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CRUNCH
CRUNCH
Author: HMC
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Get ready to embark on a ‘PR learning adventure’ with CRUNCH!
Three-time winner of the PR Institute of NZ’s ‘Small PR Agency of the Year,’ the HMC team provides practical wisdom to help business leaders turbocharge their reputation-building game.
Tune in to these 'crucial chats over lunch' - CRUNCH - for entertaining insights that will empower you to forge connections and relationships with those who matter most in your industry. Whether you are steering the ship as a visionary CEO, orchestrating strategy from the boardroom, or driving a dynamic communications team, the HMC crew is your ultimate partner for PR success.
Join us and our amazing line-up of experts as we dive deep into the trenches of reputational challenges. From building your brand, to encouraging staff loyalty, to handling issues and crises, the HMC team will equip you with proven PR strategies.
And that’s not all – buckle up for episodes that unravel the mystique behind the latest digital PR trends. Wondering if you should seize the trend or let it slide? We’ve got your back with insights that slice through the noise and deliver crystal-clear information you can use to succeed in your leadership role.
Ready to dive in even further? Visit the HMC at https://www.wearehmc.co.nz/crunch to learn more about our guests and download additional information on each episode topic.
CRUNCH – it’s a bite-sized taster on the topic of public relations and strategic communications. Dive in now!
Three-time winner of the PR Institute of NZ’s ‘Small PR Agency of the Year,’ the HMC team provides practical wisdom to help business leaders turbocharge their reputation-building game.
Tune in to these 'crucial chats over lunch' - CRUNCH - for entertaining insights that will empower you to forge connections and relationships with those who matter most in your industry. Whether you are steering the ship as a visionary CEO, orchestrating strategy from the boardroom, or driving a dynamic communications team, the HMC crew is your ultimate partner for PR success.
Join us and our amazing line-up of experts as we dive deep into the trenches of reputational challenges. From building your brand, to encouraging staff loyalty, to handling issues and crises, the HMC team will equip you with proven PR strategies.
And that’s not all – buckle up for episodes that unravel the mystique behind the latest digital PR trends. Wondering if you should seize the trend or let it slide? We’ve got your back with insights that slice through the noise and deliver crystal-clear information you can use to succeed in your leadership role.
Ready to dive in even further? Visit the HMC at https://www.wearehmc.co.nz/crunch to learn more about our guests and download additional information on each episode topic.
CRUNCH – it’s a bite-sized taster on the topic of public relations and strategic communications. Dive in now!
25 Episodes
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This is a CRUNCH 'small bite' - a quick tip for our followers and fans.When a crisis hits, the first hour can make or break your reputation.In this episode, Heather Claycomb and Natalie Swart walk through what leaders and comms people must do in those first 60 minutes. They talk about how to pull your crisis team together fast, get clear on who is doing what, and stop people working at cross purposes.HMC director Heather Claycomb and HMC senior account manager Natalie Swart share practical tips for gathering solid facts, sorting truth from rumour, and deciding who needs to hear from you first. They explain why staff and key stakeholders should usually be at the front of the queue, and when you need to go public early versus when you can keep things contained.You will also hear how to shape simple, honest key messages that cover what you know, what you do not know yet, and what you are doing next. The goal is to keep control of the story before social media does it for you.Key takeawaysIn the first hour, get your crisis team together and give everyone clear roles.Collect only confirmed facts. Do not base your response on guesswork or gossip.Work out your key audiences, starting with your staff and closest stakeholders.Decide if you need to communicate publicly yet, based on the scale and visibility of the issue.Write short, clear key messages that state what has happened, what you are doing and what is still unknown.Move early to set the story. If you stay silent, others will fill the gap for you.Companies mentioned in this episode: HMC
This is a CRUNCH 'small bite' - a quick tip for our followers and fans.Got a one star review and feel a bit sick? You are not alone.In this episode we talk about what to do when someone posts a bad review about your business, product or service. We get real about the first reaction most of us have - hurt, angry, defensive - and how hitting reply too fast can make things worse.HMC senior account managers, Emma Letessier and Vicki Jones, walk through how to pause, breathe and then respond in a way that shows you are listening and willing to put things right. They talk about when to say sorry, how to take the conversation offline, and how a calm, human reply can actually make you look more trustworthy to everyone reading the review.We also talk about the upside of reviews. Good ones are powerful social proof. Tough ones can highlight gaps in your service and give you a chance to improve.Key takeawaysDo not fire back in the heat of the moment. Take a pause, then reply calmly and professionally.If you have made a mistake, say so and explain what you are doing to fix it.Write some simple response templates for common situations, then personalise them for each review.Reply to the good reviews too. A quick thank you shows you value your customers.Treat negative reviews as free feedback that can help you improve your systems and service.Keep your tone empathetic and human. People are watching how you handle criticism, not just what was said.
