31 - Navigating Corporate Reputation, Inclusivity, And Authenticity With Abenaa Hayes Smart In Public podcast

31 - Navigating Corporate Reputation, Inclusivity, and Authenticity with Abenaa Hayes

8d ago 53:29

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In this episode of the Smart and Public Podcast, the Katies welcome Abenaa Hayes, Founder and CEO of Elysee Consulting. It won't take long in the episode for you to agree with us when we say that Abenaa AND her career are not only impressive, but incredibly interesting. Her experience in communications and brand spans across a wide range of companies - from start-ups to growth to established US and global firms in healthcare, social impact, and more. Abenaa’s professional mission is to guide leaders and brands who want to meet 21st century societal mandates head on by driving engagement and transformation through inclusive communications.

We also discuss the evolving landscape of public relations, the importance of inclusive communications, and how companies can navigate societal shifts. We're so grateful to have spent this hour with Abenaa and can't wait for you to listen.

Show references:

Annie Jean Baptiste: Building for Everyone https://www.amazon.com/Building-Everyone-Practices-Googles-Inclusion/dp/1119646227
Alison Taylor Higher Ground https://www.alisontaylor.co/higher-ground
Forbes - Harvard Rebrands Their DEI Office “Community & Campus Life” In Latest Move To Evolve: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dougmelville/2025/04/29/harvard-rebrands-their-dei-office-community--campus-life-in-latest-move-to-evolve/

Chapters:

03:19 - Abenaa's Career Journey and Transition to PR
05:52 - The Importance of Inclusion in Corporate Culture
07:45 - Navigating Corporate Reputation and Authenticity
10:16 - Engagement Strategies for Brands
11:16 - Crisis Management in Corporate Communications
13:14 - Building Effective Messaging Frameworks
14:26 - Adapting Communication Strategies Across Industries
15:49 - Employee Enablement and Internal Communication
16:55 - The Future of Diversity and Inclusion
19:15 - The Interconnection of Business and Inclusion
21:28 - Using Employees as a Sounding Board
23:02 - Navigating DEI Pushback in the Current Climate
27:41 - Acknowledgment of Country: A Cultural Conversation
30:54 - The Importance of Representation in Communications
34:46 - Diversity in the Communications Field
39:16 - Local Talent vs. Expat Leadership
40:26 - AI and Inclusion: The Dangers of Bias
45:23 - The Importance of Diverse Voices in Brand Messaging
48:25 - Resources for Best Practices in Inclusion and DEI

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32 episodes