Smart Talk Series

Welcome to the Smart Talk Series, hosted by Melissa Vela-Williamson -- an accredited public relations expert, entrepreneur and national columnist.Each week, Melissa will dive into communication strategies, tips, and principles using her 360-degree approach.

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

This week, Melissa is joined by seasoned PR professional and leader of Talley Communication Strategies, Chris Talley. His PR experience comes from working at USAA, Lockheed Martin, AT&T, and FleishmanHillard, one of the world’s most prestigious public relations agencies. Today he volunteers in the community and devotes time to speaking at colleges across the country.Topics covered:- The difference between a crisis, an issue, and a situation- How to be proactive in crisis planning- How to "read the room"- Learning from challenging situations- The difference between brand and reputation- How to manage stressful situationsActions to take:- Think like an investigative journalist- Act, don't decide- Praise in public, criticize in private- Declare your communication timing- Be intentional about the routines that you want to maintain as nonnegotiable- Exercise, take a moment to breathe, and take a pauseResources mentioned:- Talley Communication Strategies: https://www.talleypr.com/- Chris' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christalley1- Accreditation in Public Relations: https://www.prsa.org/professional-development/accreditation-in-public-relations-(apr)- The Muppets Take Manhattan: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087755/

When COVID-19 hit San Antonio, Meals on Wheels San Antonio (MOWSA) jumped into crisis response mode. New needs and disruptions strained the nonprofit which was already strapped for resources. This week's guests Chief Development Officer Forrest Myane and Communications and Marketing Director Ariana Barbour share the challenges they faced to stay in operation and meet the increased demand for help. Listen to learn how they activated a crisis communications campaign that positioned MOWSA as an essential lifeline for home bound, high-risk seniors.About Forrest:Forrest Myane has over 12 years of experience in nonprofit development. Since 2017, she has led fundraising and marketing initiatives for Meals on Wheels San Antonio. Today, she leads all external relations as Chief Development Officer and has helped increase the donor base and amount of funds received by the organization. Forrest has over 12 years of experience in nonprofit development. She has served as director of development for several area agencies including the Witte Museum, Autism Community Network and Christian Assistance Ministry.About Ariana:Ariana Barbour is the Communications and Marketing Director for Meals on Wheels San Antonio. She is responsible for planning, managing, and executing the overall communications plans of Meals on Wheels. Ariana holds a B.S. in Public Relations from the University of Florida and a Master of Arts in Advertising from The University of Texas at Austin. She has over 15 years of communications and marketing experience including agency, volunteer, and nonprofit work. In addition to caring for our city’s seniors through what she does every day, Ariana also volunteers as a board member for Girls Inc. of San Antonio to advocate for future opportunities for all of our community’s future female leaders, including her own daughter. Topics covered:- How MOWSA succeeded against the odds- The importance of innovation- Changes in the nonprofit industry- Lessons learned while pivoting- Working with a PR consultant- How to communicate in a crisisActions to take:- Make your donors feel appreciated- Expect the unexpected- Position yourself as essential- Work smarter- Don't be afraid to ask tough questionsResources mentioned- Meals on Wheels San Antonio: https://www.mowsatx.org/

Communication comes after actions. In a crisis, communicators are often preoccupied by the messaging of actions taken, but how often do we think about the actions themselves? This week, Melissa is joined by Michael Morlan, President of Two Rivers Emergency Management, to discuss how to close the gap between communications and actions in a crisis. About Michael: Mr. Morlan is an emergency management contractor/consultant, mentor, emergency management strategist, and President of Two Rivers Emergency Management. Over the past decade, Mr. Morlan has been a part of some of the largest Presidential Declarations including hurricanes, flooding, and extreme weather incidents, as well as other local disasters and emergencies throughout the United States. During these incidents, Mr. Morlan, filled many positions within the ICS structure including, Incident Commander, Operations Section Chief, and Planning Section Chief. He brings a unique knowledge of the public and private sector through healthcare, city, county, and federal organizations. Fulfilling multiple positions throughout his experience, Mr. Morlan has extensive experience within the emergency management field focusing on prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Taking the phases of emergency management, Mr. Morlan, instills communication, coordination, and cooperation into his strategies for success. Through his business approach, Mr. Morlan promotes customized service, whole community focus, and embracing new technologies to ensure his company is redefining emergency management. Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/tworiversem Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/two-rivers-emergency-management-llc Topics covered: - The importance of emergency management and planning - Navigating recovery - Identifying gaps and reimagining what can improve - How to strengthen the relationship between communicators and emergency planners - The importance of being deliberate Actions to take: - Make a checklist - Think about the what ifs - Don't just check a box - Build plans in the reality you face Resources mentioned: - Two Rivers Emergency Management: Tworiversem.com- PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

