Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre reflect on their recent visit to Nairobi, Kenya, for the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) conference, a gathering that brought together PR and communications professionals from across the globe. They share stories of connection and discovery, from the warmth and hospitality of the Kenyan people to the vibrant cultural pride that infused every interaction. What stood out most wasn’t just the professional insights, but the personal connections that made the experience unforgettable.

The conversations in Nairobi underscored how universal many of today’s challenges are. Topics like the rise of AI, shifting trade dynamics, and the persistence of misinformation affect communicators everywhere, regardless of geography. Hearing from African business leaders and international executives alike offered fresh, nuanced perspectives on how different regions are adapting to change while staying rooted in shared values of transparency and trust.

The episode also explores how emerging tools like AI and podcasting are reshaping the future of global PR. As Adrian and Abbie note, these technologies open new doors for storytelling, connection, and creativity, but they also demand continuous learning and adaptability.

Ultimately, the trip to Nairobi was a reminder that global collaboration is as much about people as it is about progress, and that meaningful growth happens through shared experiences, empathy, and genuine human connection.

Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website.

Key Takeaways

• PR professionals around the world are grappling with similar challenges, from misinformation to the rapid evolution of AI and global trade shifts.
• The PRGN conference in Nairobi demonstrated how authentic human connection and cultural exchange can strengthen global collaboration.
• Insights from African business leaders and international peers revealed fresh approaches to common industry challenges.
• Discussions focused on how emerging technologies like AI and podcasting are transforming the way communicators tell stories and engage audiences.
• Genuine relationships and shared experiences remain at the heart of effective communication and lifelong professional growth.

Follow the podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen

Need to hire a PR firm?

We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.

The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies...

The core principle of journalism is to "seek the truth and report it," a mission that is constantly challenged by those who don't want the truth to be told.

The First Amendment protects journalism in the United States, yet there is a growing concern about governmental restrictions on press freedoms. Journalists are facing unprecedented attempts to silence them through lawsuits and intimidation, raising alarms about the future of the free press.

Can the truth survive an assault by the US Department of War?

Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website.

Key Takeaways

• The First Amendment guarantees freedom of press and speech, but these rights are increasingly under attack by new government restrictions and litigation.
• Journalism is crucial for democracy as it holds power to account, yet current trends threaten to stifle investigative reporting and free expression.
• The lines between news, opinion, and entertainment are blurring, demanding that audiences become more critical of their media consumption.
• Young journalists may become discouraged from pursuing hard-hitting stories, leading to a prominent decline in investigative journalism.
• Advocacy and support for journalistic freedom are vital in preserving a healthy, informed democracy and counteracting misinformation.

Follow the podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen

Need to hire a PR firm?

We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.

The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona.

If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

The typical RFP process for hiring PR and communications firms produces sub-optimal outcomes for all parties. (That's the polite way of saying it's really bad.)

We believe it can be done better, but it will take increased transparency and trust between organizations and agencies.

In this episode, Abbie and Adrian discuss how the traditional RFP has become a barrier that stifles creativity. They provide insights to reshape the way RFPs are perceived and executed, advocating for a more collaborative and open process that benefits both parties.

Abbie shares her firsthand experiences with various proposals, noting the importance of well-structured RFPs that allow for meaningful comparisons. Adrian emphasizes that organizations should be clear about their needs and budget to foster a productive dialogue, ultimately leading to better outcomes for all involved.

Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website.

Key Takeaways

• The RFP process is a common yet often unsatisfactory method for hiring PR firms, as it can limit creativity and effectiveness.
• Organizations must clearly outline their needs in an RFP, as unclear requests lead to poor responses and miscommunication.
• Trust is essential in the RFP process; both clients and agencies should be transparent about their expectations and capabilities.
• Budget parameters should be discussed upfront to ensure agencies can provide realistic and feasible proposals that meet client needs.
• Pre-RFP conversations can enhance the quality of the proposals received by allowing agencies to ask clarifying questions.
• Agencies should not be asked to provide free ideas, strategies, or plans during the RFP process; this is unethical and counterproductive.

Follow the podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen

Need to hire a PR firm?

We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.

The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona.

If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations...

Abbie and Adrian take a break from the very serious topics we've discussed on recent episodes to share our hot and Coldplay takes on a few of the stories that have been dominating the news lately.

From the kiss cam to Cracker Barrel—with rambling detours and digressions on Marilyn Monroe and Taylor Swift—there's something in this episode to interest or annoy almost anyone.

(We also say a few smart things about brands and community engagement, the societal impact of celebrity culture, and the balance between pop culture and private life. It's not all fun and games, you know!)

Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website.

Follow the podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen

Need to hire a PR firm?

We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.

The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona.

If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Sandra Fink is a physical education teacher in Glendale, California, where she has taught for 36 years. For the past 10 years she has been the coordinator of a leadership program called WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) at Wilson Middle School.

The WEB leadership program is designed to help sixth graders transition to middle school with support from eighth graders. Sandra explains that leadership isn't just about authority; it’s also about kindness, mentoring, and creating an environment where everyone can develop their potential to lead.

Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website.

