Shows
Smart in PublicDemystifying the IPO for comms with Daniella VallurupalliIn today's episode of the Smart in Public podcast, the Katies welcome Daniella Vallurupalli, VP and Head of Global Communications at Cloudflare, to demystify the role of communications professionals during the IPO process. Daniella shares the importance of preparing for an IPO well in advance (with some incredibly helpful tips on how to do that), how to get a S.E.A.T. at the table throughout the entire process, and the unique challenges faced by comms teams when trying to navigate a time at the company where it's likely it's everyone's first rodeo -- even your s...2025-07-291h 01
Smart in PublicExpectations, customer service, and your CEO could be causing a comms disconnect trifectaIn this week's episode of the Smart and Public podcast, the Katies dig into the crisis recently faced by Qantas, Australia's most well-known national airline, following a significant data breach earlier this month. Hot topics were the implications of the breach on customer trust and loyalty, the challenges of crisis communication in today's instant-info digital age, and the importance of CEO messaging and transparency in rebuilding brand reputation. A use case that we touched on was the lessons learned from CrowdStrike's response to their own breach one-year on, which we thought was a great example of the n...2025-07-2243 min
Smart in PublicNavigate the shifting startup ecosystem with Alex Konrad, Founder & Editor of Upstarts MediaIn this episode of the Smart in Public podcast, the Katies welcome friend of the pod and everyone's favorite startup journalist Alex Konrad, Founder & Editor of Upstarts Media. The big topic on the table was getting a better sense of the direction startup news reporting is heading -- from industry predictions all the way down to some real tactical stuff like how to pitch Substack journalists. The conversation also covers the challenges of navigating the media landscape, the role of AI in journalism, best practices for pitching stories, and what makes a compelling startup narrative. Al...2025-07-1548 min
Smart in PublicBezos Spectacle, Protesticals, Big Wallets & Watching the NYC Mayoral RaceIt's Season 2 of the Smart in Public podcast! The Katies kick off the new season with something old and something new, because we can't stop trying to understand the world that is Bezos, even if it means we're talking about them for the third time since the inception of the podcast. The implications on celebrity culture and brand perception are just too good. We also get pretty spicy on the New York mayoral race, highlighting the generational shift in politics, the importance of authenticity in communication, and the need for political candidates and brands to adapt to n...2025-07-0838 min
Smart in Public37 - You are the brand nowMoving forward, let's just assume all episodes are hot takes, ok?? Today, the Katies dissect the article 'You are the brand now' written by Kira Klaas in her On Brand Substack to unpack the evolving landscape of personal branding and its implications for corporate strategy and consumer behavior. We know that individuals are becoming brands themselves, and recognize the importance of visibility over skill, but how does that affect the changing expectations of employees in the workplace and how corporations partner with them? We also ask ourselves some big hairy questions that Kira rai...2025-06-1742 min
Smart in Public36 - Hot Take: The New Era of PRIn Episode 36 of the Smart in Public Podcast, the Katies kick off with a shameless plug of the launch of Boysen's new business, Comms People and there was not a dry pit in the house as she talked about it for the first time publicly. The hot takes were really about the insights Boysen pulled from the Haymaker Media Summit, which mainly focused on the evolving role of AI in journalism and the importance (and hesitation) of go-direct communication strategies in public relations. We chat through the balance between go-direct and traditional earned media, highlighting the need f...2025-06-1040 min
Smart in Public35 - Create brand content that serves both your business and your career with Fana YohannesIn episode 35 of Smart in Public, Fana Yohannes, Founder of Flora by Fana and Here to Help (H2H), joins the Katies on the pod to chat personal and professional branding, building a future-proof network, navigating the job market, and the importance of a consistent online presence (with tips on how to actually do it without burning out). The evolution of networking is ongoing in the digital age, and Fana walks us through how to effectively develop content creation strategies for social media, and the role of platforms like Substack for both personal and professional impact. We a...2025-06-0354 min