This is a CRUNCH 'small bite' - a quick tip for our followers and fans.Is your brand showing up when people ask AI for information on a product or service?Many people are skipping Google and going straight to tools like ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude when they have a question about a product or service. If your brand is not being mentioned in those answers, you are missing warm leads.In this episode, HMC director Heather Claycomb and HMC senior account manager Vicki Jones unpack what AI search means for business leaders and comms people. They talk about how LLMs pick up information, why depth and clarity beat clickbait, and what you can do this week to improve your chances of being named in AI answers.You will hear practical ideas, not tech jargon. From checking your own visibility in incognito mode to tightening up your website, social channels and media coverage, this is about getting your house in order so AI cannot ignore you.Key takeawaysSEO and AIO matter. Do not just optimise for Google. You need to show up in AI search results too.AI tools like clear, detailed, trustworthy content, not fluffy marketing speak.Consistent messages across your website, LinkedIn, media stories and other channels make it easier for AI to recognise and trust your brand.Use incognito mode and test AI searches for your key topics. See who appears. If it is not you, you have work to do.A simple communication plan that focuses on quality content in a few strong channels will put you ahead of many competitors.Companies mentioned in this episode: HMC ChatGPT Gemini Claude Google
This is a CRUNCH 'small bite' - a quick tip for our followers and fans.Are media releases dead, or do they still earn their place in your PR toolkit?In this episode HMC director Heather Claycomb and senior account manager Natalie Swart talk honestly about how business leaders and comms people can work with New Zealand media without wasting anyone’s time. A client recently asked us if media releases are even relevant anymore, which sparked a good chat about when you should write a full release and when a short, sharp pitch email will do the job.Drawing nearly 25 years working with journalists, we share when a media release is the right move – especially when you need facts to be crystal clear, on the record and easy to lift into stories. We also look at when a tailored pitch wins, how to spot a real news angle, and why human stories still cut through crowded inboxes.If you're a business leader looking to get a story picked up by media or work in PR or comms, this episode gives you practical tips to choose the right tool for the job and build trust with media over time.Key takeawaysMedia releases still matter when you need accurate, factual information in front of journalists.Know when a media release is necessary and when a pitch is best.In a crisis, a media release helps keep everyone on message and protects your credibility.Strong relationships with journalists are built on being clear, reliable and easy to work with.Writing a media release first can make it much easier to pull out sharp, focused pitch key points.There is no single right way – use media releases and pitches differently depending on the story and the situation.
