM , a leadership approach that blends the science of positive psychology with decades of real-world marketing experience. Her work addresses a critical but often overlooked challenge: modern marketing operates under relentless pressure, yet most organizations have never redesigned how people think, decide, and lead in that environment.
Known as the OG of Revenue MarketingTM, a term and concept she created in 2011, Debbie redefined marketing’s role from a support function to a measurable driver of business growth. Over more than 35 years, she has worked directly with CMOs and B2B marketing teams to align strategy with revenue and growth outcomes.
A Certified Positive Psychology Practitioner, Debbie applies evidence-based insights to help marketers and leaders move out of survival mode, improve decision-making under pressure, and lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Her work equips professionals not just to perform, but to thrive amid constant change.
Debbie is a dynamic keynote speaker, award-winning author of Rise of the Revenue Marketer and From Backroom to Boardroom, and a respected thought leader featured in Forbes, MarTech Today, and other top publications. She has taught Revenue Marketing to
MBA students at The College of William & Mary for over a decade, continuing her mission to elevate both marketing performance and leadership effectiveness. She is also the host of the popular weekly LinkedIn Live show Revenue Marketing Raw which showcases her no-nonsense unfiltered takes on marketing teams.
Dr. Debbie's Website: https://www.growthfactor.us/
Dr. Debbie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbieqaqish/
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Resources: https://www.forbes.com/sites/cmo/2026/06/03/gaining-visibility-in-the-ai-search-era/
https://www.prweek.com/article/1960195/reputation-age-ai-why-pr-own-ai-visibility
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How do you shape your brand's reputation when AI becomes the new front door to your business? In this episode of Can You Hear Me?, co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford explore why PR professionals must take the lead in managing AI visibility and what it means for the future of brand communications. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
https://hbr.org/tip/2025/02/the-power-of-humble-leadership
https://www.forbes.com/sites/martingutmann/2025/02/03/why-humble-leadership-is-a-superpower-now-more-than-ever/
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Full report: https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/center-public-relations/global-communication-report
The 2026 Global Communication Report, “A Quiet Shift”, from the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations examines how political and social polarization is reshaping the communications profession. Based on surveys of public relations professionals, interviews with Fortune 500 chief communications officers, and comparisons with U.S. public opinion, the report explores how organizations are navigating communication in an increasingly divided environment. The findings suggest that polarization has become a permanent feature of today’s communication landscape rather than a temporary phase. As a result, companies are reassessing when and how they engage on controversial issues. While corporate purpose remains important, many organizations are shifting toward a more situational approach to corporate speech, carefully weighing the risks and benefits of public engagement. Despite the broader challenges associated with polarization, the research shows that it has elevated the strategic importance of the communications function within organizations. When public discourse is highly contested, communicators play a critical role in providing context, managing reputational risk and helping leaders make thoughtful decisions about when to speak and when to stay silent. The Global Communication Report is produced annually by the USC Center for Public Relations, in conjunction this year with Meltwater and IABC, and support from the following organizations: Arthur W. Page Society, Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, ICCO, Institute for Public Relations, Italian Federation of Public Relations, PRCA, PR Council, PRSA, and Worldcom Public Relations Group. Our report is designed to provide insight into the evolution of the global communication industry. For print copies of this year’s edition for classroom and organization use, please contact the center at usccpr@usc.edu.
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How to Become a Reiki Master: https://www.reiki.org/articles/becoming-reiki-master
Overcommunicate: https://www.amazon.com/Overcommunicate-Business-Executives-Aspiring-Leaders/dp/B0GWQ9XJNP
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Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.
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A leadership style that works for one employee may completely miss the mark for another. In this episode of Can You Hear Me?, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson explore why adaptive leadership matters — and how meeting people where they are can strengthen communication, trust, and team performance. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Jeffrey M. McCall is a Professor of Communication at DePauw University. He is a public commentator on media and journalistic ethics and standards. He is a contributing op-ed columnist for The Hill. His columns have also appeared in USA Today, Indianapolis Star, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Chicago Tribune and dozens of other papers. He makes frequent appearances on radio, television and cable news outlets. He has been interviewed and quoted by over 125 newspapers nationwide, including the New York Times, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and others.
McCall teaches courses in electronic journalism, communication ethics, media law, and media culture. He is the faculty supervisor of DePauw’s nationally recognized radio station, WGRE-FM. He has professional media experience as a radio news director and as a correspondent for National Public Radio.
McCall is the author of the book, Viewer Discretion Advised: Taking Control of Mass Media Influences, published by Rowman & Littlefield.
McCall earned a BA from DePauw University, an MA from the University of Illinois, and the PhD from the University of Missouri.
https://www.amazon.com/Overcommunicate-Business-Executives-Aspiring-Leaders/dp/B0GWQ9XJNP
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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-honesty-and-transparency-look-like-to-employees/id1567769910?i=1000721758657
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-local-news-still-matters-and-isnt-dead-yet/id1567769910?i=1000728168401
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wisdom-of-ignorance/id1567769910?i=1000730729820
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Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.
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To celebrate five years of Can You Hear Me, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson revisit some of their favorite conversations from the past year — from AI best practices and the future of newsrooms to the power of honesty, transparency, and the wisdom of ignorance. While each episode explores a different topic, they all share one goal: helping leaders become stronger, more effective communicators.
Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.
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About Kevin Connor:
Modern Strategic Branding + Communications
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Business owner with his sister Diane since 1999.
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We put the lessons of big business brands in the small business communications toolbox. Company works with companies and organizations who aspire to be great.
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Professionally branded communications can increase both top and bottom-line revenue for companies that care. This added credibility enhances an organization’s confidence and character with clients, prospects and, most importantly, employees.
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We’ve been helping companies and organizations express who you are, what you do and why you do it – with coordinated and consistent language and images. Bringing your brand to life, both on and offline, is what we do for our clients.
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Kevin volunteers with community groups, presents on the value of communications and networking in business success and works with high school and college students in preparing them for the workforce. He believes the ability to improve interpersonal skills is a talent everyone can develop and use to their advantage personally and professionally.
Remember, if you want to move products, services or ideas, you must learn how to move people.
Website: canyouhearmepod.podcastpage.io
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Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.
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On this episode of Can You Hear Me?, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson sit down with brand strategist Kevin Connor to explore what your brand says about you, how brand building is evolving, and what it’s like to run a firm with family. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Howard Karesh is a global communications leader with more than 30 years of experience helping organizations navigate complexity, from large-scale acquisitions and organizational change to high-stakes issues and employee engagement. He has served as Chief Communications Officer at TreeHouse Foods and previously led global communications for Hillrom through its acquisition by Baxter, partnering closely with CEOs and executive teams to bring clarity, alignment, and steady leadership in fast-moving environments. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles across corporate and agency settings, and has advised organizations through his own consultancy.
Website: canyouhearmepod.podcastpage.io
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In an era shaped by AI and misinformation, mastering crisis communication has never been more critical. Join co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford as they sit down with CCO Howard Karesh to explore what calm, effective leadership looks like when it matters most. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
HBR Article: https://hbr.org/2026/02/9-trends-shaping-work-in-2026-and-beyond?ab=HP-hero-for-you-1
Paul Roetzer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulroetzer/
SmarterX: https://smarterx.ai/
Mike Kaput: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekaput/
The Artificial Intelligence Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-artificial-intelligence-show/id1548733275
Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.
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AI is reshaping the workplace—but not without friction. In this episode, Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford unpack the biggest trends defining 2026 and what leaders must do to bridge the growing gap between strategy and reality. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Jared Gibson is the co-founder of Outworks, where he helps executive teams turn what they already know into a repeatable content system that builds trust before a sales call ever happens.
With a background in sales and marketing leadership, Jared is obsessed with one thing: making sure smart leadership teams don’t stay invisible. At Outworks, he builds executive content infrastructure that helps ideas travel, authority compound, and conversations start long before someone clicks “Book a meeting.”
He lives in Highland Park, IL with his wife and two kids. When he’s not thinking about content, distribution, or why most LinkedIn strategies are broken, he’s on the golf course or emotionally invested in Cleveland and Ohio State sports (for better or worse).
https://authoredup.com/blog/linkedin-360brew
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How can leaders use LinkedIn to amplify their voice and strengthen their brand? In this episode of Can You Hear Me?, Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford talk with Jared Gibson, Co-Founder of Outworks, about how executives can harness LinkedIn to share their message, build credibility, and connect with the audiences that matter most. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
About Tam Lawrence:
I built my career in public relations before I built media infrastructure. After more than two decades working across brand communications, publishing, and executive visibility, I recognized a structural breakdown in how communities access trustworthy media. Local journalism was collapsing. Civic participation was declining. Digital platforms prioritized algorithms over accountability.
That observation led to the creation of PIQSTAR INC., a public benefit corporation engineered to restore civic mass media infrastructure through streaming television.
As Founder of PIQSTAR INC. and CEO of Exposure Plus TV, I have invested millions to launch a platform reaching over 1.3 million interested viewers and more than 264,000 loyal subscribers. Our model integrates OTT/CTV distribution with equitable labor frameworks designed to revive displaced journalists, empower local content producers, and create sustainable monetization ecosystems.
Our flagship application, Economic Relief for Content Creators, establishes a structured pathway for community-based filmmakers, daytime television producers, and independent journalists to generate revenue through aligned partnerships and fixed-placement media models. This is not simply a streaming platform. It is a civic utility.
We are rebuilding local journalism, restoring public access to government proceedings, and creating a media infrastructure that places community ownership at the center. My work sits at the intersection of: Civic engagement. Media innovation. Economic liberation for creators. Public benefit governance.
If you are building the future of trusted media, I welcome the conversation.
https://www.piqstar.com/
https://www.exposureplustv.tv/
https://canyouhearmepod.beam.ly/
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On this episode of Can You Hear Me?, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson sit down with Tam Lawrence, CEO of Exposure + TV, to explore “Betting on Yourself: Turning Pain into Purpose.” Tam shares how the unexpected twists in her marketing journey shaped her leadership—and how embracing those moments can redefine your impact. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Anna has spent her entire career building brands. Her passion, insight, and desire to understand every nuance of each business she works on have resulted in close relationships and brand-defining work.
Before founding FEARLESS Strategic Marketing, she was a Client Leader at Leo Burnett for nine years and at Energy BBDO and BBDO Worldwide for nineteen years, leading North American and Global Brands.
She has worked across multiple categories and with brands at every size and stage of growth, partnering with PepsiCo Food & Beverages, Starbucks, SodaStream, KIND Snacks, Frito Lay, Procter & Gamble, MARS, Nintendo, Kohl's, Ulta Beauty, The Chicago Cubs, and more.
She has a particular passion for challenger brands, which she defines as brands with ambitions bigger than their budgets.
Anna has won every creative and effectiveness award multiple times, including Cannes Lions, Effie’s, D&AD’s, Emmy’s, Clio’s, WARC’s, and The Jay Chiat Awards.
Throughout her career, Anna has been known for being a trusted, valued, strategic advisor to the CMO and CEO, for building powerful, distinctive brands that drive long-term growth, and for creating genuine, authentic partnerships and friendships with those she works with while also having some fun along the way.
Anna lives outside of Chicago in the northwest suburbs with her husband Tom of 20 years and their three sons, Roman, 18, Leo, 17, Dominic, 14, and her dog Bandit (yes, she is outnumbered!).
Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.
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Marci Pelzer is Director of Corporate Affairs at Worley, where she brings more than 20 years of expertise in strategic communications.
Marci has held key leadership positions at Rockwell Automation, SC Johnson, Time Warner Cable and ManpowerGroup. She is a proud graduate of Marquette University and the Kellogg School of Management.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, volunteering and pursuing her passion project, What Dan Read.
Marci resides in Milwaukee.
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The communications landscape is changing fast—and so are the expectations placed on communications leaders. In this episode of Can You Hear Me?, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson sit down with Marci Pelzer, Corporate Affairs Director at Worley, to explore The Future of Comms and how professionals can adapt, expand their influence, and lead in an evolving business environment. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Cassandra (Cass) M. Bailey is the CEO of Slice Communications, the founder and current Chairwoman of Social Media Day, Inc., and the creator of the “My Mom Is…” children’s book series. She has been working in marketing communications for more than 20 years and has authored two books on the subject: Pay Attention! and Social Media is About People. She believes that integrated public relations, social media, and email marketing efforts are critical for growing businesses and non-profits looking to accomplish their goals.
With a background in international politics, economics, and philosophy, communications has become her passion and she has been tapped by various industry associations and the media to share her insights and experiences. She has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, and The Today Show and has written for, or been quoted in,Forbes, Philadelphia Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, TheNextWeb, and a number of other publications. Cass has also been named as a Rising Star by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and received the Brava award from Philadelphia Smart CEO.
Cass is deeply involved with her community and has served on boards for the Entrepreneurs’ Organization of Philadelphia; Business Leadership Forum at The Union League of Philadelphia; Small Business Board at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce; Tree House Books; Pennsylvania 30 Day Fund; and Hopeworks. Cass graduated from The Catholic University of America with a degree in international politics, economics and philosophy. Additionally, she has completed programs in business education from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program and WBENC Executive Program at the Tuck School of Business.
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Choosing the right AI model for your tasks
Eternal Optimists: Small Business Owners Say They Plan to Grow Despite Concerns Over the Economy, Shutdown
Emerging Trends for AI and Communications in 2025
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In this episode, Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson move beyond the headlines to explore how AI is empowering teams to work smarter, innovate faster, and manage larger projects with ease. Discover the practical benefits of artificial intelligence as a collaborative tool that saves time and scales impact for organizations of all sizes. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Janine MacLachlan is a communications strategist and workshop designer on a mission to help leaders communicate for impact, including preparing for high stakes engagements on TV or at the podium, and motivating teams to increase effectiveness.
Her signature workshop Amplify Your Leadership Voice helps people articulate their vision, uplift allies and advance their career. Another workshop, Say It Shorter: Get More Done by Getting to the Point, helps knowledge professionals hone their messages tailored to distinct audiences and deliver them with clarity and confidence.
Janine’s clients have included Quaker oatmeal, CBRE, Walmart and Procter & Gamble, in addition to associations, nonprofits and educational institutions. She is an editorial contributor to Forbes and Fast Company, and is a regular guest on Chicago’s ABC-7 news.
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Marty Ozinga IV is chief executive officer of Ozinga. Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation family enterprise best known for its red and white striped concrete mixer trucks. In 2012, Marty took the reins of running the family business as CEO/president from his father, Marty Ozinga III. Marty is joined by his five brothers and one cousin in the fourth generation of ownership. There are thirty-two family members in the fifth generation.
Marty earned a BA in economics and business from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA, and an MS in communications from Northwestern University. He has served on numerous not-for-profit boards, including currently serving on the board of the Luke Society. Marty and his wife Amy have six children. They reside in the Little Italy neighborhood of Chicago.
Ozinga is a purpose driven business whose purpose is to have a positive impact on individuals, their families, and the community for generations. This purpose is rooted in the Ozinga family mission to first and foremost honor and glorify God and to serve the crown of His creation. In 2019, Ozinga received the Dean’s Award from the Illinois Family Business of the Year Awards for excellence social enterprise, supply chain management or emerging markets. Ozinga has 2,000+ employees with operations primarily in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Florida.
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On this episode of Can You Hear Me?, Rob Johnson talks with Ozinga CEO Marty Ozinga about the power of trust, purpose-driven leadership, and how a family-owned company continues to strengthen its brand over generations. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Jessica serves as the Managing Partner of DHR’s Corporate Affairs and Communications Practice, based in Washington, D.C. With a strong, global network and experience leading C-level searches within the communications space, Jessica develops and maintains strong relationships with industry leaders, understands the evolving nature of agencies and is a trusted advisor to her clients.
Prior to joining DHR, Jessica served more than five years as an Executive Director at a communications executive search firm. Earlier in her career, Jessica was Vice President of U.S. Talent Acquisitions with one of the top 10 public relations agencies. She led senior-level recruitment across the agency’s corporate, financial, technology, healthcare, consumer, brand marketing and brand marketing and digital practices. Jessica began her search career as senior recruiter with a multinational communication and public relations firm, where she developed business and recruitment strategies.
Jessica has a demonstrated history of recruiting across industries for public relations, communications and marketing roles. Her focus is on corporate communications, consumer and brand marketing, investor relations, talent marketing, media relations, internal communications, public affairs, corporate social responsibility, technology communications, healthcare communications, financial communications, crisis communications, social and digital.
She graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in business administration.
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Clear, compelling communication is more critical than ever—especially for C-Suite executives. On this episode of Can You Hear Me?, Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford sit down with executive search expert Jessica Bayer to reveal how to hire the best communicators for your organization. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Overcommunicate: A guide for Business Executives and Aspiring Leaders
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In this episode of Can You Hear Me?, Rob Johnson joins Eileen Rochford to dive into his upcoming book, Overcommunicate: A Guide for Business Executives and Aspiring Leaders, sharing how proactive communication can align teams, clarify goals, and drive effective leadership — without micromanaging or drowning in emails. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Alan Gregerman is an internationally renowned authority on business strategy, innovation, and the hidden potential of grownups who has been called “one of the most original thinkers in business today” and “the Robin Williams of business consulting.”
As the president and chief innovation officer of Washington, D.C.-based consultancy VENTURE WORKS, a best-selling author, sought-after keynote speaker, and community volunteer he focuses on helping companies and organizations unlock the genius in all of their people in order to deliver the most compelling value to their customers. He is also the founder of Passion for
Learning, an award-winning nonprofit that teaches girls technology skills as a key to life and career success.