Smart in Public34 - The common thread between ROI and trusted storytelling with Cristin CulverThis week on Smart in Public, the Katies welcome Cristin Culver, founder of Common Thread Communications, to the pod. Cristin's approach to comms is unique -- and it has to be given she works across the Fintech, Proptech, and Legaltech industries. Her highly ROI driven comms strategies remove the safety net of saying 'comms is hard to measure' from her vocabulary, and her clients love her for it.Learn how Cristin uses hybrid comms strategies, including the power of local storytelling, and hear her perspectives on the role of AI in modern PR. We dive into the...2025-05-2755 minSmart in Public33 - Hot Take: Emma Grede's work-life balance & would you work for Elon Musk?It's another Hot Take episode and The Katies are in a mood. Hot Take #1 (2:02): Emma Grede's statements around work-life balance were not completely out of line - she was just lacking tangible examples in her messaging. Hot Take #2 (25:30): X's search for a new comms lead validates that comms is a critical role at the leadership table.TakeawaysWork-life balance is often viewed differently by CEOs and employees.CEOs need to provide examples of HOW they maintain work-life balance to set a new executive standard in answering th...2025-05-2041 minSmart in Public32 - How to run successful comms programs in Asia with Zixin ChaiIn episode 32 of Smart in Public, the Katies are joined by Zixin Chai, Senior Partner at RICE, a FINN Partners Company, to learn about the comms and media landscape across Asia. Zixin guides Boysen & Dufficy through the challenges of working with multinational clients in Asia, cultural nuances, and the current talent pool in Singapore (where she's based). We also explore the media landscape, shifts in the communications industry, and the growing significance of internal communications across companies in Asia. Fun fact - did you know that Asia is not one big country? All jokes aside, th...2025-05-1355 minSmart in Public31 - Navigating Corporate Reputation, Inclusivity, and Authenticity with Abenaa HayesIn this episode of the Smart and Public Podcast, the Katies welcome Abenaa Hayes, Founder and CEO of Elysee Consulting. It won't take long in the episode for you to agree with us when we say that Abenaa AND her career are not only impressive, but incredibly interesting. Her experience in communications and brand spans across a wide range of companies - from start-ups to growth to established US and global firms in healthcare, social impact, and more. Abenaa’s professional mission is to guide leaders and brands who want to meet 21st century societal mandates head on by dr...2025-05-0653 minSmart in Public30 - PR-omance: How to build your dream PR agency / client relationshipIn this episode of the Smart in Public podcast, The Katies discuss the ins-and-outs of working with PR agencies, including the pros and cons of different agency types, best practices for finding the right agency, and how to build successful partnerships. We also delve into the RFP process, emphasizing the importance of communication and transparency in agency-client relationships. We have a tonne of experience in this space -- from both ends of the spectrum -- so this episode is packed with personal anecdotes and insights into the evolving agency landscape of PR (with a consulting twist!).2025-04-2955 minSmart in Public29 - Hot Take: Blue OriginIt's a HOT TAKE BAY BEE! In this bonus episode of the Smart in Public podcast, the Katies slightly unravel talking about Blue Origin's recent space mission featuring an all-female crew. They unpacked the publicity leading up to the launch, how it aligned to Blue Origin's company mission, the media's reaction, the public backlash, and the implications of celebrity involvement in space exploration. Yes we did some [heavy] critiquing on the PR strategy around the mission, including the focus on superficial aspects rather than substantive discussions about women in STEM and the role of NASA amidst budget cuts. They...2025-04-1735 minSmart in Public28 - Pitching with proof: how data storytelling gets audiences to listenIn this episode of the Smart in Public podcast, the Katies discuss the significance of data storytelling across executive messaging, narrative creation, cross-functional campaign development, industry positioning, and public relations. They explore various types of data research, the importance of sample size, and how to effectively leverage data for storytelling and media engagement. The conversation walks comms & marketing leaders how to strategically plan and collaborate across business functions to maximize the impact of data-driven narratives.TakeawaysWhat data storytelling programs are and how they can can be a critical communication toolLearn good and bad e...2025-04-1548 minSmart in Public27 - Turn storytelling programs into bottom line drivers with Cath AndersonIn this episode of the Smart in Public podcast, the Katies welcome Cath Anderson to the pod to talk about narrative development, messaging, her board seat on Planned Parenthood, career breaks, and A LOT MORE. For those that don't know Cath, she's a comms powerhouse with two decades of experience working in corporate communications and marketing roles. She specializes in shaping company narratives, mitigating reputation risk, and strategically positioning brands for long-term relevance and growth. Cath has built best-in-class communications teams, while advising CEOs and founders across various stages and sectors, from established global brands like Apple, Google, and...2025-03-2544 minSmart in Public26 - Enter your communications consultant era w/ Roberto Munoz, CEO Munoz CommunicationsIn episode 26, the Katie's welcome Roberto Munoz, CEO of Munoz Communications, to give our listeners a crash course in comms consulting. This episode comes at a time when we're seeing a flood of top communications talent leave the corporate world to become consultants, and Roberto is the perfect guest to help set anyone -- from the seasoned consultant to the