Everything Speaks

As the Chief Content Officer for Double Forte, Liz combines her PR, marketing and writing skills to counsel clients on their content and social media strategies and to maintain the editorial calendar and voice for the agency. Over the years she has worked as the Vice President of Marketing for an international flooring company and led media and communications programs for a range of clients from Fortune 100 companies to early-stage startups in the technology, consumer and professional services industries. An award-winning writer, Liz is the author of two books about the challenges of working women balancing career and caregiving. She is also active in the influencer community: Liz runs an online community with thousands of members, and her first blog was named one of the Best Blogs for Women by Fortune Magazine several years in a row. Liz is active in her community and serves on her town's Finance and Warrant Committee. She is also committed to supporting other women and co-founded both SheStarts, an organization for women entrepreneurs, as well as Women In Democracy-Dedham, a non-partisan group that seeks to engage more women in local politics. What you will learn in this episode: How the decentralized newsroom has added challenges to media relations What new KPIs (key performance indicators) PR firms have added this year How strategies have adjusted due to the influx of freelance journalists Why helpful, positive news is in demand now more than ever How focusing on your own backyard can increase engagement and lead to national coverage Liz's 4 tips for a solid media relations strategy for 2023

Sara Goldvine is Vice-President of Communications with BC Housing (British Columbia). Sara brings broad experience from the public, non-profit, and private sectors to her role. She has a track record of effecting meaningful change in purpose-driven organizations through leadership roles with Coast Capital Savings, TVO, Toronto Community Housing, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and the B.C. Legislature. Outside of work, Sara serves on the Board of Governors for the Business Council of B.C. and the Board of Directors for the Cedar Cottage Food Network. She holds an Accredited in Public Relations (APR) designation from the Canadian Public Relations Society, has a Master of Communications Management from McMaster University, and a Bachelor of Arts, Political Science from the University of British Columbia (Honours) What you will learn in this episode: Why Sara believes staying curious is the best thing someone in PR can do Why listening is the best way to make your company relevant Why it's important to listen to and amplify the voices of those who do not have a seat at the decision-making table How two-way communication can make us better advocates Sara's critical rules for ethical, impactful storytelling Resources: Website: https://www.bchousing.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saragoldvine/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/saragoldvine

Courtney Lukitsch is the Founder and Chief Communications Officer of 20-year consultancy Gotham PR, with offices in NYC, Miami and London. Gotham PR has clients in the US and 30 countries globally. What you will learn in this episode: Why companies need to focus on being significant, not just successful Courtney's crucial steps for putting together a significant business Why you should always surround yourself with experts Ways your effectiveness may be diluted if you aren't working where you're most valuable The significance of understanding your mission and values in order to establish goals Why the function of public relations is so critical for businesses, and how it has evolved over time Resources: Website: https://gothampr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylukitsch/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gothamist1

Lee McEnany Caraher is the founder and CEO of Double Forte, a national public relations and communication agency, based in San Francisco, that works with beloved consumer, technology, and wine brands. Lee is a highly sought-after communications expert known for her business-building acumen and insights. She's a straight talker with a big laugh that gets her out of more trouble than it creates. Lee is also an acclaimed author and speaker and a recognized expert on creating high-performing, positive, intergenerational workplaces. Through her work, she shows companies and non-profit organizations how to embrace the qualities of different generations, reduce negative dynamics between people, and how to recognize the significant benefits of shifting the definition of loyalty from a long tenure of employment to a lifetime of allegiance regardless of employment status. Lee is active in her community and sits on the Board of Governors of Public Advocates and the Executive Board of Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, 2021. She recently served as Secretary on the Board of Directors of the PR Council, the national trade association for Public Relations agencies. She previously served on the boards of KQED Public Media, San Francisco's Grace Cathedral, Community Gatepath, and St. Paul's Choir School, among others. A graduate of Carleton College, Lee has a degree in medieval history which she finds useful every day – especially during a pandemic. She splits her time between San Francisco, Eau Claire, and New York. What you will learn in this episode: The importance of backing up your verbal support for social causes and movements as a company with real proof of action What it means to be a slacktivist, and why your company should avoid it at all costs Why programs and monetary support are essential for backing up your claims What "cancel culture" really means, and how it can be used as a tool to connect with your audience more transparently The steps you can take as a company to begin establishing your values and behaviors and what issues you will and will not align with Why it's expensive to be a slacker Resources: Website: https://leecaraher.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecaraher Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeeCaraher1/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/leecaraher

