PR Masters Series

In this episode, we have the immense privilege of welcoming Muriel Fox, a trailblazing feminist activist and accomplished PR executive. With her unparalleled intellect and unwavering passion, Fox illuminates the pivotal role of PR in propelling the women's movement forward. From challenging societal norms to advocating fervently for gender equality, Fox's journey serves as an inspirational beacon for PR professionals and activists alike. Muriel shares highlights from her upcoming book, The Women’s Revolution: How We Changed Your Life.

Welcome to the PR Masters Podcast, your go-to source for insights and stories from the forefront of the public relations industry. I'm your host, Art Stevens, managing partner of The Stevens Group, and in today's episode, we're honored to host Phil Nardone, the driving force behind PAN Communications.Nardone shares his journey into public relations and how he built a successful agency with a focus on shared values, exceptional work ethic, and work-life balance. He discusses the importance of entrepreneurship, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry. Nardone also talks about the evolving role of the CEO, the future of PR agencies, and the significance of leading by example.

Welcome to the PR Masters Podcast, your go-to source for insights and stories from the forefront of the public relations industry. I'm your host, Art Stevens, managing partner of The Stevens Group, and in today's episode, we're honored to host Rick French, the driving force behind French/West/Vaughn, an agency that's become a beacon of success and innovation in the PR world. Rick's journey from launching a dynamic agency to shaping it into a home for blue-chip clients and a nurturing environment for its team members is nothing less than inspiring.

We welcome a distinguished guest on episode #81 - Sir Martin Sorrell, Founder and Executive Chairman of S4 Capital plc. In this exclusive interview, Art Stevens delves into the mind of a marketing and advertising visionary, exploring Sir Martin's insights on the current state and future of public relations (PR). As a pioneer in the industry, Sir Martin's vast experience results in a captivating discussion that spans his journey from WPP to his current venture, S4 Capital.

Jon Iwata, a distinguished figure with a 35-year career at IBM, including roles as the global marketing and communications leader and chief brand officer, is the special guest on the PR Masters Series Podcast. Recognized for leading IBM's digital transformation and elevating its brand value to the second most valuable globally, Jon now serves as an Executive Fellow at the Yale Center for Customer Insights, directing the Data & Trust Alliance and contributing to various organizations in areas like responsible data and AI practices, governance, and innovation.The Stevens Group is pleased to host this podcast, whose mission is to bring to PR, digital/interactive, and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.

As a pioneer in the public relations field, Tom Coyne has established Coyne Public Relations as a powerhouse in the industry. Join us as we delve into his remarkable journey and gain valuable insights into the strategies that have propelled him to the summit of the PR profession.The Stevens Group is pleased to host this podcast, whose mission is to bring to PR, digital/interactive, and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today’s special guest is Tom Coyne, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Coyne Public Relations.

Paul Dyer is a visionary business-builder, a trusted advisor to the C-suite, and a champion of social media marketing. The Stevens Group is pleased to host this podcast, whose mission is to bring to PR, digital/interactive, and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today’s special guest is Paul Dyer, CEO of Lippe Taylor.

From our host, Art Stevens...“I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with Fay Shapiro and CommPRO these past four years and hosting the PR Masters Podcast Series.  We’ve had the unique opportunity to interview close to eighty leaders and legends in the PR industry and share their views on the state of the PR profession. Not to be outdone, the new season is starting off with a bang.  We’re privileged to start it off with Jen Prosek whose firm Prosek Partners has grown dramatically over the past ten years. --Art Stevens Managing Partner The Stevens Group

Liz Kaplow is a visionary entrepreneur, a trusted advisor to the C-suite, and a champion for communications practitioners across every industry.  The Stevens Group is pleased to host this podcast, whose mission is to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today’s special guest is Liz Kaplow, Founder and CEO of Kaplow Communications.

Patrick Ford has earned recognition as a public relations leader, innovator and passionate advocate of diversity, equity and inclusion. In 2016, IPR chose Pat as the 19th recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Medal, its highest award, which “honors PR professionals who have made major contributions to the practice of public relations…. while living the values of integrity, humility, commitment and stewardship.” In 2014, he received the Plank Center’s Milestones in Mentoring Legacy Award, which “recognizes those who have touched the lives of countless public relations professionals over the course of their exceptional careers.”The Stevens Group is pleased to host this podcast, whose mission is to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today’s special guest is Patrick Ford, Professional in Residence at University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications

Valerie Di Maria has earned recognition as a communications and marketing leader and executive coach in both the corporate and agency worlds. As an advocate for the public relations profession, she was influential in starting the PR Council, the industry’s trade association, and was a member of its Client Advisory Board.  She is a member and former Trustee of the Page Society, the preeminent organization for CCOs, and co-led the task force that produced Page’s “The Authentic Enterprise,” a definitive report on the evolving role of communications and its strategic importance to CEOs and reputation. The Stevens Group is pleased to host this podcast, whose mission is to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today’s special guest is Valerie Di Maria, Principal, the10company.