consultant curious -- on the right track for building a client pipeline, identifying what services you want to offer, how much to charge, how to evolve with the market, and even how to simply get started.Thank...2025-03-181h 04Smart in Public25 - Craft audience-first brand stories w/ Alexandra Whiting, Head of Content at The MemoIn episode 25 of the Smart in Public Podcast, the Katies welcome Alexandra Whiting, Head of Content at The Memo, to chat through the world of content creators; brand messaging; and telling stories that will actually build a community. Of course, it wouldn't be like us to not get side tracked into the importance of other areas like the challenges of PR / media relationships and the unique approach The Memo takes in curating parenting products - but we think you'll enjoy all those topics too! Think of Alexandra as a deep well of insights on authenticity in motherhood content and...2025-03-041h 01Smart in Public24 - Navigating Corporate DEI Communications in 2025In episode 24 of Smart in Public, the Katies deliver an in-depth analysis of corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today's business environment. This timely episode explores how companies are adapting their DEI strategies, the crucial role of communications teams in driving meaningful change, and strategies for maintaining authentic corporate values during shifting market dynamics.Key Discussion Points:The current state of corporate DEI initiatives and their effectivenessStrategic approaches to measuring DEI success beyond short-term metricsImpact of employee feedback on DEI program developmentBuilding resilient brand values in challenging market conditionsRole of communications teams in corporate leadership...2025-02-1834 minSmart in Public23 - From finance to tech: how Cheryl Sanclemente, CCO at Lattice, took her career from strength to strengthIn episode 23 of Smart in Public, the Katies sit down with Cheryl Sanclemente, Chief Communications Officer at Lattice, for a real-talk conversation about career development, mentorship, comms leaders on boards, the sentiment in HR tech during a time of massive layoffs across the industry, and age old question of work-life balance.Key Discussion Highlights:Career Transformation: Cheryl's remarkable journey from finance to tech leadershipAI in the Workplace: Exploring the critical role of HR in responsible AI integrationCommunications Strategy: Navigating the evolving landscape of corporate communicationsProfessional Growth: The transformative power of mentorship and networkingWork-Life Balance: Strategies...2025-02-1256 minSmart in Public22 - Unlock the Secrets of VC Communications with Allie Cefalo, Marketing Partner at Kleiner PerkinsThis week, the Katies are joined by Allie Cefalo, Marketing Partner at Kleiner Perkins, who shares her journey from leading global communications teams to running marketing for one of the world's best known Venture Capital firms. In this episode, you'll get a peek into the world of VC comms and the insider communications strategies. Discover how top VC firms support founders, craft compelling brand narratives, and navigate the evolving landscape of startup marketing.We laughed a lot, we learned a lot, we shared some embarrassing stories. It's an episode you won't want to miss!...2025-02-0448 minSmart in Public21 - Master the message, the messenger, and the platform with Burson CEO Corey duBrowaIn episode 21 of the Smart in Public podcast, Burson CEO Corey duBrowa shares insights as to how world of communications has transformed over the years and his predictions on where it's headed. Whether you're a comms leader (or any leader, really) that's building a team, working with an executive or founder, interested in transitioning from agency to in-house (or visa versa), trying to switch to a different PR field, or want to understand how to become a better storyteller, this is your chance to learn from one of the most decorated and influential PR pros out there. 2025-01-2854 minSmart in Public20 - Land your dream job with Brooke Kruger, Founder of KC PartnersLooking for a job in comms? Well it's your lucky day. This week, the Katies welcome Brooke Kruger, founder of KC Partners, to discuss the current hiring landscape in the communications field through the eyes of one of the industry's best comms recruiters. The conversation covers a broad range of job hunting, hiring, and interview tips including the importance of skills and education, career advice for newcomers in communications, preparing for interviews, and the impact of AI on hiring. They also explore common mistakes made by companies during the hiring process, the dynamics of returning to the office, and...2025-01-2237 minSmart in Public19 - Hot Take Episode: Meta & Meghan MarkleIn episode 19 of the Smart Public Podcast, the Katies discuss Meta's announcement led by Mark Zuckerberg and the implications of his messages on the company's reputation. They also debate on Meghan Markle's new show on Netflix and the challenges she faces in rebuilding her brand. The conversation highlights the complexities of communication strategies in today's media landscape and the impact of social media on public figures.Episode Timestamps00:44 - Meta's Announcement: The Zuck and His Gold Chain06:40 - The Impact of Meta's Changes on Society12:39 - The Masculine Energy Debate: Zuck on...2025-01-1443 minSmart in Public18 - Build and lead a highly functioning