The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

Latest Episodes:

87: Celebrating Juneteenth: Why organizations should have noted the day on social media Jun 23, 2020

Show notes

In the week leading up to June 19, 2020, many communicators were faced with the question: to celebrate Juneteenth or not to celebrate Juneteenth on the company's social media feed. For big brands, the choice was an easy one to make: definitely.

But if you’re that lone communicator still agonizing over your organization’s silence on racism in the month of June—whether in its public statements, internal communications, or commitment to long-term action—you likely need more clarity on how to proceed.

On the podcast, why Juneteenth should not only be acknowledged but celebrated.

Mentioned on the podcast:

86: What To Say About the Lack of Diversity in Your Boardroom Jun 16, 2020

Show notes

As organizations grapple with their responses over recent racial injustice issues, many boards of directors are recognizing the need to change policies at practices at the organizations they govern. However, one overlooked policy could bring the greatest scrutiny straight back into the boardroom - the lack of diversity on the board.

On this episode of the podcast, discussing how the composition up of the board reflects on the organization and sets the tone for future communication Mentioned on the episode:

3 Steps to Take if You’re on a Diversity-Challenged Board by Mary Beth West, MPRCA
Follow me on Twitter @MollyMcPherson.

85: How to Build a Sense of Belonging with Rajkumari Neogy Jun 09, 2020

Show notes

A sense of belonging is a human need. People need personal connections to feel accepted and supported. Without it, the feeling of exclusion can create toxic environments at home and at work.

According to my guest, the key to these personal connections to feel accepted and supported can come from the traits, tragedies, and traumas of our ancestors for over 200 years in our cellular biology.

Rajkumari Neogy is an epigenetic coach and executive consultant who approaches belonging from a neurobiological view - how getting in touch with any deep-rooted trauma can help dismantle toxic work cultures.

Rajkumari has worked with my organizations worldwide, including HelloSign, Slack, Salesforce, Gainsight, Twilio, Google, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Wells Fargo, Cisco Systems, Facebook, United States Digital Service (USDS), Shuddle, HopSkipDrive, and Amazon. In 2013, s/he founded iRestart, which provides expertise in the areas of leadership development and organizational epigenetics. Rajkumari is also the creator of the iRestart coaching framework, the Disruptive Diversity Boot Camp, and the author of The WIT Factor: Shifting the Workplace Paradigm by Becoming Your Optimal Self. Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

84: A Crisis Response Case Study: Minneapolis Police & George Floyd Jun 02, 2020

Show notes

The emotions are raw, the disbelieving television coverage from the protests and riots over George Floyd's death is fresh.

In such a tragic and confusing time, one thing is clear - the actions from four officers from the Minneapolis Police Department created a nationwide outrage that spilled onto the streets of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, and eventually, cities across the country. But did the department's response have a hand in adding to the violence or disorder?

In today’s episode, a three-step process for rapid response. Key communication tactics to insert into crisis management plans to help reduce the threat of a crisis, not incite one.

Mentioned in this episode:

We Work tweet in response to Molly McPherson tweet & Julia Joy reply.

83: How to Bridge the Technical Divide Between Leaders and Employees with Colleen McFarland May 26, 2020

Show notes

For leaders, it's not always an easy task to figure out their employees' needs, wants, or struggles in their job, especially if there is a significant age gap. The risk of losing employees who don't feel connected to the leadership at a company is far greater if an effective line of communication is not in place.

On the podcast this week, how to bridge the gap between leaders who feel out of touch with younger employees. Molly speaks with change management expert Colleen McFarland on ways that connect and engage digitally with their workforce, industry, and community in a way that reinforces their personal and company's strengths.

About Colleen McFarland

Colleen McFarland believes in building relationships. As an expert in change management, McFarland helps leaders prepare and manage for impacts that business changes can have on their customers and employees. In her book, Disconnected - How to Use People Data to Deliver Realness, Meaning, and Belonging at Work, she exposes a truth that cold, hard facts combined with compassion are what is needed to motivate individuals to do the tough work that change requires.

