Smart Talk Series

Join Melissa as she kicks off Season Five by discussing the importance of representation and cultural competency. Passing the Mic This season, we're passing the mic by interviewing industry specialists who shared their expertise in Melissa's new book, "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know". Topics covered: The importance of representation Experiencing cultural incompetency The Invitation Theory How to #PassTheMic Actions to take: Consider what you represent in your work and through your actions Think about what makes people similar Embrace new and different people Practice inclusivity in everything you do Resources mentioned: Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know: https://www.mvw360.com/book "Cultural Competency Is a Must for All": https://www.prsa.org/article/cultural-competency-is-a-must-for-all PRSA Conferences: https://www.prsa.org/conferences-and-awards/conferences MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

Season finale! For the last episode of season four, Melissa reads the introduction from her book, "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know." Topics covered: - Recap of the season - Melissa's journey to becoming an author - The introduction of "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know Actions to take: - Get yourself a copy of "Smart Talk" today! - Buy a book for someone for you know who's interested in PR! Resources mentioned: - "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know": https://www.mvw360.com/book - MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ - PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

Marketing takes on a lot of definitions, but at its core it should be about promoting something positive. In this week's episode, Melissa talks with Sherí Barros, Vice President of Global Sports Brand Alliances for the American Cancer Society, about her trailblazing career in cause marketing. About Sherí: Sherí Barros is an award-winning brand executive with a body of work spanning 20 years across some of the most recognized sports entertainment brands. She currently serves as the Vice President of Global Sports Brand Alliances for the American Cancer Society. At the intersection of corporate social responsibility and cause marketing, she leads a team managing partnerships with major sports leagues, brands, and talent to advance the mission. This includes working alongside the National Football League to lead one of the most impactful cause partnerships in pro sports: the NFL's Crucial Catch initiative to fight cancer. In 2019, Sherí was named an inaugural jury member of the Cannes Lions 'Entertainment for Sport' awards, one of the most prestigious global marketing awards in the world. She has served as an Adjunct Professor of Marketing at New York University, and guest lectures for UCLA's Center for Management of Enterprise in Media, Entertainment & Sports (MEMES). Topics covered: - The path to sports marketing - An introduction to cause marketing - Building a career through trial and error - Creating brand advertising - Engaging a global audience - Key marketing lessons - Promoting social good Actions to take: - Move towards what inspires you - Understand your brand identity - Meet people where they are - Learn from brand missteps - Stay curious Resources mentioned: - American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/ - NFL Crucial Catch: https://www.nfl.com/causes/crucial-catch/ - Hockey Fights Cancer: https://www.nhl.com/community/hockey-fights-cancer - Coaches vs. Cancer: https://www.cancer.org/about-us/our-partners/coaches-vs-cancer.html - Aceing Cancer: https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=593 - Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html - MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ - "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essential All Pros Should Know": https://www.mvw360.com/book

The operating system for being human is a lot simpler than you'd imagine. We are all driven by our values. But what are these values? And how do we use this information to better understand each other? This week, Melissa talks to David Allison, the trailblazing founder of the Valuegraphics Project. About David: David Allison is the Global Values Leader, Human Behavior Expert, and Founder of the Valuegraphics Project. After decades in marketing, David recognized that demographics weren't working. Gender roles are blurring, age has nothing to do with how we behave, and our income doesn't change what's in our hearts. It's our values that drive our behavior. So he launched the Valuegraphics Project to create the first accurate inventory of core human values for everyone on Earth. After 750,000 surveys in 152 languages, we now have a complete directory of human decision-making, and innovative organizations like PayPal, Lululemon, and the United Nations Foundation are connecting with people in new, more profound ways — by honoring what they value. Topics covered: - Discovering Valuegraphics - Why demographics are obsolete - America's top value points - How personal values evolve - When Valuegraphics intersect with marketing - Using value-driven data Actions to take: - Look beyond typical demographics - Use the three tell-tale questions - Make your stories about something that matters Resources mentioned: - Valuegraphics: https://valuegraphics.com/ - "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essential All Pros Should Know" book: https://www.mvw360.com/book - "Innovate with Valuegraphics": https://www.prsa.org/article/innovate-with-valuegraphics - "We Are All The Same Age Now": https://valuegraphics.com/books - MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ - PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

