Can You Hear Me?

The use of artificial intelligence has skyrocketed for businesses as they try to figure out how to incorporate this revolutionary tool into their day-to-day operations. AI now drives content creation, research, and on a broader scale, technology. However, we need to remember it lacks a human component, a component that is now seen as vital for many company leaders. Join “Can You Hear Me?” co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford as they explain “Why Your Human Voice Matters in an AI World.”  Recommended ReadingHarvard Business Review - Bring Human Values to AI [LINK]Communications Leaders of Chicago - Major AI-Human Communications Research Project Launched by DePaul and Chicago PR Leaders [LINK] Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Tune in on Wednesday, April 17th at 12 PM CST for this brand new episode.AI's widespread adoption in businesses has surged, revolutionizing operations. It powers content creation, research, and technology. But amidst its prowess, it lacks a human touch, deemed crucial by many leaders. Join hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford on 'Can You Hear Me?' as they delve into 'Why Your Human Voice Matters in an AI World.' Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

The Marketing and Communications fields have undergone a massive transformation over the last 40 years. Last episode we had Ron Culp, a veteran of the journalism, government, corporate, and agency world on to tell us where the business used to be. Today on “Can You Hear Me?”, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson welcome Ron back to tell us where he thinks it is headed as we glean “More Wisdom from a Marketing and Communications Legend.” Meet Our Guest: Ron CulpPrior to joining DePaul and becoming an independent public relations consultant, Ron Culp held senior public relations positions at four Fortune 500 corporations and two major agencies. Ron’s career spans a broad range of communications responsibilities in government and industry sectors including business-to-business, consumer products, pharmaceutical, and retailing. Previously, Ron was a corporate officer and senior vice president, of public relations and government affairs, at Sears. Earlier in his corporate career, he held senior communications positions at Sara Lee Corporation, Pitney Bowes, and Eli Lilly. Ron and his DePaul colleague Matt Ragas are co-authors of business-focused books for PR professionals entitled "Business Essentials for Strategic Communicators" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014) and "Business Acumen for Strategic Communicators" (Emerald 2021) and they jointly edited "Mastering Business for Strategic Communicators" (Emerald, 2018). In 2018 and 2019, Ron compiled and edited three editions of an eBook entitled, "The New Rules of Crisis Management." Connect with Ron Culp on Linkedin! Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Tune in on Wednesday, April 3rd at 12 PM CST for this brand new episode.Discover the evolution and future of Marketing and Communications with industry veteran Ron Culp. In the latest episode of 'Can You Hear Me?', hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson delve into 'More Wisdom from a Marketing and Communications Legend.'Meet Our Guest: Ron CulpPrior to joining DePaul and becoming an independent public relations consultant, Ron Culp held senior public relations positions at four Fortune 500 corporations and two major agencies. Ron’s career spans a broad range of communications responsibilities in government and industry sectors including business-to-business, consumer products, pharmaceutical, and retailing. Previously, Ron was a corporate officer and senior vice president, of public relations and government affairs, at Sears. Earlier in his corporate career, he held senior communications positions at Sara Lee Corporation, Pitney Bowes, and Eli Lilly.  Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