Larry Parnell has played as much of a role as to how public relations is being taught on both the undergraduate and graduate levels in colleges and universities as anyone in the world of academia. The Stevens Group is pleased to host this podcast, whose mission is to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today’s special guest is Larry Parnell, Associate Professor & Program Director, Masters in Strategic Public Relations, The George Washington University.

The Stevens Group is pleased to host this podcast, whose mission is to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today’s special guest is Rosanna Fiske.

Michael Steele is a game changer.  His views on where our country is headed can be heard on various TV talk shows, including Meet the Press, Face the Nation  and others.  His candid observations on the state of our nation can now be heard on interview number 71 of the PR Masters Podcast series.   Michael Steele is a former Lt. Governor of Maryland and chairman of the Republican national Committee.  He has been a visible force in helping to persuade the nation that some of our better days are behind us and that there’s work to be done in restoring traditional American values.  Art Stevens, managing partner of The Stevens Group conducted the interview, as usual, and helped bring out Michael’s candor, transparency and honesty. You must see this Zoom presentation.  You’ll learn things about our country – and about Michael Steele – that you never knew.

About the PodcastThe Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for more than two years now. This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession. Today’s special guest is Stewart Hall, CEO & Managing Partner of Public Policy Holding Company Inc.  About Our GuestStewart Hall is CEO & Managing Partner of Public Policy Holding Company Inc., which he co-founded in 2014, and co-founder and Chairman of Crossroads Strategies, LLC (CRS).Stewart began his career as Legislative Director to Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) from 1992-1996. During this time, Stewart acquired a substantial background in defense policy, appropriations, financial services, and Senate procedure. In 1999, he co-founded Federalist Group, LLC as his first private sector venture.Under his guidance as CEO, Federalist Group was ultimately acquired by Ogilvy Public Relations, a WPP company, in 2005 and proceeded to double in size during the four years after the transaction under his continued leadership.In 2010, Stewart co-founded CRS and in 2014, CRS was merged to form PPHC – the first full-service organization dedicated to synthesizing all disciplines of the public policy economy in a multi-brand, horizontally integrated company.As Managing Partner of PPHC, Stewart has overseen an organization that has achieved a 30% plus compound annual growth rate each year through merger, acquisition, and organic growth and has grown to over 200 employees nationwide.Stewart is a graduate of the University of Alabama and earned an MA and Ph.D. in Government from the University of Virginia.

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for more than two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today’s special guest is Eric Mower, Chairman, & Chief Executive Officer, Mower.     About Our Guest Eric Mower has guided the privately-held Mower (formerly Eric Mower + Associates) over the past 54 years, growing it from a single location with a staff of four to one of the largest independent, digitally integrated, full-service marketing, advertising and public relations firms in the United States. Mower functions from ten US cities: Albany (New York), Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, New York City, Rochester (New York) and Syracuse. Earlier this year Mower was named Midsize Agency of the Year for B2B by the Association of National Advertisers. In the last decade, Ad Age magazine twice-named the agency one of the Top-10 “Best Places to Work.” In addition to serving as Mower’s chairman and CEO, Eric served the Business Council of New York State as co-chair of the board for two years followed by two years as chair of the board. He and his firm joined the Business Council in 1986. Eric is chair emeritus of the Advertising Self-Regulatory Council (ASRC) and a past director and secretary/treasurer of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s), and he continues to serve in his 30th year as chair of the 4A’s Government Relations Committee. 0ther board leadership positions include seven-years as president of the International Network of Advertising Agencies (IN); director of the International Council of Better Business Bureaus; director of the American Advertising Federation; eight years as the Founding Chair of the federal Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission. In addition to being inducted into the Association of National Advertisers’ B2B Hall of Fame in 2019, Eric has been recognized by Ernst & Young as a Master Entrepreneur of the Year, and by City & State Reports, which bestowed on him the Lifetime Achievement Award and later named him to its “Responsible 100” list. In 2022 City & State Reports designated Mower as number 14 on “The 2022 Political PR Power 50 in New York.” Also in 2022, 100 Black Men of New York honored him with its J. Bruce Llewellyn Excellence in Philanthropy Award. Over many years Eric provided leadership to, and was recognized by, numerous community philanthropic and civic organizations in Upstate New York, including the SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse, United Way, Community Foundation of CNY, Centerstate CEO, Syracuse Stage, Everson Museum, Boy Scouts, Junior Achievement, the Syracuse and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and others. Eric earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences in 1966 and a master’s degree in public relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1968. And he serves as a Life Trustee of Syracuse University and sits on several of its committees (Academic Affairs, Advancement and External Affairs, Athletics, and Facilities). He is also a member of the university’s Subcommittee for Marketing and Communications. Mower joined SU’s board in 1990 and served as Vice Chair from 1997-2001. In 2018 he received the Dritz Life Trustee of the Year Award for outstanding Board service.  His Syracuse University service includes ongoing membership on the Newhouse Advisory Council and he is a former member of the Whitman School of Business Advisory Council. Mower is a 2015 recipient of the George Arents Award, the University’s highest alumni honor, and a 2012 co-recipient with his wife, S.U. trustee Judith C. Mower, of the University’s Orange Circle Award.  He also received the University’s Outstanding Alumni Award in 1995.  

