Tyler Gamble, APR

CALIFORNIA

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CALIFORNIA

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My early takeaway from PRSA Oregon #CommCon2024 is that the public is facing a real trust issue when it comes to innovations like AI and other emerging tech (and in general). Which raises the question: how do we address the trust crisis in a way that is both authentic and effective? #communications #publicrelations

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On Friday, I had the privilege of joining a panel at the California Women Lead Annual Conference with leading communicators Cassandra Walker Pye, Crystal Young, and Sallie Poggi (she/her) to explore what it takes to productively engage with a multigenerational workforce. The discussion touched on important themes shaping the way we communicate and connect today. One key takeaway was the importance of clearly identifying stakeholders and building trust in an era of growing skepticism. Across generations, people consume information in vastly different ways, making it critical for communicators to be both adaptive and creative. Meeting people where they are—on their terms and at the right time—is no longer optional; it’s essential. We also explored how to build long-term relationships that enhance credibility and demonstrate authentic partnership, especially by collaborating with allies who share our vision. Another cross-generational topic was the impact of Gen Z in elevating mental health as a workplace priority. Their leadership in this space has influenced Gen X and Baby Boomers, prompting a shift in how mental health and work/life balance are viewed across generations. This shift highlights the power of diverse perspectives to create meaningful cultural change. It was an honor to be part of this discussion and exchange ideas with such an inspiring group. The evolving workforce dynamic continues to challenge us, but it also presents incredible opportunities to grow, adapt, and lead with empathy. What are your thoughts on engaging a multigenerational workforce? I'd love to hear how your organization is navigating these shifts! #Aventivworkplace #communicators #CAWomenLead

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"Can we chat about internal communications?" When Shareen Pathak asked me if I could chat with her about internal comms, I jumped at the opportunity. Internal communications—or, employee communications, as I prefer to call it— is the underappreciated backbone of the comms and marketing team. I'm so glad to see more attention paid to this topic and this vital role. Employee communications can't be an afterthought. It's not a "nice to have" (though it's almost always treated as such, especially in smaller organizations), and it's incredibly strategic. Shout out to my internal communicators! I see you, I know your importance, and I will keep singing your praises as long as I have breath in my lungs. Check out this Toolkits.com article for more.👇 ## Does your company have a dedicated employee comms team, or is it part of another role (aka an afterthought)?

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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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CALIFORNIA

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Google largely got its way this week when it reached a deal with California lawmakers to help fund local newsrooms in place of a law that would have required it to pay them. If the bill had passed it would have been the US’ first such law modelled after Canada’s Bill C-18 that came into effect last year requiring Google to pay the Canadian news industry $74 million annually to run its content. Instead Google agreed on a public private partnership deal with the State of California Wednesday committing to fund CA's local journalism in an amount per year that’s significantly less than what it currently pays Canada. (California and Canada have similar populations). Another California bill that's making noise this week is SB 1047. If it’s signed into law, which could happen as early as September, it would regulate AI development and deployment of any company doing business in California that runs large AI models worth over $100 million. The tech giants, most of them operating out of CA, have naturally voiced opposition even calling into question the future of open source AI models if they’re held responsible for policing them under the proposed bill. The bill is expected to pass through the legislature by end of month. More to come on this soon...

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As eloquently put by Eleanor Hawkins in Axios Communicators, there's a recalibration happening as executives navigate how and when to address socio-political issues in the era of Trump 2.0. For corporate communicators, decisions about if, and how, to respond are going to be taking up a lot more of our time over the next four years, if past experience is any indication. Check out the full article at https://lnkd.in/eZCnfVNQ

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How is your comms team getting ready for the November elections? We’re teaming up with The Conference Board to examine how communicators plan to engage with election-related topics. Weigh in here: https://lnkd.in/eifQymcB

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SAN FRANCISCO

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1 Comment

Many excellent presentation tips here from two pros I admire, SAS CMO Jennifer Chase and presentation coach Karin Reed. Jenn notes that knowing her topic isn't the same as knowing how to communicate it. Preparation is critical, and she invests the time to deliver her message in a compelling way.