His work has been featured in over 250 leading publications and media outlets in the U.S. and in other countries including the Wall Street Journal, NPR, CNN, The Economic Times, Business Week, Dagens Industri, and Fast Company and his writing, speaking, and teaching has informed and hopefully inspired over 700,000 people.
His three previous books—The Necessity of Strangers, Surrounded by Geniuses, and Lessons from the Sandbox—challenge conventional thinking about people, the world around us, what it means to be remarkable, and where brilliant ideas come from. His new book, “The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation in an Uncertain World,” provides a powerful formula for making a difference in a world moving super-fast.
Fun? fact…In March 2021 I had a rare and remarkable stroke and lost the ability to see and speak. It happened during dinner with my family and was a very clear reminder that we all live in an uncertain world. Fast forward and after eighteen months of speech, vision, and occupational therapy I am doing great, traveling, climbing mountains, kayaking, walking our dogs, and speaking with audiences around the world. Definitely grateful!
The Wisdom of Ignorance is out October 14th!
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Celebrating our 100th episode, Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford welcome innovation expert Alan Gregerman to explore how “enlightened ignorance” can fuel breakthroughs in business and leadership. Discover why not knowing all the answers might just be your greatest advantage. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Chris Quinn is editor of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer and president of Advance Ohio. He started in journalism in 1980 in his native New Jersey before moving to reporting positions in Dover, Del.; Harrisburg, Pa. and Orlando, Fla. He joined The Plain Dealer in 1996 and moved into editing in 2002, holding a variety of positions. He hosts a daily news discussion podcast called Today in Ohio and reaches more than 200,000 people via email each week through his column, Letter from the Editor. Chris received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Temple University.
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Local journalism is far from dead. In this episode of Can You Hear Me?, Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson talk with Chris Quinn, editor of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer and president of Advance Ohio, about how authenticity, community connection, and innovation are keeping local news alive and thriving. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Gabriela Embon is a Chemical Engineer, Relationship Coach, Author, influential Host of the Life Engineering podcast, and dynamic Keynote Speaker.
After spending eight years as a chemical engineer, Gabriela transitioned into couples coaching, bringing with her a unique edge—combining the precision of engineering with deep insights into human potential.
She believes that a fulfilling adult life hinges on two essential components: an ideal career and a thriving primary relationship.
Here's the truth: Emotional ROI matters just as much as financial ROI. At the end of the day, success means nothing if you don’t have someone to share it with.
Gabriela’s work helps couples optimize connection, communication, and partnership, ensuring that their relationship thrives alongside their career, not despite it.
She inspires high achievers and organizations to succeed, shedding light on the strategies needed to engineer extraordinary careers and build resilient, fulfilling relationships both inside and outside the workplace.
Gabriela is the proud author of Becoming a Power Couple – 4 Pillars to Engineer Legendary Marriages, which empowers individuals to embrace key principles that strengthen and elevate their relationships over time.
When she’s not working, Gabriela loves spending time with her three amazing children and her husband of 27 years.
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Strong communication isn’t just about what we say—it’s about the intention and strategy behind it. On this episode of Can You Hear Me?, Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford welcome career and relationship coach Gabriela Embon to explore high-impact rituals that deepen connections at home and at work. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
The Jernstedt Company specializes in strategic communications. Rich has experience in military public affairs, corporate communications departments and agencies. He was CEO for 12 of his 26 years at Golin; EVP at FleishmanHillard for seven years; and consulted with Porter Novelli for five. His expertise includes strategic planning, coaching, business development, and reputation management. He also consults with Prosper Group, a team of former agency owners and CEOs who counsel communications firms on performance, organization, exit planning, and M&A
“Let Them,” Mel Robbins
“The Anxious Generation,” Jonathan Haidt
“Unprecedented,” (Canada’s top CEOs on what they learned about leadership during COVID-19) Compiled by Steve Mayer and Andrew Willis
“Me, But Better,” Olga Khazan
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While many companies chase high IQ candidates, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson dig into why emotional intelligence (EQ) is the true game-changer for recruiting top talent and building resilient organizations. Special guest Rich Jernstedt, a veteran communications executive, joins the show to break down what EQ really is, why it matters more than ever, and how leaders and teams can develop this crucial skill set. Tune in to discover why EQ—not just IQ—defines tomorrow’s most successful leaders and workplaces! Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
About our guest:
Steven Gaffney is a leading expert on increasing business profit through change management, honest communication, and high performing teams. An author, speaker, and trusted advisor, Steven works directly with top leaders from Fortune 500 companies like Amazon, Marriott, Allstate Insurance, and even the U.S. government and military.
Steven has authored four ground-breaking books: Just Be Honest: Authentic Communication Strategies that Get Results and Last a Lifetime, Honesty Works! Real-World Solutions to Common Problems at Work and Home, Be A Change Champion, and co-author of Honesty Sells: How to Make More Money and Increase Business Profits. He is currently working on two books: Reboot: How to Create and Sustain High Performing Teams, and The 9 Pillars of Sustainable Profitable Business Growth. His latest release, Unconditional Power, is available everywhere.
Steven helps leaders across many industries. Some of his clients include: Amazon, Marriott, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, SAIC, Allstate Insurance, BP, World Bank, Congressional Budget Office, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of the Navy, Citigroup, Texas Instruments, NASA,American Cancer Society, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers, Best Buy, and Johns Hopkins University.
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In this episode of the Can You Hear Me? Podcast, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson are joined by expert Steven Gaffney to unravel the disconnect between how honesty and transparency are perceived by employees versus leaders, and how authentic communication is crucial for building lasting trust and engagement across teams. Drawing on Gaffney’s experience with Fortune 500 companies and the government, they dive deep into what genuine openness really means in the workplace and why it matters now more than ever. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
As most of us know Artificial Intelligence is playing a larger role in nearly all of our companies, and with that widescale adoption comes uncertainty. In this episode of the Can You Hear Me? Podcast, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson explore how leaders are (or aren’t) communicating clearly and empathetically about AI—and the effect it’s having on employees’ sense of security and future. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Step into the world of workplace uncertainty as AI transforms our companies. Join Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson on the Can You Hear Me? Podcast as they uncover how leaders’ communication about artificial intelligence is shaping employees’ trust in their careers and the future. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
CEO's Guide to Transparency
The Trust Gap Between Employers and Workers
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Discover how trust and transparency can transform your workplace in this episode of “Can You Hear Me?” as Rob and Eileen explore the power of honesty, what happens when trust breaks down, and practical ways leaders can build a thriving, open culture. Tune in for actionable insights to help you and your team succeed in Building Better Workplaces: Trust and Transparency. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
https://www.hks.harvard.edu/publications/practice-adaptive-leadership-tools-and-tactics-changing-your-organization-and-world
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In a workplace where one-size-fits-all leadership no longer works, adapting to your team’s unique needs is key. In this episode of Can You Hear Me?, Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson explore how adaptive leadership can unlock stronger connections and better results. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Jennifer Jones, Chief Marketing Officer at TIDI Products, brings over 20 years of experience in the Medical Device industry, spanning a variety of sales and marketing roles. At her core, Jennifer is a marketer—but over the years, she’s discovered her true passion lies in developing leaders. While many view leadership as a natural extension of technical expertise, she believes it is a distinct skill that requires intentional practice and consistent application. Today, leadership development is the cornerstone of her work. Jennifer leads a talented team of more than 50 professionals across product marketing, marketing communications, business development, and new product development. Her mission is to equip and empower leaders who will make a lasting impact in healthcare.
To extend her reach, Jennifer launched a podcast—Virtual Leadership Coffee Chat with JJ—offering practical, actionable leadership advice. She believes that by getting to know your people, staying organized, listening to understand, asking before telling, and leading with humility, leaders can unlock limitless potential.
Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys life with her husband of nearly 19 years and their 8-year-old son. She supports her husband’s role as Music Director at their local church, cares for more than 100 plants, reads avidly, and builds elaborate Lego sets.
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Join "Can You Hear Me?" hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford as they welcome Jennifer Jones, CMO of TIDI Products, to explore how business leaders manage stress and make critical decisions during uncertain times. Discover practical insights on leading with resilience when the pressure is highest. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Meet our guests:
Andrew Goldstein:
I am a storyteller that connects organizations to their stakeholders for mutual benefit. My combination of public relations experience, business education and media expertise allows me to craft effective multichannel communications for firms that create tangible, positive impact on people’s lives.
I learned how to produce content as a television sports anchor in both Savannah, Georgia and Rhinelander, Wisconsin, editing video and writing scripts for delivery on-air to hundreds of thousands of viewers. (Sometimes with minutes to spare!) Now I use the knowledge gained throughout my TV career as a marketing communications specialist at my alma mater, Marquette University, representing their business and nursing schools.
I originally hail from Cranbury, New Jersey, and will always love the state that gave me my attitude and love of pizza. When I’m not on the clock, I love reading nonfiction books, hiking on lightly trafficked trails and watching college basketball.
Caitlin Schoewe:
Caitlin Schoewe is a graduating senior from Marquette University's class of 2025 and is returning in the fall of 2025 to finish her last semester of graduate school thanks to being in one of Marquette’s many accelerated degree programs. Caitlin has been a student intern for the Marquette Mentors Program and the Office of Marketing and Communication during her time at the university.
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Join the "Can You Hear Me?" podcast with co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford as they dive into the challenges and opportunities of generational diversity in today’s workplaces, featuring Millennial and Gen Z guests who share practical strategies for leaders to bridge communication gaps and foster a more inclusive, collaborative environment. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
HBR Article
5 Dynamics Platform
Myers & Briggs Personality Type and Organizations
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Leaders laser-focused on performance often miss a key motivator: making their team's work visible and valued. Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson tackle this crucial topic in the latest "Can You Hear Me?" episode, offering insights to drive engagement and recognition. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Paige Arnof-Fenn is the founder & CEO of global branding and digital marketing firm Mavens & Moguls based in Cambridge, MA. Her clients include Microsoft, Virgin, The New York Times Company, Colgate, venture-backed startups as well as non profit organizations. She graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Business School. Paige serves on several Boards, is a popular speaker and columnist who has written for Entrepreneur and Forbes.
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In a fast-moving digital world, a strong personal brand can be just as critical as your company's. In this episode of Can You Hear Me?, Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford sit down with Paige Arnof-Fenn to explore what it takes to stand out online. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Kellie KennedyExecutive Vice President, Strategic Earned Marketing
For Kellie, creating compelling marketing strategies starts with engaging in proper design principles. Much like her personal affinity for interior decor, Kellie carefully weaves a combination of strategic marketing, PR and media relations experience to piece together comprehensive campaigns that satisfy clients and their audiences alike.
With a 20+ year background in marketing and communications with a focus on healthcare and financial services, Kellie employs a style rooted in close client relationships — some of which have spanned decades — while also emphasizing collaboration, brand awareness, problem-solving and deep research to stay ahead of industry trends and drive businesses forward. Following an insights-driven approach, she incorporates competitive analysis learnings to tailor solutions for corporate communications and C-suite clients — all while paying close attention to achieving KPIs. At the Harbinger Group, she draws upon her wealth of experience to manage multiple accounts and provide sage marketing leadership. Among the clients she’s architected communications campaigns through the years include RevSpring, Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization, GTCR, First Command, The Habitat Company, Golden Apple, National Louis University and The Federal Savings Bank.
Prior to her work with The Harbinger Group, Kellie was a marketing communications consultant with Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Hill & Knowlton.
When she’s not working hand-in-hand with clients to exceed communications goals, Kellie enjoys spending time with her three children and husband, as well as with her affectionate Goldendoodle, Teddy Kennedy. Kellie earned a BA in political science from the University of Michigan.
Hubspot editorial templates
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Discover how leaders can leverage social media to build trust, drive engagement, and amplify their presence. Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson sit down with Kellie Kennedy to explore the power of strategic earned marketing in leadership. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Patrick Rooney is a visionary leader with a career dedicated to understanding and influencing decision-making behaviors—whether in purchasing, career choices, or philanthropy. His work has centered on driving advocacy, enabling businesses to harness the power of authentic voices to build trust and engagement. As the CEO of MahaloHub, Patrick leads a technology platform that simplifies the process of inviting, capturing, editing, and sharing customer and employee video testimonials. Prior to MahaloHub, he was the founder and CEO of QUEsocial, an employee advocacy platform that was successfully acquired by private equity. He also co-founded Zocalo Group, a pioneering social media and digital marketing firm later acquired by Omnicom. Patrick specializes in business and marketing strategy, customer advocacy, go-to- market strategy, brand marketing, employee engagement, digital marketing, and social media. His expertise lies in helping brands create meaningful connections that inspire advocacy and long-term loyalty.
https://mahalohub.com/
2025 Comms Report Advancing: The Story
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In a world where authentic storytelling is the key to powerful marketing, how can businesses use video to create real impact? In the latest episode of Can You Hear Me?, co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford sit down with expert video content creator Patrick Rooney of MahaloHub. Together, they explore the strategies behind crafting compelling stories that showcase clients and employees in a meaningful way. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Anne Marie Mitchell – Senior Vice President
Anne Marie has been with Reputation Partners since 2023. She has 25+ years of experience as a communications consultant, strategist, educator, and trainer. Throughout her career, Anne Marie has specialized in employee and leader communications as a consultant working with leaders at Fortune 100 companies as well as in-house with companies including Sara Lee, Case Corporation, ComEd, Rand McNally and others. She is a specialist in helping C-Suite leaders deliver impactful messages that retain and motivate employees during times of crisis and culture transition. Fluent in Spanish and having lived and worked in Europe, Mexico and South America, Anne Marie is particularly adept at supporting organizations with complex, global workforces. She is co-president of The Publicity Club of Chicago (PCC) and serves on the board of Steep Theatre in Chicago's Edgewater district.
Tweed Thornton is a dedicated leader driven by a passion for social impact and organizational excellence. As the founder and CEO of Four Star Initiatives (FSI), Thornton has led his company since 2017 to make significant contributions to nonprofit organizations such as the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the Alliance for Regional Development, Collaboraction Theatre Company, the Publicity Club of Chicago, and WTTW. FSI's work includes community and media outreach, event planning, meeting facilitation, operational growth, and strategic development.
Before establishing FSI, Thornton served as Executive Director at the City Club of Chicago for eight years, during which time he oversaw a tripling of membership and events. His tenure was marked by notable achievements, including attracting prominent national speakers, highlighted by a joint forum featuring U.S. Senators Richard Durbin and John McCain.
Today, Thornton is a sought-after speaker and organizer for panels, podcasts, and other thought leadership discussions. Thornton specializes in bringing people together to create future action. Committed to giving back, he serves various nonprofits as a volunteer, including as President of the Board of Directors for the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits.
Publicity Club of Chicago
Golden Trumpet Awards
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In the latest episode of the “Can You Hear Me?” podcast, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson dive into the significance of marketing awards with industry experts Anne Marie Mitchell and Tweed Thornton. They explore how these accolades not only recognize outstanding creativity and effort but also enhance professional reputation, boost team morale, and foster valuable networking opportunities. Join them as they discuss why being honored in such a competitive field is a vital milestone for marketing professionals and agencies alike. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
About our guest:
Mark Steffe is the President/CEO of First Command Financial Services, Inc. which provides personal financial coaching to about 290,000 client families around the world. Mark is responsible for guiding the organization in its efforts to make lifelong financial security possible for all military families. First Command accomplishes this by creating lasting bonds with clients through face-to-face coaching and empowering them to develop positive financial behaviors for every stage of their lives. First Command is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, and has more than 165 offices nationwide. First Command, through its subsidiaries, maintains more than $35 billion in managed accounts and mutual funds and has more than $62 billion in life insurance coverage in force, while First Command Bank holds more than $960 million in deposits.
Mark joined First Command as a Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff of Advisor Operations in 2010 and has since played an integral role in evolving the client experience in a digital world. At the same time, he has protected the integrity of the face-to-face coaching that is central to the First Command philosophy. Throughout his subsequent roles as Senior Vice President and Director of Advisor Operations for the Midwest Division and Executive Vice President and National Director of Advisor Operations, Mark helped build strong, collaborative relationships between Advisors and the Home Office. This has been crucial in enabling Advisors to help clients pursue their financial goals more effectively and efficiently. His accomplishments and demonstrated leadership ability led to his promotion to President in 2017 and expanded COO responsibility in 2018.
In January 2020, Mark was appointed as the first CEO in First Command’s history without military service experience. His selection was the result of an ethos of service to the military gained during more than a decade immersed in First Command’s culture, a deep understanding of the challenges faced by our Nation’s military families, and in recognition of the demonstrated leadership skills required to guide the organization in its efforts to make lifelong financial security possible for all military families. On day 70 in his new role, Mark was confronted with a once-in-a-generation crisis as a global pandemic was declared. Under his leadership, First Command rapidly adjusted its operations to continue to help military families pursue financial security amidst a volatile economic landscape in which in-person face-to-face coaching was no longer possible. At the same time, at Mark’s direction, First Command immediately made financial relief programs available to clients to bolster their financial outlook during the crisis.
To ensure that First Command continually adapts to the needs of military families, Mark and his team regularly meet with clients to seek out their perspectives. During his tenure at First Command, Mark has visited more than 50 military installations in 23 U.S. states and three countries. This personal outreach is supplemented by the First Command Financial Behaviors Index®, a monthly survey that assesses the financial behaviors, intentions and attitudes of career military families. Mark also consults regularly with First Command’s Military Advisory Board, a select group of retired senior flag officers and senior enlisted leaders from the Nation’s military services. The 10-member board provides Mark and First Command with an independent perspective on issues relevant to First Command’s work, as well as advice on how to best serve the interests of military clients.