What do you consider the "general market"? As a country, our marketing needs are as complex as our identities. This week, Melissa talks to the CEO and founder of APC Collective, Audrey Ponzio, about her communications agency's groundbreaking work in mindful marketing. About Audrey: Audrey Ponzio is the CEO & Founder of APC Collective where she and her team develop communications and community engagement programs to help clients grow their reach, relevance, and impact. Specializing in integrated and inclusive campaigns, Audrey has developed best-in-class programs for leading brands including Google, Audible, GE, Starbucks, Kraft Foods, Unilever, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Time Warner Cable, American Heart Association, Girl Scouts, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Sprint, Delta, and PepsiCo, among others. Topics covered: - The path to multicultural marketing - Juggling identities - The "why" behind APC Collective - What is means to be mission-led - Examples of trailblazing work - How pros can be more inclusive - Audrey's legacy Actions to take: - Give your work meaning - Hire diverse-owned firms for more than diversity work - Don't let your location limit you - Take conversations to bigger places - Use your time wisely Resources mentioned: - APC Collective: https://apccollective.com/ - LatinWorks: https://www.latinworks.com/ - "Time Inc.'s People en Español Reveals Findings from Exclusive Workplace Study: Latina@Work": https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160815005797/en/Time-Inc.s-People-en-Espa%C3%B1ol-Reveals-Findings-from-Exclusive-Workplace-Study-LatinaWork - Texan by Nature: https://texanbynature.org/ - Jarritos: https://jarritos.com/ - "APC RALLIES COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT JARRITOS' MINI-FILM": https://apccollective.com/project/apc-rallies-community-to-support-jarritos-mini-film/ - MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ - PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

What is public relations' role in achieving health equity? Listen as Melissa discusses diversity and inclusion in the healthcare industry with Senior Vice President at FleishmanHillard and health equity trailblazer, Thomas Bennett. About Thomas: Thomas is an MBA-educated, military veteran with over 20 years of combined experience in Public Relations (PR), Sales, Marketing, Diversity & Inclusion, and Business Development. He has devoted over 14 years of his career working for companies and organizations in the healthcare industry due to his passion and commitment to achieving health equity. Currently, Thomas is Senior Vice President at FleishmanHillard, a global PR agency that was recently named Agency of the Year by PRWeek. Topics covered: - The importance of public relations in healthcare - Introducing health equity - The evolution of diversity & inclusion - How to start working in D&I - Becoming a D&I champion - Going above and beyond in your day job Actions to take: - Ensure your communication is fair and accurate - Your lived experiences can enlighten your work - Become an ally - Look internally before you fix external problems - Address D&I problems head-on Resources mentioned: - The Public Relations Society of America: https://www.prsa.org/ - Deloitte: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en.html - Melissa's PRSA articles: https://www.prsa.org/author/melissa-vela-williamson - MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ - PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

Even in an evolving field like public relations, sticking to the fundamentals is a strategy you can always bet on. This week, Melissa talks to Robert Dilenschneider, the founder and CEO of The Dilenschneider Group about his trailblazing journey through the changing world of public relations. About Robert: Robert Dilenschneider is the founder and CEO of The Dilenschneider Group, a global strategic counseling and public relations firm, headquartered in New York. He previously served as the CEO of Hill & Knowlton. He serves on several boards, including the Institute of International Education. Topics covered: - Getting into public relations - What inspired the new edition of "The Public Relations Handbook" - Reflecting on major changes in public relations - Defining environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria - Key lessons in public relations - Why public relations matters Actions to take: - Always refer to the fundamentals - Create short and powerful messages - Be honest - Build character Resources mentioned: - The Public Relations Handbook: https://www.amazon.com/Public-Relations-Handbook-Robert-Dilenschneider/dp/1637740611 - The Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/ - MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ - PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