Emily Smith is not only Vice President at Double Forte, but she is also an incredible mentor and an amazing caretaker of those on her team and at the agency. Emily is an energetic communications and PR professional with more than fourteen years of experience developing and executing strategic campaigns with proven results. She is a highly motivated, thoughtful, and supportive manager who leads with kindness and integrity, and she is guided and driven by community building and social good. She values creative thinking, collaboration and building purpose and positivity in the workplace. What you will learn in this episode: How the 24-hour news cycle can affect our mental health How our backgrounds can influence what news stories impact us Why it's important to balance heavier news stories with something more lighthearted How taking action after reading something that sparks emotion can help remove some of our anxious energy The importance of demonstrating patience in the workplace and meeting people where they are Resources: Website: https://double-forte.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilygsmith1/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/double-forte/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoubleFortePR/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/doublefortepr

Michael T. Caraher is a recent college graduate and young professional. He earned two degrees at St. Olaf College and is currently an account coordinator at Gravitate PR. He joins the show today to share his insights about how to approach your first job out of college and also shares his journey from college graduate to working in the PR field, moving across the country, and the challenges and conflicting advice he got along the way. What you will learn in this episode: How Michael analyzed the skills he cultivated through his education in music to transfer them into a professional career in PR How a job in PR trains you to be a good employee anywhere Why PR professionals are facing a challenge getting their stories picked up by media outlets What advantages (if any) Michael believes he has from growing up with a mother in PR ( 😀 ) Michael's advice for anyone looking to start their career in Public Relations Resources: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaeltcaraher

Anna is an Assistant Account Executive at Double Forte and joined us more than a year ago after graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She earned her BS in Psychological and Brain Sciences in three years, which less than 4% of UCSB 2020 graduates were able to accomplish. Prior to joining Double Forte, Anna worked as a marketing intern at a luxury real estate and property development agency in Prague, Czech Republic. She worked alongside the head of marketing to shape and execute general and social media marketing strategies, which included an innovative influencer campaign with a former Miss World. Anna continued to work for the agency remotely from Santa Barbara and San Francisco in 2020, supporting the social media content, English translations, and influencer relations. Anna is a San Francisco native and loves the amazing food, culture, and lifestyle that the city offers. What you will learn in this episode: How remote work has shaped recent graduates' early careers Anna's three strategies for feeling more connected when working remotely How moving around during the day can help you find balance The power of the emoji and why over-communication is key in a remote work environment How to find the balance between being together and maintaining flexibility while working with a remote team Resources: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anna-roy-626335190

Gabriel began his career at Double Forte with a background in content creation, media relations, digital marketing, food & beverage and retail industries. He was hired as an intern and within two months, was promoted to an Account Coordinator. In a short amount of time, Gabriel has been given the opportunity to delve deep into all things PR. Whether it was building influencer relations, creating media lists, pitching to outlets or even traveling to Los Angeles to support the Double Forte team at E3 2019, Gabriel continues to adapt well under pressure while always staying positive. Previously, he had worked as a Media Relations Intern at the Commonwealth Club of California located right off the Embarcadero in San Francisco. As a current six-year employee at Starbucks, he is the winner of the 2018 District Barista Championship and a Partner of the Quarter recipient. A graduate of San Jose State University, Gabriel received a BA in Public Relations with an academic focus in Photography. Currently, Gabriel resides in the East Bay, with a planned move to the city in the next year. What you will learn in this episode: What causes celebrity fascination and why we revel in their downfall A brief history of Britney Spears's conservatorship and how the #FreeBritney movement came to be What drove Gabriel to write his blog about Britney Spears and all of the misinformation surrounding her situation Why it's crucial to stay relevant and curious in the field of public relations How the way we speak about female celebrities directly affects the way that we speak about all women Why it's important to encourage people to be who they are, both in the workplace and in the world Resources: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gabrielmunoz21 Website: portfolium.com/gabruul

Lisette Paras is the president & founder of Gravitate PR, a marketing communications firm that specializes in transforming high-growth technology companies into category leaders. Lisette has a wide breadth of experience in a career that's spanned in-house corporate, multinational, and boutique PR agencies, working primarily with enterprise technology brands. She started her career in Australia, where she led Asia Pacific regional PR campaigns before moving to the Bay Area a decade ago. What you will learn in this episode: How to help clients distinguish between urgency and reality Why it's important to ensure your message stays relevant for all audiences and regions Why you need people who know each industry and stay current on related trends The importance of staying curious and asking questions in a PR career What Lisette's process looks like with her clients, and why she emphasizes an in-depth kickoff The pros and cons of being an in-house PR professional as opposed to an agency Resources: Website: gravitatepr.com Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lisetteparas Twitter: https://twitter.com/misslisette