Businesses are facing a communications environment that is changing faster than at any point in recent memory. From AI-driven search and shrinking newsrooms to rising expectations on leadership visibility, the rules around reputation, influence, and trust are shifting. For leaders and communications teams, understanding what is coming next is no longer optional.In this episode of CRUNCH, HMC Director Heather Claycomb is joined by senior account managers Emma Letessier, Natalie Swart, and Vicki Jones to reflect briefly on four PR trends that shaped 2025, before turning their attention firmly to 2026. The heart of the conversation focuses on five PR forces the team believes will have the greatest impact on businesses this year.Drawing on hands-on experience working with organisations across New Zealand, the discussion explores why earned media is regaining strategic importance, how AI search is changing what visibility really means, and why human, credible storytelling is cutting through more than ever. The team also examines the growing role of thought leadership in steering narratives, and the emerging risks around misinformation and deep fakes in an election year.If you lead a business, manage a communications or marketing team, or advise organisations on reputation and influence, this episode will help you think more clearly about where to focus your effort in 2026, and how to build communications that stand up in a rapidly changing environment.Key Takeaways:Earned media is regaining strategic value as AI tools increasingly rely on credible news coverage to assess trust and authority.AI search is now a core audience in its own right, influencing how long-form content, messaging, and visibility need to be planned.Media scarcity is raising the bar on storytelling, with human insight, strong angles, and clear evidence more important than ever.Thought leadership, when done well and consistently, is becoming one of the most effective ways to steer narratives and build credibility.Misinformation and deep fakes present growing reputational risk, particularly as New Zealand heads into an election year.Companies mentioned in this episode: hmc ChatGPT Meta Andromeda New Zealand Herald Stuff Radio New Zealand TVNZ Sora Jeremy Carrasco
The way people search for companies and products online is changing.This is part 2 in a two-part podcast series. In this episode our conversation explores communications tactics businesses can use to enhance their visibility within AI-driven searches. And the result will be greater engagement with your target audiences. The HMC team talks about the importance of having a robust communication plan, which is the starting point to ensuring you have consistent and authoritative content on a variety of online channels. And when you do, AI search engines will find you and recommend you.Takeaways: Brands must develop a robust communications strategy and online content plan to enhance visibility in AI searches. Understanding brand messaging and personality is crucial for differentiation in a competitive market. Engaging with online media with news stories and thought leadership can significantly improve AI optimization outcomes. Creating high-quality, human-centered content is essential for building trust with audiences and AI platforms. Leveraging partnerships to generate credible endorsements by third-parties can enhance a brand's online authority. Brands should actively seek out and respond to frequently asked questions to improve AIO and relevance. Links referenced in this episode:wearehmc.co.nzCompanies mentioned in this episode: HMC ChatGPT Cloud Gemini TripAdvisor Instagram PR Institute of New Zealand
The landscape of online search is undergoing a profound evolution, as consumers increasingly opt to bypass traditional search engines like Google in favor of advanced AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. This evolution means brands must reconsider their digital presence, as large language models (LLMs) prioritise credible, consistent and authoritative content found on multiple platforms when making recommendations. In this first episode of our two-part series, we delve into the nuances of these changes in consumer behavior, and talk about the criteria that AI employs to include brands in its search responses. Furthermore, we provide a glimpse into effective tactics that companies can adopt to enhance their visibility in AI searches. Join us as we lay the groundwork for a more detailed action plan in our second episode, where we will equip brands with helpful tactics to be found in AI search.Takeaways: The landscape of online search is evolving as consumers increasingly prefer AI search engines over traditional search engines like Google. Large language models, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, prioritise credible and authoritative content when generating recommendations for users. Brands must understand that their entire digital footprint, from media coverage to expert commentary and more, directly influences their visibility in AI search results. A strategic communications plan with relevant digital tactics is a crucial first step in ensuring that brands are effectively pulled through in AI recommendations. As the reliance on AI for product comparisons grows, brands must adapt their content strategies to enhance their discoverability in this new environment. Our next CRUNCH episode is part 2 of this discussion and will provide actionable insights for companies seeking to enhance their presence in AI-driven search results. Companies mentioned in this episode: HMC ChatGPT Gemini Perplexity Reddit Friends that Invest One NZ Briscoes