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for more than two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today’s special guest is Helen C.  Shelton, Global Chief Diversity Officer at Finn Partners.     About Our Guest Helen C. Shelton is the Global Chief Diversity Officer at Finn Partners. She created the firm’s award-winning Actions Speak Louder program in service to its 1,300 employees and strategic partners around the world to advance DEI at Finn Partners and for its clients across multiple business sectors. At FINN, Helen leads a 100-person DEI Committee, managing four strategic pillars: Inclusion and Employee Engagement; Volunteerism and Civic Engagement; Recruitment and Higher Education; and Thought Leadership. In addition, Helen is head of multicultural marketing and is responsible for consumer engaging programs for a variety of sectors, with a particular expertise in health, technology and consumer goods.  Helen is a passionate and dedicated DEI strategist, serving as a trusted point of counsel for corporations and brands facing DEI challenges and crises both internally and externally. She works tirelessly in the industry not only to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in both the corporate and non-profit sectors, but also to advance important causes, ranging from health and education disparities, domestic violence, voter education and access to the arts and culture for underserved communities. , disparate unemployment, health disparities and disease awareness initiatives.  Named one of the 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business by The Network Journal magazine, Helen is a 2021 inductee into the PR Week Hall of Femme, Trustee of the PRSA Foundation and a Director of the New York Urban League.  She is a member of the social service women’s organization, The Links, and a Charter Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Helen is a graduate of Dartmouth College and holds an M.S. degree from Boston University. She is featured in the seminal book, Diverse Voices and regularly writes about DEI in industry trades, most recently PR News and Triple Pundit. Helen is a native New Yorker, and in her spare time enjoys Italian cinema, museums, reading and cooking.

  About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for  more than two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today’s special guest is Jeffrey Sharlach, Founder and Chairman of JeffreyGroup   About Our Guest Jeffrey Sharlach is Chairman of JeffreyGroup, the Latin America public relations, marketing communications and public affairs agency he founded in 1993. Prior to moving to Miami to launch JeffreyGroup in 1993, Jeffrey held senior management positions during a 15-year career in New York at top international agencies. He was Executive Vice President for International Operations at the Rowland Worldwide division of Saatchi & Saatchi, Vice President and Client Service Manager for Burson-Marsteller, and Vice President and Worldwide Creative Director for Carl Byoir & Associates. Trained as both a journalist (B.S.J., Northwestern) and an attorney (J.D., New York University) Jeffrey has developed and managed marketing and communications programs for global clients throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.   Since 2007 he has also been an Adjunct Associate Professor of Management Communication teaching in the MBA program at the New York University Stern School of Business specializing in corporate communication.   About JeffreyGroup JeffreyGroup is the leading marketing, corporate communications, and public affairs consulting firm in Latin America, with a successful 30-yeartrack record advising multinational companies across a broad range of industry sectors.  With more than 330 employees, JeffreyGroup has offices in Mexico City, Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Buenos Aires, supported by a network of local agency partners across the region. JeffreyGroup is proud to serve some of the world’s largest companies and best-known brands, including Airbus, Amazon, American Airlines, BlackRock, BMW, Citi, Marriott International, Mastercard, PepsiCo, Salesforce, and Walt Disney World Resorts, among others.  In 2022, the firm was acquired by WPP.  For further information visit www.jeffreygroup.com.  