The PR, Marketing and Communications worlds have undergone significant changes over the years, and with AI and other technologies, the future is uncertain. Join “Can You Hear Me?” co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson as they interview longtime master communicator Ron Culp about “The Future of Marketing and Communications from a 40-Year Industry Veteran.” Meet Our Guest: Ron CulpPrior to joining DePaul and becoming an independent public relations consultant, Ron Culp held senior public relations positions at four Fortune 500 corporations and two major agencies. Ron’s career spans a broad range of communications responsibilities in government and industry sectors including business-to-business, consumer products, pharmaceutical, and retailing. Previously, Ron was a corporate officer and senior vice president, of public relations and government affairs, at Sears. Earlier in his corporate career, he held senior communications positions at Sara Lee Corporation, Pitney Bowes, and Eli Lilly. Ron and his DePaul colleague Matt Ragas are co-authors of business-focused books for PR professionals entitled "Business Essentials for Strategic Communicators" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014) and "Business Acumen for Strategic Communicators" (Emerald 2021) and they jointly edited "Mastering Business for Strategic Communicators" (Emerald, 2018). In 2018 and 2019, Ron compiled and edited three editions of an eBook entitled, "The New Rules of Crisis Management." Connect with Ron Culp on Linkedin! Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Tune in on Wednesday, March 20th at 12 PM CST for this brand new episode.Join 'Can You Hear Me?' co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson as they explore 'The Future of Marketing and Communications from a 40-Year Industry Veteran' with longtime master communicator Ron Culp. Meet Our Guest: Ron CulpPrior to joining DePaul and becoming an independent public relations consultant, Ron Culp held senior public relations positions at four Fortune 500 corporations and two major agencies. Ron’s career spans a broad range of communications responsibilities in government and industry sectors including business-to-business, consumer products, pharmaceutical, and retailing. Previously, Ron was a corporate officer and senior vice president, of public relations and government affairs, at Sears. Earlier in his corporate career, he held senior communications positions at Sara Lee Corporation, Pitney Bowes, and Eli Lilly.  Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

In the world of marketing, there are brands and voices that often dominate discussion and awareness. But how can lesser-known, up-and-coming voices be heard? Join “Can You Hear Me?” co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson as they welcome former Vice President of Public Relations at Ulta Beauty, Eileen Ziesemer, to discuss her experiences helping to elevate new voices at one of the most influential brands in the beauty industry. Meet Our Guest: Eileen ZiesemerWith a belief that the greatest work is not work at all, Eileen Ziesemer’s 20 years of experience inform how she leverages communications to solve problems, add value, push boundaries and win. Focused on strategic storytelling, her entrepreneurial spirit and people-first style bring insight-based strategies to life and drive meaningful results. Honored by PRWeek as a “40 Under 40” honoree in 2019 and a Woman to Watch in 2021, Ziesemer’s career includes leading roles such as vice president of PR at Ulta Beauty and managing director of the U.S. Consumer Practice at MSL.Connect with Eileen Ziesemer on LinkedIn! Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Tune in on Wednesday, March 6th at 12 PM CST for this brand new episode.Discover how to amplify new voices in marketing as 'Can You Hear Me?' hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson chat with former Ulta Beauty VP of Public Relations, Eileen Ziesemer, in Episode 61.Meet Our Guest: Eileen ZiesemerWith a belief that the greatest work is not work at all, Eileen Ziesemer’s 20 years of experience inform how she leverages communications to solve problems, add value, push boundaries and win. Focused on strategic storytelling, her entrepreneurial spirit and people-first style bring insight-based strategies to life and drive meaningful results. Honored by PRWeek as a “40 Under 40” honoree in 2019 and a Woman to Watch in 2021, Ziesemer’s career includes leading roles such as vice president of PR at Ulta Beauty and managing director of the U.S. Consumer Practice at MSL.  Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

We all know how vital communication is to the success of companies and organizations, but sometimes it’s the little things. On today’s episode of the “Can You Hear Me?” podcast, co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen talk about how doing those little things can have a big impact on those who work for you because “Keeping Colleagues in the Loop Costs Nothing.”Recommended Reads:The Economist Intelligence Unit - Communication Barries in the Modern Workplace - LINKNorthStar Leadership Training - Statistics on why effective communication is important in the workplace - LINK Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