In his role as President/CEO, Mark has spearheaded inclusion initiatives for First Command. Under his leadership, First Command is striving to create a more inclusive culture in which all employees and Advisors feel trusted, valued and empowered. For Mark, advancing equality is not just the right thing to do from a business perspective, but a personal imperative born from a desire for everyone to have the same opportunities he has had in his career. In service of this goal, Mark committed to the CEO ACT!ON pledge for diversity and inclusion in 2020. He also championed the hire of the company’s first Diversity & Inclusion Director. In recognition of Mark’s leadership during the pandemic and on issues of diversity and inclusion, he was nominated as one of the Dallas Business Journal’s Most Inspiring Business Leaders of 2020. Mark was also recognized in 2020 as a member of the Fort Worth 400, an annual list by Fort Worth Inc. magazine of influential community leaders.
Mark actively supports several charitable endeavors, including the annual Spirit of Giving campaign by United Way of Tarrant County and the First Command Educational Foundation (FCEF). United Way of Tarrant County is a local charity focused on providing leadership and harnessing resources to solve persistent social challenges, while FCEF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering those who serve our Nation by improving their financial literacy. FCEF accomplishes this goal by offering approximately $130,000 in annual scholarships and financial education to America’s military servicemembers, civilian federal employees and their families. In addition to his philanthropic pursuits, Mark is active in LeaderPrime, which fosters connections among Fort Worth business leaders new to the city or to their roles.
Mark graduated with high honors from the University of Illinois, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. He holds Series 7, 8, 23, 63 and 65 securities registrations. He completed the Harvard University Advanced Management Program in 2015.
He lives in Fort Worth, Texas along with his wife and five children. On any given day off, you can find him attending one of his children’s sports games or cooking family dinners.
Recommended reads:
Good To Great : Why Some Companies Make The Leap and Others Don't
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In the newest episode of the “Can You Hear Me?” podcast, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson dive deep into the world of corporate leadership with special guest Mark Steffe, President and CEO of First Command Financial Services. Serving the unique needs of military families, Steffe shares invaluable insights into his leadership style and effective communication practices that drive success in challenging environments—tune in March 5 at noon! Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
The Great Resignation Returns: 2025 Exodus
Is the Great Resignation 2.0 coming? Nearly 3 in 10 workers plan to quit this year: Survey
Why Employees Quit
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In this episode of "Can You Hear Me?", Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford dive deep into the ongoing Great Resignation, exploring the key factors driving workforce exodus and offering practical strategies for employers to retain top talent. Drawing from recent research, they'll unpack the critical challenges facing modern workplaces and provide actionable insights for creating more engaging, supportive work environments. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
About our guest:
Nellie Wartoft is a Swedish technology entrepreneur who launched Tigerhall in 2019, revolutionizing how large enterprises engage their organizations to drive change at scale. Under her leadership, Tigerhall has quickly gained traction with global Fortune 500 firms undergoing transformation, and today has users across 32 countries, and employees in 12 markets. Nellie has raised over $10 million in venture capital from visionary investors including Sequoia Capital and Monk's Hill Ventures, and Tigerhall's customers include well-known enterprises in technology, consumer goods, professional services, and financial services.
Prior to founding Tigerhall, Nellie was a top biller at Michael Page, where she led the Sales & Marketing practice and saw firsthand the issues in driving organizational engagement around change, and how the technology used in communications, knowledge sharing, change and transformation led to dissatisfaction, more confusion and increased disengagement. Her experience led her to launch Tigerhall, which bridges the gap between how organizations have traditionally shared information and knowledge (think ghost town Sharepoint sites, mass internal email overload and snooze fest town halls), and how people prefer to consume content and interact with each other today (think your internal Spotify, two-way live interactions and the right reinforcement in the right workflow).
Nellie has been named on the 2021 Gen T list of Leaders of Tomorrow by Tatler Magazine and was recognized as one of the Top Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2023 by the International Business Times. She was also a Swedish National Champion in skeet shooting and air rifle in her teenage years.
Nellie is an accomplished speaker and regularly presents at large events and global forums such as the Global CEO Exchange, Business Transformation Exchange, TEDx events, SaaSTech Asia, SMF, Cornell University and several leadership summits across the United States, Europe and Asia. She currently serves as a non-executive director on the boards of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Singapore and the SGTech Digital Transformation Chapter - the largest industry association for technology companies in Singapore.
Outside of changing the way enterprises drive change, Nellie loves tennis, surfing and electronic house music. She has lived and worked in Singapore, London, Seoul and Los Angeles.
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In a world of rapid change, how can leaders become effective change agents? Join "Can You Hear Me?" co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford with Tigerhall CEO Nellie Wartoft as they unpack the strategies for embracing and driving organizational transformation. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
How Comms Pros Can Counter Misinformation By Gini Dietrich
Misbelief: What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things
Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies into Reality
Gini Dietrich
WayFair Conspiracy
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In this episode of Can You Hear Me?, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson dive into "Navigating the Misinformation Highway," exploring how C-Suite leaders can safeguard their brand's reputation in a world where misinformation spreads faster than ever. Learn actionable strategies to stay ahead and protect your business from its harmful effects. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
2024 was a transformative year in the communications business, from incorporating artificial intelligence into the daily rhythm of business to dealing with an onslaught of misinformation and disinformation. Join “Can You Hear Me?” co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson as they recap the big lessons of 2024 and share what we believe will be the most critical communications themes for 2025. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson dive into the transformative year of 2024, unpacking the rise of AI in business and the battle against misinformation. Tune in as they share key lessons from the past year and explore the critical communications trends shaping 2025. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
90 Day Outcome PDF Template
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Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson from "Can You Hear Me?" dive into the outdated and harmful business practices that still plague workplaces today. From micromanagement to unrealistic PTO policies, they discuss what needs to change to create healthier, more productive work environments. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Meet Our Guest
Rob Hart, a Chicago native with over 20 years of experience on some of the great radio stations in the Midwest. His radio career started in 2000 at WTMJ Radio in Milwaukee. Since then he has worked at WGN Radio in Chicago, the former WIQI-FM, and 97.9 The Loop. He was also the host of “The Daily Dish” and a Martin Luther King Jr documentary for CBS News Radio.
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Meighan Harmon Repeats History and is Voted by Her Peers as Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” Award in Family Law for the Second Time
About Meighan Harmon
Education
University of Notre Dame, J.D. (1996)
University of Illinois, B.S. (1993)
Meighan Harmon focuses her practice on complex family law cases involving the distribution of high net worth estates and represents successful business professionals and their spouses from a variety of industries, as well as individuals with multi-generational wealth.
Meighan is a versatile attorney who provides her clients a wide range of options for resolving their disputes. She is an experienced litigator who can be fierce in the courtroom, but she is also a trained collaborative lawyer and a family law mediator who can devise creative solutions and amicably settle even the toughest of cases. No two divorces are the same, and Meighan possesses the skills necessary to provide the right solution for each unique situation with the ability to pivot between ADR and litigation when necessary.
Not only does Meighan assist her clients in dissolving their marriages, but she also encourages them to be future focused. She believes divorce offers clients a unique opportunity to build a positive future for themselves, complete with financial and emotional security. To this end, she provides her clients with the tools necessary to help them construct a solid foundation on which to navigate their new lives. For Meighan’s clients, divorce can be a spring board to reinventing themselves.
Meighan is part of an elite group of leaders in family law and has been included in the Top 100 Lawyers in Illinois (all practice areas) since 2017. In 2011, she was elected by her peers to be President of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Beginning in 2022, Meighan earned international recognition by Chambers and Partners USA, which ranked her in the top tier (Band 1) for Family/Matrimonial Law: High Net Worth. Super Lawyers also named Meighan as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Illinois each year since 2016. In 2021, Meighan was named a "Lawyer of the Year" in Family Law by The Best Lawyers in America. She has been recognized by the Leading Lawyers Network and Illinois Super Lawyers since 2006.
A frequent lecturer on family law topics, she is also a published author, having assisted in the researching and drafting of the book Problems in Family Law.
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Unlock the secrets of masterful negotiation with Family Law expert Meighan Harmon on the next "Can You Hear Me?" podcast. Hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford dive into the strategy, preparation, and intent behind walking away from the table with the deal you want.Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Mark Coscarello
Are you in need of a fractional CEO/Strategic Advisor to optimize the chaos and transform your business with the right People, Process, Tech, and Operations to grow sustainable revenue quickly?
fCEO/Human Capital Executive
“The magic ingredient to your secret receipt”
4 successful Tech Stack builds
Scaling start-ups to double in early rounds
Implement data analytics to drive business results
Industry exp., start-ups, CPG, sports media, life sciences
Decreased customer churn/attrition by 28%, Reduced cycle times by 41%
Are you operating at the speed of trust? As a CEO, our role at its essence is to:
- Have and communicate a vision
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcoscarello/
862-812-0714 – markcosc@gmail.com
Primed to Perform Book
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In this episode of "Can You Hear Me?", hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson delve into the secrets of personal and professional success with Fractional CEO Mark Coscarello. Discover the essential frameworks and mindset shifts that can propel you towards your goals, as Coscarello shares his expertise on cultivating desire, attention to detail, and discipline to achieve lasting success.Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
About Alan Mather
Alan Mather is the President of the Golden Apple Foundation. In partnership with Alicia Winckler, the CEO, Alan leads the education work of the Foundation. Prior to coming to Golden Apple, Alan served in the Chicago Public Schools for more than 32 years, from classroom teacher to principal to a key member of the CEO and Chief Education Officer’s cabinet--leading College and Career Success for the district. Born and raised in rural Southern Indiana, Alan hitchhiked up to Chicago after graduating from the University of Evansville in 1986 and has been working in the Chicago public schools ever since. Alan worked for 12 years as an English teacher, track and cross country coach before moving into administration after joining LAUNCH (Leadership and Urban Network for Chicago), the first principal preparation program in Chicago. His first administrative position was as the assistant principal at a new high school, Northside College Prep, which--in three years--became the top ranked high school in Illinois. In 2005, Alan was given the opportunity, as principal, to open Lindblom Math & Science Academy, a school that had once been top-tier but had declined. With the freedom, flexibility and support to create a high school, Alan hired all teachers, built a culture of excellence, and created an empowering climate. Since Alan opened Lindblom, it has become, according to the Sun-Times rankings, the top-performing majority AfricanAmerican school in Illinois and the only top 20-ranked school that has over 60% of its students on free/reduced lunch. He built the district’s largest Mandarin program, the largest non-heritage Arabic program in the United States, and the district’s first Biotechnology program in partnership with Baxter International and Northwestern University. Alan represented the Chicago Public Schools at Harvard University’s PELP (Public Education Leadership Program), was an inaugural member of the College Board’s Leadership Institute for Principals, has been part of Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management’s “Leading Successful Schools” program, and was selected as one of two Chicago principals to participate in Columbia University’s Cahn Fellows Distinguished Principals Program for the 2012-2013 school year at Teachers College. He was the first recipient of the Golden Apple Foundation's Stanley C. Golder Excellence in Leadership Award for Principals or Heads of School.
About Alicia Winckler
Alicia Winckler, Chief Executive Officer, began consulting with senior leadership and the Board of The Golden Apple Foundation in late 2014; was selected as its first President and Chief Operating Officer in January of 2017; and was selected as its President and Chief Executive Officer in October of 2017. In 2018, she welcomed Alan Mather to join her in coleading the Foundation - with Alicia as CEO and Alan becoming President. Her professional experience reflects a unique combination of private, public and nonprofit sector expertise at both the executive and board level, as well as a demonstrated passion for serving others. Alicia led several substantial strategic initiatives at the Cabinet level of the nation’s third largest K-12 District - in Chicago Public Schools - and has been working in depth in education for more than a decade. She earned her M.A. in Industrial / Organizational Psychology from the University of Colorado at Denver and B.S. in Psychology and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Studies from the University of South Dakota.
The Golden Apple Foundation
Golden Apple LinkedIn
Golden Apple Facebook
Golden Apple Instagram
Golden Apple X
Alan Mather- Award Video
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On this episode of the "Can You Hear Me?" podcast, we explore the innovative co-leadership model at the Golden Apple Foundation, featuring CEO Alicia Winckler and President Alan Mather. Hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson dive into how their approach is reshaping leadership in the corporate and non-profit sectors.Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Mobilize
Vote Forward
Voterizer
5 Strategies Approach and the Voter Movement Project
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Discover the secrets of political messaging to enhance your business communication. Join "Can You Hear Me?" podcast hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford as they reveal four powerful campaign tactics that can revolutionize your professional interactions and drive exceptional results.Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
The Role of Empathy in Modern Leadership
Simon Sinek: "Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge."
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Explore how empathy is reshaping modern leadership and transforming C-Suite dynamics. Join co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford as they delve into the power of emotional intelligence in management on the latest episode of the "Can You Hear Me?" podcast.Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
The way we work has changed dramatically since the pandemic forced us to work from our homes. Even though big companies are hoping to get employees back in the office on a regular basis, it is now a way of life for many of us. But how do you achieve work/life balance when you work from the same place that you live? Join “Can You Hear Me?” podcast co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford as they discuss “The Future of Work/Life Integration.Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Explore the evolving landscape of work-life balance in the post-pandemic world with "Can You Hear Me?" podcast hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford. Discover how to thrive when your office and home are one and the same.Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Brett is a former corporate executive with over 25 years of experience, on a mission to empower 100,000 GenX professionals to escape the 9-5 grind and find true freedom. Over four years ago, Brett successfully transitioned out of corporate life and has since dedicated himself to helping others do the same.
He has built a thriving community of over 700 corporate professionals who are on their own journeys to reclaim their autonomy and return to their roots. In addition to this community, Brett has amassed a following of over 40,000 on TikTok, where he shares insights, strategies, and support to help GenXers take control of their lives and careers.
Through his podcast, Brett provides actionable advice and shares his passion for freedom, wellness, and community. Join Brett as he helps others break free from the corporate confines and thrive on their own terms.
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The "Can You Hear Me?" podcast explores the personal and professional impact of leaving corporate life with guest Brett Trainor, who shares insights on what it's like to be a 'Corporate Escapee'.Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Forbes Article: Short-Form Video Content: Capturing Attention In The Digital Age
HubSpot 2024 Marketing Trends Report
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In an era of fleeting attention spans, short-form video has emerged as the powerhouse of digital marketing. Join Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford as they unpack the dominance of this concise yet captivating medium in the latest episode of 'Can You Hear Me?'Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Natalie A. Brown is Chief Executive Officer of Mesirow and a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. As CEO, Natalie oversees firm-wide growth and profitability, the execution of strategic initiatives, and shareholder value creation, partnering with the firm’s Executive Chairman and Board of Directors to establish and implement all facets of corporate strategy. Natalie joined Mesirow in 2018 as Chief Financial Officer. In this role, she led the Accounting and Finance team, overseeing accounting operations, business accounting, audit and tax, as well as financial planning and analysis. In 2020, Natalie assumed the role of Chief Administrative Officer and, in 2021, she was named President. Prior to Mesirow, Natalie spent nearly two decades with Nuveen, most recently as Managing Director, Head of Nuveen Advisory Services Finance. During her time at Nuveen, she was instrumental in several financial and accounting capacities, including Head of Financial Planning and Analysis and Head of Investor Relations and Managing Director, Finance and Accounting. Prior to Nuveen, she worked at Kraft Foods and KPMG in accounting and finance roles. Natalie is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and sits on the Board of After School Matters, Big Shoulders Fund and the Executives’ Club of Chicago. Natalie is a LINK Unlimited Scholars Mentor and was appointed to the Dean’s Council of the Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. She earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and a Master of Business Administration from University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.
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Join us on the 'Can You Hear Me?' podcast as we launch our new series, 'How They Do It,' delving into communications and leadership. In this episode, hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson sit down with Natalie Brown, CEO of Mesirow Financial, for an exclusive look at her insights and strategies on mastering executive leadership and communication skills.Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show,please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favoritepodcast platform.Stay connected with us:- Follow us on LinkedIn!- Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!- Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!
Guest Bio: As the Managing Partner of eCareerCoaching.com, LLC, Don Oehlert leads with extensive experience and a deep understanding of job search process and the related landscape. His experience in Job Search coaching spans the last ~ twenty years, during which time he has helped over 850 people land new positions. Don is the author of the eBook “Executive’s Guide to Job Search.” He has also created a “Companion Workbook” to that eBook and over 200 blog posts on job search process. Don also helps small businesses with 2-20 employees determine their culture and coaches their leaders on how to sculpt it. His approach in the fractional chief people officer (fCPO) practice is based on personality assessment tools and interpretations. Based on their HR needs, Don can also provide leadership around many categories for these SMB leaders.
Relevant Links:
Gallup Poll
Job Scan ATS
Resume Worded
Loop CV
Word Tune
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Tune in on Wednesday, July 10th at 12 PM CST for this brand new episode.
In this episode of "Can You Hear Me?", Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson dive into the alarming disconnect between workers and their jobs in 2023. Joined by career Coach Don Oehlert, they explore the roots of low engagement, the rise of quiet firings, and the looming influence of AI on the future of work.
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For many people in positions of authority, instructing your team what to do is only part of the job. Asking the right questions challenging your team to come up with effective solutions truly empowers everyone. If this is your style, are you asking the right questions? In this episode of “Can You Hear Me?”, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson discuss “How to Ask Better Questions.”
Recommended Resources
- Harvard Business Review - The Art of Asking Smarter Questions [LINK]
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Tune in on Wednesday, June 26th at 12 PM CST for this brand new episode.
In this episode of "Can You Hear Me?", hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson explore the importance of asking better questions in leadership roles. Discover how this simple yet powerful skill can empower teams and drive effective solutions.