The dialogue with Phil Johnstone is an enlightening examination of the critical role of communications in the realm of global humanitarian assistance, particularly during crises. Phil shares his extensive experiences, having navigated the challenging landscapes of crisis response in various countries, including Nepal after the 2015 earthquake and more recently in Ukraine and Sudan. Phil has recently launched his own podcast through Plant & Food Research, called Collab. Phil has recently launched his own podcast through Plant & Food Research, called Collab, which looks at global issues and trends in international development and humanitarian crisis response.Phil's dual expertise as both a seasoned communicator and a former journalist enriches the conversation with Heather and Natalie of HMC, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the complexities inherent in crisis communications. Phil articulates the necessity for clarity and authenticity in messaging, especially when addressing sensitive issues that affect vulnerable populations. Throughout the episode, he highlights the importance of storytelling as an essential tool for engaging audiences and fostering empathy. By recounting vivid experiences from the field, Phil paints a picture of the stark realities faced by those impacted by disasters and conflicts, while also celebrating the resilience and determination of local communities. His narrative underscores the collaborative efforts of various humanitarian organizations, showcasing how effective communication can bridge gaps between aid providers and those in need. Moreover, Phil discusses the emotional challenges faced by communicators in such high-stakes environments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professionalism and composure while dealing with distressing scenarios. As the conversation concludes, Phil imparts valuable insights into the evolving landscape of communications in crisis situations, encouraging public relations professionals to adopt innovative strategies that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. He advocates for a focus on authenticity and the human element in storytelling, urging communicators to recognize the profound responsibility they bear in shaping narratives that can inspire action and support for humanitarian causes. Phil's reflections serve as both a source of inspiration and a call to action for those in the communications field to use their skills to effect meaningful change in the world.Companies mentioned in this episode: HMC Plant and Food Research BBC Merck & Co. World Vision New Zealand World Vision International International Federation of Red Cross Leprosy Mission NZ World Food Organization
Organisations today face a heightened risk of reputational damage due to an increasingly sensitive public that is quick to take offense at corporate actions and decisions. Understanding the complex social, political, and environmental dynamics at play is essential for leaders looking to navigate this challenging landscape. Claudia MacDonald of Mango Communications, Alan McDonald of EMA and Fred Russo of Botica Butler Raudon join HMC Managing Director Heather Claycomb for this fast-paced episode.This episode dives into the importance of being prepared and having a proactive approach to communication, emphasising the need for businesses to cultivate situational awareness and trust in their values. Our panel of PR experts discusses real-world examples and offers actionable insights on how to effectively manage public perception and mitigate risks. By integrating strategic communication into business operations, organisations can better engage with their communities and safeguard their reputations.The episode presents a comprehensive exploration of the evolving landscape in which organisations operate, highlighting the critical role of public relations in managing reputational risks. As community dynamics shift, fueled by growing distrust in institutions and the rapid dissemination of information through social media, businesses must navigate a delicate balancing act. The discussion features insights from top PR leaders who emphasise the importance of awareness and preparation in the face of potential crises. They stress that organisations need to maintain a proactive stance, recognising that seemingly benign actions can provoke unexpected backlash from the community. By cultivating a culture of transparency and open dialogue, organisations can better anticipate public reactions and manage their reputations effectively.Throughout the conversation, the panelists share compelling examples of businesses that have successfully navigated crises by adhering to their core values and maintaining a clear narrative. They discuss the pitfalls of self-censorship and the tendency to overreact to public criticism, advocating instead for a measured approach that focuses on building goodwill and trust within the community. The importance of having a crisis communication plan in place is underscored, with a call for organisations to practice these plans regularly and to involve communication experts in their decision-making processes. This strategic approach is essential in a landscape where public perception can shift rapidly, and where the consequences of inaction can be severe.The episode culminates in a discussion about the future of reputation management in an increasingly complex world. The panelists argue that organisations must broaden their perspective to include social, political, and environmental factors that may influence their operations and reputations. By integrating these considerations into their risk assessments and decision-making processes, businesses can better navigate the challenges of today’s media environment. The leaders conclude with a powerful reminder: investing in reputation management is not just about avoiding crisis; it’s about building a resilient and trusted brand that can thrive amidst change. The insights shared in this episode offer valuable guidance for business leaders striving to uphold their reputations in a time of heightened scrutiny and expectation.Takeaways: Organisations must understand the heightened risk of community backlash against corporate actions today. A comprehensive risk register should include social and political issues affecting reputations. Proactive communication strategies can help mitigate potential reputational damage during crises. Companies need to prepare for swift social media reactions and misinformation campaigns....