Jen is a champion of the midlife woman and a cheerleader for ALL women. She's an entrepreneur, life and business coach for women, podcaster, and motivational speaker. She puts women first and lets them know they are Not Too F***ing Old!™ to have the life and business they desire. Jen hosts The Jen Marples Show podcast, which was recently featured in Marin Magazine. The show is dedicated to helping and inspiring midlife female entrepreneurs to achieve the business and life they desire. Jen is an accomplished 25+ years marketing executive who ran her successful, SF-based firm, Koa Communications, for 12 years. She's been helping women for decades achieve life and career success and currently offers 1×1 private coaching, workshops, and events and is a frequent speaker around the Bay Area. She also sits on the board of the Sparkle Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to serving struggling, single working moms. What you will learn in this episode: Why it was important for Jen to make her personality front and center in her new business The importance of authenticity and speaking your truth to find the right people for your business Why "limiting language" can actually attract people if it's paired with self-awareness and matching actions How trying to appeal to everyone with generalized language can hurt your business Jen's advice to people who are afraid of using tough language in their business Resources: Website: www.jenmarples.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/245742097240264/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenmarples/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmarples/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jen_marples

Lee McEnany Caraher is the founder and CEO of Double Forte, a national public relations and communication agency, based in San Francisco, that works with beloved consumer, technology, and wine brands. Lee is a highly sought-after communications expert known for her business building acumen and insights. She's a straight talker with a big laugh that gets her out of more trouble than it creates. Lee is also an acclaimed author and speaker and a recognized expert on creating high performing, positive, intergenerational workplaces. Through her work, she shows companies and non-profit organizations how to embrace the qualities of different generations, reduce negative dynamics between people, and how to recognize the significant benefits of shifting the definition of loyalty from a long tenure of employment to a lifetime of allegiance regardless of employment status. Lee is active in her community and sits on the Board of Governors of Public Advocates and the Executive Board of Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, 2021. She recently served as Secretary on the Board of Directors of the PR Council, the national trade association for Public Relations agencies. She previously served on the boards of KQED Public Media, San Francisco's Grace Cathedral, Community Gatepath, and St. Paul's Choir School, among others. A graduate of Carleton College, Lee has a degree in medieval history which she finds useful every day – especially during a pandemic. She splits her time between San Francisco, Eau Claire, and New York. What you will learn in this episode: What unsolicited emails say about you, even if it's part of your job to send cold emails Why breaking the rules of email structure to get engagement gets you ignored How the tactics you employ to get someone's attention speaks for you What a good email communication looks like The history of communication in the workplace Why you should do research on someone before sending an unsolicited email Resources: Website: https://leecaraher.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecaraher Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeeCaraher1/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/leecaraher  

Tom Tonkin is the CEO and Founder of The Conservatory Group, an organization that provides high-touch services to business executives that want to improve themselves, their team, and their environment. Tom has over 25 years of experience working as an executive in Corporate America. His industry background includes Healthcare, Insurance, and Telecommunications, with a focus on organizational behaviors. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University (Virginia Beach, VA) and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, with honors, with a focus on Leadership and Management from Regis University (Denver, CO). He has also received multiple business certifications and is a leadership expert. What you will learn in this episode: Why musicians make great coworkers and communicators How you can mold your identity through behaviors and communication The importance of context when deciding your identity Why you need to look at the behaviors of those you admire to reflect their identity How knowing who you are makes work and life more efficient Why sincerity is more important for building relationships than authenticity Resources: Website: https://salesconservatory.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtomtonkin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrTomTonkin

Billie delivers a coaching experience that transforms how an actor acts and business people communicate. Clients have said, "It seems she has a mysterious or supernatural power that influences the creativity, confidence, and best abilities of a speaker or performer. What Billie does is magical." Billie has been a professional actor for over forty years, appearing in lead roles in Equity productions, featured television appearances, and numerous national and regional commercials. An acting coach for decades, she founded two acting academies and five acting workshops in four states. Billie has produced and hosted guest-artist workshops including such notable instructors as Academy Award winner Alan Arkin. Twenty years ago Billie had an idea. She founded Billie Shepard & Associates, leveraging her acting experience and unique training methods into the business arena; transforming corporate speakers into influential leaders. Her clients include Facebook, Uber, Intuit, Rackspace, as well as many financial and medical research companies. This March Billie had another idea! She merged her presentation-training methods with the virtual needs of our times and created a powerful blend of the two; training business people how to enhance their on-camera VIRTUAL presentation and leadership skills. Her book, The Billie Shepard Presentation Method, which describes her coaching methods and participant breakthrough stories of success, is available on Amazon. What you will learn in this episode: How improv can help you become a more adaptive communicator How to utilize the "gifts" Zoom provides to captivate your virtual audience Why intention is the most important tool for communicating Why you should never plan to present the same way you rehearse The importance of adapting to your audience while presenting Where you can get Billie's book, The Billie Shepard Presentation Method Resources: Websites: http://www.billieshepard.com/intro/ http://www.billieshepard.com/about-us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billie-shepard-59b3534/

