GRC PR 360

Matt Hurst is the Head of Global Corporate Communications at Quest Software. He’s a data-driven, results-oriented tech and AI communications professional who’s been described as "a triple threat" for leading work across external, internal, and executive communications. On this episode, Matt shares insights on communicating complex tech and AI concepts to the public and internal teams, his unique journey from sports writing to tech PR, and his appearance on "Wheel of Fortune."Key Takeaways:- Communicating complex tech and AI ideas- What it's like to be on "Wheel of Fort...

Scott Braswell is a Public Relations Associate at Launchpad Creative. Launchpad partners with financial services firms on tailored marketing, branding, and social media initiatives, helping them launch into their next phase of exponential growth. Before entering the PR world in 2021, Scott spent 6-plus years in the broadcast media as a reporter and play-by-play announcer. In this episode, Scott shares his journey from sports journalism to PR, highlighting how broadcast skills translate into effective public relations strategies. Key Takeaways:- The transition from sports journalism to PR- How to build credibility<p...

Chris Jones is the Senior Vice President at Pierpont Communications. Chris partners with clients to craft strategic communications supporting major transactions, internal initiatives, and crisis management. With 25 years of experience and an engineering background. In this episode, Chris shares expert insights on crisis management, including FEMA-certified communication strategies, and the importance of message discipline. Key Takeaways:- Message discipline and trust in crisis- Developing crisis communication plans- FEMA crisis communications certification Episode Timeline:1:45What's it like to be the calmest person in the r...

Ryan Bowling is the head of two global agencies, THRILL Communications and the newly launched Local Action Marketing, providing on-the-ground marketing services to international sporting associations and brands looking to navigate and activate around major LA global sporting events, such as the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games. In this episode, Ryan shares insights on leveraging global sporting events to create impactful brand stories, navigating international markets, and crafting emotional thrills. Key Takeaways:- Strategies for on-the-ground activation during the 2028 Olympics- Building international partnerships and navigating cultural nuances...

Apurva Sarkar is head of AI strategy at DKC Analytics, where he develops and executes comprehensive technical page optimizations, content creation strategies, and online brand-building opportunities for multiple clients. On this episode, he discusses the how brands can adapt their strategies to stay visible in a rapidly changing AI-driven search environment.Key Takeaways:- Strategies for brand visibility in AI search- The role of social media and user-generated content in AI visibility- AI search market share and trendsEpisode Timeline:1:25The evolution of...

Erin Dolin is the Executive Vice President of The Fletcher Group, a PR and content marketing agency that drives action and long-term impact. As a former journalist and reporter, she has a unique view of the current media landscape, which she recently discussed in a compelling blog post titled "Earned Media's Moment Comes with a Responsibility,” which she discusses on this episode.Key Takeaways:- The role of PR in supporting journalism- The future of journalism- Challenges in online publishing and content distributionEpisode Ti...

David Dickey is the CEO of the Patriot Group, a high-end executive and senior engineer search firm for aerospace, defense, and drone talent. With over 30 years of experience in aerospace and defense, David brings a rare blend to the executive search world: part founder, part operator, part coach, and 100% committed to helping companies hire elite leadership talent. In this episode, David shares insights into hiring trends in aerospace and defense, the importance of leadership, and the impact of stealth-mode startups. Key Takeaways:- Current hiring needs in aerospace and defense- Stealth m...

Stephen Francy is a Vice President at Rubenstein Public Relations, where he leads national and global campaigns across technology, defense, AI, aviation, finance, culture, and emerging industries. He works with founders, CEOs, and public figures to shape narratives at key inflection points—launches, breakthroughs, crises, and category shifts. In this episode, Stephen shares insights on storytelling, humanizing technology, and staying ahead in emerging tech fields like AI, quantum computing, and flying cars. Key Takeaways:- Humanizing complex technology through storytelling- The advent of quantum computing - Taking a stand in t...

Adam Belmont is the founder of A to B Strategies, a communications consultancy where he merges his big-agency experience with the nimbleness of a solopreneur. He’s also “The Podcast Guy” who helps his clients get booked on top-tier shows. In this episode, Adam recounts his journey from agency work to creating his own consultancy. He also shares how to craft compelling brand stories, the art of podcast pitching, and the importance of authenticity in social media content.Key Takeaways:- Adam's transition from agency life to independent consulting- Crafting compelling brand st...

Jodi Holzband is the founder of Classic Bart PR + Communications. A 20-plus-year PR veteran, Jodi started her company to help B2B technology companies cut through the noise, tell stories that appeal to their target audiences, and increase brand recognition. In this episode, Jodi shares her insights on effective B2B PR strategies, the importance of storytelling, and how startups can leverage research and awards to build credibility.Key Takeaways:- B2B PR strategies for tech companies- Working with high-growth companies- Using awards to showcase growth...

