Brent Miller

So called 'green hushing' (where organizations fail to share sustainability progress - or lack of it - for fear of being criticized) is a very real issue. Without transparency, we cannot see the scale of the problem and the most effective solutions. Genuine moves to net zero are complex and difficult. Sometimes progress will slow or slip, but we should encourage those making genuine efforts to be transparent. Having had the pleasure of working rbl Brand Agency over a number of years and handling some sticky sustainability challenges together, I can highly recommend the team for their thoughtful and pragmatic approach to aligning brand and sustainability. This should be a great session, so if this is a concern for your business, do try and join!

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This week, for the Inspiring Perspectives 🎙️podcast at thinkPARALLAX, I had the pleasure of chatting with Christina Berger, Sr. Director of Corporate Communications, ESG, and Public Policy at the recommence, and circular economy contributor, ThredUp. There was so much to chat about because ThredUp is dealing with such a large-scale problem and opportunity: convincing consumers to think secondhand first, providing a service to brands to resell their valuable/used goods, and dealing with the excess products that we've made but have reached their end of life. Essentially, ThredUp is a tech company tackling fashion's overproduction, overconsumption, and underutilization problems, and Christina is right in the middle of it all. We spoke about the circular economy, sustainability leadership, communications strategy, stakeholder engagement, policy, LCAs, greenwashing, and plenty more. If any of those topics are on your radar - have a listen! Link in the comments. #circularity #circulareconomy #sustainability #podcast #ESG #sustainablefashion

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AI is impacting EVERY industry. How are you using AI in your business and how are you communicating about it to your company, stakeholders and customers? At WE Communications, I manage AI-focused marketing campaigns and projects, learning from firsthand research data and testing new tools. In addition to launching this new Brands in Motion Study about AI, my team is currently working on reviewing AI use cases for tools we use in our department and researching what tools we can test and implement in the future. I have the privilege of learning from our Technology account teams how we are supporting clients around the world with communicating about AI and technology. Check out the new study and what WE Communications does to learn more. WE Communications has helped introduce nearly every major tech innovation for the past 40 years, AI included. ⬅ In my role I "get to be in the room where it happens." 😉

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PRWeek's great 2024 Business Report highlights the key challenge facing our industry. Communications is more important than ever. Comms and policy leaders are being asked to play far larger roles as business partners supporting ever more stakeholders. So why did the industry suffer so much in 2023 after many years of growth? As an sector, we are not adapting fast enough to the needs. Organizations are desperate for help but also under tremendous financial strain. They now need both senior level counsel and advisory support as well as deep domain expertise to actually produce. By and large, our industry is still split by this chasm - between strategic and tactical. Clients cannot afford to separate these, either in time or money. At Bully Pulpit International our goal is to bridge this divide, building a team that can both 'think and do' at the highest levels. It's not always easy. Last year was a challenge. But if you share this vision for the future, please check out some of our open roles: https://lnkd.in/dGQwJUSG

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🥐 A little food for thought from Eleanor Hawkins. 🥐 This story illustrates both the necessity for and tension between comms and marketing. Brand reputation is critical. It takes just one misstep to cause irreparable harm (or at least significant damage) to a brand. The good news is that a healthy partnership between marketing and comms leaders, along with connection to the whole org, can impart strength and creativity within an organization.

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Loving this ad campaign from e.l.f. Cosmetics on the need for more women and diversity on corporate boards. Diverse boards bring multiple points of view which lead to better decision making. Go e.l.f!! Seeking to double the rate of women on corporate boards by 2027. Tagline: "So many Dicks, so few of everyone else." #womenleaders #diversity #sustainability #sheros Link to the ad campaign: https://lnkd.in/gGZEZr42

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Change in corporate landscapes is constant. Are you leading a budding creative team, navigating the intricacies of restructuring, adapting to leadership changes, and hemming the AI curve? You're not alone. In my work with NBC/Peacock, Hasbro, and UKG, I discovered three “change commandments”: 1️) Reject Fear: Acknowledge fear, a universal response to change, but don't let it stagnate your decision-making. I’m excited to share how. 2️) Extend Empathy: Consider the enterprise and its impacts. Resistance might isolate you. Being part of the change increases your chance of success. This is not a sell-out. 3️) Uncover Unknowns: Embrace the marketer's discovery process. Initiate conversations to understand strategies, apprehensions, and the envisioned future. Change is the only way to advance, personally and professionally. Harness it. If you’re a leader who cares more about leadership improvement than grinding through more and more emails and meetings, we’ve built a workshop for you. And your leadership team. For more info visit https://lnkd.in/gUF3uZ5e #LeadingChange #Workshop #ChangeManagement #CareerAdvancement #CorporateChange

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As I progress in my career, I have come to realize that active listening is a crucial skill to master. It requires more than simply hearing words; it also involves paying attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues such as tone, body language, and facial expressions. I have been putting in a lot of effort to develop this skill, and though it has not been easy, I recognize that it is essential in building strong relationships with my colleagues and clients. I understand that this is a continuous learning process, but I am determined to hone this. #ActiveListening #VerbalCues #NonVerbalCues #BodyLanguage #FacialExpressions #RelationshipBuilding #ContinuousLearning

