S8 E4: Why Every Brand Needs an AI "Narritect" with Nick Leighton

S8 E4: Why Every Brand Needs an AI "Narritect" with Nick Leighton

Author: Public Relations Global Network | PHX.fm February 19, 2026 Duration: 19:17

Nick Leighton returns to the podcast to talk about how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing public relations.

He explains his concept of the "Narritect," a person who designs and engineers brand messages, similar to how an architect develops blueprints.

As AI accelerates content creation, brands risk drowning in content and starving for clarity. The Narritect's task is to construct coherent narratives across PR, marketing, and leadership communications, turning insight into strategy.

Key Takeaways

  • The job of the "Narritect" is to design, engineer, and structure brand messages, elevating PR professionals closer to leadership roles.
  • AI assists in research and drafting but cannot replace the nuanced insights and strategic decisions made by seasoned professionals.
  • AI's ability to tailor messages to different cultural contexts is powerful, yet human interpretation remains crucial.
  • The increasing role of AI in communications challenges entry-level positions, emphasizing the value of experienced professionals.
  • Successful brands will effectively merge clear, simple, human narratives with AI-driven content creation strategies.

About the Guest

Nick Leighton is the founder and CEO of NettResults, an award-winning Middle East-based public relations agency launched in 1999 with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Riyadh. He has over 25 years of experience in media relations and marketing and has lived and worked in the United States, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. He has represented the public image of Fortune 500 companies, some of the largest non-profit organizations in the world, political parties, and members of royalty. Nick's latest bestseller is available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible: The AI Effect: How Artificial Intelligence Is Rewriting the Rules of Public Relations.

About the Hosts

Abbie Fink is president of HMA Public Relations in Phoenix, Arizona and a founding member of PRGN. Her marketing communications background includes skills in media relations, digital communications, social media strategies, special event management, crisis communications, community relations, issues management, and marketing promotions for both the private and public sectors, including such industries as healthcare, financial services, professional services, government affairs and tribal affairs, as well as not-for-profit organizations.

Dr. Adrian McIntyre is a cultural anthropologist, media personality, speaker, and strategic communications consultant for PR agencies and marketing firms. He's lived in over 30 countries and spent more than a decade in the Middle East and Africa as a researcher, journalist, communications adviser, media spokesperson, and storytelling consultant. He earned a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a Fulbright scholar and National Science Foundation fellow. Adrian helps agency leaders strengthen their positioning, sharpen their messaging, boost their visibility, and win new clients by replacing impersonal, intrusive and ineffective marketing tactics with authentic human conversations.

PRGN Presents is brought to you by Public Relations Global Network, the world’s local public relations agency. Our executive producer is Adrian McIntyre. The show is produced by the team at Speed of Story, a B2B communications firm in Phoenix, AZ.

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Navigating the complex landscape of public relations requires more than just a local perspective; it demands a global understanding paired with on-the-ground expertise. That’s the core idea behind PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network. Each episode connects you directly with seasoned practitioners from this independent network, often described as the world’s local public relations agency. You’ll hear unfiltered discussions on the shifts and strategies defining modern communications, from crisis management and brand reputation to the nuances of digital marketing across different cultures. This podcast is designed for decision-makers-whether leading an international corporation, steering a non-profit, or evaluating agency partnerships-who need actionable intelligence beyond basic theory. Conversations delve into real-world case studies, emerging trends, and the practical challenges of making a message resonate authentically in diverse markets. Tune in for a candid, insider’s view that translates global PR insights into tangible advice, helping you craft communications that not only reach but genuinely engage your intended audience.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 78

PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network
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