The media has questions for Tesla. After eliminating its PR department last year, Tesla doesn’t appear to have answers. The Los Angeles Times story “Tesla’s Handling of Breaking Bug in Public Self-Driving Test Raises Alarms” reflects the latest missives aimed at the auto maker: Tesla pushed out a new version of the experimental software suite …more
Two recent hires asked if they could push out their start dates by a week. They explained that a three-week notice period would be a huge help with their current employers. We needed both of these individuals yesterday. Why should we care about easing the pain of two competitors? Yet, we agreed to the extra …more
I came across this photo of Heather and my parents rambling the streets of Singapore a few years ago to celebrate the Agency’s 20th anniversary of operating in the region. It triggered several thoughts on the role our global footprint (Europe + Asia + U.S.) plays across business and life in general. Sure, our expertise …more
Back in 2015 I wrote that PR’s version of the industrial revolution was underway. Just like the industrial revolution recast the world of manufacturing, digital, the mobile phone and general fight for attention were reshaping communications. We’re also seeing more of those life-is-better-than-fiction events. Who can forget the Republican Party landing at Four Seasons Total …more
All communication consultancies periodically encounter Procurement before contract sign-off and embarking on the fun stuff with a client. I am not a fan of Procurement. They always claim to be there to help the agency and make sure everyone — both the agency and the in-house PR department — enjoy a “happily ever after.” Yet, …more
A recent interview on NPR’s Fresh Air caught my attention. Terry Gross is interviewing Time Magazine journalist Simon Shuster about the dodgy relationship between Rudy Giuliani and Andrii Derkach, a Russian intelligence agent. The two did their best to sabotage Joe Biden during last year’s presidential campaign. At one point, an incredulous Gross asks if …more
Understanding a workplace calls for the skills of an archeologist. You might walk into an office and see lava lamps and more versions of trail mix than available at Whole Foods. You might see posters proclaiming the wonders of teamwork. You might see Herman Miller office chairs with spine friendly lumbar support. But the physical …more
I’ve said this before and continue to believe it. The PR profession under-appreciates interviewing expertise. It starts in college. Try to find a curriculum for mass communications or PR that offers a class on interviewing. Good luck. Every journalism program in the country tackles the art of the interview. But PR curricula ignore the topic. …more
Years ago we resigned a big brand account in the consumer electronics space. I think the statute of limitations has run out, 10+ years, so I can share the name. You’ve probably heard of them. Sony. At the time we supported their consumer electronics business in the U.S. handling their video camcorders, cameras and laptops. …more
