Lately there’s been an onslaught against companies that have implemented ESG policies, especially in conservative media and political circles. You often see the mantra “Go Woke, Go Broke” as part of their attack on all aspects of ESG. It does make you wonder: do they understand what ESG is and, if so, why would anyone be against it?

I’ve compiled lessons from decades of being a journalist and being a PR pro to help others master the art of great PR. ProofPoint Communications also now offers media training to its clients, in addition to messaging bootcamps.

It can not be overstated: messaging is fundamental. If you don’t get it right, then everything that flows from it will be a waste of time, money and energy. It’s also not something you whip up in a few hours and move on. It’s iterative.

Communication is critical in building, sharing and, sadly, sometimes destroying culture. In discussions around hybrid work, there are lessons in pre-pandemic work as well as our personal lives. Matrixed organizations, tiger teams, virtual town halls and let’s not forget, the branded water bottle. What else would you add to this list?

A quick look at what the last two years of this pandemic has taught me about life and business — from consistency and gardening to reframing what fear means and getting on the other side of it.

No one had pandemic in their crisis plan last year and that's true for many of the crises we've encountered in recent years. Erratically tweeting president, anyone? My thoughts on the crisis playbooks many companies want or have. What do you think? What would you add to the planning list?

Learning never stops and can come from anywhere. Check out what my Peloton Interactive is teaching me about life. What unexpected places or situations have taught you something?