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Making the proper business connections can often times mean developing relationships outside your company and office. Expanding your network is always a good idea, whether it’s to further the cause of your organization or to further your personal brand if you are thinking about switching jobs or careers. In this episode of “Can You Hear Me?”, co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford discuss “The Importance of Networking.”
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Tune in on Wednesday, June 12th at 12 PM CST for this brand new episode.
In this episode of "Can You Hear Me?", co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford discuss the significance of expanding your professional network beyond your company or office. They explore how developing relationships outside your organization can further your company's goals and enhance your personal brand, especially when considering a job or career change.
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For four years now, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, or DEI, has been a priority in C-Suites everywhere. Not only is it considered the right thing to do, but to do business in the corporate, nonprofit, or government sectors, a clear, actionable DEI policy has been a necessity. However, in recent months, there has been a softening of that stance, which led us to wonder “Is DEI Still a Priority? Join “Can You Hear Me?” co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford as they welcome special guest Kimberly Dowdell, President of the American Institute of Architects, the AIA.
Meet our Guest: Kimberly Dowdell
Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, is the 2024 President of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Dowdell is also a principal with global design firm HOK, serving as firmwide director of strategic relationships. In 2019-2020, Dowdell served as national president of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA).
Dowdell has devoted her career to laying foundations for architects to create positive social and environmental change on a local, national and global scale. She has intentionally connected a diverse array of built environment stakeholders to help advance her professional mission, which is “to improve people's lives, by design."
At HOK, Dowdell co-chairs the firm’s Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) and co-founded HOK Impact, the firm’s social responsibility program. She also co-founded Social Economic Environmental Design (SEED), an organization that promotes design for healthy communities in 2005. Dowdell earned her Master of Public Administration at Harvard and her Bachelor of Architecture at Cornell, where she was elected by her fellow alumni to serve on the board of trustees in 2022.
Recommended Resources
- National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) [LINK]
- The Directory of African American Architects [LINK]
- American Institute of Architects - Championing Chief Architects [LINK]
- Scott Page - The Difference: How the Power of Diversity Creates Better Groups, Firms, Schools, and Societies [LINK]
- Crain's Chicago Business - The DEI backlash has come for Chicago C-suites [LINK]
- Washington Post - DEI is getting a new name, and it dumps the political baggage [LINK]
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Tune in on Wednesday, May 29th at 12 PM CST for this brand new episode.
In this eye-opening episode, Kimberly Dowdell, the first black millennial president of the American Institute of Architects, discusses the shift away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in business. She shares her journey, challenges faced by underrepresented groups, and solutions for companies to continue prioritizing DEI.
Meet our Guest: Kimberly Dowdell
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Meet Our Guest: Avery Resendiz
Avery Resendiz graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor’s degree in public relations and broadcast journalism. She has strong experience managing social media platforms and creating effective messaging for clients in a variety of industries, including healthcare, financial, education, and marketing. Always bringing a fresh perspective and creative energy to the team, she researches the latest social media trends, writes and publishes social media content, and creates organizational tools to help clients plan their content throughout the year. In addition to content creation, Avery is heavily focused on data analytics and trends to measure the effectiveness of published content and audience reach.
She also supports email marketing content creation and manages earned media lists. Avery ensures that client lists are up-to-date and contributes to business development initiatives. Her attention to detail allows her to handle various administrative tasks related to client accounts and agency management efficiently. Avery’s multifaceted approach delivers comprehensive solutions for clients and contributes to the growth and success of the agency.
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Tune in on Wednesday, May 15th at 12 PM CST for this brand new episode.
Navigating the job market as a recent graduate can be daunting. Join our hosts as they sit down with marketing pro Avery Resendiz to discuss essential advice for new grads embarking on their first career journey.
Meet Our Guest: Avery Resendiz
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In the competitive corporate workforce, distinguishing yourself positively is a top priority for many employees looking to move up the ladder. But what are some of the best practices for making a positive impression and solidifying your standing in the office? Join “Can You Hear Me?” co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson as they discuss “How to Stand Out at Work.”
Relevant Resources
Simon Sinek's: The Optimism Company - Is Your Boss a Horrible Person? Plus: The Key to Standing Out at Work [LINK]
Can You Hear Me?: The Importance of a Personal and Professional Brand [LINK]
Kraig Kann - "Can You Get Our Attention?" [LINK]
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Tune in on Wednesday, May 1st at 12 PM CST for this brand new episode.
Ready to take your career to the next level? Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson share their candid advice for distinguishing yourself through strategic communication tactics like intentional personal branding, productive self-advocacy, and actively seeking new responsibilities.
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The use of artificial intelligence has skyrocketed for businesses as they try to figure out how to incorporate this revolutionary tool into their day-to-day operations. AI now drives content creation, research, and on a broader scale, technology. However, we need to remember it lacks a human component, a component that is now seen as vital for many company leaders. Join “Can You Hear Me?” co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford as they explain “Why Your Human Voice Matters in an AI World.”
Recommended Reading
- Harvard Business Review - Bring Human Values to AI [LINK]
- Communications Leaders of Chicago - Major AI-Human Communications Research Project Launched by DePaul and Chicago PR Leaders [LINK]
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Tune in on Wednesday, April 17th at 12 PM CST for this brand new episode.
AI's widespread adoption in businesses has surged, revolutionizing operations. It powers content creation, research, and technology. But amidst its prowess, it lacks a human touch, deemed crucial by many leaders. Join hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford on 'Can You Hear Me?' as they delve into 'Why Your Human Voice Matters in an AI World.'
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The Marketing and Communications fields have undergone a massive transformation over the last 40 years. Last episode we had Ron Culp, a veteran of the journalism, government, corporate, and agency world on to tell us where the business used to be. Today on “Can You Hear Me?”, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson welcome Ron back to tell us where he thinks it is headed as we glean “More Wisdom from a Marketing and Communications Legend.”
Meet Our Guest: Ron Culp
Prior to joining DePaul and becoming an independent public relations consultant, Ron Culp held senior public relations positions at four Fortune 500 corporations and two major agencies. Ron’s career spans a broad range of communications responsibilities in government and industry sectors including business-to-business, consumer products, pharmaceutical, and retailing.
Previously, Ron was a corporate officer and senior vice president, of public relations and government affairs, at Sears. Earlier in his corporate career, he held senior communications positions at Sara Lee Corporation, Pitney Bowes, and Eli Lilly.
Ron and his DePaul colleague Matt Ragas are co-authors of business-focused books for PR professionals entitled "Business Essentials for Strategic Communicators" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014) and "Business Acumen for Strategic Communicators" (Emerald 2021) and they jointly edited "Mastering Business for Strategic Communicators" (Emerald, 2018). In 2018 and 2019, Ron compiled and edited three editions of an eBook entitled, "The New Rules of Crisis Management."
Connect with Ron Culp on Linkedin!
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Tune in on Wednesday, April 3rd at 12 PM CST for this brand new episode.
Discover the evolution and future of Marketing and Communications with industry veteran Ron Culp. In the latest episode of 'Can You Hear Me?', hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson delve into 'More Wisdom from a Marketing and Communications Legend.'
Meet Our Guest: Ron Culp
Prior to joining DePaul and becoming an independent public relations consultant, Ron Culp held senior public relations positions at four Fortune 500 corporations and two major agencies. Ron’s career spans a broad range of communications responsibilities in government and industry sectors including business-to-business, consumer products, pharmaceutical, and retailing.
Previously, Ron was a corporate officer and senior vice president, of public relations and government affairs, at Sears. Earlier in his corporate career, he held senior communications positions at Sara Lee Corporation, Pitney Bowes, and Eli Lilly.
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The PR, Marketing and Communications worlds have undergone significant changes over the years, and with AI and other technologies, the future is uncertain. Join “Can You Hear Me?” co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson as they interview longtime master communicator Ron Culp about “The Future of Marketing and Communications from a 40-Year Industry Veteran.”
Meet Our Guest: Ron Culp
Prior to joining DePaul and becoming an independent public relations consultant, Ron Culp held senior public relations positions at four Fortune 500 corporations and two major agencies. Ron’s career spans a broad range of communications responsibilities in government and industry sectors including business-to-business, consumer products, pharmaceutical, and retailing.
Previously, Ron was a corporate officer and senior vice president, of public relations and government affairs, at Sears. Earlier in his corporate career, he held senior communications positions at Sara Lee Corporation, Pitney Bowes, and Eli Lilly.
Ron and his DePaul colleague Matt Ragas are co-authors of business-focused books for PR professionals entitled "Business Essentials for Strategic Communicators" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014) and "Business Acumen for Strategic Communicators" (Emerald 2021) and they jointly edited "Mastering Business for Strategic Communicators" (Emerald, 2018). In 2018 and 2019, Ron compiled and edited three editions of an eBook entitled, "The New Rules of Crisis Management."
Connect with Ron Culp on Linkedin!
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Tune in on Wednesday, March 20th at 12 PM CST for this brand new episode.
Join 'Can You Hear Me?' co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson as they explore 'The Future of Marketing and Communications from a 40-Year Industry Veteran' with longtime master communicator Ron Culp.
Meet Our Guest: Ron Culp
Prior to joining DePaul and becoming an independent public relations consultant, Ron Culp held senior public relations positions at four Fortune 500 corporations and two major agencies. Ron’s career spans a broad range of communications responsibilities in government and industry sectors including business-to-business, consumer products, pharmaceutical, and retailing.
Previously, Ron was a corporate officer and senior vice president, of public relations and government affairs, at Sears. Earlier in his corporate career, he held senior communications positions at Sara Lee Corporation, Pitney Bowes, and Eli Lilly.
Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.
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In the world of marketing, there are brands and voices that often dominate discussion and awareness. But how can lesser-known, up-and-coming voices be heard? Join “Can You Hear Me?” co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson as they welcome former Vice President of Public Relations at Ulta Beauty, Eileen Ziesemer, to discuss her experiences helping to elevate new voices at one of the most influential brands in the beauty industry.
Meet Our Guest: Eileen Ziesemer
With a belief that the greatest work is not work at all, Eileen Ziesemer’s 20 years of experience inform how she leverages communications to solve problems, add value, push boundaries and win. Focused on strategic storytelling, her entrepreneurial spirit and people-first style bring insight-based strategies to life and drive meaningful results. Honored by PRWeek as a “40 Under 40” honoree in 2019 and a Woman to Watch in 2021, Ziesemer’s career includes leading roles such as vice president of PR at Ulta Beauty and managing director of the U.S. Consumer Practice at MSL.
Connect with Eileen Ziesemer on LinkedIn!
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Tune in on Wednesday, March 6th at 12 PM CST for this brand new episode.
Discover how to amplify new voices in marketing as 'Can You Hear Me?' hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson chat with former Ulta Beauty VP of Public Relations, Eileen Ziesemer, in Episode 61.
Meet Our Guest: Eileen Ziesemer
With a belief that the greatest work is not work at all, Eileen Ziesemer’s 20 years of experience inform how she leverages communications to solve problems, add value, push boundaries and win. Focused on strategic storytelling, her entrepreneurial spirit and people-first style bring insight-based strategies to life and drive meaningful results. Honored by PRWeek as a “40 Under 40” honoree in 2019 and a Woman to Watch in 2021, Ziesemer’s career includes leading roles such as vice president of PR at Ulta Beauty and managing director of the U.S. Consumer Practice at MSL.
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We all know how vital communication is to the success of companies and organizations, but sometimes it’s the little things. On today’s episode of the “Can You Hear Me?” podcast, co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen talk about how doing those little things can have a big impact on those who work for you because “Keeping Colleagues in the Loop Costs Nothing.”
Recommended Reads:
The Economist Intelligence Unit - Communication Barries in the Modern Workplace - LINK
NorthStar Leadership Training - Statistics on why effective communication is important in the workplace - LINK
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If you have a client or you are a client, being on the radio can be one of the most effective ways to get your message out to the public. They typically have more time than other platforms, which can allow you to really make your case to an external audience. But “What Makes a Great Radio Interview”? Join “Can You Hear Me?” co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson as they ask WBBM Newsradio Anchor Rob Hart that very question.
Meet Our Guest
Rob Hart, a Chicago native with over 20 years of experience on some of the great radio stations in the Midwest. His radio career started in 2000 at WTMJ Radio in Milwaukee. Since then he has worked at WGN Radio in Chicago, the former WIQI-FM, and 97.9 The Loop. He was also the host of “The Daily Dish” and a Martin Luther King Jr documentary for CBS News Radio.
Click the links below to follow the Podcast and Co-Hosts on LinkedIn!
- Podcast LinkedIn
- Eileen Rochford, CEO of The Harbinger Group
- Rob Johnson, President at Rob Johnson Communications
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Podcasts, like this one, are exploding in popularity, and with that, it becomes an opportunity for people to become guests on them. It’s a new avenue for PR pros to get their clients on outlets that are less traditional than what they thought of when it came to getting them earned media. In this is episode of “Can You Hear Me?”, co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford share their tips on “How to be an Effective Podcast Guest.”
Click the links below to follow the Podcast and Co-Hosts on LinkedIn!
- Podcast LinkedIn
- Eileen Rochford, CEO of The Harbinger Group
- Rob Johnson, President at Rob Johnson Communications
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Leadership cultures differ depending on who is in charge at the company. But increasingly, companies that are succeeding are employing communications that drive joyous cultures. In this episode of “Can You Hear Me?”, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson welcome special guest Joy Meserve, a corporate trainer and leadership coach who knows all there is about “Leading with Joy!”
Meet our Guest!
Joy Meserve is a Corporate Trainer, Leadership Coach, and Business Consultant, After two decades of executive experience in scaling operations and developing leaders, she founded Leading with Joyand is on a mission to make work a place where both people and profits thrive by developing leadership skills across all levels - from new managers to the magic middle to the C-Suite.
Through interactive workshops (both virtual and in-person), group coaching, and one-on-one leadership coaching, Joy Meserve focuses on giving leaders the simple tools to become Partner Leaders who can easily unlock employee engagement, increase retention rates, and help people find fulfillment at work. Beyond leadership training, Joy also teaches teams how to effectively navigate change and the essential components of a healthy organization.
As the former COO of iD Tech, Joy spent 22 years scaling the delivery and breadth of globally renowned STEM education experiences, serving 50,000 students a year in 6 countries pre-pandemic.
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Meet our Guest
DARCY LUOMA, author of Thoughtfully Fit® and Certified Speaking Professional, is a Master Certified Coach and inspiring speaker. She has worked as director for a U.S. Senator, trusted senior advisor to a governor, and on the national advance team for the White House and two presidential campaigns. As the CEO of Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting, she’s worked in forty-eight industries with more than five hundred organizations to create high-performing people and teams. Darcy balances running her thriving business with raising her two energetic teenage daughters, adventure travel, and competing in triathlons for the last 25 years.
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Recommended Resources
- Powell Tate; Part of the Weber Shandwick Collective: “Speak Up,” Americans Demand of Corporate Leaders - LINK
- Scroll down to find a PDF of the full report.
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ESG-Environmental, Social, and Governance is a set of aspects considered when investing in companies that recommends taking environmental, social, and governance issues into account. So, what are the reputational and brand implications of pursuing or not pursuing this agenda, and how will it impact your ability to recruit top talent. Join “Can You Hear Me?” co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford as they dig into “The ABCs of ESG.”
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Employee Motivation and Commitment is the lowest since June 2022, according to recent data from the ADP Research Institute. Why are employees feeling less motivated right now and what can be done about it? Join “Can You Hear Me?” co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson as they welcome special guest Mark Heisten, a brand strategy and enterprise storytelling expert who will answer the question “What do we do about disengaged workers?”
Meet our Guest
Mark Heisten - Leadership Legend
Mark Heisten more than 25 years of experience in marketing, sales, and business development in global financial services brands and emerging growth start-ups. During his career, he cultivated a reputation as a brand and communications innovator and change agent, focusing on improvements in people, process, and measurement to increase the value of the companies and teams he’s led.
Mark is currently an brand strategy and strategic communication instructor at the University of Colorado – Boulder and a founder of an executive storybuilding start-up Leadership Legend, which works with executives and rising leaders to craft reputation-building stories.
Prior to CU-Boulder and Leadership Legend, Mark served as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at a FinTech start-up in San Francisco. Prior to that he was the Vice President/Head of Integrated Payments at Worldpay, a leading global payments technology company. There, he transformed the orientation of the team from work-product to work-results – data-driven and outcomes-focused. Mark oversaw the sales and marketing integration of the company’s $425mm acquisition of Moneris US, and shaped the new global business strategy resulting from the $10B acquisition of Worldpay Plc.
Mark served as the vice president of business development and a member of the executive team at Vanguard Cleaning Systems, a North American franchise system with more than 3,500 franchisees. During his tenure, he drove an overall increase in sales conversion rates, expanded the global footprint of the brand, and earned placement of the brand in the top 10 in the Franchise 500. Additionally, Mark implemented the company’s marketing automation and Net Promoter Score (NPS) programs, which increased lead flow and retained existing clients more effectively.
Prior to Vanguard Cleaning Systems, Mark was the head of commercial product marketing at Visa during the company’s $18B IPO and was the Head of Account Management & Strategy at Nimblefish Technologies, a SaaS-based marketing automation start-up with clients including Apple, Adobe, Microsoft, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, FedEx, Lowe's Home Improvement and the U.S. Army among many others.
Mark also worked at several start-ups and integrated marketing communication agencies. His programs earned numerous awards from the PRSA and DMA including a Silver Anvil of Excellence award and ECHO Diamond awards. Mark has worked with numerous clients including: American Express, Apple, AT&T, Adobe Systems, Business Objects, Capgemini, Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, FedExKinkos, Holiday Inn, HP, IBM, IMD, Intuit, Lowe’s Home Improvement, MasterCard, Microsoft, Midas, Owens Corning, Ralston-Purina, Vantiv, Visa and Worldpay.