When you leverage your heritage in your marketing strategy, you create new opportunities to cultivate meaningful connections with your consumers. Melissa sits down with Yvonne "Bonnie" Garcia, Founder and CEO of MarketVision to talk about her groundbreaking career in Hispanic marketing. About Yvonne: Yvonne "Bonnie" Garcia founded MarketVision in 1998 after 22 years in corporate marketing because she saw a void in shopper, promotional, and grassroots marketing that would engage multicultural consumers. Since then, she has expanded the business from "three Latinas and a telephone" into a multi-million-dollar Culture. Inspired. Marketing® firm that uncovers cultural insights through research to make meaningful connections with clients' brands or services. MarketVision has 25 employees at its San Antonio headquarters and satellite offices in New York and Mexico. The firm has created culture-based marketing initiatives for such clients as Coca-Cola, Centers for Disease Control, ConAgra Foods, Continental Airlines, Copa Airlines, FCA Chrysler, Fisher-Price, General Mills, Girl Scouts of America, HEB, Hershey's, J.M. Smucker Company, Kraft Foods, MassMutual, Mazola (ACH Foods), MillerCoors, Mondelez International, Northwestern Mutual, TIAA, University Health System, USAA, U.S. Bank, United Airlines and GO RIO. Topics covered: - Understanding the power of Hispanic marketing - Opportunities for growth and areas of improvement in the cultural marketing shift - Gaining the respect of the Hispanic community - The growing Hispanic market - What inspired Bonnie's "Dale Ganas" book - Advice for Latinas Actions to take: - Leverage your background - Go where the numbers are - Respect and acknowledge your heritage - Understand what people care about - Be fearless Resources mentioned: - MarketVision: https://mvculture.com/ - Coca-Cola: https://www.coca-cola.com/ - The U.S. Census: https://www.census.gov/ - Selena Coca-Cola ad: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/snapshot/selena-coke-ad - "Technology and Spanish Translations" PRSA article: https://www.prsa.org/article/technology-and-spanish-translations - Selena Coca-Cola TV spots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuvenC6pems - "Dale Ganas": https://daleganasbook.com/ - "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essential All Pros Should Know": https://www.mvw360.com/book - MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ - PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

Paving a new path can be difficult, especially when people are resistant to change. This week Melissa talks to Gini Dietrich, the founder, CEO, and author of Spin Sucks, to discuss how she pioneered a new way to look at communication integration with the PESO Model™. About Gini: Gini Dietrich is the founder, CEO, and author of Spin Sucks, host of the Spin Sucks podcast, and author of Spin Sucks (the book). She is the creator of the PESO Model™ and has crafted a certification for it in partnership with Syracuse University. She has run and grown an agency for the past 15 years. She is co-author of Marketing in the Round, co-host of Inside PR, and co-host of The Agency Leadership podcast. Topics covered: - The origin of the PESO Model™ - Benefits of PESO Model Certification™ - What pros get wrong about communication planning - How to implement the PESO Model™ in strategy Actions to take: - Don't be a friend, be an advisor - Make time to invest in your professional development - Embrace integration - Repurpose content - Trust your instincts - Unlearn your behaviors Resources mentioned: - Spin Sucks: https://spinsucks.com/ - PESO Model™: https://spinsucks.com/the-peso-model/ - PESO Model Certification™: https://spinsucks.com/academy/peso-model-certification/ - Christopher Penn: https://www.christopherspenn.com/ - LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a596833/create-a-newsletter-as-your-linkedin-page?lang=en - MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ - PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

Taking on an uncharted path alone can be as challenging as it is rewarding. This season, we're focusing on Communication Trailblazers who followed their calling into unexplored territory and left a trail for those behind them to follow. Join Melissa as she kicks off season four by discussing her evolution from a solo pioneer to a professional trailblazer. Topics covered: - Defining a "trailblazer" - Sharing hard-learned lessons - Finding inspiration in unlikely places - The hazards and rewards of trailblazing Actions to take: - Take your torch and clear a path for those behind you - Answer the call for change - Make the journey even when it's never or rarely done Resources mentioned: - Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know: https://www.mvw360.com/book - Frozen II (2019): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4520988/ - MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ - PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

Season finale! For the last episode of season three, Melissa is joined by a surprise guest: Smart Talk Series Podcast Producer Jennifer Navarrete! About Jennifer: Jennifer Navarrete has been podcasting since 2005, believes everyone has a story to s...

