Now What?

Now What?

Author: OCR November 8, 2024 Duration: 32:25
Communication Breakdown
Business NewsNewsBusinessManagementMarketing
In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the implications of Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election on corporate communication strategies. They analyze the contrasting responses from corporations compared to the 2016 election, highlighting a significant silence from many companies. The conversation delves into the importance of articulating corporate values, preparing for potential fallout from divisive policies, and the need for proactive communication strategies. Craig and Steve emphasize the risks of appearing indifferent and the necessity for companies to adopt a campaign mentality in their communications.

Takeaways
  • Trump's victory marks a significant shift in American politics.
  • Corporate responses to elections can vary greatly over time.
  • Silence from corporations can be interpreted as indifference.
  • Companies should clearly articulate their values to employees.
  • Navigating employee sentiments is crucial during political transitions.
  • Proactive communication can mitigate potential fallout from policies.
  • Companies need to prepare for unpredictable political landscapes.
  • A campaign mentality can enhance corporate communication effectiveness.
  • Exit strategies are essential for companies taking strong stances.
  • Understanding the optics of corporate communication is vital.

Companies Mentioned
  • Axios
  • Amazon
  • Microsoft
  • Pepsi
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Starbucks
  • Google

Topics Mentioned
Trump, corporate communication, employee sentiment, corporate values, 2024 election, PR strategies, corporate silence, political engagement, crisis management

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Communication Breakdown
00:54 Trump's Victory and Corporate Reactions
03:48 Comparing Corporate Responses: 2016 vs 2024
06:04 The Silence of Corporations09:01 Navigating Employee Sentiments
12:49 The Role of Corporate Values
15:09 Preparing for Potential Fallout
18:57 Proactive Communication Strategies
22:16 The Risk of Indifference
26:23 Campaign Mentality in Corporate Communication
31:41 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Communication Breakdown is a production of the Observatory on Corporate Reputation.
Hosted by Craig Carroll and Steve Dowling.
Produced by Shawn P Neal and the team at AdvoCast.

For questions, feedback, or episode suggestions, reach out at podcast@ocrnetwork.com

Communication Breakdown is a sharp, fast-moving podcast for PR and communications pros who want to understand what really happens when reputations are on the line. Hosted by OCRs Craig Carroll and Steve Dowling, each postgame-style episode breaks down how organizations navigate high-visibility crises, product launches, policy debates, and other make-or-break moments in the public eye. Drawing on experience from institutions like USC Annenberg, UNC Chapel Hill, OpenAI, and Apple, the hosts dissect real-world cases, exploring what worked, what failed, and why. Listeners can expect candid analysis of messaging, leadership, media strategy, stakeholder management, and internal alignment, all grounded in current events across news and business. Whether youre in marketing, management, or corporate communications, listen episodes of Communication Breakdown to sharpen your judgment, stress-test your own strategies, and better anticipate how communications decisions play out when it matters most.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 79

Official website RSS
linkedinspotify
Communication Breakdown
Podcast Episodes
2025 First Half: Visibility, Values, and the Volume Dial [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:59
In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll mark the halfway point of 2025 with a look back at some of the most instructive communications moments of the year so far. From automakers…
2025's First Half: Flatter, Fold or Fight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:38
In this episode of Communication Breakdown, Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll take a halftime look at 2025, recapping six months of communication pivots, power plays, and reputational landmines. They revisit Ford's dramati…
Why CEOs Are Still Silent [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:39
In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll examine the communications void left as Los Angeles becomes ground zero for President Trump’s escalating deportation campaign. With ICE ra…
The Pride Sponsor Shuffle; Trump and Musk Go To War [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:36
In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll dissect the silent recalibration of corporate Pride support in 2025 and the ripple effects of the Trump–Musk breakup. The discussion opens…
United Pulls Back the Curtain; Harvard Stands Their Ground [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:22
In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll examine how United Airlines and Harvard University are responding to reputational pressure with two very different transparency strategies…
Breaking Down the 2025 Axios Harris Poll Reputation Rankings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:19
In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll analyze the 2025 Axios Harris Poll 100 — a comprehensive ranking of corporate reputation based on consumer sentiment. While Tesla’s dramat…
UnitedHealth Performs CEO Transplant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:42
In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll break down the reputational chaos surrounding UnitedHealth’s abrupt CEO departure and the company's spiraling communications strategy. The…
Target’s Post-Pivot Purgatory [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:46
In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll dissect the reputational fallout from Target's controversial turnabout on diversity. Fourteen weeks after reversing key social commitments…
Trade War Turmoil [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:36
In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the implications of Amazon's controversial pricing transparency proposal amidst tariff turmoil affecting the automotive industry.…

«12345678»