The Trending Communicator

By: Daniel Nestle
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  • Summary

  • In today's hyper-accelerated communications world, keeping up means juggling reputation, brand building, crisis management, storytelling, and more while adapting to new technologies like generative AI. The Trending Communicator, hosted by Dan Nestle, is your guide through this chaotic landscape. This podcast dives into the challenges of PR, communications, and marketing today, with experts sharing real stories and strategies for overcoming those challenges and more. It's the perfect resource for professionals looking to innovate, take risks, and stay ahead. Join us to make sense of today’s communications chaos, one insightful conversation at a time.
    Copyright 2024 Daniel Nestle
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Economics Marketing Personal Success
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Episodes
  • EQ, AI, and the Influential Communicator - with Deirdre Breakenridge

    EQ, AI, and the Influential Communicator - with Deirdre Breakenridge
    Oct 18 2024
    So many of us--especially communicators--struggle to make the case when it counts. Sure, you may have all the facts at your fingertips, and there's no doubt you feel strongly about your point of view. But when you get to the boardroom, the interview, or any meeting for that matter, are you in the conversation or on the sidelines? Are your contributions making an impact? Do you have a seat at the table? Perhaps you're missing a key ingredient in your leadership cocktail: Influence. Join host Dan Nestle as he welcomes author, teacher, strategist, and recognized authority on influence in PR and Communications, Deirdre Breakenridge, back to the show to help us understand what influence means to our profession - and how we can cultivate this critical quality. Discover how Deirdre's FEEL model (Face your fears, Engage with empathy, live with Ethics, unleash the Love) has transformed into the Influential Communicator framework, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ), authenticity, and ethical conduct in building trust and relationships. Deirdre shares practical insights on the critical skills needed to wield influence effectively, the challenges communicators face in adopting new technologies like AI, and the importance of maintaining core human skills amidst digital advancements. She and Dan talk about the potential for AI to support and augment our ability to influence and what that might mean for the future of work, especially in communications. As an example, she talks about Facial Impact Quotient (FIQ), her innovative AI tool that analyzes facial expressions to enhance communication effectiveness, and how it can be a game-changer for professionals seeking to improve their presentation skills. Whether you're a seasoned communicator or new to the field, this episode is relevant. It offers valuable lessons on enhancing your influence, building trust, and confidently navigating the future of communications. Tune in to understand how you can leverage your unique skills to lead--and influence--in the ever-evolving landscape of AI and Communications. Listen In and Hear About.... The evolving role of communications professionals in the context of AI and technology, emphasizing the need for leadership in its adoption.The importance of influence over self-promotion, focusing on building trust and credibility within organizations.Introduction of the "Influential Communicator" model, highlighting its components of empathy, ethics, and effective communication.Challenges faced by communicators in adapting to new technologies and the significance of emotional intelligence, authenticity, and ethical conduct.The impact of technology, particularly AI and facial recognition, on communication, and the limitations of AI in interpreting emotional cues.Development of human skills to enhance relationships and influence, including the use of tools to understand emotional signals.Resources and training opportunities for developing emotional intelligence and influence skills, aligning personal priorities with organizational goals. Notable Quotes "You can't have a relationship if you don't feel. If you're in PR and communications, the relationship is everything. How do you advance conversations?" — Deirdre Breckenridge [03:58 - 04:03]"Influence is your ability to move someone in the direction that you desire, an action that you'd like them to take, a way that they're going to participate with you." — Deirdre Breckenridge [13:27 - 13:34]"You're not going to influence many people if you don't have confidence in who you are or what you're doing. You have to be fully present, aligned, and believing." - Deirdre Breckenridge [00:16:52] "Emotional intelligence plays a part of it, your authenticity. I also think your contribution score when you're speaking, how much value do you add?" — Deirdre Breckenridge [19:21 - 19:30]"Empathy is on different levels. And I think you have to break down the levels of empathy to truly understand where you are with the person who you're trying to influence." — Deirdre Breckenridge [22:56 - 23:05]"You certainly can't even get to a place of empathy. You don't have the deep listening. Listening is always the number one." — Deirdre Breckenridge [29:53 - 30:00] "Technology, as helpful as it is, can be a huge distraction because the screen time, we're constantly getting stimulated by what we see." — Deirdre Breckenridge [36:12 - 36:20]"Your brain has to be calm in order for you to be verbally fluent. If your brain is spinning because of all the technology and the excitement and the dopamine hits, you can't get the words out." - Dan Nestle [00:37:37] "You don't want somebody building trust with the CEO for you. You're going to do that. So using it to our benefit." — Deirdre Breckenridge [42:01 - 42:08]"We need more work on our human skills because better relationships are built on trust, and trust gets you to influence." - Deirdre Breckenridge [00:46:04] ...
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Why Business-Savvy Communicators Can Lead in the Age of AI - with David Albritton

