Advertise on podcast: Fuse - The PR, Marketing and Communications Podcast

In this episode of the PRCA Fuse Podcast, Heather Blundell, UK CEO at Grayling, breaks down how she built a standout career in agency life, while juggling leadership, motherhood, and the fight for real equity at work. We talk about: The meeting she thought would end in being fired… and instead ended with her becoming Managing Director at Weber ShandwickWhy women often don’t throw their hat in the ring and how to seize rare breakthrough momentsMoving from Edelman to Weber Shandwick to Ketchum and finally to Grayling as UK CEOModeling motherhood and leadership while living in Manchester and leading from LondonHow Grayling achieved a 0% gender pay gap and 50/50 gender representation at board and advisory levelWhy diversity of thought, background and experience is now a commercial advantage, not a box‑ticking exerciseHeather’s biggest piece of advice for people starting out in PR: put your hand up and chase the work others avoid________________________________________________________ Connect:LinkedIn: Heather BlundellWebsite: www.grayling.com ______________________________________________________ Follow Adrian Ma on Social Media:LinkedIn: Adrian Ma - Fanclub PR | Fanclub PRWebsite: Fanclub PR _______________________________________________________ Like and subscribe if you enjoyed this episode! Podcast Manager and Producer: Ike Mgbenwelu [email protected] LinkedIn: Ike Mgbenwelu Socials: PRCA_HQ Disclaimer: Views expressed by the guest are their own and not necessarily endorsed by the Fuse podcast.

In this episode of the PRCA Fuse Podcast, our host Adrian Ma sits down with Sarah Waddington, CEO of the PRCA, to unpack that BBC Radio 4 Today Programme interview where Sir Martin Sorrell declared the end of PR, and to explore what this moment really means for the future of our industry as we transition into 2026. Sarah takes us behind the scenes of the interview and the reaction that followed, and makes a powerful case for PR’s future as strategic advisory, not “just media relations”. In this episode: We discuss: What actually happened in the Radio 4 debate with Sir Martin Sorrell Why the “PR is dead” headline misrepresents what modern PR does Storytelling in PR vs advertising: listening, authenticity and behaviour change Why “flood the internet with content” is the wrong answer PR’s move into futures, foresight, data, insight and risk The role of PR in a fragmented, politicised media landscape Why PR needs a single, confident narrative about its value How practitioners can upskill into management and strategic advisory

In this episode, we discussed the impact of generative AI on the PR industry, featuring Katie Earlam from 72 Point and Stuart Bruce from Purposeful Relations on their latest report findings. They highlighted that 44% of people trust AI more than the government, and 55% trust traditional media. Earned media remains the most influential input for AI, with 95% of citations coming from unpaid editorial sources. The conversation emphasised the importance of original content, relevance, and recency in PR strategies. Practical steps include frequently publishing news via earned media, auditing AI footprints, and ensuring factual information. The discussion underscored the need for PR professionals to proactively influence AI-generated content to maintain trust and accuracy. View reports: 72Point and Purposeful Relations: Hold the Front Page: Traditional Media’s Influence in the Age of AI Purposeful Relations: The Impact of Generative Relations and Communications OnePoll: Trust, Truth and the Algorithm

This PRCA Fuse Podcast episode dives into what really happens when organisations are hit by a major cyber attack, from the first shocking ransomware message to the long tail of operational and reputational damage. Host Adrian Ma speaks with cyber crisis experts Joanne Gill and Jason Nisse about why cyber incidents are long-form crises, why so many crisis plans fail once email and core systems go down, and what offline readiness really looks like in practice. Drawing on real-world examples including M&S, Jaguar Land Rover, Harrods, Co-op and Asahi Breweries, they explore the risks of communication voids, the limits of cyber insurance, the importance of choosing the right spokesperson, and how realistic tabletop exercises can expose dangerous blind spots before an attack hits.