This is a CRUNCH 'small bite' - a quick tip for our followers and fans.Effective communication is crucial for businesses looking to build trust and enhance their brand reputation. This episode of CRUNCH highlights essential foundational actions that every organisation should take to ensure their communications are effective and resonate with their audience. Heather and Emma discuss the importance of keeping communication channels, such as websites and social media, updated and engaging, as well as maintaining direct communication with customers through personalised newsletters. They emphasise that even during challenging economic times, maintaining a consistent buzz about your organisation is vital for staying competitive. Additionally, the episode underscores the significance of internal communications, urging businesses to keep their staff informed and motivated to foster a positive work environment that can drive success.The latest discussion on CRUNCH highlights the critical need for businesses to revisit and reinforce their communication strategies, especially in the face of economic challenges. Heather and Emma delve into how a stagnant online presence can suggest neglect, which can detrimentally affect a brand's reputation. As both hosts point out, regular updates and active engagement are pivotal in ensuring that a business does not appear dormant in the eyes of its audience.Additionally, the conversation shifts to the role of direct communication with customers, notably through e-newsletters. Heather highlights how these tools serve not only as a means of keeping clients informed but also as a powerful way to generate referrals and maintain a steady flow of business. Emma adds to this by discussing the significance of personalising content to enhance engagement and relevance, thereby turning these communications into valuable business assets. They remind listeners that effective communication is not just outward-facing; it also includes internal communications aimed at keeping staff informed and motivated, especially during tough times. This multifaceted approach to communication is essential for building trust and sustaining a positive brand image, reinforcing the notion that businesses must actively nurture their communications to thrive.Takeaways: Every business must regularly update their communication channels like websites and social media to maintain credibility. Direct communication with customers, such as through e-newsletters, is crucial for ongoing engagement and referrals. Personalising content in communications enhances effectiveness and helps maintain customer relationships during tough times. Keeping a buzz around your organisation, especially during economic downturns, is essential for staying relevant. Measuring the impact of PR and communications is possible and necessary for achieving business goals. Internal communication with staff is key to maintaining morale and ensuring they act as brand ambassadors. Companies mentioned in this episode: HMC MailChimp
This is a CRUNCH 'small bite' - a quick tip for our followers and fans.Building strong relationships is a crucial tool for driving business success, as highlighted in this episode of CRUNCH. Nicola and Kate delve into the importance of internal team dynamics and how they translate to external business goals. Kate emphasizes that leaders must exemplify empathy and understanding to foster a positive work environment, which in turn helps employees become advocates for the business. The conversation also touches on the value of authentic connections, whether in-person or online, and how these interactions can enhance trust and rapport. Ultimately, the episode underscores that treating others with respect and authenticity is key to nurturing meaningful business relationships.The conversation delves into the foundational principles of relationship-building, starting from the internal dynamics of a team. Kate emphasises that a leader's effectiveness is not just in their expertise, but also in their ability to foster connections within their team. The proverb 'a fish rots from the head down' serves as a poignant reminder that leadership requires empathy and understanding, which ultimately reflects on the organisation’s external relationships. When teams are cohesive and supportive, they are better positioned to advocate for the business, creating a ripple effect that enhances customer trust and loyalty.The podcast also addresses the challenges leaders face in prioritising relationship-building, especially in a digital age where in-person interactions are often overlooked. Kate argues for the necessity of genuine connections, suggesting that leaders should actively nurture relationships without ulterior motives. This authenticity is crucial, as people can sense when interactions are transactional rather than sincere. The hosts share personal anecdotes about the importance of face-to-face engagement and the insights gained from observing body language and nuances in conversation. They conclude that while online interactions have their place, nothing quite replaces the depth of connection achieved in person, underscoring the human need for interaction and connection in a business context.Takeaways: Building authentic relationships within your team is crucial for driving business success. Leaders must show empathy and understanding to foster healthy workplace relationships. Internal team dynamics significantly influence external business outcomes and client perceptions. In-person interactions are invaluable for establishing trust and strong relationships with clients. Authenticity in relationship-building is key; reach out without an ulterior motive. Understanding your audience and how they prefer to connect is essential for effective communication. Companies mentioned in this episode: HMC