    Why Business-Savvy Communicators Can Lead in the Age of AI - with David Albritton
    Oct 4 2024
    What do corporate communications leaders know about the businesses they serve? Chances are they know quite a lot. They know the stories, the narratives, and the CEO's various points of view; they know the strategies, the values, and the culture; they know the audiences and stakeholders and (should) how to calm them in times of crisis; sometimes they know where all the bodies are buried and which closets hold the most skeletons. Their job is, fundamentally, to know things. But do they understand The Business? Do they understand balance sheets? Do they speak the language of financial performance? Do they grasp everything in the Annual Report? Some do, but many still don't. How can they become the trusted advisors their companies and clients need, especially in these challenging and changing times? In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle reconnects with David Albritton, the former Naval Public Affairs officer who built a stunning career in Communications before becoming an executive coach and strategic advisor. Currently Managing Director at CRA, David may be the only person to have made the leap from PR flack to global CEO (at least according to Dan), giving him a unique perspective on the need for communicators to develop business acumen and leadership skills to build thriving careers. Even in the age of AI. As the world grapples with the implications of AI, misinformation, and shifting workplace dynamics, David shares his perspective on what it means to be a communicator today. He emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships, understanding the business beyond the communications function, and the critical role of communicators as strategic advisors. David also discusses his journey to becoming a board member at Embecta and the unique skills communicators can bring to the table in these roles. He highlights the necessity for communicators to be business partners first, leveraging their unique position to influence and drive organizational success. He and Dan spend some time on the impact of AI on personal and professional development, revealing insights into how communicators can use these tools to enhance their understanding of business operations and improve their strategic influence. Whether you're a seasoned communications professional or just starting your career, this episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, the evolving role of communications, and the skills needed to thrive in today's fast-paced environment. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in strategic communications. Listen in and hear about... The evolving role of communications professionals in the face of AI, misinformation, and declining institutional trust.Insights into the unique challenges and opportunities for communicators seeking board positions.The importance of building authentic relationships in hybrid and remote work environments.Strategies for communicators to become trusted business partners and influence organizational success.How generative AI can enhance personal career growth and understanding of business operations.The enduring qualities of effective leadership amidst technological and societal changes. Notable Quotes "COVID changed the world in terms of what we accept in terms of how we engage with people. It all really comes down to relationships—who knows you, who do you know, do they trust you, do they have confidence in your abilities?" - David Albritton [10:34] "If we only think about our value proposition through the lens of communications, we are failing the organization and ourselves. We need to become business partners who by the way, do communications." - David Albritton [16:26] "If you aspire for greatness going forward, then how are you sharing your voice in that room when you have the opportunity? That's a critical skill for communicators that we don't develop." - David Albritton [21:05] "I've been that person who comes into the room and is reluctant to offer an opinion or advice because they're talking about finance now, and I don't want to get over my skis." - Dan Nestle [22:01] "The preparation you put in before you get to the meeting is going to make all the difference in the world because now you're educated, now you're confident, now you can raise your hand and ask a smart question." - David Albritton [28:29] "Managing what people are saying about you when you're not in the room is hugely important for career growth." - David Albritton [41:54] "I believe that corporate structure itself is obsolete and doesn't know it yet." - Dan Nestle [47:12] Resources and Links Dan Nestle The Trending Communicator | Website Daniel Nestle | LinkedIn Dan Nestle | Twitter/X David Albritton David Albritton | LinkedIn CRA | Admired Leadership ALEX, the Virtual Leadership Coach Timestamped key moments from this episode (as generated by Fireflies.ai) 🎙️ Introduction and Background (00:00 - 06:46) Daniel Nestle ...
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Weird Unicorns, AI, and the TBD Career: The Future of Work - with David Armano