Don't be fooled by the name, the hair color, or crazy shoes. Michael Sherlock is serious about business. She is dedicated to creating positive, productive, and profitable workplaces, and helping individuals, and businesses unlock their ultimate potential. Before launching her global training company, Shock Your Potential, Michael was Vice President of US Sales for two multi-national medical device companies, responsible for net revenue exceeding $75 million and as many as 500 employees at a time. Michael was also chosen as #12 of the Top Female Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2021 by EnterpriseLeague.com, is part of the Big 50 Top Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2022 by Success Sisters Magazine, and is a frequent media expert concerning hiring and employee management on local and national news outlets such as 6ABC in Philadelphia and Daily Blast Live. What you will learn in this episode: Why the best leaders listen and learn before they lead How the phrase "tell me more" can make your team better problem solvers How to improve your sales strategy by solving instead of selling The importance of being vulnerable as a leader Michael's "Urgency Structure," and how it has led to better internal communications Resources: Website: shockyourpotential.com shockyourmediapotential.com shockyourpotentialbookstore.com kukuabiz.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelSherlockSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelasherlock Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichaelSSpeaks

Robert L. Dilenschneider formed The Dilenschneider Group in October 1991. Prior to forming his own firm, Mr. Dilenschneider served as president and chief executive officer of Hill and Knowlton, Inc. from 1986 to 1991. He has counseled major corporations, professional groups, trade associations and educational institutions, and has assisted clients in dealings with regulatory agencies, labor unions, consumer groups and minorities, among others. Mr. Dilenschneider has authored 17 books — including the best-selling Power and Influence, A Briefing for Leaders, On Power, The Critical 14 Years of Your Professional Life, Moses: C.E.O — and The Critical 2nd Phase of your Professional Life. Most recently, he published 50 Plus!—Critical Career Decisions for the Rest of Your Life. Mr. Dilenschneider started in public relations in 1967 in New York, shortly after receiving an M.A. in journalism from Ohio State University, and a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. What you will learn in this episode: How the constant changes in our society impact the ways we communicate How Robert's book, The Public Relations Handbook, helps PR professionals navigate the 2020's and beyond The role of corporations in our society, and what that implies for communicators within these corporations What the scope of work looks like for a PR professional today, and how we can learn to adapt Why we use measurements in PR, and what Robert views as the most important thing to measure What is "pay to play" content, and why do PR professionals have to be careful about how they approach it Robert's advice for those looking to get into PR as a career Resources: Website: robertldilenschneider.com Robert's book: The Public Relations Handbook

Dina Denham Smith knows what it takes to make it in changing environments – we can all use her wisdom right now! Dina is the founder and owner of Cognitas, an executive and team coaching firm. Her clients include premier brands such as Adobe, Netflix, PwC, Gap, Dropbox, Stripe, and numerous high-growth start-ups. She specializes in helping her clients lead and thrive in fast-paced, constantly changing, and uncertain environments. Earlier in her career, Dina was a management consultant with PwC and led numerous teams and projects to help companies scale and implement large-scale strategic change. Following that, she held executive-level positions at both a digital marketing agency and a private equity firm. In her coaching practice, Dina helps leaders and teams solve their most pressing challenges, enhance their effectiveness, and capitalize on untapped opportunities. Dina is a regular contributor to HBR, Fast Company, and Forbes, writing about leadership and strategies for high performance. What you will learn in this episode: How to recover from making a mistake at work The difference between intent and impact – and why it matters in an apology Why it's essential to ask for feedback when making amends How to communicate with a colleague who says "yes" but means "no" Why what you say is just as important as how you say it How to respectfully say "no" to your boss Resources: Website: https://www.dinadsmith.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dina-denham-smith-11699/ Twitter: @DinaDSmith