This is a CRUNCH 'small bite' - a quick tip for our followers and fans.This CRUNCH episode dives deep into the concept of the 'Credibility Gap', a critical topic for leaders and businesses striving to align their identity with their reputation. Hosted by Kate Webber and Heather Claycomb, the discussion begins by defining the nuanced differences between identity—how one perceives themselves—and reputation—how they are perceived by others. This gap can lead to a lack of credibility, which poses significant risks for leadership and organizational success. The hosts share examples of leaders who overestimate their effectiveness, leading to disconnects that can undermine team morale and organizational goals. Heather emphasizes the importance of recognising this gap and its implications, reminding listeners that authenticity and self-awareness are key to bridging it.Takeaways: The credibility gap arises when there's a misalignment between self-perception and public perception. To minimise the credibility gap, leaders must consistently seek and embrace feedback from their teams. Authenticity is key; being true to oneself fosters trust and strengthens relationships with others. Adapting your communication style to different audiences while maintaining integrity is essential for credibility. Acknowledging your shortcomings and apologizing when necessary helps to rebuild trust over time. Regular self-assessment and reflection on how others perceive you can bridge the credibility gap. Companies mentioned in this episode: HMC
This is a CRUNCH 'small bite' - a quick tip for our followers and fans.Building trust for any organisation is essential for fostering strong relationships with your audience and stakeholders, and this episode dives into effective public relations techniques to achieve that. Heather and Nicola from New Zealand PR Agency, HMC, delve into the intricacies of trust-building in their latest discussion on the CRUNCH podcast. They emphasise the importance of visibility, stating that organizations must be present in media and online spaces to be trusted. This visibility goes beyond mere branding; it requires authentic human interaction. Listeners are reminded that trust is fostered not through faceless corporations but through relatable individuals who communicate genuinely and transparently. Authenticity is key, as audiences are drawn to real stories and honest exchanges rather than polished corporate rhetoric.The conversation further explores the dual role of listening as a crucial trust-building strategy. Heather highlights that organisations should not only speak but also actively listen to their stakeholders. This means soliciting feedback, understanding audience needs, and implementing changes based on that feedback. The hosts point out the common pitfall of organisations seeking input without following through, which can erode trust. They draw parallels with past experiences in local councils that often conducted consultations without visible results, illustrating the significance of demonstrating accountability and action following feedback.Lastly, the episode touches upon the necessity of showing care as a leader. Heather and Nicola discuss the balance between maintaining professionalism and being approachable. Different leadership styles can express care in various ways, and it's essential for leaders to find their authentic method of engagement. Whether through community involvement or transparent communication about failures and successes, leaders are encouraged to share their stories and connect with their audience on a personal level. This combination of visibility, listening, and authentic engagement forms the foundation of trust in any business setting.Takeaways: To build trust, organisations must be visible and actively engage with their audience. Authenticity is crucial; people respond better to genuine and real communication from individuals. Listening to feedback is essential; showing that you value input builds stronger relationships. Acknowledging mistakes openly and sincerely apologising helps to strengthen trust within your community. Showing you care can take many forms, not just through interpersonal connections. Telling your organisation's stories, including failures and lessons learned, fosters transparency and trust. Companies mentioned in this episode: HMC New Zealand PR agency HMCPodchaser: Aw8a3r29A5ZzySd8FHGh
This is a CRUNCH 'small bite' - a quick tip for our followers and fans.As the saying goes, "Content is King!"But first things first - are you wondering, "How exactly do you define 'content?'" We'll answer that one for you!And once you know what content is, then how do you use it to achieve real, measurable results? We've got a few tips.In this short CRUNCH episode, we give you a few meaty tips to help you get your content working for you in a way that helps you achieve bottom-line results for your business.Takeaways:Content encompasses a variety of forms including videos, blogs, and white papers. Understanding your audience is crucial in creating effective and engaging content. Great content should drive engagement and align with your overall business goals. Investing time and resources into content creation builds brand authority and trust. Don't view content creation as an afterthought; treat it as an essential strategy. Offer valuable insights for free to increase your chances of being hired later.