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Thank you to PRNEWS for publishing my piece on lessons brands and communications leaders can learn from the recent fallout at NBC News and the pitfalls of binary thinking. "This debacle is one of many scenarios that remind us of why deliberate, well-coordinated and consistent internal communications are even more important in today’s climate where sensitive information leaks are becoming commonplace." If you're so inclined, you can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eSjSG26d

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Consumers who once demanded convenience now require consistent, multi-channel experiences that cater to them at every point. Brands must have a clear, audience-appropriate, and channel-specific voice across all platforms -- Dara A. Busch, 5WPR https://odwpr.us/4aLW8uP

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I have lost count of how many times I’ve had conversations with competent Comms professionals who second-guess themselves or doubt their professional ability. I believe confidence can be built and there are external and internal dimensions to it. In my latest YouTube video, I shared some tips on how to build your professional confidence. You can watch the full video here - https://lnkd.in/eVyVmAp4 #Communications

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Thanks PRNEWS for running my piece on the power of narrative and its impact on brand. Brand management requires more speed, adaptability and constituent management than ever. Stay nimble. https://lnkd.in/eskBY88W

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Brands are being asked - and, sometimes, required - to take positions on issues previously out of bounds. Today, every company *needs* a Corporate/Societal Response Framework: - A thoughtful approach on how to respond to potential societal issues or moments. Here’s how I've approached it: 1. Mission/Values → Everything starts here. The foundational guide; your "North Star." 2. Stakeholders → Consider broadly; opinions may vary by audience. Align your approach/position accordingly. 3. Precedent → Have you set a standard? Are you setting one for the future? Be thoughtful and intentional. 4. Best practice → How are other brands doing it? Lessons to consider/apply? 5. Issue areas → What might come up? Review upcoming SCOTUS cases and political/policy focus areas, for example. 6. Create a plan → Engage your C-Suite and Board. Make sure the right folks are *fully* involved.   7. Task Force → Who needs to be included based on various subjects? Determine RACI, process and decision makers. 8. Simulation → Pick a few likely topics and work them through with designated teams. 9. Finger on the pulse → Topics are changing/shifting at warp speed. Make sure you/your teams are informed. 10. Prepare for the unexpected → Something you haven't considered will likely come up. Think through how you’ll approach. **Mistakes are made when stress is high. Don’t wait for an issue to occur. Get everyone aligned early. This *really* matters: It could be make or break for your brand’s reputation.

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Thanks Chief for including my thoughts about how companies need to think about brand ownership between marketing and communications. My strong belief is that the CCO and CMO need to work in partnership. "The communications and marketing functions both co-own the brand, and need to be working hand-in-hand to make sure they meet those objectives and create a positive brand for customers and for all the other key stakeholders,” says Acree. “It’s imperative that the CMO and CCO are in lock-sync,” Acree says, noting that there’s “no need for a turf war” between the two, since there’s plenty to do, and the jobs serve very different functions. She recommends that CMOs loop in the CCO to any potential marketing campaigns before creative has been crafted. “The comms function can really add a layer of strategic counsel at the beginning of the creative process that can in a lot of instances probably help mitigate risks,” advises Acree. More here: https://lnkd.in/ghTEGE2j

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Anyone who has founded and run a company knows the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. It was so fun to talk to Nate and Eric about their journey and also provide some insight on what PR is (and isn't). Thanks for having me! #thoughtleadership #entrepreurship

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Love how we continue to help brands defy stereotypes. 💄💋 Beauty Comes in All Shades and Sizes Discover how #Hispanics are reshaping beauty trends and challenging stereotypes in BODEN Agency’s latest piece, “Beauty Comes in All Shades and Sizes: How Hispanic Consumers are Driving the Inclusive Beauty Movement.” Associate VP Abril Barba-Dulzaides delves into the revival of makeup trends, embracing authenticity vs. perfection and why catering to the needs of diverse consumers is no longer a nice-to-have but a must-have for brands in the beauty industry. Download the full report here: https://lnkd.in/etJZUqPq #WeAreBODEN #Hispanic+

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#MediaInterview: I recently sat down with PR Thrive to discuss "What Are Strategies for Tailoring Messages to Different Audiences." " Click the link below to read the whole story. Here is an excerpt: PR Thrive: What Are Strategies for Tailoring Messages to Different Audiences? *Me: Engaging with diverse communities and building relationships with key influencers can also help build trust and credibility. By showing empathy and a willingness to listen and learn, you can foster strong relationships with different groups and create messaging that truly resonates. #Entrepreneurship #networking #PR #PublicRelations

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"It's PR not ER" - I received this advice 14 years ago and it's perhaps the best career advice I have ever received (ironically it did not come from my father who is an ER surgeon - he does give great advice though). As comms and brand leaders, the job can be filled with intense deadlines, a lot of pressure to "get it right," and managing crises (real or hypothetical) on a daily basis. Through it all, having this perspective has helped me enjoy the challenges and learning to manage the curveballs rather than panic. Deep breaths. Take a second. Move ahead. Have fun! What's the best advice you've ever received?

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