Listen + Subscribe on Stitcher or Apple Podcasts

82: Eating Your Words: Cookbook author Alison Roman's recipe for an apology May 19, 2020

Show notes

“Like, what Chrissy Teigen has done is so crazy to me.” That statement, in part, was one of the reasons why food writer and New York Times cooking columnist, Alison Roman, faced a severe backlash and a place in the Twitter Hall of Shaming after she attacked the business strategies of the face of the Cravings brand along with Marie Kondo - the best-selling author devoted to helping people declutter their homes and live by keeping the items that "find joy." On the podcast this week, a recipe for finding the right words to write online when you have to eat your words.

Molly shares a 3-part response framework for mastering an apology.

Mentioned on this episode:

What Alison Roman Wants (The New Consumer)
Chrissy Teigen response tweet (May 7, 2020)
Alison Roman apology tweet #1 (May 8, 2020)
Alison Roman apology tweet #2(May 11, 2020)

[Bonus] Creative Pivots for Small Businesses During COVID-19 with Marketing Expert, Krista Fabrick May 14, 2020

Show notes

As the impact of the coronavirus quarantines forced many small businesses to close their doors to customers, many small businesses have served up news ways to continue to serve customers and expand their offerings. On this bonus episode of the podcast, Molly speaks with marketing expert Krista Fabrick, who shares advice for small business owners to help simplify and improve their marketing efforts during the downturn in business due to the pandemic.

81: What You Need to Be Telling Your Audience Right Now About Your Pandemic Plans May 12, 2020

Show notes

If you turn on the television or spend any time on social media, there is no doubt you've heard from numerous companies sharing their concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. The ad copy is heavy; the music - somber.

Now more than ever...
In these times of uncertainty...
As the doors may be closed...

It's understandable that many businesses adjusted their advertising, voice-overs, and copywriting to show care and concern for customers during the pandemic. However, when does the somber template become overused and ineffective? When is it time to switch the narrative and tell your customers what they need to hear from you?

The answer is now.

Molly shares a 3-part framework for communicating precisely what your audience wants to hear from you during this phase of the pandemic, or for any crisis impacting your business.

Mentioned on this episode:

Every Covid-19 Commercial is Exactly the Same by Microsoft Sam.
2020 Edelman Trust Barometer Spring Update: Trust and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Marketing expert Krista Fabrick shares strategies for small businesses to pivot during the pandemic. [Video]
Krista Fabrick writes, "3 Ways to "Market" During COVID-19."
Follow me on Twitter.

80: How to Be an Exceptional Podcast Guest with Kelly Glover May 05, 2020

Show notes

Podcasting has become one of the most effective communication mediums today. Whether it's a weekly internal program for employees or sitting in as a guest in an area of focus, leaders can utilize podcasting for optimal reach and influence. On this week's podcast, Molly speaks with Kelly Glover, the founder of the Talent Squad, who helps clients get booked on podcast interviews to reach their ideal clients. In this episode, Kelly shares her tips for being an exceptional guest.

About Kelly Glover

Kelly Glover launched her media career as a Hollywood intern in 2001. She earned her stripes as an entertainment reporter, talent agent, and started podcasting in 2007. Kelly went on to host her own syndicated radio show in 2010 before transitioning into podcasting full time in 2014. In 2017 Kelly experienced the Jerry Maguire moment that led to The Talent Squad. With a single client and just one staff member, Kelly opened the doors to her boutique agency and hasn’t looked back. Kelly’s approach is less but better, radical candor, with a focus on harnessing individual prime productivity windows.

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79: How to Write During COVID-19: 3 Steps to Communicate Better During the Pandemic Apr 28, 2020

Show notes

As leaders and communicators head into month three of responding to the coronavirus outbreak, many are starting to feel the stress creating content.

I know I feel it. However, writing would feel far more overwhelming to me if I couldn’t tap into one of my favorite writing resources: my favorite writing coach, Ann Wiley.

Her workshops have transformed my writing, and now I’m sharing these valuable writing tips with you

In this episode, Ann teaches how to write during a crisis to make your messages clear, compassionate, and confident.

You’ll learn how to balance communicating early and often in an environment that’s changing by the minute.

Mentioned on the episode:

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