team with Jane Hynes, VP of Communications for Google CloudIn episode 18, the Katies welcome special guest Jane Hynes, VP of Global Communications for Google Cloud for a masterclass in how to effectively build and lead highly functioning communication teams. If you're currently building a team or managing people managers for the first time, this episode is for you. Jane also shares candid insights about:Developing quotable, impactful messaging that resonates in today's fast-paced media landscapeBuilding and nurturing high-performing teams in rapid-growth environmentsThe critical importance of succession planning and talent developmentHow AI is reshaping the future of corporate communicationsWhether you're a seasoned communications profess...2025-01-0837 minSmart in Public17 - All Inclusive Holiday SpecialIn this holiday special episode of the Smart in Public podcast, the Katies discuss their top PR campaigns in 2024, like Mastercard's wheelchair ball kid initiative, Dove's Face of Ten campaign, and the rise of women's sports. The conversation also touches on the US election campaigns and notable PR disasters, all while sharing personal anecdotes and insights about the importance of networking and self-awareness in the industry. 00:00 - Holiday Cheer and Podcast Introduction02:45 - Reflecting on 2024: Top Moments in PR05:52 - Innovative PR Campaigns: Dad Shift and Wicked09:01 - MasterCard's Wheelchair Ball Kid Initiative14:55...2024-12-2453 minSmart in Public16 - Interview with Tarla Lambert-Patel, co-founder of Agenda Media & Editor-in-Chief of Women's AgendaThis week the Katies welcome Tarla Lambert-Patel, co-founder of Agenda Media, parent company to Women’s Agenda, Women’s Health News, The Crux podcast, and The Keynotes app. In this episode, they discuss the challenges of independent publishing and the importance of addressing women's issues in media. Tarla also shares tips for PR professionals who are looking to pitch and build campaigns around women's issues, curating event content with a publisher that delivers impact, and why International Women's Day shouldn't be the only time your company speaks out to support women.You can listen to the Women's Agen...2024-12-1946 minSmart in Public15 - I Ignored My BrainIt's a predictions episode, people! In episode 15, the Katies discuss industry trends, predictions for the year ahead, and best practices for 2025 communications program planning. Episode Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Recap of Previous Episode04:43 - Reflections on Industry Layoffs and Support13:47 - Best practices for your 2025 communications program planning 32:20 - 2025 Communications Trends and Predictions35:52 - The Impact of AI on Communications43:55 - Dumb in privateConnect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com2024-12-1050 minSmart in Public14 - CCO succession planning + United Colors of Benetton and the Paris Olympics had a babyIn episode 14 of the Smart in Public podcast, the Katies explore the evolving role of the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) and the importance of succession planning in communications. They discuss the rise of CCOs in the C-suite, the new 'CCO plus' role that encompasses a broader range of responsibilities, and the skills needed to prepare for a CCO position. The conversation also delves into the recent Jaguar rebrand and the controversial ad campaign that sparked discussions about brand strategy and audience engagement.Episode links:Axios Communicator ArticleSign up for the Axios Communicators Newsletter 2024-12-0343 minSmart in Public13 - JD SportsIf you're looking for an episode that feels like you're eavesdropping on some random gals chatting next to you, this hodgepodge of an episode is the one for you. The Katies have had some manic work schedules lately, so we thought we'd use this time to share some items that are top of mind. Do we talk about PR? Sure. Will you laugh more than you learn in this episode? Likely. We're just happy to be here, honestly. So grab a sandwich and a glass of wine and enjoy our happy ramblings. We'll be more productive next week, we...2024-11-2638 minSmart in Public12 - Your exec comms playbook told through the eyes of a founder w/ Matt Fairhurst, Co-founder & CEO of SkeduloIn this week's episode, the Katies welcome Matt Fairhurst, co-founder and CEO of Skedulo, to the pod to discuss the partnership between a founder and a comms team. Fun fact: this episode isn't just for Comms people. It's also a great one to listen to if you're a founder wanting to explore how and when to bring comms support into your business, and identify the best strategies to improve your communications style as a leader. Topics include:How internal communications is critical for founders to maintain alignment and culture.Technology shifts that create opportunities...2024-11-1341 minSmart in Public11 - Thoughts and Prayers to Intuit’s PR teamOur thoughts and prayers go out to the PR team at Intuit as we dive into this all too familiar case study focused on executive training, expectation setting, and article amendments. We'll dive into the various fallouts that can stem from a CEO interview, the importance of context when navigating article amendments, new ways of thinking around executive and journalist preparation, and what we would have done differently in the situation. It's a tough but critical topic for any PR person who manages the C-suite.Episode