As the Chief Content Officer for Double Forte, Liz combines her PR, marketing and writing skills to counsel clients on their content and social media strategies and to maintain the editorial calendar and voice for the agency. Over the years she has worked as the Vice President of Marketing for an international flooring company and led media and communications programs for a range of clients from Fortune 100 companies to early-stage startups in the technology, consumer and professional services industries. An award-winning writer, Liz is the author of two books about the challenges of working women balancing career and caregiving. She is also active in the influencer community: Liz runs an online community with thousands of members, and her first blog was named one of the Best Blogs for Women by Fortune Magazine several years in a row. Liz is active in her community and serves on her town's Finance and Warrant Committee. She is also committed to supporting other women and co-founded both SheStarts, an organization for women entrepreneurs, as well as Women In Democracy-Dedham, a non-partisan group that seeks to engage more women in local politics. What you will learn in this episode: Why context is vital for every aspect of communication How context ties into client services and PR Tips for keeping context front and center – even in long email chains How to utilize context in social media strategy The importance of asking "why" as much as possible Resources: Website: https://leecaraher.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecaraher Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeeCaraher1/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/leecaraher

Laurie Gilbertson is a former New York City sex crimes, organized crime, and homicide prosecutor, television legal analyst, educator, and entrepreneur. As the owner of Tribeca Blue Consulting, she helps professionals communicate with clarity, confidence, and creativity in their public speaking, presentations, trial work, and media appearances. What you will learn in this episode: Laurie Gilbertson's background and how she went from an NYC prosecutor to a business owner and communication consultant How Laurie's skills from the courtroom directly translate to essential skills needed in the boardroom Laurie's process for taking on new clients and how she sets them up for success The importance of storytelling and tips from Laurie on how to be an excellent storyteller Laurie's three most important skills she learned as a prosecutor and how you can use them to be an effective communicator Resources: Website: www.tribecablueconsulting.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriegilbertson/  

Lee McEnany Caraher is the founder and CEO of Double Forte, a national public relations and communication agency, based in San Francisco, that works with beloved consumer, technology, and wine brands. Lee is a highly sought-after communications expert known for her business-building acumen and insights. She's a straight talker with a big laugh that gets her out of more trouble than it creates. Lee is also an acclaimed author and speaker and a recognized expert on creating high-performing, positive, intergenerational workplaces. Through her work, she shows companies and non-profit organizations how to embrace the qualities of different generations, reduce negative dynamics between people, and how to recognize the significant benefits of shifting the definition of loyalty from a long tenure of employment to a lifetime of allegiance regardless of employment status. Lee is active in her community and sits on the Board of Governors of Public Advocates and the Executive Board of Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, 2021. She recently served as Secretary on the Board of Directors of the PR Council, the national trade association for Public Relations agencies. She previously served on the boards of KQED Public Media, San Francisco's Grace Cathedral, Community Gatepath, and St. Paul's Choir School, among others. A graduate of Carleton College, Lee has a degree in medieval history which she finds useful every day – especially during a pandemic. She splits her time between San Francisco, Eau Claire, and New York. What you will learn in this episode: How acronyms actually add time to your day Why it's essential to speak inclusively and use language everyone can understand How using acronyms in business can lead to resentment and exclusion How acronyms in conversation can cause listeners to lose attention The importance of speaking up if someone is using jargon in conversation Resources: Website: https://leecaraher.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecaraher Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeeCaraher1/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/leecaraher

Victoria is the Founder & CEO of Dewpoint Communications, Inc., a firm focused on helping people-powered businesses communicate better with their employees every day. Victoria works with clients ranging from high-growth startups to Fortune 50 companies. Her global business experience includes more than 15 years of internal communications and engagement expertise. She has served as a trusted strategic advisor to dozens of CEOs and executives in 15+ industries & sectors. Victoria is highly regarded as an expert in leading employee experience and future of work in the communications profession. She has published research on the subject, and is a sought-after speaker and facilitator. She is also a certified Strategic Communications Management Professional (SCMP,) the highest global communications certification available and the only professional communications certification in the world to achieve ANSI ISO 17024. She holds a BA from Skidmore College, and an MA from Kings College London, as well as a PG Dip in Communications Management from Massey University and a Cert MS in Business Administration from Victoria University Wellington. Victoria is also a global Past Chair of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC.) What you will learn in this episode:  How Victoria's  international experience helped her be super valuable and understand employee communication Why employee communications are so vital to the success of any business Victoria's breakdown needs hierarchy and how it can guide companies to communicate effectively  The cultural difference between generations, and how shifting communications can help retention rate with millennials and younger generations How to get through to executives to make them understand the importance of employee communication Why we are currently experiencing a "once-in-a-generation" opportunity to rethink communications in the workplace Victoria's advice for one new practice you can implement today to be a better communicator with your employees Resources: Website: Download our Insights Report: The New Rules of Employee Experience & Communications LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dewvictoria/