Debbie Zaman, CEO of With Women, discussed the inspiration and impact of their free media training program for women leaders. The program aims to address the underrepresentation of women in media, revealed by a study showing that only 30% of quoted media experts are women. Zaman emphasised the importance of companies diversifying their speaker panels and media outlets, including non-CEO experts. The program has trained over 1,000 women in the past two years, emphasising confidence, clarity, content, and control. Success stories include a FinTech CFO appearing on the BBC and a divorce tech founder being featured in The Times.

In this episode, we discussed navigating missed Net Zero targets and pivoting sustainability goals with Kenza Esalama from Purpose Union. Kenza highlighted the shift from ambitious 2019 Net Zero commitments to the reality of 2025, where companies need to reassess their targets due to resource constraints and global upheavals. She cited Unilever's example, which initially aimed to halve virgin plastic use by 2023 but now targets a 33% reduction by 2024. Kenza emphasised the importance of radical transparency, internal alignment, and maintaining long-term commitments to build trust and avoid "green hushing." She also noted the role of Gen Z and millennials in driving purposeful work.

In this episode, we sit down with William Beutler is a veteran Wikipedia editor and the founder ofBeutler Ink, a digital agency specialising in Wikipedia strategy and AI-era reputation management for clients ranging from startups to Fortune 50 companies. Join us as we explore the challenges faced by Wikipedia editors, the complexrelationship between PR firms and online knowledge platforms, and the criticalrole Wikipedia plays in training large language models. From the risks faced byvolunteer editors in authoritarian regimes to the future of information in theAI era, this conversation unpacks the hidden mechanics of one of the internet'smost important resources. Discover the delicate balance between transparency,accuracy, and the evolving digital landscape of global knowledge. ___________________________________________________________   Connect: LinkedIn: William Beutler Website: www.beutlerink.comFollow Adrian Ma: LinkedIn: Adrian Ma- Fanclub PR | Fanclub PR Website: Fanclub PR _______________________________________________________ Like and subscribeif you enjoyed this episode!   Podcast Manager andProducer: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu [email protected] LinkedIn: IkechukwuMgbenwelu   Disclaimer: Viewsexpressed by the guest are their own and not necessarily endorsed by the Fusepodcast.

In this episode, Dean Connelly, Founder and Recruitment Director of the PR & Comms recruitment agency, Latte, discussed the impact of AI on PR skills and recruitment. He noted a recent shift in AI's influence, with clients now rejecting candidates who rely solely on AI without critical thinking. Latte's data shows a shrinking junior talent pool, with a 0.2% growth in PR account coordinators and a 0.1% decline in junior account executives in London. Connelly predicted a future talent shortage and suggested agencies may need to invest more in training junior staff, and also highlighted the emergence of AI specialist roles and the need for critical thinking in PR, and much more.___________________________________________________________Connect:LinkedIn: Dean ConnellyWebsite: www.wearelatte.com______________________________________________________Follow Adrian Ma on Social Media:LinkedIn: Adrian Ma - Fanclub PR | Fanclub PRWebsite: Fanclub PR_______________________________________________________Like and subscribe if you enjoyed this episode! Podcast Manager and Producer: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu [email protected] LinkedIn: Ikechukwu MgbenweluSocials: PRCA_HQA big thanks to our great broadcast PR agency partner, Markettiers, for supporting this session.Disclaimer: Views expressed by the guest are their own and not necessarily endorsed by the Fuse podcast.

This Special live session of PRCA Fuse takes place at our PRCA UK + PA Conference. Our discussion, hosted by Adrian Ma and featuring Anjuli Bedi, Founder of Boon, focused on the psychology of influence and navigating disinformation in the AI age. Anjuli highlighted the rise of disinformation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact on brands and society. She differentiated between misinformation and disinformation, emphasising the latter's intent to harm. Examples included deepfake videos and social media manipulation. The conversation also covered the role of social media platforms in spreading disinformation and the need for a human-centric approach in PR to combat it. The session concluded with a call for innovative solutions and the importance of understanding and addressing the root causes of disinformation.Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of technology, media, and strategy. ___________________________________________________________ Connect: LinkedIn: Anjuli Bedi, Founder of Boon Website: https://www.boonglobal.io/ ______________________________________________________ Follow Adrian Ma on Social Media: LinkedIn: Adrian Ma - Fanclub PR | Fanclub PR Website: Fanclub PR _______________________________________________________ Like and subscribe if you enjoyed this episode! Podcast Manager and Producer: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu [email protected] LinkedIn: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu A big thank you to our great broadcast PR agency partner, Markettiers, for supporting this session. PRCA_HQ Disclaimer: Views expressed by the guest are their own and not necessarily endorsed by the Fuse podcast.