Mark earned his BA in English from the University of Missouri, his MBA from Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business, and is currently finishing his Ph.D. Media Research and Practice from the University of Colorado-Boulder. His research focus is on ethics, leadership, and socio-political engagement by corporations.
Mark adheres to the belief that great people make great cultures, and great cultures build valuable brands.
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Autumn is upon us. It’s time to think about business back to basics, tightening up your practices, and planning for the next fiscal year. But how are your messaging and communications? In this episode of “Can You Hear Me?”, co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford discuss the “Relevance Reset: How to Lean on Your Core Values.”
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Marketing partnerships are an invaluable tool when it comes to growing and appealing to different audiences. But what happens when that trusted partner becomes embroiled in controversy? How should you respond? Join co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson for this episode of the “Can You Hear Me?” podcast, where they discuss “What to do when a Marketing Partner is in Crisis?”
Recommended Episodes:
- Communicating Cleary During a Crisis - Can You Hear Me? Podcast - LINK
- Corporate Activism: A Slippery Slope? Navigating Expectations and Communications Effectively - Can You Hear Me? Podcast - LINK
Additional Resources:
- Northwestern hazing scandal: A timeline of events - The Washington Post - LINK
- A useful guide to defining the perfect sports sponsorship strategy - RTR Sport Marketing - LINK
Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.
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Meet our Guest
Siddharth 'Sid' Bose
Sid Bose is a Partner at Ice Miller and the chair of Ice Miller’s Technology, Privacy and Cyber Risk Practice. As an attorney with an information systems and security background, Sid counsels clients on various cybersecurity, privacy, and compliance issues, that range from building up foundational programs, to data breach and incident response counseling, to handling complex legal and regulatory matters. Sid is also an adjunct professor at the Indiana University, Maurer School of Law. Sid teaches at the IU Cybersecurity Clinic on risk management and preparedness in pressing local, national, and global initiatives.
Reading Resources
- Federal Bureau of Investigation [Public Service Announcement] - Malicious Actors Manipulating Photos and Videos to Create Explicit Content and Sextortion Schemes - LINK
- Reuters - Tech experts see rising threat of GenAI deepfakes, FBI warns of "generative adversarial networks" - LINK
- Fintech - Ai in the crosshairs: FBI's stark warning of emerging threats from hackers - LINK
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Generative Artificial Intelligence has allowed users to quickly create content that is helping them complete tasks more quickly and efficiently. But it doesn’t take too deep a dive to determine that AI can also be used in ways that could harm a company or an executive. In this edition of “Can You Hear Me?”, co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford welcome tech and cyber risk attorney Sid Bose from Ice Miller to discuss “Generative AI Threats to Brands and Leaders.”
It is a challenge many companies face today. How do you make sure your messaging for your internal audience, your employees, resonates and gets buy-in before you head out the marketplace to sell your service or product? In this episode of “Can You Hear Me?”, co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford discuss “Unheard Voices: Bridging the Internal/External Communications Gap.”
Recommended Read:
LiveWebinar
So you want to be a thought leader on the most prolific social channel for business… Linkedin? Well, you better understand the changes in the LInkedIn algorithm that have occurred recently. They can make or break the success of what you post. In this episode of “Can You Hear Me?”, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson take a deep dive to show you how to leverage LinkedIn changes to truly be a thought leader.
For clients of marketing and strategy firms, getting earned media is one of their loftiest goals. It’s also one of the hardest things to earn. What are some of the latest things to consider when pitching the media on your client, and what are some of the mistakes you need to avoid? Join “Can You Hear Me?” co-hosts Rob Johnson as they detail “How to Win at Media Pitching in 2023.”
When you want to create another level of marketing, using internal talent to spread your message, how do you do it? In the case of Powering Chicago, it was about creating a unique YouTube show that engages a niche audience. In this episode of “Can You Hear Me?”, co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford interview Elbert Walters III, the Executive Director of Powering Chicago, who will talk about why their program was created, the benefit for those of you who want to start your own shows.
Find more about Bert's work with Powering Chicago by visiting www.poweringchicago.com and by watching the Power of Better YouTube Show.
Additional Reading Resources:
- The New York Times: Surgeon General Warns That Social Media May Harm Children and Adolescents - link
CEO Communications has never been more important. After weathering the business changes that came with the pandemic, CEOs are now facing down the threat of a recession and the challenges that come with that. With those realities at the forefront, being an effective and frequent communicator is a necessity for business leaders. In this episode of “Can You Hear Me?”, Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson discuss “Communications Priorities for CEOs."
Two years ago, “Can You Hear Me?” was created to discuss best practices for business communication and some hot-button issues for C-Suite leaders. In this episode, co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford look back at some of their favorite year two episodes and look forward to year three.
Episodes from Year 2:
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25- Client Communications
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26- Roe v Wade v Corporate Activism
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27- The Next Generation Workforce Speaks Out (THG Interns)
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28- The Importance of the Personal and Professional Brand
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29- Interview Communications Best Practices: Advice from Marketing Agency Leaders (THG Leaders)
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30- We’re Never Returning to the Office Full Time
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31- Why Can't We Get Along at the Office?
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32- Communicating Bad News: How To Talk About Cost-Savings
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33- Are Employees Still Calling the Shots? (Shay Lovett, Insperity)
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34- When Lies are a Way of Life
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35- Expressing Gratitude at Work
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36- Next Question?
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37- Communications Resolutions and Goals for 2023
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38- Is Your Internal House in Order?
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39- Are Your Spokespeople Media Ready?
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40- Communicating Clearly During a Crisis (Harlan Loeb, Argyle)
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41- Is AI the Future of Content Creation?
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42- THG Marketers Put AI to the Test
Artificial Intelligence Chatbots are evolving before our eyes. Are they your solution to content creation, or should you be wary of them? Join “Can You Hear Me?” co-host Rob Johnson as he interviews three women that know. The Harbinger Group marketing professionals Kellie Kennedy, Emily Evans, and Karol Skoczen will talk about what they’ve found after putting these AI Chatbots to the test.
Recommended Reads
- The Harbinger Group - The AI Revolution in Marketing: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming the Way Professionals Work
- Medium - Turn your Sketches into Fully Working Apps and Websites with GPT-4
- SparkToro- AI-Generated Content is the New Floor
- Accenture - When Atoms meet Bits: The foundations of our new reality
- Keywords Everywhere (YouTube) - ChatGPT Prompt Templates Demo by Keywords Everywhere
- Fortune - The movement to put the brakes on generative A.I. gains steam
- The White House - Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights
Recommended Reads
- The New York Times: How to Become an Expert on A.I. (Newsletter)
- Fortune: A Wharton professor gave A.I. tools 30 minutes to work on a business project. The results were ‘superhuman’
- The Economic Times: How to use ChatGPT 4? Here is step by step guide to get access to OpenAI's most powerful offering
- Digital Trends: Bing Chat: how to use Microsoft’s own version of ChatGPT
- ArsTechnica: OpenAI’s GPT-4 exhibits “human-level performance” on professional benchmarks
- One Useful Thing: Superhuman: What can AI do in 30 minutes?
- Axios: Chatbots trigger next misinformation nightmare
- Gizmodo: Chat-GPT Pretended to Be Blind and Tricked a Human Into Solving a CAPTCHA
When it comes to getting your message out, earned media is seen as the ultimate accomplishment. However, when your company earns that media, it is only getting to tell part of the story, not the unfiltered, glowing story you would prefer. With so much at stake with media outlets, are those entrusted to speak for the company ready for prime time? As we continue our series of “Can You Hear Me?” podcasts related to refreshing your core communications elements, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson raise the vital question, “Are Your Spokespeople Media Ready?”
For Executive Leadership Teams everywhere, making sure company leaders talk about their organization in a uniform, cohesive manner is paramount. But as a leader, do you have the foundational pieces in place to allow this to happen? We are starting a series of podcasts on “Can You Hear Me?” focused on core communications elements that are in need of a refresh in 2023. In Part 1, co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford ask the question, “Is Your Internal House in Order”?
Recommended Reads and Buys
- New Year's Resolutions Statistics - Forbes: LINK
- Success and Inspiration Jar - Smiles by Julie: LINK
- Success and Inspiration Jar - Only Good Vibes: LINK
- Positive Thinking Jar - Only Good Vibes: LINK
- DEEP CLEARING: Balance Your Emotions, Let Go Of Inner & Outer Negativity, Shift To Higher Consciousness: A Radical Inner Process - John Ruskan: LINK
- The Comfort of Joy Collection - Anne Lamott: LINKINCLUDES THE FOLLOWING TITLES:
- Help, Thanks, Wow
- Stitches
- Small Victories: Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace
- Almost Everything: Notes on Hope
- Hallelujah Anyway: Rediscovering Mercy
- Dusk Night Dawn: On Revival and Courage
- Today is The Day Motivational Calendar - RYVE: LINK
Resources
- Harvard Business Review - How to Become a Better Listener
- The New York Times - How to Be a Better Listener
Recommended Reads
- Forbes: 5 Ways To Show Gratitude At Work
- Harvard Business Review:Giving Thanks at Work: An HBR Guide
- Harvard Health Publishing: Giving thanks can make you happier
- Wex: 5 benefits of gratitude in the workplace (and how to show it!)
- American Psychological Association: APA Survey Finds Feeling Valued at Work Linked to Well-Being and Performance
Recommended Resources!
- SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN - TRUTH vs LIES
- BOOK: White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better - Regina Jackson and Saira Rao
- Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery - Click here to purchase the book!
- Race2Dinner: https://www.race2dinner.com/
- FREE Critical Thinking Cheatsheet Multipack
- COURSE: Unconscious Bias: From Awareness to Action
- LINKEDIN COURSE: Unconscious Bias
- ARTICLE: Implicit Bias - Perception Institute
- ARTICLE: Schoolkids Are Falling Victim to Disinformation and Conspiracy Fantasies - Scientific American
- ARTICLE: Sharpening Your Critical Thinking - OpenLearn
- ARTICLE: Study: On Twitter, False News Travels Faster Than True Stories - MIT
Recommended CYHM Episodes
Episode 21: The Future of Journalism
Episode 17: What's Fueling This Cycle of Distrust?
Episode 5: The Dangers of Reputational Damage Caused. by Disinformation
Shay Lovett, Recruiting Consultant
Insperity
Recruiting Services
Shay is currently a recruiting consultant with Insperity, a PEO (professional employer organization) that provides human resource and administrative services to small- and medium-sized business. She has 25 years of human resources experience with a primary focus on talent acquisition and recruiting. In her current role, she works directly with hundreds of clients to understand their recruiting needs and challenges to develop a solid recruitment strategy.
Shay leverages her knowledge of various recruiting strategies, interview techniques, and economic markets to help identify top talent for her clients. She is a Certified Internet Recruiter, has partnered with the University of Houston’s C.T. Bauer College of Business on numerous interviewing and resume writing workshops, and has sat on numerous panel discussions. Recruiting is definitely her passion.
Prior to joining Insperity, Shay spent 18 years in human resources with JPMorgan Chase in various generalist and leadership roles. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Houston and is located in Insperity’s corporate headquarters in Kingwood, Texas.
Insperity isn’t just HR outsourcing, it’s HR that makes a difference.TM Our comprehensive, scalable HR solutions offer an optimal blend of service and technology to facilitate growth by streamlining processes related to payroll, benefits, talent management and HR compliance. We provide the tools to help you lighten your administrative load, maximize productivity and manage risks – so you can focus on growth. Learn more at Insperity.com.
Recommended Reads
The Future of Recruiting: 8 Ways to Win the Talent War: Read Here!
Recommended Reads/Resources
- Layoffs Latest: Companies Making Cuts: https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/layoffs-latest-companies-making-cuts-6016986/
- Tech Layoffs in 2022: The U.S. Companies That Have Cut Jobs: https://news.crunchbase.com/startups/tech-layoffs-2022/
- Companies that Announced Major Layoffs and Hiring Freezes: https://intellizence.com/insights/layoff-downsizing/major-companies-that-announced-mass-layoffs/
- How to Help Managers Communicate During a Recession: https://www.ragan.com/how-to-help-managers-communicate-during-a-recession/
- How to Communicated in Times of Economic Uncertainty: https://www.stantonprm.com/how-to-communicate-in-times-of-economic-uncertainty/
- Mass Layoffs in 2022: What's Next for Employees?: https://mondo.com/insights/mass-layoffs-in-2022-whats-next-for-employees/
- West Monroe: Business leaders ought to use their newfound agility wisely: https://www.westmonroe.com/perspectives/point-of-view/business-leaders-ought-to-use-their-newfound-agility-wisely?industry=all&utm_source=content-push&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=all-lg-09252022&utm_content=kevincolumn-specialmsg
- iFeelOnline - https://ifeelonline.com/en/
Reading Resource
- Wall Street Journal: What the #@$%! Happened to Our Manners at Work? - Callum Borchers
Recommended Reads
- The Wall Street Journal (Opinion) - The Lonely Office is Bad for America
- New York Times - A Full Return to the Office? Does ‘Never’ Work for You
- Build Remote - Every Fortune 100’s Return To Office Policy
- Vox - Why the return to the office isn’t working
- Fortune - A huge number of employees are rebelling against in-office mandates. The battle is just beginning
- The Atlantic - How the Rest of the World is Doing RTO
- The City - Pleading Return to Office Isn’t Getting Traction — But Mixing Where New Yorkers Live and Work Just Might
- Quartz (at work) - Only half of workers asked back to the office full-time are actually going
- Insider - Return-to-work wars: Execs at Citi, Manpower, and McKinsey on why they're embracing remote and hybrid work
- Morning Consult - Tracking the Return to Normal: Work & Offices
- Geek Wire - No going back: Anticipated return to office ‘has failed to materialize’ in Seattle, report says
- CNN (Business) - 'Lunchflation' is real. Returning to the office is costing us a fortune
- Work Design Magazine - How Will We View Today’s Transformation Of The Workplace In Twenty Years?
- Tech Crunch - Butlr lands new cash to put people-detecting sensors in the office
- American Psychological Association (APA) - Reworking work: Industrial and organizational psychologists are helping employers and employees navigate as COVID-19 reshapes the world of work
Best Practice Advice
- Research the company and apply this information within your conversations and interactions with team members.
- Present yourself strongly in your cover letter by reflecting your research about the company and how you align well with the culture.
- Interact with the company's social posts, blogs, and members of the team.
- Be professional in your attire and space (especially if you are remotely interviewing).
- Demonstrate that you fit within company values and qualifications during your interview.
- Do not oversell your skills, especially if you are less experienced but willing to learn.
- Rehearse the way you pitch your skills and experience before your interview. Do some mock interviewing with a friend.
- Ask smart questions, they make lasting impressions!
- Know your audience when asking questions. For example, don't ask the CEO an HR question and vice versa.
- Your interview minutes are precious- excessive casual conversation robs you of your chance to make a lasting impression!
- Follow up immediately after the interview- write a note to the interviewer and mention high points of your conversation, also reiterate why you would be a great fit for the position!
For additional advice and tips on how to create your own unique and personal brand, reflect on our episode with Kraig Kann!
P.S. The Harbinger Group is Hiring!
Special Guest: Kraig Kann
Kann Advisory Group:https://kannadvisory.com/
Kraig Kann - "Can You Get Our Attention?": https://www.amazon.com/Can-You-Get-Our-Attention/dp/1951556518#:~:text=With%20%E2%80%9CCan%20You%20Get%20Our,he%20has%20gained%20through%20the
Twitter (Kann Advisory): https://twitter.com/kannadvisory
Twitter (personal): https://twitter.com/KraigKann
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kraigkann/
Special Intern Guests: Check out the future talent and their work! Connect with them!
Avery Resendiz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avery-resendiz-882a01221/
Portfolio: https://www.averyresendizportfolio.com/
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Karolina (Karol) Skoczen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karolina-skoczen-897a631a7/
Instagram for Art: https://www.instagram.com/atalieey/
Karol's Band, DIVISOR: https://linktr.ee/divisor_ (song at fade out is "I Want This City to Kill Me")
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Sean Valentin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-valentin-6508a0197/
Some articles to check out!
Chicago Letter Writing Campaign: https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-chicago-letter-ceo-abortion-rights-business-pitch-20220628-4iverzblsbh35mj7ylrdmskl2q-story.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Breaking%3A%20News%20%2B%20Business&utm_content=5031656377307
Staff Travel Expenses: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61941591
Abortion Ruling Trusts Companies into Divisive Arena: https://apnews.com/article/company-stances-abortion-c70835ae2eedc71c36078ccaa81437b7
Here's How Companies are Reacting to the Supreme Court Decision on Abortion: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/27/business/heres-how-companies-are-reacting-to-the-supreme-court-decision-on-abortion.html
Legal Clashes Await U.S. Companies Covering Workers' Abortion Costs: https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/companies-offering-abortion-related-travel-expenses-legal-exposure-rcna35559
Abortion Ruling Poses New Questions About How Far Supreme Court Will Go: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/25/us/supreme-court-abortion-contraception-same-sex-marriage.html
Corporate Sociopolitical Activism and Firm Value: Bhagwat, Y., Warren, N. L., Beck, J. T., & Watson, G. F. (2020). Corporate sociopolitical activism and firm value. Journal of Marketing, 84(5), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022242920937000
Companies Are More Vocal Than Ever on Social Issues. Not on Abortion: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/24/business/abortion-roe-wade-companies.html
Tech Companies have Gone Silent on Data Privacy Since Roe v. Wade was Overturned. When Will They Speak Up?: https://fortune.com/2022/06/27/abortion-digital-data-privacy-apple-google-facebook-roe-wade/
Special Guest: Megan Robinson
Megan Robinson is the principal at E Leader Experience and works with individuals and teams to develop self-leadership skills that grow companies. She started her career in marketing climbing her way through the corporate ladder at advertising agencies and fortune 500 companies. Like many of us, she caught the entrepreneur bug and started her own marketing company. After yet another “Business Therapy” session, Megan discovered her true passion was in coaching and is a John Maxwell certified coach and DiSC Trainer. In addition, she is the Past President of ATDChi the leading learning and development organization in Chicagoland. Inspired by her own successful career in corporate and entrepreneurial environments, Megan makes leadership approachable for everyone, regardless of title, position, or experience.
