Can You Hear Me?

About Tam Lawrence: I built my career in public relations before I built media infrastructure. After more than two decades working across brand communications, publishing, and executive visibility, I recognized a structural breakdown in how communities access trustworthy media. Local journalism was collapsing. Civic participation was declining. Digital platforms prioritized algorithms over accountability. That observation led to the creation of PIQSTAR INC., a public benefit corporation engineered to restore civic mass media infrastructure through streaming television. As Founder of PIQSTAR INC. and CEO of Exposure Plus TV, I have invested millions to launch a platform reaching over 1.3 million interested viewers and more than 264,000 loyal subscribers. Our model integrates OTT/CTV distribution with equitable labor frameworks designed to revive displaced journalists, empower local content producers, and create sustainable monetization ecosystems. Our flagship application, Economic Relief for Content Creators, establishes a structured pathway for community-based filmmakers, daytime television producers, and independent journalists to generate revenue through aligned partnerships and fixed-placement media models. This is not simply a streaming platform. It is a civic utility. We are rebuilding local journalism, restoring public access to government proceedings, and creating a media infrastructure that places community ownership at the center. My work sits at the intersection of: Civic engagement. Media innovation. Economic liberation for creators. Public benefit governance. If you are building the future of trusted media, I welcome the conversation.   https://www.piqstar.com/ https://www.exposureplustv.tv/ https://canyouhearmepod.beam.ly/ 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! 

On this episode of Can You Hear Me?, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson sit down with Tam Lawrence, CEO of Exposure + TV, to explore “Betting on Yourself: Turning Pain into Purpose.” Tam shares how the unexpected twists in her marketing journey shaped her leadership—and how embracing those moments can redefine your impact. 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!

Anna has spent her entire career building brands. Her passion, insight, and desire to understand every nuance of each business she works on have resulted in close relationships and brand-defining work. Before founding FEARLESS Strategic Marketing, she was a Client Leader at Leo Burnett for nine years and at Energy BBDO and BBDO Worldwide for nineteen years, leading North American and Global Brands.She has worked across multiple categories and with brands at every size and stage of growth, partnering with PepsiCo Food & Beverages, Starbucks, SodaStream, KIND Snacks, Frito Lay, Procter & Gamble, MARS, Nintendo, Kohl's, Ulta Beauty, The Chicago Cubs, and more.She has a particular passion for challenger brands, which she defines as brands with ambitions bigger than their budgets. Anna has won every creative and effectiveness award multiple times, including Cannes Lions, Effie’s, D&AD’s, Emmy’s, Clio’s, WARC’s, and The Jay Chiat Awards.Throughout her career, Anna has been known for being a trusted, valued, strategic advisor to the CMO and CEO, for building powerful, distinctive brands that drive long-term growth, and for creating genuine, authentic partnerships and friendships with those she works with while also having some fun along the way.  Anna lives outside of Chicago in the northwest suburbs with her husband Tom of 20 years and their three sons, Roman, 18, Leo, 17, Dominic, 14, and her dog Bandit (yes, she is outnumbered!). 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! 

Marci Pelzer is Director of Corporate Affairs at Worley, where she brings more than 20 years of expertise in strategic communications.Marci has held key leadership positions at Rockwell Automation, SC Johnson, Time Warner Cable and ManpowerGroup. She is a proud graduate of Marquette University and the Kellogg School of Management.Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, volunteering and pursuing her passion project, What Dan Read.Marci resides in Milwaukee. 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 communications landscape is changing fast—and so are the expectations placed on communications leaders. In this episode of Can You Hear Me?, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson sit down with Marci Pelzer, Corporate Affairs Director at Worley, to explore The Future of Comms and how professionals can adapt, expand their influence, and lead in an evolving business environment. 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!

Cassandra (Cass) M. Bailey is the CEO of Slice Communications, the founder and current Chairwoman of Social Media Day, Inc., and the creator of the “My Mom Is…” children’s book series.  She has been working in marketing communications for more than 20 years and has authored two books on the subject: Pay Attention! and Social Media is About People. She believes that integrated public relations, social media, and email marketing efforts are critical for growing businesses and non-profits looking to accomplish their goals.With a background in international politics, economics, and philosophy, communications has become her passion and she has been tapped by various industry associations and the media to share her insights and experiences.  She has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, and The Today Show and has written for, or been quoted in, Forbes, Philadelphia Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, TheNextWeb, and a number of other publications.  Cass has also been named as a Rising Star by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and received the Brava award from Philadelphia Smart CEO.Cass is deeply involved with her community and has served on boards for the Entrepreneurs’ Organization of Philadelphia; Business Leadership Forum at The Union League of Philadelphia; Small Business Board at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce; Tree House Books; Pennsylvania 30 Day Fund; and Hopeworks.  Cass graduated from The Catholic University of America with a degree in international politics, economics and philosophy.  Additionally, she has completed programs in business education from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program and WBENC Executive Program at the Tuck School of Business. 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! 

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! 

Choosing the right AI model for your tasksEternal Optimists: Small Business Owners Say They Plan to Grow Despite Concerns Over the Economy, ShutdownEmerging Trends for AI and Communications in 2025 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 this episode, Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson move beyond the headlines to explore how AI is empowering teams to work smarter, innovate faster, and manage larger projects with ease. Discover the practical benefits of artificial intelligence as a collaborative tool that saves time and scales impact for organizations of all sizes. 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!