Step into the future of tech and communications with Kalie Moore, founder of High Vibe PR in Berlin. In this dynamic episode of PRCA Fuse, we unpack the powerful convergence of web3 gaming, artificial intelligence, and next-gen PR strategies.Learn how web3 gaming is shifting the landscape by giving players ownership through NFTs, and why transparency and community engagement are now essential. Kalie also shares her journey building PRCoverage.ai, an AI-powered tool that tracks visibility metrics and redefines how PR success is measured.Whether you're a PR professional, tech enthusiast, or curious creator, this episode offers fresh insights on how small agencies can lead innovation and make a lasting impact.Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of technology, media, and strategy.___________________________________________________________Connect:LinkedIn: Kalie MooreTwitter: @kaliemooreWebsite: https://www.highvibepr.com/______________________________________________________Follow Adrian Ma on Social Media:LinkedIn: Adrian Ma - Fanclub PR | Fanclub PRWebsite: Fanclub PR_______________________________________________________Like and subscribe if you enjoyed this episode! Podcast Manager and Producer: Ikechukwu [email protected] LinkedIn: Ikechukwu MgbenweluSocials: PRCA_HQDisclaimer: Views expressed by the guest are their own and not necessarily endorsed by the Fuse podcast.

Welcome to a special episode of PRCA Fuse! We’re celebrating 25 years of Frank PR with its founder and chairman, Graham Goodkind, a true pioneer in creative consumer PR. In this inspiring conversation, Graham reveals the secrets behind building a standout agency, the deliberate creation of the “talkability” brand, and the bold campaigns that made Frank PR legendary. Hear the inside story of the world’s weirdest competition, discover how to push clients to be braver, and learn what it takes to negotiate one of the greatest deals in PR agency history. Whether you’re a PR professional, creative thinker, or just love a good business story, this episode is packed with insights on creativity, resilience, and building a lasting legacy. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes with industry leaders! 👇 Listen now and get inspired to make your own mark in PR. #PR #Podcast #FrankPR #PRCAFuse #Talkability #Creativity #Inspiration ___________________________________________________________Connect:LinkedIn: Graham Goodkind | FrankTwitter: @goodkind | @WelcomeToFrankWebsite: https://www.welcometofrank.com/contact ______________________________________________________ Follow Adrian Ma on Social Media:LinkedIn: Adrian Ma - Fanclub PR | Fanclub PRWebsite: Fanclub PR _______________________________________________________ Like and subscribe if you enjoyed this episode! Podcast Manager and Producer: Ikechukwu [email protected] Linkedin: Ikechukwu MgbenweluSocials: PRCA_HQDisclaimer: Views expressed by the guest are their own and not necessarily endorsed by the Fuse podcast.

From UN negotiations to climate conferences, hear firsthand accounts of how world-changing conversations happen. Join us for an extraordinary journey into the heart of global decision-making with Barry Johnston, co-founder of Purpose Union and former global advocacy director for the Malala Fund. In this riveting episode, Barry pulls back the curtain on international summits, revealing the intricate dance of diplomacy, unexpected moments of connection, and the relentless pursuit of global change. ___________________________________________________________ Connect: LinkedIn: Purpose Union Twitter: @purpose_unionWebsite: purposeunion.com ______________________________________________________ Follow Adrian Ma on Social Media: LinkedIn: Adrian Ma - Fanclub PR | Fanclub PR Website: Fanclub PR _______________________________________________________ Like and subscribe if you enjoyed this episode! Podcast Manager and Producer: Ikechukwu [email protected] Linkedin: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu Socials: PRCA_HQDisclaimer: Views expressed by the guest are their own and not necessarily endorsed by the Fuse podcast.

