Lana McGilvray

As our world gets more fraught and complex, audiences are increasingly choosing news sources which are more visual, reports are more watched, less read, with YouTube continuing its rise. The implications of this trend for deep understanding of difficult issues is worth pondering. More people are concerned about how to grapple with the rising torrent of fake news, and many having doubts about how AI might be deployed by newsrooms. Edelman has partnered with the Reuters Institute for this annual report as we are all in the business of communicating and good, credible and trusted information is critical to everyone in that process

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Authenticity is key for senior executives to be influential on LinkedIn, but not every leader finds it easy to engage genuinely. 🔸In episode 342 of our For Immediate Release podcast, Shel Holtz, SCMP, and I explore how communicators can help executives craft authentic online personas and build influence and trust, focused on LinkedIn, with practical examples. I also dive into this topic in a new blog post published today, arguing that authenticity opens the door to success. Communicators must guide leaders who struggle with authenticity, identifying formats or mediums that play to their strengths. Take a read and listen to our discussion ⬇️ #Authenticity #Communication #LinkedIn #FIRPodcast https://lnkd.in/eMu9D48j

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In our latest episode of #imPRessions, David H. Dancer talks with co-hosts Jennifer Lewis and Kalli Vetrano about how to rebrand flawlessly. Having led iconic rebrands across industries, David shares the do's and don'ts of revamping a brand. From communicating changes to customers instead of surprising them to phasing in modifications, Dancer's advice is truly 💯. In this episode, David breaks down famous fails like Twitter/X and wins like Dunkin shedding "Donuts." Are you feeling inspired to modernize your business? Tune into this episode before starting your revamp. #Rebranding #BusinessBranding #MarketingStrategy #MarketingPodcast #BusinessPodcast #LinkedInMarketing #podcast The Pollack Group

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The October monthly episode of our For Immediate Release podcast explores critical communication trends. Shel Holtz, SCMP, and I discuss six compelling topics, including Reddit's potential for crisis comms, the state of blogging in 2024, ethical concerns in celebrity news coverage, workplace connection challenges, and AI's impact across industries. In a blog post, I've set out some key takeaways that present opportunities for communicators, including leveraging Reddit for stakeholder engagement and preparing to guide organisations through AI adoption. Read more and listen now for valuable perspectives and insights on navigating today's complex communication landscape. https://lnkd.in/e5_CcMR2

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Build Resilience from the Inside Out. What separates the good from the great in high-pressured careers like PR? According to research, 75% of performance is determined by character - not competence. In this episode of #imPRessions, Peter Rea shares how developing virtues like courage, compassion and hope can help you thrive under uncertainty. If you want to boost your ability to perform under pressure, stream this episode. The Pollack Group

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The @PageSociety just released its newest report Beyond Communication: CCO Leadership in Navigating New Complexity. The findings underscore the CCO as an ever-more-essential partner with the CEO in defining and activating corporate character. Read more here: https://hubs.la/Q02x4nPQ0

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📢 The Rise of the Hybrid CCO: The role of the Chief Communication Officer (CCO) is evolving at an unprecedented pace. In episode 424 of our For Immediate Release podcast, Shel Holtz, SCMP and I discuss a groundbreaking trend highlighted in research by the Observatory on Corporate Reputation (OCR): the emergence of the CCO-Plus role. ❓What’s Happening? CCOs are increasingly taking on additional business functions — marketing, HR, sustainability, and more — leading to new titles like Chief Communication and Marketing Officer (CCMO) and Chief Communication and Sustainability/ESG/Impact Officer (CCSEIO). According to the OCR, CCO-Plus roles have surged 88% since 2019, outnumbering traditional CCO roles in Fortune 1000 companies. 🤔 The Big Question: Is this trend towards hybrid roles enhancing organisational efficiency, or does it risk diluting the focus and effectiveness of these critical functions? As the lines between communication and other business functions blur, we might soon see even more integrated roles, like a Chief Communication and AI Officer (CCAIO). 🔊 Join the Conversation: Read my take on this topic, and listen to Shel's and my discussion of these questions in our latest podcast episode. Is your organisation adapting to this shift? How do you see the role of the CCO evolving in your business? #cco #corporatecommunication #FIRpodcast https://lnkd.in/esEb84Mx

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Comms Pros know - more than most - words matter. But sometimes, we use language that undermines our value. In-house stakeholders aren’t “clients.”  → We’re shoulder-to-shoulder partners. P&L centers shouldn't be called “The Business.”  → We're part of the business, not a subordinate function. Reinforcing an "us'" and "them" mindset is a disservice: It positions us as a less strategic function and makes us less effective. Ultimately, our job is to protect & promote brands and reputations. - Our roles are critical. - Our opinions are essential  - Our voices / expertise truly matter. We're Strategic Partners, not Service Providers.

