Sonia Sroka

The October monthly episode of our For Immediate Release podcast explores critical communication trends. Shel Holtz, SCMP, and I discuss six compelling topics, including Reddit's potential for crisis comms, the state of blogging in 2024, ethical concerns in celebrity news coverage, workplace connection challenges, and AI's impact across industries. In a blog post, I've set out some key takeaways that present opportunities for communicators, including leveraging Reddit for stakeholder engagement and preparing to guide organisations through AI adoption. Read more and listen now for valuable perspectives and insights on navigating today's complex communication landscape. https://lnkd.in/e5_CcMR2

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Start-up and scale-up founders, CEOs and CMOs can save themselves a lot of heartache if they assess their company's readiness for corporate communications before they bring on an expensive corp comm leader. By identifying where the requisite building blocks for success already exist, executives can develop the function in a way that impacts business results by making better hiring decisions, understanding where to expect results near and long term, and strategically planning their investments in the function. Looking for a guide to help you do this? Drop me a line. As a 25-year veteran leader who has helped a number of start-ups and scale-ups build their corporate communications departments, I can help you figure out if you are ready to add this strategic function. #CorporateCommunications #ScaleUp #StartUp #PublicRelations

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One of the hottest topics in comms at the moment..is your organisation ready? Learn from the experts on how to prepare in this upcoming webinar. #cybercrisis

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My early takeaway from PRSA Oregon #CommCon2024 is that the public is facing a real trust issue when it comes to innovations like AI and other emerging tech (and in general). Which raises the question: how do we address the trust crisis in a way that is both authentic and effective? #communications #publicrelations

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For our first on-camera event, got my Argent suit on and rocked the on-camera portion of our first webinar. Working with Elyce Kirchner, expert in all things broadcast, and Charlene Tassinari, who knows more about social video than anyone in the biz, the message was clear: it can be intimidating, but getting on camera matters. To make it worthwhile, a few tips: - Be thoughtful on the visual (lighting, location, etc.) - Authenticity matters. Folks would rather hear the real than be bored by the polished - People (your audience, producers, buyers, etc.) are busy AF, so being short and clear is essential - Budgets are lean, but new tools make visual storytelling more accessible As I wade out into these particular waters, what other topics would be good conversations?

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In this recent article with Authority Magazine, I discuss the barriers women face in advancing to leadership roles and share actionable strategies to overcome these challenges. It's an honor to be part of this conversation and to continue advocating for a future where equity is not just an aspiration but a reality. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dXx-XWxK 💪🏽 #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #Equity #DEI #HopeForTheFuture #AmiraBarger

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PFAS (so-called "forever chemicals") have been used in hundreds of different consumer and industrial products. Contaminated drinking water, food and consumer product exposure partly explains why PFAS are found in nearly everyone. From lawsuits to media coverage on independent studies & government surveys/inspections, companies across industries and across the globe are facing accusations around public health & environmental impacts of PFAS. In certain countries, (plaintiffs') lawyers & regulators are increasing their efforts to raise awareness of healh & safety concerns related to PFAS and to attempt to control their use. Interested in hearing more? Join my colleagues, Peter Duda, Sean Wood, Lance Morgan & others from The Weber Shandwick Collective global network & a leading expert from the Royal Society of Chemistry for a discussion on how to navigate communications around these issues. #PFAS #RegulatoryMonitoring #RiskManagement #Environment_Health_Safety #EHS #WeberShandwick #TWSC #globalcommsconsultancy

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What's been fun about this one is living and immersing ourselves in the same technology that we're telling stories about for our clients. Also amid stressful times, nice to see the positivity and possibility shine through here. Turns out when you embrace a learning culture and give people the right tools, hype and fear give way into much better things: Feeling valued and excited about our industry. Join the webinar for a discussion with some really great experts on how to foster this same culture of adoption and growth mindset around AI on your team: https://lnkd.in/gpryzKfu

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A new Nielsen report sheds light on the fastest-growing consumer demographic in the U.S. According to Jackie Liu of The Pollack Group, Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander audiences are a diverse powerhouse influencing culture and commerce. The report reinforces that understanding AANHPI communities requires nuanced insights beyond surface-level generalizations through data-backed trends and unique media habits. Jackie shares top takeaways on communicating authentically to diverse Asian audiences. Discover proven strategies for success by exploring the full report at the link below. 👇

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I’ve been invited once again to serve on the jury for the Media Savvy by Hong Bao Media. With AI being the buzzword everywhere, it’s not surprising that I was asked to address why business leaders need to proactively engage with the media in today's rapidly evolving landscape of disinformation and AI. While you can watch the video for the detailed answer, heres the cliffsnotes version: 🌟 Transparency and Credibility: Build trust through open communication. 🚀Proactive Engagement: Influence the conversation and stay ahead. 📜Influencing Policy: Shape and guide regulatory discussions. Watch the video here: https://lnkd.in/g9_Cdt5F #ai #misinformation #mediasavvy

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Nerd alert 🤓 Has your PR team ever told you that your press release received a bazillion impressions and an ad equivalent of a gazillion dollars? Check out my take on (actually) measuring the success of your earned media programs. How are you defining PR wins?

