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Hearts & Minds

Welcome to Hearts & Minds, a daily blog and topical take on corporate reputation from Sodali & Co's UK Strategic Communications team. Everyday, leading journalist Chris Blackhurst shares a unique corporate communications perspective on recent news.

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Hearts & Minds: How and when to comment on breaking news

As the car finance ruling reverberates, companies rush to comment—but relevance, speed, and credibility are key. Journalists are swamped, and only sharp, timely insights from trusted voices will cut through the noise. Choose wisely before speaking.

Hearts & Minds: The Mail’s painful digital transition is a matter of pure survival

The rebranding of MailOnline to Daily Mail marks more than a name change—it signals the symbolic convergence of print and digital, as even Britain’s most traditional tabloid bows to the unstoppable momentum of online news and subscriber-driven futures.

Hearts & Minds: Why symbol beats soundbite every time

At Turnberry, optics trumped diplomacy as Starmer’s deference to Trump turned symbolic power into spectacle—reminding us that in politics, image often speaks louder than words.

Hearts & Minds: Rise of YouTube poses existential questions for old order

YouTube has overtaken traditional TV in the UK, reshaping viewing habits across generations. Ofcom’s latest report signals a seismic shift—mainstream broadcasters must now rethink how, where, and to whom they communicate.

Hearts & Minds: What the sausage roll slump teaches us about managing the hype

Greggs’ sausage roll boom has stalled—prompting a broader reflection: how should comms prepare for the inevitable plateau after relentless growth?

Hearts & Minds: Governing Before Graduation: How to Sell a Teenage Leader

At just 19, George Finch leads Warwickshire County Council’s £2bn budget. His youth draws scrutiny, but also offers fresh perspective, generational connection, and a chance to reshape politics—if he balances bold vision with humility and historical awareness.

Hearts & Minds: How to define and own a cultural shift – the case of ‘quiet cracking’

A new workplace trend—‘quiet cracking’—describes employees who appear engaged but are emotionally burning out. Unlike quiet quitting, it’s hidden and rising fast, driven by job insecurity, AI anxiety, and poor leadership. Employers must act before it’s too late.

Hearts & Minds: Regulators are human beings too – it’s time to show the world

Regulators are under siege—blamed for too much, yet never enough. To regain trust, they must drop the jargon, show their human side, and communicate with clarity and conviction.

Hearts & Minds: How the Coldplay couple could have played it differently

When crisis hits the spotlight, the smartest move might be no move at all. In reputational storms, silence and stillness can be the most powerful response.

Hearts & Minds: How to turn dry data into headline gold

The RAC nailed media strategy by branding airport drop-off charges as ‘kiss and fly’ fees -turning a dry data story into headline gold. It’s a masterclass in cutting through noise with sharp, memorable language.

Hearts & Minds: Backtrack on green claims clarity presents a new challenge for comms

The UK has abandoned plans for a green investment taxonomy, complicating sustainability claims for companies and investors. This shift increases reliance on international frameworks and heightens the need for credible, well-evidenced sustainability narratives.

Hearts & Minds: Working people fiasco shows why we should be wary of casual labels

Labour’s vague use of “working people” has sparked confusion and mockery, as ministers offer conflicting definitions. What began as a campaign message now feels like a branding blunder, exposing the risks of letting internal marketing jargon go public.

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