Janine MacLachlan is a communications strategist and workshop designer on a mission to help leaders communicate for impact, including preparing for high stakes engagements on TV or at the podium, and motivating teams to increase effectiveness.Her signature workshop Amplify Your Leadership Voice helps people articulate their vision, uplift allies and advance their career. Another workshop, Say It Shorter: Get More Done by Getting to the Point, helps knowledge professionals hone their messages tailored to distinct audiences and deliver them with clarity and confidence.Janine’s clients have included Quaker oatmeal, CBRE, Walmart and Procter & Gamble, in addition to associations, nonprofits and educational institutions. She is an editorial contributor to Forbes and Fast Company, and is a regular guest on Chicago’s ABC-7 news. 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! 

Marty Ozinga IV is chief executive officer of Ozinga. Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation family enterprise best known for its red and white striped concrete mixer trucks. In 2012, Marty took the reins of running the family business as CEO/president from his father, Marty Ozinga III. Marty is joined by his five brothers and one cousin in the fourth generation of ownership. There are thirty-two family members in the fifth generation.Marty earned a BA in economics and business from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA, and an MS in communications from Northwestern University. He has served on numerous not-for-profit boards, including currently serving on the board of the Luke Society. Marty and his wife Amy have six children. They reside in the Little Italy neighborhood of Chicago.Ozinga is a purpose driven business whose purpose is to have a positive impact on individuals, their families, and the community for generations. This purpose is rooted in the Ozinga family mission to first and foremost honor and glorify God and to serve the crown of His creation. In 2019, Ozinga received the Dean’s Award from the Illinois Family Business of the Year Awards for excellence social enterprise, supply chain management or emerging markets. Ozinga has 2,000+ employees with operations primarily in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Florida. 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! 

On this episode of Can You Hear Me?, Rob Johnson talks with Ozinga CEO Marty Ozinga about the power of trust, purpose-driven leadership, and how a family-owned company continues to strengthen its brand over generations. 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!

Jessica serves as the Managing Partner of DHR’s Corporate Affairs and Communications Practice, based in Washington, D.C. With a strong, global network and experience leading C-level searches within the communications space, Jessica develops and maintains strong relationships with industry leaders, understands the evolving nature of agencies and is a trusted advisor to her clients.Prior to joining DHR, Jessica served more than five years as an Executive Director at a communications executive search firm. Earlier in her career, Jessica was Vice President of U.S. Talent Acquisitions with one of the top 10 public relations agencies. She led senior-level recruitment across the agency’s corporate, financial, technology, healthcare, consumer, brand marketing and brand marketing and digital practices. Jessica began her search career as senior recruiter with a multinational communication and public relations firm, where she developed business and recruitment strategies.Jessica has a demonstrated history of recruiting across industries for public relations, communications and marketing roles. Her focus is on corporate communications, consumer and brand marketing, investor relations, talent marketing, media relations, internal communications, public affairs, corporate social responsibility, technology communications, healthcare communications, financial communications, crisis communications, social and digital.She graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in business administration. 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! 

Clear, compelling communication is more critical than ever—especially for C-Suite executives. On this episode of Can You Hear Me?, Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford sit down with executive search expert Jessica Bayer to reveal how to hire the best communicators for your organization. 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!

Overcommunicate: A guide for Business Executives and Aspiring 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! 

In this episode of Can You Hear Me?, Rob Johnson joins Eileen Rochford to dive into his upcoming book, Overcommunicate: A Guide for Business Executives and Aspiring Leaders, sharing how proactive communication can align teams, clarify goals, and drive effective leadership — without micromanaging or drowning in emails. 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!

Alan Gregerman is an internationally renowned authority on business strategy, innovation, and the hidden potential of grownups who has been called “one of the most original thinkers in business today” and “the Robin Williams of business consulting.”As the president and chief innovation officer of Washington, D.C.-based consultancy VENTURE WORKS, a best-selling author, sought-after keynote speaker, and community volunteer he focuses on helping companies and organizations unlock the genius in all of their people in order to deliver the most compelling value to their customers. He is also the founder of Passion forLearning, an award-winning nonprofit that teaches girls technology skills as a key to life and career success.His work has been featured in over 250 leading publications and media outlets in the U.S. and in other countries including the Wall Street Journal, NPR, CNN, The Economic Times, Business Week, Dagens Industri, and Fast Company and his writing, speaking, and teaching has informed and hopefully inspired over 700,000 people.His three previous books—The Necessity of Strangers, Surrounded by Geniuses, and Lessons from the Sandbox—challenge conventional thinking about people, the world around us, what it means to be remarkable, and where brilliant ideas come from. His new book, “The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation in an Uncertain World,” provides a powerful formula for making a difference in a world moving super-fast.Fun? fact…In March 2021 I had a rare and remarkable stroke and lost the ability to see and speak. It happened during dinner with my family and was a very clear reminder that we all live in an uncertain world. Fast forward and after eighteen months of speech, vision, and occupational therapy I am doing great, traveling, climbing mountains, kayaking, walking our dogs, and speaking with audiences around the world. Definitely grateful!The Wisdom of Ignorance is out October 14th! 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! 

Celebrating our 100th episode, Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford welcome innovation expert Alan Gregerman to explore how “enlightened ignorance” can fuel breakthroughs in business and leadership. Discover why not knowing all the answers might just be your greatest advantage. 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!

Chris Quinn is editor of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer and president of Advance Ohio. He started in journalism in 1980 in his native New Jersey before moving to reporting positions in Dover, Del.; Harrisburg, Pa. and Orlando, Fla. He joined The Plain Dealer in 1996 and moved into editing in 2002, holding a variety of positions. He hosts a daily news discussion podcast called Today in Ohio and reaches more than 200,000 people via email each week through his column, Letter from the Editor. Chris received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Temple University. 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! 

Local journalism is far from dead. In this episode of Can You Hear Me?, Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson talk with Chris Quinn, editor of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer and president of Advance Ohio, about how authenticity, community connection, and innovation are keeping local news alive and thriving. 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!