Whether you're on a board or executive team, having a senior PR advisor by your side is a huge advantage when formulating business strategy, managing risk, working proactively to enhance reputation or tackling a crisis.But what are the skills you should look for in that senior PR advisor?In the conclusion of our two-part conversation with PR industry leader, Strahan Wallis of Wallis&Co, we talk about 5 essential skills and character traits the best PR advisors embody:They are educated and trained in the communications professional and have proven experience in public relations.They understand how reputation impacts your organisation's license to operate.They are tuned into the wider environment - your industry, public perceptions, social trends, international impacts and more.They are committed to ethical practice.They are not driven by ego, are a good listener and willing to work on a team of skilled leaders to develop the best communications solution.
"What's a farm boy from Raglan, New Zealand, doing here?"That's what PR industry leader Strahan Wallis has asked himself throughout his PR career as his PR roles took him around the world working in the UK, USA and New Zealand.Over the years he’s found himself at a red carpet event where the Queen of England opened a James Bond movie; sitting in the members' lounge at Wimbledon watching the Nadal vs Federer final; sitting six rows from the stage at The Grammy Awards and more.“These are all places my PR career has taken me and I’m so grateful for that!”Strahan Wallis joins Heather and Nicola from the HMC team to talk about how the public relations profession has radically changed. We discuss the specific skills PR professionals need to succeed in today's rapidly evolving industry and provide value to the organisations where they work.This is PART ONE of a two-part conversation.
PART TWO:In part two of this podcast interview, founding editor of BusinessDesk Pattrick Smellie continues his discussion with HMC. We talk about how the media is using artificial intelligence (AI) and adjusting for the rise of disinformation and misinformation.Pattrick and HMC also provide some practical tips for how businesses must adjust their communications and media strategies to be successful in building trust and reputation through the media, in light of New Zealand’s changing media landscape.
PART ONE:Pattrick Smellie, founding editor of BusinessDesk, joins us to discuss the changing face of NZ media and the impact these changes will have on how businesses work together with journalists.He provides a behind-the-scenes look at how media are navigating these industry transformations and adapting. Plus the HMC team provides a perspective on how businesses must also adjust communication strategies to suit.During the first half of 2024, journalist redundancies were rife in the media industry with most of Newshub being axed by its owners, Warner Brothers Discovery. Plus, TVNZ and Stuff also announced job cuts and shrinking offerings. These are major changes that will transform the current media landscape. As a business leader, learn how these changes affect you.
In this episode of CRUNCH, we unlock a few secrets of the world of influencers and content-creators and explore the power of third-party endorsement. This time-tested PR strategy has undergone a contemporary evolution over the past decade or so, and our panel of experts provide a few tips.Our guest, Zoe Virtue, Head of Group Social at DDB Group in New Zealand, has a wealth of experience working with influencers and content creators. Joining her are HMC Managing Director Heather Claycomb and Digital PR Content Co-ordinator Jamie Batters.In this episode, we unravel the evolving landscape of third-party endorsement and its pivotal role in the influencer era. Learn how influencers are reshaping PR dynamics and discover the invaluable lessons PR professionals can glean from the strategies employed through this strategy. From building authentic connections to leveraging online communities, our panel dissects the nuances of influencer PR, providing insights that can elevate your next PR strategy.Even if the jury is out for you and you haven't used influencers before, this podcast delves into how influencers can teach PR professionals the art of mastering third-party endorsement.
Julien Leys, crisis management specialist, joins HMC director Heather Claycomb and HMC senior account manager Kate Webber on this information-rich episode.These three senior PR advisors talk through several of the crises they've managed during their careers and provide essential crisis communications tips for any leader who is managing a crisis.You'll walk away from this episode with a deeper understanding of the difference between a crisis and and issue. We talk through how to prepare for your next crisis and your next issue.And we give tips for maintaining trust through a crisis and using these tough times as an opportunity to build relationships with staff, stakeholders and your community.