In this revealing episode, Pangolin's co-founders dive deep into the transformative world of earned media and PR. Will Cook and David Phillips break down how the communication landscape has dramatically shifted over the past decade, introducing their innovative 4P model: Publishers, People of Influence, Platforms, and Peers. The conversation explores how modern PR extends far beyond traditional media relations, incorporating influencers, social platforms, and community engagement. Using real-world examples like their Frank's Hot Sauce campaigns with Danny Dyer, they demonstrate how a single campaign can generate multi-channel impact, from social media buzz to traditional media coverage. ______________________________________________________ Connect: LinkedIn: PangolinPangolin@Pangolin_PR Website: pangolinpr.com ______________________________________________________ Follow Adrian Ma on Social Media: LinkedIn: Adrian Ma - Fanclub PR | Fanclub PR Website: Fanclub PR _______________________________________________________ Like and subscribe if you enjoyed this episode! Podcast Manager and Producer: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu: [email protected] Linkedin: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu Socials: PRCA_HQ

Ever wondered how brands can truly connect with the next generation? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Catherine McColl and Victoria Miller, co-founders of Hawk, as they reveal the secrets to creating meaningful youth engagement programs that make a difference. In this episode, you'll discover: How the London 2012 Olympics inspired a new approach to youth programs Real-world examples of transformative education initiatives Insider strategies for brands looking to create authentic impact Global case studies from AIA's Healthiest Schools Competition to Premier League Primary Stars From mental health apps to innovative school playground projects, Catherine and Victoria share incredible stories of how brands can support and empower young people. Whether you're a marketer, educator, or business leader, this podcast offers unprecedented insights into youth engagement. Key Highlights: ✓ Unique approaches to youth and education programs ✓ Measuring real-world impact ✓ Navigating the complex landscape of youth engagement ✓ Global perspectives on education and social impact Don't miss this game-changing conversation that proves brands can be a force for good! ______________________________________________________ Connect: LinkedIn: Hark Website: harklondon.com/ ______________________________________________________ Follow Adrian Ma on Social Media: LinkedIn: Adrian Ma - Fanclub PR | Fanclub PR Website: Fanclub PR _______________________________________________________ Like and subscribe if you enjoyed this episode! Podcast Manager and Producer: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu: [email protected] Linkedin: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu Socials: PRCA_HQ Disclaimer: Views expressed by the guest are not necessarily endorsed by the Fuse podcast.

In this compelling episode of the PRCA Fuse podcast, join Suresh Raj, a pioneering communications executive who made the extraordinary transition from MTV performer to Global Chief Growth Officer, as he recounts his inspiring story of resilience, diversity, and determination. Discover how this Malaysian-born, multicultural professional navigated the intricate worlds of music, public relations, and corporate leadership, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities throughout his journey. Suresh’s path is a masterclass in authentic leadership, strategic growth, and leveraging one’s platform to drive meaningful change. Key Highlights: A global career spanning independent agencies and major networksNamed one of the top LGBTQ+ executives by the Financial TimesA passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in communicationsInsights from Ogilvy PR to M&C Saatchi North AmericaWhether you're an aspiring communications professional, an entrepreneur, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers invaluable lessons in perseverance, authenticity, and transforming challenges into opportunities. ______________________________________________________ Connect: LinkedIn: Suresh Raj (He/Him/His) ______________________________________________________ Follow Adrian Ma on Social Media: LinkedIn: Adrian Ma - Fanclub PR | Fanclub PR Website: Fanclub PR _______________________________________________________ Like and subscribe if you enjoyed this episode! Podcast Manager and Producer: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu: [email protected] LinkedIn: Ikechukwu Mgbenwelu Socials: PRCA_HQ Disclaimer: Views expressed by the guest are not necessarily endorsed by the Fuse podcast.