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Now that curation has earned its way into more and more programmatic circles, it's only fitting that Pesach Lattin has dived into the question "are all data curation solutions interchangeable?" Spoiler alert - they aren't, which makes this article a must read both those who are already capitalizing on curation and those just getting started. Drew Stein Audigent Ted Smith Greg Williams Jake Abraham Gina Cavallo Chris Meredith #data #curation #programmatic #programmaticdata

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Nothing is more critical to successful engagement with your brand’s stakeholder audiences than the strength and distinctiveness of your stories and business narrative. Yet so much of what we encounter is less interesting, captivating and alluring than what it could be. Here's the path to greatness.

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Building Influence Through Thought Leadership. Thought leadership has become essential for brands to connect with today's informed consumers seeking expertise. By sharing industry insights and guidance, brands establish credibility while navigating complex markets. This article reveals how thought leadership helps brands demonstrate knowledge and commitment, building trust with customers and partners. It discusses how providing valuable content positions brands as reliable resources and positively affects purchasing decisions. Brands attain higher visibility and influence by developing authentic, expert-driven materials addressing industry challenges and trends. This approach requires a careful balance of education and branding. Are you curious about how your brand can become a respected thought leader? The Pollack Group's Leadership Now and Connect to Lead solutions provide roadmaps on cultivating an influence platform distinct from competitors. #PR #ThoughtLeadership #LeadershipNow #ConnectToLead #branding

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On Saturday, Elon Musk told his followers on X, “You are the media now.” Media democratization isn’t new, but it is accelerating. Check out this new piece from Weber Shandwick's Brad Burke offering fresh insights on the implications for businesses and brands. Highlights include: The 'media network effect:' The 'media network effect' means that everyone—from legacy media outlets to meme accounts—has the potential to shape public narratives. Insufficient strategies: Traditional media strategies are no longer sufficient. Media diets are increasingly personalized. Engaging with influential creators and communities has become even more essential. AI’s role in media: AI is transforming how news spreads. The future media ecosystem will be defined by machine-readable information. Companies must optimize their content to inform AI models before audiences even search, marking an 'owned media renaissance.' Profitable polarization: Polarization is not only politically effective but also profitable. Objectivity is less lucrative than algorithms that reaffirm biases. Advancing narrative intelligence: Deeper narrative intelligence has become essential, and AI can help test a broader range of messages and predict how stakeholders might respond. Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3CAv2KG. Would love to know what you think.

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💡 From the fediverse to the Kamala Harris election campaign, SEO, and more: Insights in FIR 425. In this episode of our For Immediate Release podcast, Shel Holtz, SCMP, and I explore six key topics that are shaping the future of business, communication, and technology: 🔹 Fediverse and Digital Sovereignty: We discuss the growing disillusionment with platforms like X and the potential for governments to establish their own instances on the fediverse to maintain digital sovereignty and control over public discourse. 🔹 The Decline of Individuality: A recent study shows a significant decline in people’s desire to stand out over the past 20 years, which has implications for society and how businesses engage with their audiences. 🔹 Corporate DEI Backlash: With growing political and social backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, some companies are scaling back their efforts. But are they abandoning these goals or just changing how they communicate them? 🔹 Impact of Disabling Social Media Comments: Research reveals that disabling comments on social media can harm the perception of influencers and public figures, making them appear less sincere and likeable. 🔹 Kamala Harris’s Gen Z Campaign Strategy: We delve into how Kamala Harris’s campaign successfully engages Gen Z voters by mastering platforms like TikTok and leveraging influencers to drive massive engagement. 🔹 AI and the Future of SEO: The rise of generative AI and concepts like 'zero-click search' are changing the SEO landscape, with new strategies needed to maintain visibility in an increasingly AI-driven search environment. 🔊 For a deeper dive, listen to episode 425 of the podcast - check out the full blog post with audio player here: ⬇️ #Podcast #BusinessTrends #AI #DEI #DigitalMarketing #SEO https://lnkd.in/eCM9mj9d

