Phil’s Post

A big thanks to Dylan for providing a platform for me to share some thoughts and insights about the importance and impact of quality content, as well as some methods for crafting effective and engaging stories. While media landscapes, content formats and publishing platforms have evolved over the years (my career started at newspapers), the quality of the content should always be the North Star of #storytelling and #thoughtleadership.

This will be well worth reading. So many issues to consider but most of all how could it have happened and what will stop it happening again?

Check out the Spring 2024 AMP3 Public Relations magazine! It includes a feature discussing my insights and tips to students studying public relations as a graduating senior at the University of Miami School of Communication

The public outcry that led to this week's resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has made many of us ask: How, in today's world, was it possible for unfathomable misery and trauma to be inflicted on over a hundred boys and men for so many years, at the hands of one man - abusive British barrister, John Smyth, who died at home in 2018. It also made us reflect on a moment this summer when our founder and MD, Hannah Kapff, was asked by 'CIPR Influence Magazine' for her views on what constitutes an effective public apology. We've analysed the so-called 'apology' made in 2017 which was made on Welby's BEHALF to state that, “Although the Archbishop worked with him; no one discussed allegations of abuse by John Smyth with him”, adding, “He believes that the safeguarding of children should be a principle priority.” This flies in the face of good public relations practice, which Hannah sums up: “Any quotes need to sound as if they’re coming from that person, and not as if written by a PR team.” Why? Because people need to hear from people - over and above 'the organisation'. Honesty and accountability are all. As she adds, “You need to make it sound like you are sorry, because anybody with half a brain will know what a genuine apology is.” Yet, sadly, apologies are so often a case of 'too little, too late'. Sure enough, it was around 7 years later when Tuesday saw Welby state, “As I step down, I do so in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse. I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and re-traumatising period between 2013 and 2024.” Lessons need to be learned from this case in so many directions - not to mention the need for ACTIONS that will stop any organisation from failing to prevent such widespread life-changing horrors, which are usually known by many. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families at this time.  Thank you to Christian Koch for including our views. The full article is here: https://lnkd.in/ebWbmYRc #PublicRelations #CrisisManagement #Leadership #PublicApology #PRExperts 

In this episode, we sit down with a remarkable teacher who has navigated a unique path through the worlds of corporate life, advertising, public relations, and education. Episode is live now go and watch now https://lnkd.in/gmxKcsBP

Never apologize for being excellent! There’s this adage in my dialect, Igala, that’s translated as, ‘If your star is shining too much, cover it.’ While the original meaning of this adage is to promote humility and courtesy, there’s an unintended consequence that can be limiting. It suggests that if you’re the best in the room, you should hide it. But how often do we find ourselves shrinking, dimming our brilliance so we don’t seem ‘too much’ for others? Excellence is not something to be hidden or suppressed—it is like a gift, and when we hide our gifts, we not only rob ourselves of growth, but we rob the world of the light we carry. Humility doesn’t mean playing small; it means knowing your worth, embracing your limitations, and using them to elevate yourself and others instead of intimidating them. Imagine what we could achieve if we stopped apologizing for our greatness and instead stood confidently in it. When you let your light shine, you give others permission to do the same. You create a ripple effect of inspiration, of empowerment, of collective success. Let your excellence be a beacon—unapologetic, bold, and unstoppable. Shine so brightly that those around you are encouraged to uncover their own light. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”. Matthew 5:16

The adage "you cannot give what you don't have" is a profound truth that resonates across various facets of human experience. It underscores the fundamental principle that our ability to offer something to others is intrinsically linked to our possession of that thing , whether it be a tangible object, an intangible quality, or a learned skill. At its core, this adage highlights the importance of personal development and self-awareness. To give love, one must first experience love within oneself. To offer compassion, one must cultivate compassion within their own heart. To share knowledge, one must first acquire knowledge. In essence, the more we cultivate and possess within ourselves, the more we have to offer to the world. This principle extends beyond personal qualities to encompass material possessions and resources as well. A person cannot give away money they do not have, nor can they provide food to those in need if they themselves are hungry. It is pretence and hypocrisy to try offering what you know you don’t have. We cannot claim to possess qualities or abilities that we do not truly embody. To do so is to risk exposing our own limitations and undermining our credibility. Offer qualities, skills, abilities, things, knowledge that you truly have. You lose your authenticity by faking it. Jane Chidera Ugwoke

Melissa Vela-Williamson, APR’s latest article for the Public Relations Society of America is out now!📰 In the column, Tips to Inspire Student Voice, Melissa and her daughter, Emilia, share eight tips to gain trust and cultivate “voice” with youth. "Interactions with adults should show teens how to strategically share their voice through productive expressions of thoughts, opinions, and feedback on topics and situations. Too often, what adults say, how they say their message or what they do – or don’t do – to follow up on what was said can discourage a productive dialogue. There’s no trust and no relationship without healthy, two-way communication." Read Melissa's latest column to learn how to empower teen voice and better understand how to communicate with the new generation. 🔗https://lnkd.in/gjwhcy6P #CulturalStrategy #PRSA #Columnist #SanAntonio #StudentVoice #EmpoweringYouth #SanAntonioTexas #APR #PublicRelations #PRTips #StrategiesAndTactics #MVWCommunications

Just finished the course “How to Become a Purpose-Driven Journalist”

In her journey from journalism to professional services marketing, Patience Takyuka shares how curiosity and the ability to question decisions have shaped her career. As a Senior Business Development Executive at Kingsley Napley, Patience plays a pivotal role in supporting Dispute Resolution and Employment teams while ensuring her firm maintains its strong market reputation. Discover her unique insights and learn why asking "why" is the key to becoming a better marketer. Read the PM magazine article: https://lnkd.in/eda5-map