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for  more than two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today’s special guest is Robert L. Dilenschneider, Founder and Principal of The Dilenschneider Group.     About Our Guest Robert L. Dilenschneider formed The Dilenschneider Group in October, 1991. Headquartered in New York and Chicago, the Firm provides strategic advice and counsel to Fortune 500 companies and leading families and individuals around the world, with experience in fields ranging from mergers and acquisitions and crisis communications to marketing, government affairs and international media. Prior to forming his own firm, Mr. Dilenschneider served as president and chief executive officer of Hill and Knowlton, Inc. from 1986 to 1991, tripling that Firm’s revenues to nearly $200 million and delivering more than $30 million in profit. Mr. Dilenschneider was with that organization for nearly 25 years. 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. Experienced in a number of communications disciplines, Mr. Dilenschneider is frequently called upon by the media to provide commentary and strategic public relations insights on major news stories. He has counseled major corporations, professional groups, trade associations and educational institutions, and has assisted clients in dealings with regulatory agencies, labor unions, and consumer groups, among others. In 2001 he established The Borromean Lecture at St. Charles Preparatory School of Columbus, Ohio. The annual event attracts a nationally renowned speaker to talk on the topic of morals and ethics in business and government. In 2012 The Dilenschneider Group established the Civility in America Lecture Series, which features many of the nation’s leading thinkers from a wide variety of professions and provides a perspective on what must be done to restore civility in our Country. Mr. Dilenschneider serves as a Trustee of the Institute of International Education and is a member of the North American Advisory Board of The Michael Smurfit School of University College Dublin. He serves as a judge for The Olin Award, a program of the Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Economic Clubs of New York and Chicago, Mr. Dilenschneider has also served on numerous corporate boards. A former member of the Board of Governors of the American Red Cross, Mr. Dilenschneider also served on the advisory board of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Board of Governors of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and The Bretton Woods Committee. He is a former member of the U.S. Japan Business Council and the Florida Council of 100. In 2001, he received an honorary Doctorate of Public Service degree from Muskingum College, and in 2012 he received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of New Haven. Mr. Dilenschneider is a Knight of Malta. Mr. Dilenschneider has been called the “Dean of American Public Relations Executives” and is widely published, having authored 18 books, including Power & Influence, A Briefing for Leaders, On Power, The Critical 14 Years of Your Professional Life, Moses: C.E.O, The Critical 2nd Phase of your Professional Life, 50 Plus!—Critical Career Decisions for the Rest of Your Life, A Time for Heroes, Power and Influence: The Rules Have Changed, The AMA Handbook of Public Relations, Decisions, Nailing It:  How History’s Awesome Twentysomethings Got It Together, and the Fifth Edition of The Public Relations Handbook.     He has lectured before scores of professional organizations and colleges, including the University of Notre Dame, Ohio State University, New York University and The Harvard Business School.

About the Podcast The Stevens Group has been presenting the PR Masters Series Podcast for  more than two years now.  This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession.  Today’s special guest is Ben Chodor, pioneer of online communications resources.   About Our Guest Entrepreneur, Author, Founder of Stream57 acquired by West Corp, Happtique acquired by SocialWealth, Fmr President of Notified and current Advisory Board Member, Selected to PR Weeks 25 Leaders of PR Tech 2022. Always one to think outside of the box, Ben Chodor has established himself as a pioneer of online communications Through PR, IR, interactive & streaming content. He is a leader with 20+ years of experience in enterprise communications, social video, and digital health. As President of Notified, he ran the world’s only communications cloud for events, public relations, and investor relations, Ben continues to transform the way people connect and share information. Ben has always worked to consistently raise the bar when it comes to virtual, hybrid or in-person events as well as public relations, investor relations and digital health. Previously, Ben served as Co-Founder & CEO of Happtique, the first digital health mobile application marketplace. He was also Founder & CEO for digital media and webcasting company Stream57, and the former Global Head of Streaming & Virtual Events at InterCall. Ben acts as a mentor for startup accelerator Blueprint Health, is an active investor and board member for digital startups, hosts the podcast Insights with Ben Chodor, and is a member of the Forbes Communications Council he is also a frequent speaker on digital media and technology. Ben is the author of Transitioning to Virtual and Hybrid Events: How to Create, Adapt, and Market an Engaging Online Experience, a new book that provides expert advice and real-world instructions for delivering engaging hybrid, virtual, and streaming events and webinars for companies of all sizes. When not working in one of his many business roles, Ben enjoys spending time with his family, boxing, yoga, traveling and training for his first triathlon.