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https://lnkd.in/gSNGxFQp The Spencer Stuart annual CMO Tenure Study offers compelling insights into the evolving role and stability of CMOs, particularly noting the tenure stabilization at 4.2 years for Fortune 500 CMOs. It's intriguing that B2B CMOs tend to have longer tenures compared to their B2C counterparts, with 4.5 years versus 4.0 years respectively. This difference likely reflects the distinct challenges and market dynamics each sector faces. The study also highlights the increasing trend of CMOs taking on broader responsibilities and the significant number of first-time CMOs being promoted internally, suggesting a strong emphasis on leadership development and succession planning within organizations. It is great to see that women now represent half of Fortune 500 CMOs. I believe it's important now for companies to turn their attention to improving development and support systems for diverse high-potential leaders. #CMOtenure #B2BMarketing #Leadership #WomeninMarketing

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🔍 Exploring the Uncomfortable Truths of Innovation 🔍 "Failure is not just an option, it's a necessity." Dive into a riveting discussion on the essential role of failure in innovation with Dr. Samuel West, curator of the Museum of Failure, on the latest episode of Innovation Storytellers. Learn why embracing risk and acknowledging our missteps is crucial for progress. Failure isn't just about setbacks; it's about paving the way for true innovation. 🎧 Listen now for groundbreaking insights: Lessons Learned at the Museum of Failure https://lnkd.in/eivtBwNg #Innovation #Podcast #Failure #Management

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Suzie Lewis is a phenomenal interviewer. If you want to get to the heart of transformation, listen to her fantastic podcast. We got into the nuts and bolts of how stories can be a catalyst for transformational ideas, taking action, and getting others on board to carry your transformation forward. Please take a listen and see the links below. Thanks Suzie! #transformation #innovationstoyrtelling #management

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Exciting Wrap-Up Alert! 🎙️ Listen in as Elaine Pofeldt turns the tables and interviews our host, Chris, about visionary leaders transforming the world. If you've always believed in the power of people over profits, join the revolution today! 🌟 https://lnkd.in/g2bxU5r6 So thrilled to announce that The Social Capital Revolution: Season One Wrap-Up with Chris and Elaine is live today on our podcast. In this wrap-up episode of Social Capital Revolution's first season, host Chris is interviewed by executive editor Elaine Pofeldt, discussing the movement's mission to redefine success in business through a people-centric approach. Chris shares insights from his journey in founding Social Capital Insider and the Dave Alexander Center for Social Capital. The episode highlights interviews with visionary leaders like John Mackey and Bob Chapman, who emphasize caring for employees and customers as a pathway to business success. Chris also discusses the role of AI and practical principles for fostering people-centric cultures. Listeners are encouraged to explore resources at www.socapcenter.com, visit the Substack and connect with Chris on LinkedIn. Some highlights include: -Introduction to the Social Capital Revolution -The Origin Story of Social Capital Insider -Challenges and Shifts in Business Practices -Practical Pillars of People-Centric Companies -Success Stories of People-Centric Leaders -Navigating the Job Market and Finding People-Centric Employers -Guidance for Leaders in Non-People-Centric Companies -The Role of AI in People-Centric Companies -Future of People-Centric Companies Dive into our Season One Finale as we redefine business success—the REAL bottom line is PEOPLE. #SocialCapitalRevolution, #podcast, #peoplecentric

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Another insightful post from Eleanor Hawkins at Axios Communicators on the importance of succession planning in the communications function and the skills tomorrow’s comms leaders need. This quote from Korn Ferry resonated with me: "What's required for the rising stars is really going to be more enterprise leadership and a broader skill set - functional expertise is going to be table stakes," he said. "Business and financial acumen, the ability to work as a problem solver and an interoffice diplomat are things that are going to be the differentiators for the next-generation talent." I couldn’t agree more. 💯 Being a successful comms leader isn’t just about expertise in the field; it’s about leveraging that expertise to address business challenges, truly understanding the nuances of company operations, and showing up with executive presence. The ability to stay calm under pressure and connect across the C-suite and leadership team is invaluable. While comms leaders might not own a P&L like other executives, their impact on business success is significant and far-reaching. Succession planning for this function should be a priority, just like any other.

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