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🚀 Reality Check for Leaders: Aligning Communication with Action 🚀 Arlington-based Axios HQ's latest report is a wake-up call for company leaders everywhere. According to their findings, there's a significant gap between leaders' perceptions and employees' realities when it comes to communication and alignment with business goals. The report reveals that while 44% of leaders believe their staff are aligned with business goals, only 14% of employees agree. Similarly, 85% of leaders think internal communications are effective, but only 45% of employees find them helpful and relevant. As we navigate the evolving landscape of work, effective communication remains a cornerstone of success. Let's take this report as a call to action to bridge the alignment gap and create workplaces where communication fosters engagement, productivity, and success. #Communication #Leadership #EmployeeEngagement #internalcommunications https://lnkd.in/gb6h-Fse

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Communicators are evenly split on the impact the 2024 presidential election is having on their ability to advance their organizations issues but most have had at least an informal conversation around the outcome of the election. Learn more about The Network's 3rd Pulse Poll exploring pressing comms challenges, emerging trends, and longer-term questions facing the field at the link in the comments! #communications #nonprofit #philanthropy #leadership #learning #community #leadershipdevelopment #storytelling #comms4good #networking #professionaldevelopment #research

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REMOTE

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4 Comments

Tech companies keep missing the mark on what human beings want tech to enable them to do -- and what we want to keep human. That raises troubling questions not just for their AI, but for their overall view of both their technology and humanity as a whole.

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If you're a Communications leader, I can tell you one of the things you love to hear is unsolicited feedback on your strategy. Specifically... what is working for your audience. On Friday, I found out that a recent Governor's appointee had created an alert for my office, the California Office of Data and Innovation, and found her job with the State that way. (the feels!) Second, I learned that our State Chief Data Officer was invited for a keynote after an event organizer saw his story on our channel. She read the blog and quoted it in our conversation! Third, a student assistant was able to tell me in her interview about our new state training program #CalAcademy and all the posts she had seen about it. Keep it simple. Know your audience, measure, gain user research, and focus your strategies there. It works! #PRpros #Communications #tactics #Work4CA

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It could be time to lead with internal communications. I recently attended an Axios Communicators event in Washington, D.C., "Navigating an AI-Driven Election," to learn what's on the mind of top corporate communicators. Through interviews conducted by Eleanor Hawkins, right, of Axios Communicators, we heard from industry experts like Dani Dudeck, left, Instacart's chief corporate affairs officer; Deisha Barnett (UPS president, global communications); Sabastian V. Niles (Salesforce president & chief legal officer); and Ron Bonjean (co-founder, ROKK Solutions). In keeping with Axios smart brevity style, here's a quick hit on what's on their minds: ☑ Employees First: UPS banned the term "employee communications." No longer treated as a separate function with siloed messages directed at them, UPS takes advantage of the power and external reach of their 500,000 employees. Barnett said not all UPS messages are shared through PR, advertising or social media channels, "but reaching our employee base is a lever we always pull." Instacart places a similar priority on honest and open employee communications. ☑ Be Deliberate on Social Issues: Follow a well-defined process for addressing social issues, not a knee-jerk "we need to fire out a statement by the CEO." If it's a go, the statement needs to align with your values and core stakeholders. "If you're a bagel shop you should comment on food security, not Roe v. Wade," Bonjean said. ☑ AI Playground: UPS created a protected environment called the "AI Playground" where their communications team can explore AI tools and techniques, including using AI to predict media coverage based on press releases. Try this: Once your press release draft is completed, drop it into AI and ask "What news story would Axios (or media outlet of your choice) likely write using this information?" TL;DR Summary: Take a new look at internal communications and maybe even lead with it. AI is here to stay, but be strategic and intentional with it. Focus on tone and explore the risks of commenting - or remaining silent - on social issues, but use a process, not a conversation with the CEO. #AI #internalcommunications #PR #publicrelations

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As the first anniversary of Oct. 7 approaches, how have your #ERG programs evolved over the past year? Is there more space or structure at work for interfaith dialogue and inclusive, intersectional comms? Please share this with your comms people doing the work and let me know if you're comfortable sharing your efforts for an upcoming Ragan Communications and PR Daily story. [email protected]

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2 Comments