Website: eleaderexperience.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tritcak/
Leadership resource recommendations from Megan:
Podcast: The look and sound of leadership: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-look-sound-of-leadership/id280383574
Books:
- Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High - Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, Emily Gregory
- https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Tools-Talking-Stakes/dp/1260474186/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TH9MIXLHM5HS&keywords=crucial+conversations&qid=1655249769&s=books&sprefix=crucial+con%2Cstripbooks%2C458&sr=1-1
- Dare to Lead: Brave Work, Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. - Brene Brown
- https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Lead-Brave-Conversations-Hearts/dp/0399592520/ref=asc_df_0399592520/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312118059795&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16472470021780395775&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032946&hvtargid=pla-525235242163&psc=1
- The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever - Michael Bungay Stanier
- https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+coach+habit&i=stripbooks&gclid=CjwKCAjwqauVBhBGEiwAXOepkZNXieymlIDevLP4d2LELFglElvmIuNcBQZbv7YmoaRl-eMpWKRycRoCGt4QAvD_BwE&hvadid=243343917964&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9032946&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=1910963525151847270&hvtargid=kwd-311175130704&hydadcr=21874_10169699&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_21qw7gskil_e
- The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You - John C. Maxwell, Steven R. Covey
- https://www.amazon.com/21-Irrefutable-Laws-Leadership-Anniversary/dp/0785288376/ref=sr_1_9?crid=3NIHAGWEC73WO&keywords=leadership&qid=1655249810&s=books&sprefix=leadership%2Cstripbooks%2C115&sr=1-9
Catch up on our mentioned episodes:
Trust in the Age of the Pandemic: How 2020 Changed Communications Forever
When Facts Are Optional, Trust Takes a Nosedive
The New Female Workforce: What do they want?
Is Your CEO Brand Me or We?
Elevating Others and Leading with Heart
How Leaders can End the Overwhelm Hangover
Realities of Cyber Security
What’s Fueling This Cycle of Distrust
The Future of Journalism
Special Guest: Howard Karesh
Howard N. Karesh joined medical technology leader Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (Hillrom), in July 2015, and leads the company’s Corporate and Graphic Communications function on a global basis. He is a member of the company’s Senior Leadership Team and Pandemic Steering Committee. Howard’s internal and external communication responsibilities include CEO, M&A and pandemic communications; serving as Hillrom’s spokesperson; and launching/overseeing the company’s Hillrom for Humanity corporate social responsibility initiative.
Previously, Howard was director of Corporate Internal Communications and Creative Media at Exelon Corporation, a Chicago-based energy holding company. Prior roles include head of North America Internal Communications at ABN AMRO/LaSalle Bank Corporation, and senior positions at public relations agencies Ketchum (vice president, Midwest Corporate Practice), and Edelman (vice president, Technology and Business Marketing).
Howard is the recipient of multiple communications industry and company awards, including Hillrom’s 2021 Senior Leadership Team Commitment Award of Excellence.
He is a magna cum laude graduate of Loyola University of Chicago, and earned his Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America in 2010.
Howard is a seasoned community leader and serves on a number of non-profit boards, including roles such as the president of a 430-student private school in Skokie, Illinois; president of a Chicago community educational organization; and board membership at numerous other social service organizations in the United States and abroad.
Special Guest: Beni Enas
Beni Enas is a part-time writer and producer at ABC7. She is also currently a journalism instructor at Geneva High School and was also a former journalism professor at Northern Illinois University and Columbia College.
Mentioned Reports:
- Independent creators and engaged communities are the future of journalism by World Economic Forum
- Is the Media Doomed? by Politico
Reports Referenced:
- 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer
- Morning Consultant Poll: Americans Overwhelmingly Want Companies to Take Action Against Russia Over Ukraine Invasion
- Forbes Article: Corporations Can’t Afford To Stay Out Of Russia’s War In Ukraine
- Zenefits Report: Communicating With Your Employees About the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Relevant Articles:
- BBC Covers The War in Ukraine
- NBC Provides Russia-Ukraine War Live Updates
Guest Speakers:
Eileen Dordek is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in treating anxiety and depression. For over a decade, Eileen served on the board of Personal PAC, which focuses on electing pro-choice state and local officials in Illinois, most recently as Chair of the Board. Eileen is a board member of Equality Illinois, an impactful LGBTQ+ rights organization. She is a fierce advocate for reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights and women’s rights, previously serving on the Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues and then the City of Chicago Women’s Advisory Council. She is currently a candidate for Illinois State Representative for the 13th District.
Ann Williams is currently serving her 6th term as State Representative of the 11th District on Chicago’s North Side. The former chair of the Illinois Green Caucus, Ann is a leader on issues related to the environment and is working to address the climate crisis. Ann served as chief House sponsor of the Clean Energy Jobs Act, which was integral to the passage of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in September 2021. Her legislative priorities include supporting our neighborhood schools, protecting critical human services, preventing gun violence, and restoring fiscal stability to Illinois. She is a strong and unwavering advocate of reproductive rights and was a leader in bringing marriage equality to Illinois. She remains committed to ensuring equality for all Illinois families. Ann has sponsored and supported numerous legislative initiatives pertaining to privacy rights and data privacy. Ann currently chairs the Energy and Environment Committee. She also serves as Vice-Chair of the Judiciary-Civil Committee.
Bills mentioned:
- The Equal Pay Salary History Ban
- The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act
- Illinois' Reproductive Health Act
- The Clean Energy Jobs Act
Connect with Alida-Miranda Wolff:
LinkedIn- Alida-Miranda Wolff
Twitter- AlidaMW
Resources:
Cultures of Belonging: Building Inclusive Organizations that Last
Ethos, a Full-Service Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Transformation Firm
The Need to Belong by Roy Baumeister
Background on our Panelists:
https://www.colum.edu/academics/faculty/anne-mitchell http://linkedin.com/in/anne-marie-mitchell-6906bb3 Anne Marie Mitchell
TeamStrategia.com linkedin.com/in/lissadruss Lissa Druss
Reference Materials:
2022 Edelman Trust Barometer
https://www.edelman.com/sites/g/files/aatuss191/files/2022-01/Trust%2022_Top10.pdf
https://www.edelman.com/trust
https://www.edelman.com/trust/2022-trust-barometer/stabilizing-force-business
https://www.edelman.com/trust/2022-trust-barometer/defaulting-back-trust
https://www.edelman.com/trust/2022-trust-barometer/breaking-vicious-cycle-distrust
https://www.edelman.com/trust/2022-trust-barometer/distrust-and-media-what-business-can-do
https://www.edelman.com/trust/2022-trust-barometer/modern-technologys-role-encouraging-tribal-thinking
Another external viewpoint that coincides with the findings of the 2022 barometer: https://www.blackrock.com/corporate
MacKay CEO Forums: https://mackayceoforums.com/
The Archetypes and the Collective Unconsciousness by Carl Jung: https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Archetypes_and_the_Collective_Uncons.html?id=Yc5PlU9MyDwC
The 12 Jungian Archetypes: https://exploringyourmind.com/twelve-jungian-archetypes/
Resources:
AlixPartners Annual Private Equity Survey
No More Working for Jerks!
YPO Global Pulse Report for Chief Executive Officers
Relevant articles:
CEO survey taken before omicron emergence shows optimism about the economy over the next 6 months
CEOs across the market, economy agree on one 2022 prediction: More volatility, no end to Covid
CEOs are worried about losing their jobs in 2022
No More Working For Jerks!
Five Things You Will Learn From This Episode:
- Why constantly staying informed about Covid-19 and its variants is essential to good leadership.
- Why focusing on communications matters. Your reactions and responses are the message that you are communicating, make sure you are communicating the right messages.
- How addressing the elephant in the room is an opportunity for you to show your audience that you care and gain credibility.
- Leaders need to focus on the RIGHT things, not just the things that will keep you out of trouble.
- Connecting to your local community can improve the overall experience of your employees.
Follow Rob Johnson on LInkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-johnson-communications-advisor/
Follow Eileen Rochford on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileen-rochford/
Corporate Competitor Podcast https://donyaeger.com/corporate-competitor-podcast/episode-62/
Learn more about Newsweek’s first Most Loved Workplaces rankings
https://www.newsweek.com/americas-most-loved-workplaces-2021
Learn more about the Jussie Smollett Case https://apnews.com/article/jussie-smollett-entertainment-crime-race-and-ethnicity-hate-crimes-8a32dc8a1fc1b4a9972b0c08a75f2762
Learn more about Covid-19 Variants
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/about-variants.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fvariants%2Fvariant.html
Resources:
Ransomware on a Rampage; a New Wake-Up Call (Forbes): https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckbrooks/2021/08/21/ransomware-on-a-rampage-a-new-wake-up-call/?sh=5d7680d52e81
2022 Global Digital Trust Insights Survey (PwC): https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/cybersecurity/global-digital-trust-insights.html
- Use surveys and Google forms to collect input
- Closely review social media pages ahead of time for clues
- Use media monitoring to learn about recent events that may have impacted the person or organization
- Ask people in your network who are connected to the people or company for their take
- Research the trends in the industry sector, educate yourself on what’s impacting them
- Look into background, upbringing, professional experiences, shared experiences -- these are clues!
- Make no assumptions about anything
- Use progressing questions - reference HBR article on continuous learning…
- Prepare relevant examples to support your points - relevant is the key - examples increase understanding, engagement and connection
Resources:
https://hbr.org/2021/09/do-you-feel-a-lack-of-meaning-at-work-you-could-be-languishing
https://theeverygirl.com/how-to-admit-youre-overwhelmed-at-work/
Six tips to dealing with Covid Anxiety
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/09/04/1033672045/6-tips-for-coping-with-covid-anxiety-this-fall-and-winter
Depression and anxiety went down in 2021 but still remained high.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/05/health/covid-depression-anxiety.html
Anxiety and depression fluctuated with Covid 19 Waves
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/anxiety-depression-fluctuated-covid-19-waves-study/story?id=80475431
https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-post-covid-anxiety
Co-host, CEO and business owner Eileen Rochford shares her own experience dealing with a prolonged overwhelm Hangover during much of 2021 and the approaches she has used to begin to turn things around again. Rob and Eileen share their professional advice on how leaders should lead the move to reset our workforce, starting with themselves and then encouraging their teams to take the time to care for their own mental health. Bend, don't break! Tons of tips and personal insights to learn from on Episode 10 of Can you Hear Me?
Communicating in the new and future workplace, whether that be a hybrid or fully remote model, is radically different than pre-2020. Beyond the physical and tactical decision that leaders must tackle as they lay plans for their new workplace structures is the great need to assess and develop new communications skills for ALL employees and teams. And the need to evolve how work is tackled is now urgent - workflows, processes, and communications all need an edit and FAST. We talk about living and communicating values, leading with empathy, various tools needed to upgrade work processes, and key communications assessments and trainings that leaders should leverage right now to prepare for the altered approach to work that is here to stay.
Asana.com
Monday.com
4Lenses.com
Mental Health days https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/29/well/mind/mental-health-day.html?smid=url-share
NYT-Returning to the Office and the Future of Work
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/09/23/opinion/covid-return-to-work-rto.html
CNN-CEOs weigh in on the future of work
https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2021/09/business/perspectives/future-of-work-pandemic/index.html
CEO Survey per KPMG
https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2021/08/kpmg-2021-ceo-outlook/digital-agility.html?cid=ggl-cpc_ggl_all_xx_2021_digital-agility_responsive&s_kwcid=AL!13704!3!544987150734!b!!g!!future%20of%20workforce
The Future of Work is Here-Newsweek
https://www.newsweek.com/future-work-here-1620794
“Elevating Others and Leading with Heart is Where I Start” - an interview with ULTA Beauty’s new CEO, Dave Kimbell
Can You hear me? Episode 8:
Five Things You Will Learn From This Episode:
- Why LinkedIn is the social media platform of choice for this CEO and why you should spend more time there
- Why committing to celebrating your team members successes (especially in a visible way on LinkedIn) will foster more growth
- How trying to be something you’re not is a giant waste of time for you and those you lead - just be yourself
- Everything good starts with prioritizing caring for others and being a good human
- We can ALWAYS do better and should make it a priority to try
Follow Dave KImbell on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/davekimbell/
Follow Rob Johnson on LInkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-johnson-communications-advisor/
Follow Eileen Rochford on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileen-rochford/
Learn more about ULTA Beauty https://www.ulta.com/
Learn more about working at ULTA Beauty https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Ulta-Beauty-EI_IE9466.11,22.htm
Remember when everyone thought we were coming out of the pandemic in early summer, people started going about their lives in ways that were normal before the pandemic, and companies planned for mid to late summer returns to office? Well that seems so three months ago, with the Delta variant raging in the United States. Today on the podcast “Can You Hear Me”, we will discuss how leaders must lead during this new new normal. When is it safe to return to office? Will you have to adjust your company’s workflow forever? How do you manage a workforce that maybe one part thrilled with the flexibility of remote work, and one part terrified that their “normal” work experience is nowhere to be found?
People can't trust leaders they don't know - social media is the perfect opportunity to share your vision and mission with audiences that matter to your success. Get off the sidelines and get started. Today, it's expected of leaders. If you're not on social that's perceived as a negative. Be sure to pick the right social platforms for your type of CEO Brand - Twitter is definitely not for everyone. Don't be afraid to get started but once you do, stay consistent (even if that's only once per week!). Leaving out family and personal life is fine, but you can never leave out your own personality!
Brunswick Group's research on connected leaders.
Flagship Social's list of Top 50 Execs on Social Media https://flagshipsocial.com/flagship-50
OMR's LinkedIn Rankings of Influencers and Companies from July 2020 https://omr.com/en/linkedin-ranking-omr/
It used to be that PR practitioners would take the very best of what a company or organization did and focused on those attributes to drive opinion about that entity. Now groups with various agendas are increasingly cultivating, quite simply, propaganda, making up facts to suit their cause or to disparage a competitor's competing point of view. What has this propaganda masquerading as fact done to hurt not only our society and the way we consume content, but public discourse in general? Join “Can You Hear Me” Podcast hosts and communications experts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford as they take a critical look at this important topic. It could be the next major corporate threat that should have the attention of C-Suites everywhere.
It’s increasingly clear that organizations benefit significantly when women are well-represented in the workforce. Compelling research has shown that women in the workplace and gender diversity are key for organizations’ bottom lines. Female representation on boards, leadership teams and sales teams positively impact financial performance, including revenue, sales, and profits. But beyond the money, women have made a significant impact on overall job satisfaction, talent retention, diversity of thinking, and work-life balance. With the crushing wave of resignations and a talent war not seen in two decades, CEOs and leadership teams need to do all they can to attract, retain and advance women in their organizations. Today we will hear from three women who will soon enter the workforce. They will tell us what they want and what they are looking for when examining potential future employers. And, we will share best practices to help young female professionals succeed and advance in their chosen careers.
Leo Harmon shares his top resource materials with our listeners (50:20):
I'd like to share a couple of good books that I've read this year that deal with the structure of inequity and how it has a real deleterious impact on society. One would be Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. There's another book called The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee which really talks about how zero-sum outcomes in society really bring everyone down. And if we can expand the pie, we can have a much more prosperous society. One of the books I've read from one of our consultants, Andres Tapia, The Five Disciplines of Inclusive Leaders, has been really instructive in helping with my thought process. Andres has been a thought leader in this space for a long time and does a lot of good work.
And then there are lots of websites that are just chock full of data around a lot of these items. So the Society for Human Resource Management, Korn Ferry, McKinsey has done a ton of work around DEI initiatives. As well as Boston Consulting. You know, all of those folks have done a good job. And so if you, if you truly value this work and think it can be valuable to your organization, those would be some of the action items I would leave with you in order to better increase your framework and your thought process around these initiatives.
Can you hear me now Podcast Episode 2:
REFERENCES:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/10/collapsing-levels-trust-are-devastating-america/616581/
https://time.com/5929252/edelman-trust-barometer-2021/
https://knightfoundation.org/articles/restoring-trust-in-a-polarized-age/
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/disinformation-conspiracy-theories-inoculation-edelman-corporate-america-1132325/
https://www.theharbingergroup.com/
https://www.rj47llc.com/
https://argyleprusa.com/about-us/leadership-team/harlan-loeb/
Rob Johnson (00:19):
Welcome everyone to episode two of the "Can You Hear Me" podcast, I'm Rob Johnson, former Chicago TV news anchor and now President of the communications consulting firm, Rob Johnson Communications.