If you have a client or you are a client, being on the radio can be one of the most effective ways to get your message out to the public. They typically have more time than other platforms, which can allow you to really make your case to an external audience. But “What Makes a Great Radio Interview”? Join “Can You Hear Me?” co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson as they ask WBBM Newsradio Anchor Rob Hart that very question. Meet Our GuestRob Hart, a Chicago native with over 20 years of experience on some of the great radio stations in the Midwest. His radio career started in 2000 at WTMJ Radio in Milwaukee. Since then he has worked at WGN Radio in Chicago, the former WIQI-FM, and 97.9 The Loop. He was also the host of “The Daily Dish” and a Martin Luther King Jr documentary for CBS News Radio.Click the links below to follow the Podcast and Co-Hosts on LinkedIn!Podcast LinkedInEileen Rochford,  CEO of The Harbinger GroupRob Johnson, President at Rob Johnson Communications Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Podcasts, like this one, are exploding in popularity, and with that, it becomes an opportunity for people to become guests on them. It’s a new avenue for PR pros to get their clients on outlets that are less traditional than what they thought of when it came to getting them earned media. In this is episode of “Can You Hear Me?”, co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford share their tips on “How to be an Effective Podcast Guest.”Click the links below to follow the Podcast and Co-Hosts on LinkedIn!Podcast LinkedInEileen Rochford,  CEO of The Harbinger GroupRob Johnson, President at Rob Johnson Communications Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Leadership cultures differ depending on who is in charge at the company. But increasingly, companies that are succeeding are employing communications that drive joyous cultures. In this episode of “Can You Hear Me?”, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson welcome special guest Joy Meserve, a corporate trainer and leadership coach who knows all there is about “Leading with Joy!”Meet our Guest! Joy Meserve is a Corporate Trainer, Leadership Coach, and Business Consultant, After two decades of executive experience in scaling operations and developing leaders, she founded Leading with Joy and is on a mission to make work a place where both people and profits thrive by developing leadership skills across all levels - from new managers to the magic middle to the C-Suite.Through interactive workshops (both virtual and in-person), group coaching, and one-on-one leadership coaching, Joy Meserve focuses on giving leaders the simple tools to become Partner Leaders who can easily unlock employee engagement, increase retention rates, and help people find fulfillment at work. Beyond leadership training, Joy also teaches teams how to effectively navigate change and the essential components of a healthy organization.As the former COO of iD Tech, Joy spent 22 years scaling the delivery and breadth of globally renowned STEM education experiences, serving 50,000 students a year in 6 countries pre-pandemic.  Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Meet our GuestDARCY LUOMA, author of Thoughtfully Fit® and Certified Speaking Professional, is a Master Certified Coach and inspiring speaker. She has worked as director for a U.S. Senator, trusted senior advisor to a governor, and on the national advance team for the White House and two presidential campaigns. As the CEO of Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting, she’s worked in forty-eight industries with more than five hundred organizations to create high-performing people and teams. Darcy balances running her thriving business with raising her two energetic teenage daughters, adventure travel, and competing in triathlons for the last 25 years. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Recommended ResourcesPowell Tate; Part of the Weber Shandwick Collective: “Speak Up,” Americans Demand of Corporate Leaders - LINKScroll down to find a PDF of the full report.    Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