    Weird Unicorns, AI, and the TBD Career: The Future of Work - with David Armano
    Sep 20 2024
    Is it wrong to be future-focused in your career? At what price should you pursue innovation or push boundaries in your organization? Are you aware that there could be a growing urgency gap between you and your employer that may eventually be too wide to cross? In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle sits down with award-winning communications and marketing strategist, CX-UX-DX innovator, social media OG, and quite possibly one of the originators of the field of integrated marketing and communications as we know it, David Armano. A self-described "weird unicorn" currently serving a to-be-determined term as CEO of TBD, David shares his evolved perspective on the present and future of work in today's ever-changing career landscape. Together, he and Dan tackle the challenges and opportunities that arise from balancing future-focused innovation with present-day realities. David shares his unique insights on career transitions, the impact of generative AI on entry-level roles, and the implications of an increasingly multi-generational workforce. Digging into what it means to be CEO of TBD, they address the cultural shifts redefining the workplace and how professionals can and should leverage AI to stay relevant - not to mention enhance productivity and creativity. Their conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the need for a historical perspective in understanding current trends and preparing for future challenges. From the rise of the contingent workforce to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, this episode offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to thrive in today's unpredictable and occasionally ageist environment. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting your career, tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to harness the power of technology and adapt to the changing demands of workers of all stripes. Don't miss this extremely relevant discussion that challenges conventional thinking and will inspire you to take control of your professional journey. Listen in and hear about... Balancing future-focused thinking with present-day priorities in marketing and communications.Navigating career transitions and the concept of being the "CEO of TBD."The impact of generational differences on workplace dynamics, especially with Gen Z's unique work attitudes.AI's role in transforming entry-level tasks and its implications for the workforce.The evolving nature of work, including the rise of fractional roles and the contingent workforce.The importance of historical perspective in adapting to technological and societal changes.Opportunities for expanding roles in communications through AI and data-driven insights. Notable Quotes On Leadership Under Pressure: "I've noticed the best leaders always do well under pressure. That's how you tell if you ever want to know the difference between, like, a really good leader and a not so good leader, watch them when things are not going well for them." — David Armano [00:17:05 → 00:17:20] On Navigating Career Changes: "I think it's a healthy experience to go through, to go through a crisis of some kind in your life, and it sucks when it happens to you and you're suddenly without an employer or without a lifeline or without a safety net or whatever motivates you." — Dan Nestle [00:17:54 → 00:18:10] On Grief and Growth: "Grief is both ugly and beautiful. It's ugly in the sense that it's painful... But there's a lot of gifts that do come with grieving." — David Armano [00:20:59 → 00:22:20] On Ageism in the Workplace: "Age is actually sort of, you know, in most white collar cultures, it's something they kind of want to stay away from because of everything that we're talking about, because it's the one acceptable ism in the world of white collar work." — David Armano [00:28:31 → 00:28:45] On the Evolution of Work: "The thing is, though, that there are so many, there's so much happening around us now that I think that the nature of work and the nature of this framework that almost all of corporate America at least functions within, which is that you age out, it's got to change, and it's changing in some places, but it really needs to change." — Dan Nestle [00:31:38 → 00:31:54] On AI and Entry-Level Work: "AI does what likes, like someone coming into the workforce with no experience or very little experience. The tasks that you would give to those employees is what AI excels at." — David Armano [00:35:20 → 00:35:30] On the Future of Work: "It's never been such a good time to be a CEO of TBD." — David Armano [00:42:28 → 00:42:31] On the Role of AI: "One thing that AI is great at and should get better at is that is that first draft, that first draft of a business plan, that first draft of any written communication, that first draft of a data, to use your example, like first draft, the data analysis, it's really good at that." — David Armano [01:00:14 → 01:00:30] ...
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    1 hr and 14 mins

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