Don't be performative, strive to be transformative. This week, Stephen Macias, President of MulitCultural Comms & PR at Rogers & Cowan PMK, joins Melissa to discuss the necessity and impact of multicultural communications. About Stephen: For almost 20 years, Stephen Macias created communication and public relations strategies that connect brands to consumers in the LGBTQ community, communities of color, and female-driven initiatives. Macias founded the D&I practice at MWWPR in 2014. During his time at MWWPR, he built an award-winning Diversity and Inclusion practice covering consumer lifestyle, diverse film and television projects, and nonprofits. He's worked with clients like Hilton Worldwide, Doritos, Amazon, FX, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, and LA Pride. With an increasingly divided consumer base across the U.S., Macias has now at taken his work to one of the world's leading agencies, Rogers and Cowan/PMK to continue navigating successful campaigns for global clients with innovative approaches to reaching diverse communities. Topics covered: - The evolution of multicultural communications - Tips for improving diversity efforts - Great examples of multicultural campaigns - Utilizing valuegraphics Actions to take: - Don't use a cookie-cutter approach - Listen to understand - Think about the "why" - Combine your lived and learned experiences - Be confident about who you are and proud of where you came from Resources mentioned: - Doritos Dia de las Muertos campaign: https://youtu.be/KJ_RSP_EK0E - Mastercard campaign with Jennifer Hudson: https://youtu.be/CLUOd2PDZ5k - MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ - PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

No matter what career field you work in, being a strong public speaker is an asset. This week, Melissa talks to Pastor Jonathan Mussett about how to be an impactful public speaker and specializing in faith communication. About Pastor Jonathan: Jonathan Mussett is the Assistant Lead Pastor at Westover Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. He has a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary's University and is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He loves Jesus, his wife Danae and kids Aiden & Alexis, coffee, Whataburger, and Texas BBQ – in that order. Follow Pastor Jonathan on Facebook and Instagram: @jmussett Topics covered: - Discovering a love for public speaking - How to craft your message - Creating value for your audience - Diversity as a priority - Lessons learn from faith communication - Practical tips for public speaking Actions to take: - Study people who communicate effectively - Start with small goals - Begin with the end in mind - Somebody needs to hear your story Resources mentioned: - Westover Hills Church: https://westoverhills.church/ - MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ - PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

Interested in teaching PR or social media? There's a niche for that! Learn more about educating tomorrow's professionals in today's episode with Strategic Communications Professor Karen Freberg. About Karen: Karen Freberg (@kfreberg) is a Professor in Strategic Communications at the University of Louisville, where she teaches, researches, and consults in social media strategy, public relations, and crisis communication. Freberg has experience working with brands such as Hootsuite, General Motors, Breeders' Cup, Facebook, Adobe, and Chipotle. Freberg has written several books including "Social Media for Strategic Communications: Creative Strategies and Research-based Applications" and "Discovering Public Relations". Topics covered: - The path to teaching - The importance of real-world experience - Writing the book on social media - Creating an online community - Designing a curriculum - What to know about becoming an educator Actions to take: - Find ways to gain experience - Create the tools you wish you had - Mix theory with real-world experience Resources mentioned: - Sage Publishing: https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/home - Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/ - Social Media Professors Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialmediaprofessors/ - MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ - PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

In an increasingly digital world, the strategies we use to effectively communicate must evolve to keep up. Learn more about those strategies and other best practices from today's guest, Digital PR Strategist Sarah Evans. About Sarah: Sarah Evans, founder of Sevans Strategy and Sevans Digital PR, is a digital PR strategist, consultant, global brand correspondent and keynote speaker, who works with companies worldwide to create and improve their social and digital PR strategies. Her team is able to advise on branding, marketing, advertising, and public relations. Additionally, Sarah has been a digital correspondent for several companies including Paypal, Cox Communications, MGM International, Cisco, SAP, Wal Mart, Shorty Awards and more. Topics covered: - Defining Digital PR - Trends in PR specialties - The concept of digital legacy - Becoming an influencer - Advising clients on TikTok - Vital digital strategies Actions to take: - Learn from the people around you - Be intentional with your voice - Build relationships with media Resources mentioned: - Sarah's newsletter: https://prsarahevans.substack.com - Public: https://public.com - MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com - PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com

In the communication field, there are two categories that most professionals fall under: generalist or specialist. This season, we're focusing on Communication Specialties. Join Melissa as she starts season three reviewing the pros and cons of specializing and how you can find your speciality areas over time. Topics covered: - Generalists vs. specialists - Discovering your niche How and when to decide on your specialty - Future-proofing your career Actions to take: - Find your passion - Embrace your vantage point - Keep an integrated mindset Resources mentioned: - "Communication Specialties: Generalist vs. Specialist" blog post: https://www.mvw360.com/blog/communication-specialties - MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com - PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com