Eileen Rochford (00:32):
And I'm Eileen Rochford CEO of marketing strategy and public relations firm The Harbinger Group. We created "Can You Hear Me" because we both have a passion for communications and I mean really good communications, but we saw a growing need for C-Suite level leadership and other executives to frankly, just be better at it. And so that's why we're here with you today. And we will be joined by a man who knows all about this, former Edelman global crisis and risk lead Harlan Loeb. He's now senior managing director at Argyle USA. Harlan's a recognized expert in crisis and reputational risk management. He has extensive experience in global crisis preparedness, He has developed a reputational risk resilience model for corporate officers and their boards, has worked across nearly every industry sector in existence, representing clients such as Dow Chemical Company, Kraft GE Healthcare, Harley Davidson, CME group, Mitsubishi Corporation and SC Johnson among many, many more is licensed to the Bar in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Eileen Rochford (01:37):
He's practiced law with Godfrey & Kahn. And then as Regional Counsel for the ADL, he's also a professor of Crisis Litigation & The Court of Public Opinion at Northwestern University Law School and a lecture in Ford scholar at the Kellogg school of management. Finally, I'll just say, Harlan is someone for whom I have the utmost respect, not only for his incredible intellect and vast knowledge of everything reputation, but also for his character. And his decency is truly just one of my very favorite people. Someone I admire deeply, and I continue to learn from to this day. I'm thrilled that he's here today with us, Rob, really excited.
Rob Johnson (02:12):
We're very lucky to have you Harlan and it's great to be with you. So here's a question for you. Who do you trust? Or more directly, who don't you trust? The erosion of trust in our institutions isn't a recent occurrence. It's been trending slowly in this direction for a very long time. The issue is that public trust is eroded in our social institutions, such as government, business, non-government organizations, NGOs, and the media. In fact, the 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer, a study published annually by global communications firm Edelman, unveiled its findings recently after conducting more than 33,000 online surveys in 28 countries between October and November of 2020.
Eileen Rochford (02:53):
I gotta say Rob, the 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer findings scared the crap out of me, totally, totally honestly, to quote this report, the findings reveal, "A new era of information bankruptcy and a trust ecosystem fund able to confront it." and further it says "In the United States, 57% of us believe our country is in the midst of a cold civil war." It's also worth noting here that our trust meaning us as Americans of our own us government dropped another five points just between May 2020 and January 2021 from what was already ridiculously low level. So this is bad. I mean really bad. And here's why- when people in a society lose trust in their institutions and in each other, the nation collapses. So what we're discussing today is of the utmost importance to every one of us at every company, institution, organization, person, it's incredibly important. I just want to add, um, to put a fine point on it that the CEO of Edelman, Richard Edelman, he wrote this essay that accompanied the release of their 2020 report. And here's how he put it. "The urgent issues confronting society require a knowledgeable public able to make choices based on unbiased information- not fear, compulsion or conspiracy theories. Every institution must play its part in restoring facts to their rightful place at the center of public discourse as the essential step to emerging from information of bankruptcy." So that really puts that fine point on the severity of this current state of affairs.
Rob Johnson (04:36):
No, and you can see that it's just trending in the wrong direction. Now, before we dive deeper, let's define two terms that you may hear and have heard frequently, misinformation and disinformation. According to dictionary.com, misinformation is false information that is spread regardless of intent to mislead. So you may do it unintentionally, but you still don't mislead people. Today misinformation spreads very easily. Thanks to technology, of course, on social media users have shared story after story, without checking if they were true and many times, they are not true. Misinformation was dictionary.com's word of the year back in 2018. Misinformation was top of mind that year with governments, businesses and the broader culture grappling with how to stop dangerous misinformation, which then can become disinformation highly.
Eileen Rochford (05:22):
And disinformation is defined by dictionary.com is "false information in a hostile act of tactical political subversion." It is also used more generally to mean "deliberately misleading or biased information, manipulated narrative or facts or propaganda." So disinformation is knowingly spreading misinformation. So I think this is a perfect time to bring in my longtime friend and corporate communications expert, Mr. Harlan Loeb. Harlan, thank you for joining us today.
Harlan Loeb (05:58):
Thank you for having me. I am honored and humbled, and I'm also, I'm also a bit of a refugee of the trust barometer having been at Edelman for 11 years working on that, and it seemed like the news kept getting more challenging to use it, to put it deeper mystical.
Eileen Rochford (06:16):
I can only imagine. I mean, you've been at the heart of this, uh, data collection and analysis for a long, long time, and now you're with Argyle, but you're still seeing the data come out. I'm sure it's very concerning to you as it is to the rest of us. And I want to ask, Harlan, I'm sure you've seen this whole thing kind of coming down the pike over the past decade or more. Can you tell us from your perspective what's driving these sometimes massive disinformation campaigns and really how does all of that affect trust and distrust?
Harlan Loeb (06:51):
Sure. So, uh, yeah, it's been in the works for quite quite a long time and I use this phrase a lot, so I'll just tee it up now. And that is the erosion of the sanctity of facts. Um, facts now are, are optional and, um, you can create your own facts set with whatever tropes you feel, uh, convey your message or convey your anger or convey whatever the sentiment and emotion of the day might be. Uh, so it's, it's been good. It's been in the works for quite some time and it well predates, um, it well predates two presidencies actually. So as I, as I look at it or I start thinking about it, the, the, if you remember the movie and both of you might be too young to remember the movie, um, "Good Morning, Vietnam," in which Robin Williams...
Rob Johnson (07:43):
We're not that young, we're not that young. It's a great movie, great movie.
Harlan Loeb (07:48):
...It is an excellent movie. And if you remember, you know, obviously, uh, Robin Williams is this dynamic, uh, morning host for, for the military. And he has, if you look in the background these two, and I think they, they almost in my, my mind as I look kind of traced back in my mind, it looked like they were twins, but the fact checkers that were kind of sitting in another room and kept X-ing out what he wanted to say. So most of what he had to say was censured and, and scripted by the military so that the Vietnam war was portrayed in exactly the terms that the generals wanted to convey. And I think that that's where we, where we are right now is that we have somebody on high in many different ways is kind of scripting the narrative and instead of being one person, it's everybody.
Harlan Loeb (08:39):
And so as I look at, um, the social crisis really, that has unknown dimension now and is, has, this has consequences, the rampant kind of polarization and native populism completely really it erodes any, any notion of the sanctity of facts. Um, as you, as you well know, the social media, the deep web has profoundly divided this country. Social media is from the data that I've looked at the largest source, not only of misinformation and disinformation, but of, of pick your own facts and the addiction that we, many of us have, if not all of us, have to the web and to the kinds of things that we look at and so forth really in, in known and unknown ways is really changing our brain chemistry. And that for me is extraordinarily, uh, extraordinarily frightening. Um, and as I said, the, you know, the populous narratives really, they well proceed.
Harlan Loeb (09:43):
Our most recent president certainly aided and abetted the proliferation of exactly what we're talking about. Um, but as we've been talking about, it was 10 years in the making. And so as we look at our societal institutions, even the military, which has historically been the most trusted entity that we have is down considerably in trust. Um, and other institutions, the Supreme court, for example, is still a trusted entity on the higher end of, of the data on trust, but it's still down 23% last I checked from where it was at it's high. So we're just in a profoundly distrusting society. And as we'll talk about, look, you know, looking at the avenues for change, I think will, is incumbent upon all of us, particularly the United States, uh, and it's possible, it's within reach because I believe the majority of Americans are just kind of watching what's happening, but, but believe in the sanctity of facts and believe in civil society, but are just don't know where to go and how to activate. So I do think that there is hope, um, particularly in light of shows like this and the opportunity to discuss exactly these challenges that we're confronting that seem insurmountable. I do believe that there's hope.
Rob Johnson (11:00):
That's good to hear. And you've heard us define a couple of terms already. We also want to define mistrust and distrust, which are basically synonyms with similar meanings. We mentioned a minute ago about the erosion of trust and social institutions, such as government, business, NGOs, and the media. Let's focus on business here, and Harlan, what are the implications of distrust on businesses? How can it hurt their bottom line?
Harlan Loeb (11:26):
I, in some cases, companies that are profoundly distrusted, there's a kind of what I would call private activism. There's there's, there's individuals and organizations and population sets that will, um, look for the alternative. So if you're, let's say you're looking at big box shopping, and if you profoundly distrust, I don't want to say the name of a company, but I will, if he profoundly distrust Safeway, um, he may go to Walmart. So they, they look at, so if there's an option, obviously they'll pivot. Um, if there's an option and it's no more expensive and they'll make, they'll make a pivot. Um, what I see happening is consumers in particular, what I would call transactional trust. They trust the specific, uh, transaction or encounter that they're, that they're involved in. So for example, if they're investing in Pfizer stock, which has been doing well lately, given COVID, um, if the investment buys the stock, they don't really need to trust Pfizer.
Harlan Loeb (12:40):
They trust in the stock price. And so it's a transactional trust, which is fragile because as soon as stock goes down, they become concerned. All the Pfizer's has done very well. So I do think that there's transactional trust amongst, um, largely US, uh, and beyond, but the US, um, the US in the context of, of how, and in what ways do they still have trust. But again, as I say, it's a transactional trust, which I think is fragile, and they don't really need to pay attention to some of the hiccups in the road that many of these companies have had. Um, and what winds up happening. And this is where I think the trust and distrust collides. And I'm sure you guys, I'm certain, you guys are familiar with Purdue Pharma and all their histrionics that have going on there. So if you look at Purdue Pharma, they were making billions of dollars, essentially creating opioid addiction, um, which I see as a vivid example of the sources of distrust, which is Oxycontin
Harlan Loeb (13:44):
And some of these, these, these, these opioids are necessary and people depend on them, but when you begin to exploit it for, for, uh, material gain and you begin to, to engage in distrust and mistrust campaigns, which they certainly did, um, you're really aiding and abetting an addiction to opioids. But where, where distrust is created across, you know, we're distressed is created, um, or mistrust both, is there filling bankruptcy and absolving themselves of any penalties and protracted litigation. They have privileges these big, large companies that are larger than life have privileges in many ways, granted to them by our Congress and Senate and, and, and political leaders to engage in those kinds of things where kind of the average companies can't. Um, so you have government abled, privileges and loopholes that the rest of our society doesn't have, which is aiding and abetting, as I've said, and contributing it's seriously to distrust because there's, it's, it's not a level playing field. Um, and so, so as you look at those that example, and it's just one of many, our largest institutions, which are the backbone of at least our, our financial system, um, are played by special rules and, and, you know, live in a neighborhood that only 5% of us can ever get, can ever touch.
Eileen Rochford (15:17):
So that's, that's a really interesting observation Harlan. Um, you're starting to tell me more about the next thing that I wanted to ask you, which really is specifically about barriers to trust right now, in this day and age, kind of across the board, you know, building off of the facts and figures we shared, um, from the Edelman Trust Barometer about why people were less trusting as institutions you're starting to get at that, um, the actual barriers. Can you tell us about other barriers similar to the two that you've cited thus far? This is a very big topic, I think that there, there have to be additional barriers.
Harlan Loeb (15:57):
It's a great question. And when I think about all the time and I keep re-litigating what the right answer or, or on-ramp is. So I do think it's, yeah, it's about barriers, but it's also about the lack of greater social connectedness and durable structures for our kind of social engagement and social life. So for example, we'd have little, you know, like, uh, I don't want to say, mini communities, you know, family, friends, uh, you know, a circle of trust because of our, our we're, we're social by design as human beings. And so we have those communities and we have those relationships. So for example, um, if you look at business, you know, the Starbucks near me, there's an affinity that I have and that we all have for wherever are, and I know Rob, you don't drink coffee, but you can get their other options.
Harlan Loeb (16:51):
Um, the, uh, we have there's affinity plays all over the place. You see affinity for companies, for the people that work at a particular company. So I do think that there's hope in terms of connectedness, in what I would say, community level, uh, associations with business, you know, community connectedness with the Jewel that we have two blocks away and the people that work there. So I do think that there is connectedness and reason for hope as it relates to what I would say, mini community, um, structures, business structures, social structures, and so forth, where we have abandoned our, uh, our, our way and given shape, um, to the populists, to the, to the, to those that have their own agenda. Um, I, that continues to be disturbing, but where I see hope and where I see where I see, um, and we experienced it, you know, in client relationships and all kinds of, uh, all kinds of connectedness, whether it's clients, whether it's a social activity, whether it's, whatever it is, there are people by design, crave, concrete, meaning person, purpose, and identity, um, both individually and collectively.
Harlan Loeb (18:17):
So I do think that we do see that, um, what I'm in this, I'm a big fan of David Brooks. So I, I cite him often, um, what David Brooks has said and, and said, well, I think is that American life is really an open space and a, not an, a space not filled with individuals, um, if we're in it, and if we're failing to foster belonging, legitimacy, and trust what we are, what we're confronting as a failure in our largest institutions. Um, and if you look at that, and this is where I think one of the largest sources, if not the largest source of not only misinformation and arguably disinformation, but the biggest source of mortgaged trust, profoundly mortgaged trust, is our Congress, candidly, because they're using their bully pulpits to, uh, really play out in, in, on candid camera, if you will rub their, uh, frustrations of the, of their core constituencies.
Harlan Loeb (19:20):
Instead of working through the institutions, they use their platforms really to raise the profiles, um, in an are what I would consider an are out of control culture, and it just feeds the beast. And I think that is amongst the most dangerous sources of distrust that we have is just a Congress and a government that is profoundly distrusted, and mistrusted, um, yet people are consuming what it is that these particularly with a very divided Congress and Senate, um, they're, they're putting out tropes that are just feeding, uh, anger and populism. And if you can be angry, you must be angry. If you can't be outraged, you must be outraged. I mean that's, I think, one of the largest sources of distrust, and I do think what, where we're going to need Eileen to kind of roll back is to say, okay, let's localize this let's localize. If we begin to kind of put, put the dots on a map or put together an X, Y grid, if you localize, you'll see promise for sure.
Rob Johnson (20:25):
Well, and I think you're giving people the red meat that they want. And you're, um, while you're sitting here talking about all the problems and the problems are many, I'm glad that we're sitting here also trying to come up with solutions as well. For those of you who aren't sure what you're listening to, this is the, "Can You Hear Me?" podcast, Rob Johnson, Eileen Rochford and our special guest today, Harlan Loeb, thrilled to have him along. So I think everybody's becoming more familiar, especially those in the C-suite and leadership positions about the term ESG, which is Environmental Social Governance, which are a set of standards for a company's operations that socially conscious investors use to screen potential investments. Now it's basically investing in companies that are doing good in and for society. So, how focused, Harlan, should companies be on this now? It's a thing. And how tripped up can a company get if it's walking the walk, but it's not, it's talking the talk, but it's not walking the walk?
Harlan Loeb (21:20):
Excellent question. Um, so ESG, as I understand, it really started out as kind of an investment structure, a wall street framework, uh, for investing, um, query, whether there was, you know, bottom-up, top-down and side-to-side, really commitment and reshaping the way in which social governance, um, is constructed and construed. And I, and I do think that we're still in the state of kind of a toggle between those that really say, you know, this is the opportunity where we need to be servant leaders, and this is the opportunity and the framework to do that. And then I think there are others, particularly in the financial services space where their, their governance, if you will, their governance, um, standards and their governance commitments are rock solid. But if you look at, at, at, at retail or consumer, really, truly consumer focused and entities and others, most of them really struggle with governance and have the social part down pretty well.
Harlan Loeb (22:28):
And the environmental part, at least in what they say down pretty well. Um, and so for, uh, a concept or a framework, I should say that was really conceived as a capital markets play, um, it does hold, I think, considerable potential for boards and leadership teams to define themselves. It gives boards and leadership teams and the opportunity to take this and define purpose, uh, which is a struggle for many companies. If they say, well, what are you, what is your purpose? Why do you exist? What are you doing that has purpose? What is your social good? Um, many can say, you know, for example, we talked about Pfizer, they're providing absolutely profoundly necessary, uh, vaccines and saving lives and saving, and thankfully in the wake of COVID, uh, COVIDs erosion, uh, we are the beneficiaries of a lifesaving, lifesaving, uh, vaccine, you know, on the other hand, what are that social good?
Harlan Loeb (23:30):
That is social purpose, but what else, what other accountabilities are there in the SG framework? So I think companies are really grappling with it. And it depends, as we say, in the law, you take your planets where you find them. Um, I think some companies are, are many, in fact, one we're working with right now are really struggling, are they are, they're walking to use your phrase, Rob they're walking and talking at the same time, but not sure which is which. Um, and so I think for particularly in financial services, they're still struggling to define purpose because of the transactional nature of many financial service firms, um, and banks that would include in that. So I think we're on the right path. I, I don't think there's sufficient clarity, and I think everybody's looking for this, and it's trying to find who, who has clarity, who is the genie in the bottle that we need to pull out to help us really define an animate, what each of the E S and G mean in each of their silos individually and collectively what they mean and define that, and to help companies find their, find their Klieg light to direct them in the ways in which they need to go in order to, to really create an ESG plan.
Harlan Loeb (24:51):
That's not the investment based. The only, that is really that helps them define who they are as companies and create identity in ways, uh, which I think are absolutely critical.
Eileen Rochford (25:03):
I'm curious, Harlan, is there an example that you could give us maybe of a company or an institution that has, or have good ESG intentions, but poor execution and that the execution that was so poor reputationally?
Harlan Loeb (25:22):
Um, so again, there's a number I'm trying to avoid clients here. Um...
Rob Johnson (25:30):
So many clients who he has to take a while to like, okay, I don't want to go down the list there.
Harlan Loeb (25:35):
...there, there, there are two right now that are just struggling. They're just, they're kind of like, I don't know, I'll use the expression, "They can't find their Fanny with two hands on this." They've got one, the governance part down, then I'll use this unbelievable ironclad in governance. They've, it's an Illinois based company just to keep us in the same jurisdiction. Um, it's an Illinois based company, a wonder couple company that very few people have heard of. They don't have any real presence online. They don't there, there's just there's, so they're, they're very good at, on the governance trump, because they know it well. And they're transactionally minded. They have no idea what ENS mean and literally not. And we're, thankfully we have experts in the space, uh, here in the US and in Canada. Um, the woman in Canada is actually grew up in Baltimore.