Jason Flack is the CEO and Founder of Collective OS, which connects firms with vetted partners so they can win more opportunities, offer more services, and capture more revenue—without hiring or more overhead. He's a serial entrepreneur, focused on helping agencies foster real, meaningful connections that create win-win scenarios for all. In this episode, Jason discusses how trusted partner networks are reshaping agency operations, enhancing flexibility, and leveraging AI for competitive advantage.Key Takeaways:- The rise of collectives and trusted partner networks- How AI is changing the agency landscape<p...

Yury Molodtsov is the COO & Partner at MA Family, leading communications for tech companies such as Miro and Flipper Zero. He's also the creator of Five Finds, a weekly newsletter about the interesting things he discovers at the edge of the Internet. In this episode, Yury shares how startups should approach PR, crisis communication, and how to build a successful newsletter.Key Takeaways:- How to create a successful newsletter- Why AI is no longer a differentiator- Effective crisis communication strategiesEpisode Timeline:1:30...

Rodrigo Schmitt holds a PhD in Space Systems Engineering from Purdue and leads Stellerian’s commercialization strategy as Chief Commercial Officer. He specializes in translating complex mission needs into clear offerings, building partnerships across defense and commercial space, and driving customer discovery, pricing, and go-to-market strategy for on-orbit operations. He's also the co-founder of RocketPy, a widely used Python-based rocketry simulation library. In this episode, Rodrigo shares the latest on space exploration, rocket simulation, and his unique experiences from backpacking the Grand Canyon to analog Mars training missions. Key Takeaways:- Developments in space exp...

Matt Levinson is a seasoned communications strategist with over 30 years of experience in public relations and journalism. Since joining O'Connell & Goldberg PR in 2000, Matt has brought his expertise to a variety of agency clients, including national real estate companies, celebrity resort and restaurant openings, and universities. Matt is also the current Chair of the Urban Land Institute’s Florida Retail Development Council and serves on the Board and Governance Committee for Path to College, a nonprofit dedicated to helping driven, low-income students achieve their college dreams. In this episode, Matt shares insights on crisis communication, community engagement, and the evol...

Kenyada Meadows is the founder of the Executive Parent Company and has over 25 years of experience leading risk and compliance teams on Wall Street. As an executive coach, he teaches how to maintain high performance without becoming a "Hollow Man," a leader who looks successful on the outside but feels empty on the inside. On this episode, he discusses his new book: The New Alpha: Be Three Times the Leader Through Balance, Not Dominance, the importance of work-life balance, and the tell-tale signs that someone is likely to commit fraud. Key Takeaways:- W...

Danielle Mileno is a seasoned communications executive with over 20 years of experience driving brand equity and reputation for premier global companies, and is currently the Managing Director and Head of Consumer PR at M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment North America. On this episode, she discusses the rising popularity of Formula 1 among luxury consumers, the importance of building authentic relationships in micro communities, and the role of cultural power in effective PR strategies. Key Takeaways:- F1's appeal to luxury consumers- Cultural power is about shaping what people care about<p...

Kody Gurfein is the Chief Marketing Officer at Exiger, where she leads an award-winning marketing team that drives revenue growth, educates commercial and government stakeholders on critical supply chain issues, and transforms how the market thinks about risk management and AI. In this episode, she discusses Exiger's growth, mission, and innovative tools, such as ForcedLabor.ai, aimed at addressing forced labor in supply chains. Kody emphasizes the importance of clear communication in marketing, as AEO grows in importance, and offers valuable advice for young professionals entering the field. Key Takeaways:- Mentorship and sponsorship a...

Pete Gosling, Founder of Gosling Media, LLC. is a technology-driven marketing leader with 20 years of experience, specializing in combining strategic vision with hands-on execution. In this conversation, Pete discusses his new book 'Relentless Impact' and the significant changes brought about by AI in the marketing and PR industries. He focuses on the historical context of today's advancements, why everyone is a bit ADHD these days, and why leadership is lacking in the AI era.Key Takeaways:- AI's effect on the comms world- Keeping up at a time of rapid change</p...

Barret Wertz, the New York Post Group's Senior Editorial Director of Commerce, is a lifestyle media veteran with over 15 years of experience in editorial, branded content, and celebrity collaborations. In this episode, he shares insights on building a personal style, the role of gift guides in commerce, and the challenges of navigating Google’s algorithm. He also provides a perspective on current economic trends and consumer behavior, with a focus on value-driven purchasing.Key Takeaways:- How a sense of style can help you with personal branding- The current state of th...

Aaron Berger is the Co-Founder and Principal of A/M Partners, a boutique communications consultancy helping companies tell stories that move markets. In this episode, Aaron discusses the evolving landscape for startups in the AI era. He also emphasizes the importance of cohesive messaging, the role of PR in building brand awareness, and the challenges startups face in navigating the media landscape. Key Takeaways:- Why PR is essential for startups- The key pivot startups need to make- Why personal relationships are important in the AI era <br...