Season finale! Join Melissa as she wraps up Season 2 by sharing her top three principles for being a socially responsible professional. Topics covered: - How to fix root issues by moving upstream - The importance of doing more good than harm - What being an ally means Actions to take: - Know and do better - Serve people where they - Make your impact a positive one - Recognize your biases and privileges Resources mentioned: - Methodist Healthcare Ministries: https://www.mhm.org/ - Spider-Man: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0145487/ - The Hippocratic Oath: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/first-do-no-harm-201510138421 - The Latina Leadership Institute: https://www.sahcc.org/latina-leadership-institute - "How to Be a Good Friend": https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/how-be-good-friend - MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ - PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

The pandemic left a lasting impact on countless industries. As hybrid work models solidify and job listings start to multiply, the HR industry is settling into its new mode of operations. This week, Melissa is joined by Christina Stokes, the Senior Vice President, Director of Talent Acquisition at RUBENSTEIN. About Christina: Christina Stokes is the Senior Vice President, Director of Talent Acquisition at RUBENSTEIN, a New York City based strategic communications and reputation management firm with a roster of 400 clients representing leaders and groundbreakers across industries. Christina is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, as well as the PRSA New York chapter, and she is a contributor to the monthly PRSA Strategies & Tactics newspaper with her column, Hire and Seek. She also is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management. She has extensive expertise developing and implementing high-level talent acquisition strategies, coupled with employer branding and visibility initiatives. She is passionate about refining and enhancing employee engagement, company culture, and diversity and inclusion efforts. She currently serves as co-chair of RUBENSTEIN's inaugural DEIA Council. Prior to her role in leadership with RUBENSTEIN, Christina was the Director of Talent Acquisition for MWWPR. Earlier, she worked within recruitment/staffing firms (Phifer & Company, Stephen-Bradford Search, TTS Personnel), and she even spent time in market research (SIS International). She lives in Queens, NY with her partner, her daughter, and their two black cats. Follow Christina on Twitter: @NewYorkRoses Follow Christina on Instagram: @nycroses Connect with Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina803/ Email Christina: [email protected] Topics covered: - The pandemic's impact on HR - The current state of the PR job market - Outlining upcoming trends - Identifying challenges in talent acquisition - Employee retention challenges Actions to take: - Take time to refresh your connections - Maintain authenticity in virtual spaces - Be intentional - Shift with the times Resources mentioned: - RUBENSTEIN: https://rubenstein.com/ - PRSA: https://www.prsa.org/ - HBOMax's Locked Down: https://www.hbomax.com/feature/urn:hbo:feature:GX_3YsgTKcK_CSwEAAAAp - The HR Magazine Summer 2021 Issue: https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/hr-magazine/summer2021/Pages/default.aspx - MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ - PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

2020 was the year of virtual events. 2021 is a bit more complicated. How does what we know now about tech and safety standards inform event planning in a world that's going back in-person? This week, Melissa talks with Janet Holliday, the President and CEO of The CE Group, about event planning in a pandemic world. About Janet: Janet Holliday embodies a rare combination of strategic vision, tremendous leadership skills, and the "can-do" attitude that it takes to plan, position, promote and produce some of the most successful large-scale marketing events in the country and around the world. Janet's name has become synonymous with excellence when it comes to executing the highest level of strategic marketing events as part of comprehensive marketing programs for companies and organizations of all sizes. Her entrepreneurial spirit has launched the CE Group, Inc. into many areas of experience-based marketing, including its six core services: Event and Production Management, National Sports and Events Marketing, Destination Management, Venue Management, and Integrated Communication. Learn more about the CE Group: https://cegroupinc.net/ Follow the CE Group on Instagram: @thecegroup Follow the CE Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCEGroup/ Follow the CE Group on Twitter: @thecegroup Connect with the CE Group on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecegroup/mycompany/ Connect with Janet on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetholliday/ Email Janet: [email protected] Topics covered: The evolution of event planning The future of virtual events Navigating a time of recovery and discovery How to decrease anxiety and increase joy Protecting clients from liability concerns Actions to take: Have a strong contingency plan Create clear guidelines Add some meaning to your routine Talk about the worst case scenarios Lead with responsibility Resources mentioned: PRSA: https://www.prsa.org/ To-Go For Good: https://safoodbank.org/togoforgood/ United Way: https://www.unitedway.org/ MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