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Earlier this month, I wrote this piece for Edelman highlighting the tremendous value Latinos contribute to the cultural and economic fabric of the U.S. and reinforcing how crucial it is for institutions—especially businesses—to understand, build trust, and invest in uplift our communities beyond Hispanic Heritage Month. The future growth of this country – and next generations - depends on it. While my piece calls on businesses and institutions to act, I also believe in the incredible power of Latinos to drive lasting change through unity and strength. As I share my article, I urge us all to do our part by voting! I’m a proud immigrant from Colombia who initially came as an international student and it took me years to become a citizen, so I deeply value the privilege to for the second time be able to vote in a U.S. presidential election! As harmful and divisive rhetoric continues to surface against our communities, it’s more critical than ever for brands to take a stand—not just for justice, but for their future. And for us to rise above misinformation and recognize that, despite our diversity of perspectives, we can unite in standing against hate and narratives that seek to divide and marginalize us. Our voice matters. Our vote matters. There’s still time to make a difference. Let’s come together, stand up, and make sure our voices are heard. #LatinoPower #Unidos #Vote #SocialJustice #DiversityAndInclusion #HispanicHeritage #DEI #BusinessGrowth #LatinoLeaders #StandUp #FutureGenerations #Trust

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Navigating Activism in 2024: A closer look at rising stakeholder expectations. As societal movements gain momentum, businesses must decide whether to lead change or stand on the sidelines. But how far is too far? And what are the risks of inaction? Here is my commentary on the role of corporate activism.

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It's voting season now through August 18th for #sxsw panel picker and we have the most important study of the year on Latino Youth!! Latino Donor Collaborative, Ana Valdez, Chris Carbone of Kantar Futures Group and Kantar MONITOR need your vote to help us get #LatinoYouth2030 on the #sxsw program. My favorite Ana Valdez quote sets the tone for this work…"If Latino parents created the 5th largest economy in the world, just imagine what their children will do.” Beyond framing the enormous opportunity, this study gets under the skin of young Latinos to understand who they are and lays out how brand owners need to think about winning with this cohort. Our study combines Kantar quantitative data, qualitative interviews, expert interviews, and cultural analysis to provide an enlightening, future-forward perspective on Latino youth. It’s rare to have such in-depth research available for public consumption, and thanks to the LDC and our incredible sponsors, we have significant findings to bring to SXSW 2025. Kara Sundby Elsa Irby .Carmen Bohoyo Valeria Piaggio Don Abraham Peter Rose Gonzalo Perez Jennifer James Casey Ferrell

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💡 From the fediverse to the Kamala Harris election campaign, SEO, and more: Insights in FIR 425. In this episode of our For Immediate Release podcast, Shel Holtz, SCMP, and I explore six key topics that are shaping the future of business, communication, and technology: 🔹 Fediverse and Digital Sovereignty: We discuss the growing disillusionment with platforms like X and the potential for governments to establish their own instances on the fediverse to maintain digital sovereignty and control over public discourse. 🔹 The Decline of Individuality: A recent study shows a significant decline in people’s desire to stand out over the past 20 years, which has implications for society and how businesses engage with their audiences. 🔹 Corporate DEI Backlash: With growing political and social backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, some companies are scaling back their efforts. But are they abandoning these goals or just changing how they communicate them? 🔹 Impact of Disabling Social Media Comments: Research reveals that disabling comments on social media can harm the perception of influencers and public figures, making them appear less sincere and likeable. 🔹 Kamala Harris’s Gen Z Campaign Strategy: We delve into how Kamala Harris’s campaign successfully engages Gen Z voters by mastering platforms like TikTok and leveraging influencers to drive massive engagement. 🔹 AI and the Future of SEO: The rise of generative AI and concepts like 'zero-click search' are changing the SEO landscape, with new strategies needed to maintain visibility in an increasingly AI-driven search environment. 🔊 For a deeper dive, listen to episode 425 of the podcast - check out the full blog post with audio player here: ⬇️ #Podcast #BusinessTrends #AI #DEI #DigitalMarketing #SEO https://lnkd.in/eCM9mj9d

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What are the trends in marketing thought leadership and how can polling give your brand an advantage? Join #B2BMarCom on May 23 to learn more.

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Thinking is a critical part of our everyday life. And at work, it defines who we are and what we are capable of bringing to the table. After reading Edward de Bono’s ‘Six Thinking Hats’ I believe I will be able to put the hats to practice in making even more sound decisions. As a #PRprofessional thinking, creating strategies, presenting solutions to complex business and reputation issues are expected. So why not try the six hats method to systematically think and arrive at sound decisions. #selfawareness #everydayreading #inspiration #motivation #learningandgrowing

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Are the tools of journalism applicable to #corporate communications? Without a doubt. I recently had the opportunity to discuss three of those tools, and how to apply them, at a gathering of comms professionals from @Method Communications, @Sling&Stone, @Harvard and other teams from our @VCCP family. I’d love to hear about other skills from #journalism you think are applicable to helping companies tell their best stories in authentic, media-genic ways. Comment below!

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Well-prepared spokespeople are an essential part of any crisis communications strategy. But how do you ensure your spokespeople are prepared and have all the tools they need to succeed? Click on my piece below and find out. Then ping me! ICR

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