Follow the podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen

Need to hire a PR firm?

We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.

The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona.

If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Dean Battinto Batts and Professor Julia Wallace from Arizona State University join us to talk about the recent launch of the Knight Center for the Future of News at ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

The Knight Center for the Future of News focuses on creating sustainable models and innovative practices for the journalism industry through three core initiatives: the Journalism, Community & Democracy Lab; the Sustainability Lab; and the Innovation in Reporting & Storytelling Lab.

Dean Batts and Prof. Wallace emphasize the importance of adapting to the changing dynamics of news consumption and audience engagement, recognizing that while the industry faces significant challenges, there is still a strong demand for credible information.

With the support of a $10.5 million grant from Knight Foundation, The Knight Center for the Future of News will foster innovation, research, and collaboration to ensure a sustainable future for journalism.

The center will function as a dynamic environment akin to a teaching hospital, where real-world applications and student mentorship converge to test new journalism concepts. Students will actively participate in hands-on projects, working with professionals to innovate in journalism.

Batts and Wallace express optimism about the role of education and new initiatives in reshaping the field, urging a shift in mindset to view disruption as an opportunity rather than a setback.

Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website.

Key Takeaways

• The transformation of journalism education at ASU reflects the evolving state of the industry.
• In the past, news was seen as objective reporting on issues that directly impacted people's lives. Today’s news environment is characterized by outrage, polarization, and a decline in trust.
• Arizona State University's Cronkite School has a longstanding partnership with the Knight Foundation, which supports various initiatives aimed at revolutionizing journalism education and practice.
• Central to the Knight Center's mission is the engagement and understanding of audiences, vital for fostering trust and ensuring the relevance of news media.
• The episode highlights the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset in the journalism industry to drive innovation amid continuous disruption.

About the Guests

Dr. Battinto L. Batts Jr. is Dean and Professor at The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. An award-winning journalist and educator with deep experience in philanthropy and nonprofit administration, Dr. Batts previously served as director of journalism strategies for the Scripps Howard Foundation in Cincinnati, Ohio. Batts holds a doctorate in higher education management from Hampton University, a master’s degree in media management from Norfolk State University and a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Julia Wallace is a professor of practice and the Frank Russell Chair in the Business of Journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, where she teaches ethics, the business of journalism and gender in the media

Abbie Fink and Adrian McIntyre talk about the crucial role that public relations professionals have a within a well-integrated communications team.

They discuss how PR has evolved in response to technological advances in AI and automation, highlighting its importance as a strategic component in modern business.

Abbie shares her journey from journalism to PR and reflects on the historical focus on press releases, while Adrian underscores the need for strategic communications that align with organizational goals.

They also point out that effective communication involves collaboration among various departments, including marketing, internal comms, and customer service. Ultimately, they stress that a truly integrated communications team is vital for addressing challenges and achieving business objectives.

Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website.

Key Takeaways

• Public relations has evolved from a tactical exercise of distributing press releases to a strategic discipline crucial for organizational communication.
• Strategic communication requires integration between various functions like marketing and internal communications to effectively align with executive goals.
• PR is pivotal in addressing diverse business issues, from crisis management to branding and employee engagement, necessitating its presence at the executive table.
• Effective communication strategies involve advising and collaborating across disciplines to ensure cohesive messaging and brand alignment.
• Executives should view PR professionals as trusted advisors who can help to guide organizations through complex communication challenges.

Follow the podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen

Need to hire a PR firm?

We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.

The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona.

If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world’s local public relations agency.”

Nikki Little of Franco, a Detroit-based PR agency, joins us to talk about the importance of internal communications during times of crisis or rapid change—in other words, times like these.

Join Franco’s 5-Day Challenge and learn how to navigate uncertainty with strategic communication that builds trust, engagement and resilience.

Nikki shares tactical insights on building a culture where listening is prioritized alongside speaking, ensuring that every employee feels heard and valued. She highlights the importance of two-way communication channels and building trust to foster a collaborative workplace.

By integrating communication strategies at all times and not just during crises, organizations can enhance their internal relationships and navigate challenging times more effectively.

Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website.

Key Takeaways

• Internal communications are crucial for maintaining employee trust within any organization, especially during uncertain times.
• Regular communication helps avoid a sense of surprise during crises, ensuring all employees are aligned with the company's mission and vision.
• Building a culture of listening and creating two-way communication channels enhances organizational transparency and trust.
• Encouraging feedback, acknowledging it, and acting on it where possible instills trust and shows employees that their input is valued.
• In-house communicators and their agency counterparts must empower leadership to facilitate open communication and promote a consistent and transparent organizational culture.

About the Guest

Nikki Little is a co-owner/co-shareholder and the chief marketing officer at Franco. She supports the agency’s strategic vision and growth strategy with a specific focus on new business and marketing alignment. Nikki also serves in a strategic advisor role for several client programs and supports future and current talent development. Since 2012, Nikki has published The MichComms Report, a bi-weekly e-newsletter for Michigan communications professionals. She’s also an Impact100 Oakland County member.

Follow the podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen

Need to hire a PR firm?

We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a...