Digital strategy can influence minds and drive behaviors towards making a change. So, what happens when marketers use our tools to bring awareness to social issues? This week, Melissa is joined by Cedric F. Brown, the Director of Digital Strategy at A Call to Men, to dive deeper into diversity, equity, and inclusion. About Cedric: Cedric F. Brown, APR, is the director of digital strategy at A Call to Men, an organization working to transform society by promoting healthy and respectful manhood. Follow Cedric on Twitter: @abrothanamedCed Connect with Cedric on LinkedIn: /in/cedricfbrown Learn more about Cedric: cedricfbrown.com Topics covered: What it means to be more than a publicist How PR professionals practice social responsibility How DEI is being approached in the industry today Raising boys into good men Leveraging digital strategies to educate and inform When and how to get involved in social issues Actions to take: Be your authentic self Build bridges and relationships Ask others to contribute to the conversation Take ownership of your story Seek to understand before asking to be understood Resources mentioned: A Call to Men: https://www.acalltomen.org/ PRSA: https://www.prsa.org/ Ben and Jerry's: https://www.benjerry.com/ MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

It takes a village to support a great cause and a make a difference. From matching donations to getting over 200,000 people vaccinated, WellMed is an expert in utilizing their community to make a positive impact. This week, we hear from Brittany Pratt, the Vice President of Social Responsibility at WellMed Medical Management, on mobilizing and investing in your community. About Brittany: Brittany Pratt, a San Antonio native, earned her Bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Master's degree in Interpersonal Communications from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She landed an internship as an undergrad at the Children's Shelter of San Antonio where her career in the non-profit industry began. She moved on to work for Girls Inc of San Antonio and then to her alma mater, UTSA, to fundraise for research and scholarships. In 2016 Brittany made the jump to the corporate world and is now in the social responsibility space at WellMed Medical Management. Follow WellMed on Instagram and Twitter: @wellmedgives Follow WellMed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/activeseniorsWCF Learn more about WellMed: www.wellmedcharitablefoundation.org Email WellMed [email protected] Topics covered: How WellMed defines social responsibility Jumping into action when your community is in need Getting started in social responsibility Current initiatives that are making a positive impact Lessons learned Actions to take: Meet people where they are Cut barriers to access Focus on what matters now Have philosophical conversations Set realistic goals Access your personal network to do something good Resources mentioned: The Children's Shelter of San Antonio: https://childrensshelter.org/ Girls Inc. of San Antonio: https://www.girlsincsa.org/ Meals on Wheels: https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/ The Texas Ramp Project: https://www.texasramps.org/ WellMed Charitable Foundation: https://www.wellmedcharitablefoundation.org/ United Way: https://www.unitedway.org/ MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

Corporate social responsibility has many definitions, but no matter how you define it, most take into account: ethics, trust, responsibility, service, and societal impact. After learning how to navigate through turbulent times in Season One, let's learn how to responsibly build a better future. In the first episode of Season Two, Melissa introduces this season's focus: Practicing Social Responsibility. Topics covered: Defining social responsibility How to get started on practicing social responsibility Actions to take: Practice social responsibility in your personal life Ask tough questions Collaborate strategically Be thoughtful and planful Resources mentioned: United Way: https://uwsatx.org/ PRSA: https://www.prsa.org/ American Marketing Association: https://www.ama.org/ Little Free Library: https://littlefreelibrary.org/ MVW Communications: https://www.mvw360.com/ PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

After a year as turbulent as 2020, there is one word Melissa has in mind: Restoration. In the inaugural Smart Talk Series episode, Melissa reflects on the lessons learned in 2020 and how communicating during tough times challenges professionals. Topics covered: - Silver linings from 2020 - How to communicate with your audience - Adaptable crisis management - Evaluating your processes to create meaningful change - Next steps for restoration throughout 2021 Actions to take: - Establish a one-word theme for 2021 - Don't forget to remember the "why" when you lay out the "how" - Embrace our new hybrid world - Plan with pencils - Diversify your approach Resources mentioned: - My Intent Project: https://myintent.org/ - Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html - Meals on Wheels San Antonio: https://www.mowsatx.org/