ESG-Environmental, Social, and Governance is a set of aspects considered when investing in companies that recommends taking environmental, social, and governance issues into account. So, what are the reputational and brand implications of pursuing or not pursuing this agenda, and how will it impact your ability to recruit top talent. Join “Can You Hear Me?” co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford as they dig into “The ABCs of ESG.” Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Employee Motivation and Commitment is the lowest since June 2022, according to recent data from the ADP Research Institute. Why are employees feeling less motivated right now and what can be done about it? Join “Can You Hear Me?” co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson as they welcome special guest Mark Heisten,  a brand strategy and enterprise storytelling expert who will answer the question “What do we do about disengaged workers?”Meet our GuestMark Heisten - Leadership LegendMark Heisten more than 25 years of experience in marketing, sales, and business development in global financial services brands and emerging growth start-ups. During his career, he cultivated a reputation as a brand and communications innovator and change agent, focusing on improvements in people, process, and measurement to increase the value of the companies and teams he’s led.Mark is currently an brand strategy and strategic communication instructor at the University of Colorado – Boulder and a founder of an executive storybuilding start-up Leadership Legend, which works with executives and rising leaders to craft reputation-building stories.Prior to CU-Boulder and Leadership Legend, Mark served as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at a FinTech start-up in San Francisco. Prior to that he was the Vice President/Head of Integrated Payments at Worldpay, a leading global payments technology company. There, he transformed the orientation of the team from work-product to work-results – data-driven and outcomes-focused. Mark oversaw the sales and marketing integration of the company’s $425mm acquisition of Moneris US, and shaped the new global business strategy resulting from the $10B acquisition of Worldpay Plc.Mark served as the vice president of business development and a member of the executive team at Vanguard Cleaning Systems, a North American franchise system with more than 3,500 franchisees. During his tenure, he drove an overall increase in sales conversion rates, expanded the global footprint of the brand, and earned placement of the brand in the top 10 in the Franchise 500. Additionally, Mark implemented the company’s marketing automation and Net Promoter Score (NPS) programs, which increased lead flow and retained existing clients more effectively.Prior to Vanguard Cleaning Systems, Mark was the head of commercial product marketing at Visa during the company’s $18B IPO and was the Head of Account Management & Strategy at Nimblefish Technologies, a SaaS-based marketing automation start-up with clients including Apple, Adobe, Microsoft, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, FedEx, Lowe's Home Improvement and the U.S. Army among many others.Mark also worked at several start-ups and integrated marketing communication agencies. His programs earned numerous awards from the PRSA and DMA including a Silver Anvil of Excellence award and ECHO Diamond awards. Mark has worked with numerous clients including: American Express, Apple, AT&T, Adobe Systems, Business Objects, Capgemini, Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, FedExKinkos, Holiday Inn, HP, IBM, IMD, Intuit, Lowe’s Home Improvement, MasterCard, Microsoft, Midas, Owens Corning, Ralston-Purina, Vantiv, Visa and Worldpay.Mark earned his BA in English from the University of Missouri, his MBA from Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business, and is currently finishing his Ph.D. Media Research and Practice from the University of Colorado-Boulder. His research focus is on ethics, leadership, and socio-political engagement by corporations.Mark adheres to the belief that great people make great cultures, and great cultures build valuable brands. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Autumn is upon us. It’s time to think about business back to basics,  tightening up your practices, and planning for the next fiscal year. But how are your messaging and communications? In this episode of “Can You Hear Me?”, co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford discuss the “Relevance Reset: How to Lean on Your Core Values.”  Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Marketing partnerships are an invaluable tool when it comes to growing and appealing to different audiences. But what happens when that trusted partner becomes embroiled in controversy? How should you respond? Join co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson for this episode of the “Can You Hear Me?” podcast, where they discuss “What to do when a Marketing Partner is in Crisis?”Recommended Episodes:Communicating Cleary During a Crisis - Can You Hear Me? Podcast - LINKCorporate Activism: A Slippery Slope? Navigating Expectations and Communications Effectively - Can You Hear Me? Podcast - LINKAdditional Resources:Northwestern hazing scandal: A timeline of events - The Washington Post - LINKA useful guide to defining the perfect sports sponsorship strategy - RTR Sport Marketing - LINK Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Meet our GuestSiddharth 'Sid' BoseSid Bose is a Partner at Ice Miller and the chair of Ice Miller’s Technology, Privacy and Cyber Risk Practice. As an attorney with an information systems and security background, Sid counsels clients on various cybersecurity, privacy, and compliance issues, that range from building up foundational programs, to data breach and incident response counseling, to handling complex legal and regulatory matters. Sid is also an adjunct professor at the Indiana University, Maurer School of Law. Sid teaches at the IU Cybersecurity Clinic on risk management and preparedness in pressing local, national, and global initiatives.Reading ResourcesFederal Bureau of Investigation [Public Service Announcement] - Malicious Actors Manipulating Photos and Videos to Create Explicit Content and Sextortion Schemes - LINKReuters - Tech experts see rising threat of GenAI deepfakes, FBI warns of "generative adversarial networks" - LINKFintech - Ai in the crosshairs: FBI's stark warning of emerging threats from hackers - LINK-Generative Artificial Intelligence has allowed users to quickly create content that is helping them complete tasks more quickly and efficiently. But it doesn’t take too deep a dive to determine that AI can also be used in ways that could harm a company or an executive. In this edition of “Can You Hear Me?”, co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford welcome tech and cyber risk attorney Sid Bose from Ice Miller to discuss “Generative AI Threats to Brands and Leaders.” Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

It is a challenge many companies face today. How do you make sure your messaging for your internal audience, your employees, resonates and gets buy-in before you head out the marketplace to sell your service or product? In this episode of “Can You Hear Me?”,  co-hosts Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford discuss “Unheard Voices: Bridging the Internal/External Communications Gap.”Recommended Read:LiveWebinar Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!