time stamps:1:14 - Case Study: Intuit and The Verge...2024-11-0534 minSmart in Public10 - Pitching Cat FoodWe’ve been getting a lot of listener emails – some with episode topic requests and some with quick questions. For this episode, we thought it would be fun to read the quick questions and answer on the fly! Hear our experiences and views on media accountability, navigating a PR career when you move internationally, the definition of comms and the role it plays throughout a business, and some PR horror stories that won't get us fired.Episode Timestamps:2:51 - Media accountability and journalism5:36 - Navigating career transitions when moving internationally8:37 - The definition of Communications and PR11...2024-10-2942 minSmart in Public9 - Future-proof your agency PR strategy with Mandy Galmes, Managing Director & Managing Partner ANZ for Sefiani AgencyIt takes a special leader to lead an agency and do it with heart and soul. In this episode the Katies are joined by Amanda (Mandy) Galmes, Managing Director and Managing Partner ANZ for Sefiani Agency, part of the Clarity Group. Mandy dives into all things agency talent, hiring, helping clients tell their stories - particularly around the growing field of responsible business - and the challenges with doing exec comms in this current climate. Episode timestamps:00:54 - Mandy's Journey into Public Relations04:30 - The Importance of People in Agency Work08:04...2024-10-2245 minSmart in Public8 - Interview with David Swan, Technology Editor for The Age and Sydney Morning HeraldThis week the Katies welcome one of Australia's leading technology reporters and editors David Swan. David's currently the Technology Editor for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, and was previously Technology Editor for The Australian newspaper. In 2024 he was awarded Australia's best technology journalist at The Lizzies, Australia's national IT Journalism awards. In this episode, we explore the relationship between comms people and media - including when we get it right and when we get it wrong. We also discuss some of the differences between US and Australia in terms of execs and media, David’s style of writing an...2024-10-1539 minSmart in Public7 - Know Your Time ZonesThis week the Katies dive into the complexities of building and managing global communications teams. Doing this well means more than just finding the right people overseas – it’s about understanding the market’s storytelling nuances, cultural differences, identifying key publications and journalists, and building trust within your international team members to let them localize with impact.Episode Time Stamps:00:00 - Introduction to Global Communications Teams04:45 - Identifying the Right Time to Hire10:28 - Hiring the Right People for the Market16:05 - Managing Teams Across Time Zones21:46 - Building Trust and Cultural Unders...2024-10-0850 minSmart in Public6 - Interview with Pip Marlow, NED - formerly CEO of Salesforce A/NZ, Suncorp Executive, and MD of Microsoft AustraliaThe partnership between comms and execs is critical for success – and can also be complicated. In this episode, the Katies are joined by Pip Marlow, Non Executive Director, former CEO of Salesforce Australia & New Zealand, Suncorp Executive and Managing Director of Microsoft Australia, to discuss the importance of the comms/executive relationship, how to build a strong working relationship between comms and the c-suite, whether comms people make good board members, and inevitably we will discuss the latest and greatest in skincare!Connect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest id...2024-10-0153 minSmart in Public5 - Flash MobThis week the Katies explore the mystical world of paid, owned, and earned content strategies. You'll hear insights around which strategy to leverage and when, what the benefits are for each, and how to strategically educate stakeholders around preferred strategies when presenting your plans.Connect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com2024-09-2548 minSmart in Public4 - Interview with Ashish Patel, former SVP of Communications at SalesforceThe Katies welcome long-time friend and colleague Ashish Patel, former SVP of Communications at Salesforce, to the podcast to discuss how to strategically make career changes that evolve with the changing needs of the PR market.Connect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com2024-09-1739 minSmart in Public3 - Hot Take: My Body My ChoiceIn our first Hot Take episode, the Katies discuss comms wins and blunders from the US Presidential Debate and the controversy surrounding Elle Macpherson's cancer treatment. Connect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com2024-09-1244 minSmart in Public2 - Cozzy LivThe Katies dive into the world of managing high-functioning PR teams. Topics include how to build a team centered around trust and creativity, managing-up to leadership, and the art of establishing strong executive relationships.Connect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com2024-09-1052 min
Smart in Public1 - Only Up From HereIn this very first episode of Smart in Public, Katie and Katie introduce themselves to the podcasting universe and discuss some of the notable signals, trends and shifts happening across the PR landscape.Connect with us on: Instagram TikTok Web Have a topic or a guest idea? Email us at hello@smartinpublicpod.com2024-09-0644 min