Harlan Loeb (26:27):
So she has insights on both sides of the fence and they're struggling. They just, they've never had a construct like this. There's, there's no context for them in the E and the S park. And until recently, when they were, when, um, they were asked, the question is whether or not they would underwrite drilling in the Arctic and in Alaska where they, and they, they, they, they weren't, no one was taking out policies or anything like that. But the question, the open question was, and it's obviously a contentious question- would you support even profoundly necessary drilling, um, fuel up near Alaska and in the Antarctic? And they didn't know how to answer the question because they had no framework in the E and the S part to have a context for what defines, how they vet that question. And so we've been working with them to try to, for now, they, because they're not, they're not underwriting that.
Harlan Loeb (27:27):
And they're, they're not have been asked to they're, they're able to take, put out what I would say, a fairly prosaic holding statement, but it's something they need to grapple with. And we keep pushing them. You've got a great opportunity here because you're not on the hot seat just yet to, to, to begin to create a framework for answering that question, answering the question as to, what are, what are your guardrails for financing and, and issuing policies on those kinds of things? And it's been, uh, it's been fascinating cause they they'll engage with us, but then they get a bit overwhelmed and they kind of pushed back. And this, I say with all, all affinity for lawyers, it's being run by their general counsel, the general counsel is running, which tells you everything you need to know. And a wonderful lawyer. It has nothing to do with that is running the ESG program.
Harlan Loeb (28:18):
It shouldn't, that's, that's fine to have the lawyer involved, but they need the people with the social, you know, the social intuition, which many financial firms just don't have. There's just, that's just not in the DNA historically financial services. So it's, it's, it's a great opportunity for them because they're one of the more successful companies that no one's ever heard of. Their investors, uh, you know, that the investors are huge, you know, at State Street it's, um, Mr. Fink's Farm, I'm forgetting the huge firm in New York. Um, they've got almost half of their, of their shares are held by huge, huge companies like State Street and Vanguard and it'll come to me in a second company and all of them very committed to ESG, but reasons unknown, I mean, they all are playing in the SG space, particularly Mr. Fink, but query what it actually means.
Rob Johnson (29:17):
Well I think you bring up a great point, Harlan, because, um, I know when I'm giving advice to some of my clients and they're letting the, everything, I would always say bounce that off the lawyers. That's the smartest thing that doesn't mean let the lawyers run the whole show because, um, their sensibilities and the sensibilities of people, other people in the C-suite, um, are, are not always aligned. They're partially aligned, but they're not always aligned. So let's make sure we differentiate between handling a crisis of a company's making and reputational resilience, which would be in part weathering a disinformation storm that would be out there. So, Harlan, what does CEO need to be thinking about when it comes to these? (Loeb): Just information storm? (Johnson): Yeah. Well also, I mean, listen, I was sort of differentiating between, okay, you have a crisis, you have to deal with it. That's one thing. And, and it, it happened because of something at the company. And then there is what other people are saying about you that may not be true. The disinformation storm that you just referenced, how does a CEO, how does a leader deal with that?
Harlan Loeb (30:23):
Carefully. Um, carefully and constructively. I, um, yeah, so, right, exactly. And it's a good point. I mean, so I think the, the disinformation or misinformation, usually if they're doing, if they're, they should be the first and hopefully our many companies are the first to see kind of the, the, the, um, I guess the, the embers, you know, those are the kind of dull flame that's kind of growing. They they're the monitoring, the analytics, the kinds of things that companies are, are, are using now. And it's becoming far more affordable and far better on analytics. They all see it. They see, they see those kinds of things. Assuming that they're not the source of it themselves, which creates, that's a whole other question. And it's, unfortunately there's a lot going on in that space too, but they see it well before anybody else does. So they see kind of the, the, the, uh, the fuse kind of being lit.
Harlan Loeb (31:35):
And so I always say servant leadership, transparency, candor, and proactive engagement, particularly on bad news. And I, again, I use a litigation, uh, litigation context for that. If you're, if you're in litigation and you have the opportunity to speak first, and there is really bad news, there is, there is a, it kind of a, uh, a cancerous part of your, of your case, define it on your terms. Get it out there on your terms and define it, take the, you know, take the oxygen out of the issue, not entirely, but frame it in your terms. So if, make it clear to the, you know, to the, make it clear to the jury, make it clear in your, your early pleadings. Uh, this is a lot of lawyers just supposed to be afraid to do this, but the good ones aren't because the good, the good, good lawyers are really strategists and not will.
Harlan Loeb (32:33):
And lawyer second, strategist first, and they're outstanding. So define the issues on terms as best you can. So those companies just are afraid to do that because most CEOs- boards are a little different now- but most chairman and CEOs are absolutely petrified of the unknown. They crave predictability and certainty with such a, it's almost like your nails going into like, you know, going into rod iron. And so what we've pushed companies to do over and over again, we've had greater success, ironically, as everything is known, no matter what. So you might need to get out there because it's going to get out there. So servant leadership, transparency, accountability, define your issues. You know, as we say, in the law, candor to the tribunal, own your mistakes, um, and provide clarity and direction of what you're going to do. Here's what, and I think if you look at, um, United Airlines and I worked on this with a big team for in the early days when the, if you recall, and it was covered, sure Rob, you covered this,
Harlan Loeb (33:40):
But, um, when United Airlines on one of the flights out of Chicago had to exit a passenger who did not take well to being exited, uh, and the situation was not handled as nicely as it can. And United out of the gate, unintended, um, out of the gate, didn't handle it well. They didn't, it didn't get to Oscar Munoz quickly enough. It was handled by somebody lower in the ranks and they, they had an opportunity to own a mistake and they absolutely blew it. They then owned it in ways in which, um, servant leadership operates at its best where Oscar just owned it. And unfortunately had a heart attack in the middle of it all, uh, or a hard episode in, uh, and, uh, that's when I got involved, but over the, over the year, year and a half United just turned it around, turned it around, completely owned their mistakes, uh, were completely profoundly candid, um, and their performance up until up until COVID for all airlines, but their, and their performance, their performance and, and reputation went up.
Harlan Loeb (34:48):
I mean, it was down obviously in the wake of that, but it was, it went up higher than it was before the, before the, uh, passenger exiting. So if, if you can begin to operate and kind of owning your mistakes, don't hide behind the lawyers. Don't do any of those kinds of things, own your mistakes. You're, you're to build trust, you have to own your issues and, and own your, your challenges and be very clear and transparent about it and interact with most companies again, and their leaders are petrified because they lose control when they do that.
Eileen Rochford (35:19):
So, Harlan, I'm really curious, um, they're talking about responding how a company can respond well, when confronted with a situation that obviously they were not prepared for at all. Um, but absent to that in a normal course of business, what should companies be doing to kind of fill their trust bank and build reputational resilience in this current environment? What advice do you have on that?
Harlan Loeb (35:46):
Ask the right questions, look at your stakeholders set, both, you know, full stakeholder set. And again, for each company, it's a different nuance stakeholders means a lot of things, in a lot of different ways, but ask to engage with your, engage with your audiences, engage with your stakeholders before they, they seek you out. Um, so for example, we were talking about ESG. You know, if you were to look at that, what do they think? You know, how do it, what do they think about and whether it could be shareholders, it could be your top shareholders. Uh, what do you think about ESG? What do you think about our approach? How are we integrating strategy with risk? Is it, is this working? What do you think? Um, and not just the board, don't just rely on the board. Um, you'd look at you, look at, um, does it come, and this is really hard for companies and this there's a lot of data on this.
Harlan Loeb (36:43):
So as a side note, almost every company I know if it's doing well is in some form of transformation. Most companies don't recognize early enough that transformation, constant transformation is the, this is just the way in which our, our capital markets and, and most, I would even say small cap on up companies have to look at the world and have to look at the changing dynamics of everything we've talked about and more of our operating environment. So engaging with those that who really give you license and enable your existence and enable your profitability, enable your, um, brand value and your brand profile, what are the, what are they thinking and what, what can they contribute to your transformation, uh, efforts? And so I think I don't, I don't think companies do a particularly, shouldn't say company, most companies don't do a particularly good job of, of surveying if you will, their constituents to get a sense that nailed is of good of good governance in, in Washington, to get a sense of what their constituents think and what they need and where their sentiments are and so forth.
Harlan Loeb (37:55):
So I, that's where I think companies have to engage as citizens, if you will, as citizens, coast citizens, well, with our, you know, with our citizenry. And, um, and I just don't see that happening with this, with the dimension and kind of connectedness that needs to happen. And the irony of it all is given all the instability, the distrust, all the things that we're, we're encountering right now. And the, if you can be outraged, you must be outraged. And there's no, there's no side, but my side. Now is the time for companies to begin to engage and take, you know, and kind of, um, dial down the anger, Geiger counter. Um, so I do think we see, you know, we see good, good CEOs do that. Good CEOs, not only talk to their board, but good CEOs and Oscar Munoz used to do that, will show up at the airport and ask passengers how they're feeling about United and tell them I don't, I'm literally using the word, you know, BS out loud. I don't want that. I want you to tell me how you, what your experience has been. It's what he did in the wake of, uh, United issue.
Rob Johnson (39:05):
I'm glad you're bringing it up Harlan because, you know, the United thing was very high profile. And I think a lot of people, not only in the media, but also communications professionals were sitting there thinking, why did it take them so long to get it right? Because once they got it right, to your point, it was like, that's the way you're supposed to do it. But on the front end, they're a big corporation, which leads me sort of to my next question here. And I'm not trying to make this sound self-serving for all of us to, you know, this is not, this podcast is not an exercise in business development. It's an exercise in sort of learning best practices, but I've found and I'm sure Eileen and Harlan you've found as well, that there's a challenge, getting people and companies to be self-aware enough to understand that they need this help. They're so focused on the bottom line sometimes. And here's what we need it's right in front of me, sometimes this need, isn't something that's, you know, um, right on their plate necessarily. It should be. So how do you get these companies to understand that in this day and age, especially with social media, especially with disinformation and misinformation, that this should be a priority for company X?
Rob Johnson (40:17):
I think it, it, it kind of
Harlan Loeb (40:21):
Kind of hearkens back to what I was saying a bit earlier, I think, and eager to get your thoughts. I, I, again, I think it, it, it, it's kind of the shoe leather campaign. You know, I remember when I, I spent two years before going to law school, I'm sorry, year and a half before I went to law school, working on a campaign for a, um, a congressmen in Milwaukee that was running for US Senate. I wound up backing out when Herb Cole got into the race and he could outspend him by five, 10 fold. Um, and I just watched how he engaged. He didn't, he didn't believe in opportunity cost. He believed that if he could show up to a, uh, a, um, an event in pick a pick a place in Wisconsin, uh, like in Racine, thank you. That was very close.
Harlan Loeb (41:13):
I was thinking of the ones way up north in Wisconsin. He could, we could be in Racine, Wisconsin for the event of, uh, some organization. And then at the same time, drive up to Eau Claire, Wisconsin to be, to be with, um, Obey in, uh, Congressman Obey the next day or the next or that evening. So he didn't really know the definition of opportunity costs. So I, I look at companies, I don't care what size they are and how, how well they think they're doing and how ivory tower the chairman or CEO might find themselves, um, humility and engagement with your stakeholders. Because if, because of the point I made earlier, because we're in a constantly transforming society now, more than ever, because it's very difficult to get a sense of where your constituents are in any moment because it's fluid and it has increasingly fluid and skeptical and so forth.
Harlan Loeb (42:09):
But creating that kind of connectivity is essential. It's absolutely essential, no matter how big you are, because all it takes is a kind of Purdue Pharma type bad, uh, bet or, or thinking that they're larger, you know, larger than life, which a lot of these, a lot of these institutions unfortunately do either willingly or not is to get a sense of what your, your core constituents want and how it's fluid and what's changing. And again, I don't, I don't know that leadership teams are equipped to do that. They don't know who who's the person who does that and how do they do it, which seems very kind of basic. But I do think that there's, there's, we're always talking about, depending on what the crisis of our crisis of the decade is, is are these new, I remember, you know, new governance structures or, um, when Me Too hit they were starting.
Harlan Loeb (43:05):
And I did a ton of work in the Me Too space, bringing on new people in companies to deal with those kinds of things. So every time there was a bit of an issue, there's somebody who comes in as kind of the tsar of that challenge or risk, instead of looking more holistically at what, you know, what, what, and where are the opportunities and where are, where are we falling short? And it just, I think they've outgrown or they feel that they have outgrown any sense of kind of interconnectedness and, and engagement. And I think that's profoundly dangerous. It's going on forever, but now it's really, it's, there's a real referendum in play right now because you can't trust, and it goes back to where we started almost all societal institutions at this part at this point. So make it personal.
Rob Johnson (43:53):
Well that's, this is great stuff, Harlan, and we can't thank you enough. I mean, we've gotten into misinformation, disinformation, mistrust, distrust, reputational resilience, ESG, a lot of topics that we've talked about today. Are there, are there any final thoughts that you have, um, as we wrap this thing up today?
Harlan Loeb (44:12):
And I've been blessed and yet the two of you are part of this to have people, um, to know almost everybody I want to say everybody I know, but most of the people with whom I engage and I'm certain, it's true for the both of you, really believe in purpose, really believe in the sanctity of fast and the sanctity, of, of integrity and the sanctity of purpose. And I think the majority of Americans live their lives, whether it's sounded from a religious perspective or social perspective in principal directed ways. Uh, I think our government has done us a great disservice, but our communities for the most part, despite what's going on in neighborhoods with shootings and so forth. But the majority and people are taking positions on that. The majority of us are well-intended, want to live wholesome fulsome lives and are committed to purpose, integrity, and doing the right thing. Where we're falling short is how do we, how do we in this age of, and this is the irony, the age of greater connectivity to everything than we've ever had, we've been profoundly distracted by that connectivity because it's not the right form of connectivity.
Harlan Loeb (45:25):
It's, it's transactional connectivity, it's momentary connectivity. It's like that. And I don't even know my kids use it where you can type something out and it disappears within 30 seconds. So nobody can trace it. We live in that world and I, but I do think Snapchat. Thank you. Um, so I do think that we need to, we kind of got to dig down and build community kind of, as I say locally, because I do think that we'll, we can get beyond this, but it will take a lot of effort, hold Congress today, you know, hold Congress accountable and to hold other institutions that are just going outside the lines, if you will, um, to hold them accountable- you can't laugh. In my mind, Purdue Pharma filed for bankruptcy to avoid litigation and to avoid accountability. Somebody has got to step in there and say, no, that's not happening. We're not going to allow it. That's not a, that's not a democratic society. That's not as civil society that allows a big company like that, that's made billions at the expense of a lot of people who've died from overdosing on opioids. That's not accountability. That's, that's arguably criminal behavior.
Eileen Rochford (46:41):
Well, I appreciate and applaud your glass half full perspective here and agree with you that we can dig deep here. Um, and there's, um, a brighter future ahead, but we all have to work together, like totally agree with you. And thank you for that perspective Harlan.
Harlan Loeb (47:01):
I think we have to believe in people and I don't know what choice we have and there in my life, I've been blessed and I'm certain you have to most of the people I know are people of integrity and purpose and conviction. And, and while we're all trying to delete lives in a very, very busy, disconnected environment, I think as we look at our kind of local institutions, whether they're religious or social, or, uh, educational professional circles, there's a lot of psychic income out there. A lot of, as my dad used to say, psychic income out there to keep us encouraged and keep us focused on, on those that are doing the right thing. Those are kind of that think and engage in ways that we're used to. I think it's a profound minority of our public that's driving, it always is, that is driving much like Europe in the, you know, in the 1930s and 40s, a very small public it's driving everything. And we need to address that.
Eileen Rochford (48:05):
Yes, we absolutely do. Well, thank you. This has been an extraordinary discussion on what I think all of us agree is this vital topic for C-suite executives and business leaders. They need to consider all of this when it comes to managing their companies through this really new set of value propositions that, um, have profound implications for all of us and for every organization. I'm Eileen Rochford, CEO of The Harbinger Group. Thanks for joining us for another episode of "Can You Hear Me?"
Rob Johnson (48:36):
And I'm Rob Johnson, president of Rob Johnson communications. Coming up on the next episode of "Can You Hear Me?" diversity equity and inclusion DEI. It's become a major focus of most corporations, but if you want to weigh in, what will you have to do to satisfy your customers, your clients, and your employees? We'll dig into that on the next episode of "Can You Hear Me?" We hope you'll join us then. And we thank you for joining us today.
Eileen Rochford (49:00):
And thank you for being with us Harlan.
Harlan Loeb (49:02):
My pleasure was a privilege. Thank you.
REFERENCES:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/10/collapsing-levels-trust-are-devastating-america/616581/
https://time.com/5929252/edelman-trust-barometer-2021/
https://knightfoundation.org/articles/restoring-trust-in-a-polarized-age/
Sources cited during the show:
-https://www.edelman.com/research/edelman-trust-barometer-special-report-covid-19-demonstrates-essential-role-private-sector
-https://www.fastcompany.com/90620428/how-to-get-employees-ready-to-return- to-the-office
GOOGLE: -https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6795820412941946880/?updateEntityUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_feedUpdate%3A%28V2%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6795820412941946880%29
Goldman Sachs https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6795728996601532416/?updateEntityUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_feedUpdate%3A%28V2%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6795728996601532416%29