Internal communications is about people. If done well, it can drive your organization to achieve top results, even during a pandemic. In this week's episode, Melissa talks to Amanda Todd, the Executive Communications Officer at Cisco, about the importance of internal communications. About Amanda: Amanda Todd is an Executive Communications Officer to Liz Centoni, Cisco's Chief Strategy Officer and General Manager of Applications at Cisco. Before joining Liz's Executive Communications team, Amanda built and led internal communications programs at Duo Security (now part of Cisco) and at car2go North America. She is a firm believer that the best communications understand people, products and culture - and has a special passion for employee well-being, corporate social responsibility and creating programs that foster a strong sense of purpose and belonging. Follow Amanda on LinkedIn: amanda-todd-austin Topics covered: - Defining internal communications - Internal communications during a pandemic - Internal communications in a post-pandemic world - How to build company culture while working from home - The measure of "good work" Actions to take: - Include employees in your communications plan - Minimize confusion - Bring heart into your message - Acknowledge the "elephant in the room" - Build in daily opportunities for laughter - Learn how to listen Resources mentioned: - Cisco: https://www.cisco.com/ - Staffbase: https://staffbase.com/en/- PR Pro Gear: https://www.prgearshop.com/

Season finale! In the final episode of Season 1, Melissa shares the value of real talk conversations and offers tips on how to facilitate those often awkward, or difficult discussions. She also shares lessons learned from this season’s guests as they explored how to communicate during turbulent times.Topics covered:- How to assess your mindset- The value of real talk- Unity during a crisis- The benefits of open conversation- Creating safe spacesActions to take:- Constantly evaluate your environment- Have difficult conversations- Point to data to minimize bias- Don't make decisions aloneResources mentioned:- PRSA- "The Value of Real Talk" article- PR Pro Gear

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

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

Digital strategy can influence minds and drive behaviors towards making a change. So, what happens when marketers use those tools to bring awareness to social issues? This week, Melissa is joined by Cedric F. Brown to dive deeper into diversity, equity, and inclusion.Follow Cedric on Twitter: @abrothanamedCedConnect with Cedric on LinkedIn: /in/cedricfbrownVisit Cedric’s websiteTopics covered:- What it means to be "more than a publicist"- How PR professionals practice social responsibility- How DEI is being approached in the industry today- Raising boys into good men- Leveraging digital strategies to educate and inform- When and how to get involved in social issuesActions to take:- Be your authentic self- Build bridges and relationships- Ask others to contribute to the conversation- Take ownership of your story- Seek to understand before asking to be understoodResources mentioned:- PRSA- Dr. Michael Reichert- Ben and Jerry's- MVW Communications- PR Pro Gear

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

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

Season finale! Join Melissa as she wraps up Season 2 by sharing her top three principles for being a socially responsible professional.Topics covered:- How to fix root issues by moving upstream- The importance of doing more good than harm- What being an ally meansActions to take:- Know and do better- Serve people where they - Make your impact a positive one- Recognize your biases and privilegesResources mentioned: - Methodist Healthcare Ministries- Spider-Man (2002)- The Hippocratic Oath- The Latina Leadership Institute- "How to Be a Good Friend"- MVW Communications- PR Pro Gear

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

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

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

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

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

Season finale! For the last episode of season three, Melissa is joined by a surprise guest: STS Producer Jennifer Navarrete!About Jennifer:Jennifer Navarrete has been podcasting since 2005, believes everyone has a story to share, and that podcasting is the perfect platform to share it! Whether she’s founding an annual podcasting movement like National Podcast Post Month (NaPodPoMo), leading communities (San Antonio Podcasters, Social Media Club, Social Media Breakfast), or training agencies and individuals through her company Brewing Media, Jennifer educates and empowers YOU to tell your story through the hottest, fastest-growing communication medium on the planet -- podcasting.Follow Jennifer on TwitterFollow Jennifer on FacebookConnect with Jennifer on LinkedInFollow Jennifer on InstagramFollow Jennifer on ClubhouseTopics covered:- The evolution of podcasting- Should you start a podcast?- The levels of creating a podcast- Common KPIs- Finding your styleActions to take:- Develop a community- Don't limit your potential reach- Come up with a schedule you can stick to long-term- Create systems- Share your messageResources mentioned: - The Daily Source Code - MVW Communications- PR Pro Gear

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