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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: Gaffes happen. It’s what happens next that matters

Even the best-prepared can misspeak, leading to viral moments. Quick correction and humor can mitigate the impact, as seen with Biden's "President Putin" gaffe. Context and decisive action are crucial to managing such situations effectively.

Hearts & Minds: Learning the lessons of Lineker’s last post

Gary Lineker's departure from the BBC follows a controversial social media post about Israel and Gaza. Despite previous warnings, his actions breached BBC's impartiality rules, leading to his exit as the highest-paid presenter.

Hearts & Minds: A wealth of data. How to engage with The Sunday Times Rich List

The Sunday Times Rich List sparks annual debate and emotions over wealth estimates, inclusion criteria, and transparency. Compiled by Robert Watts, it ranks individuals based on visible assets, alongside the Giving List for top philanthropists.

Hearts & Minds: The age of Omaha: Buffett shows how to step down with grace

Warren Buffett retires at 94, acknowledging his fading faculties, while a new book exposes President Biden's decline and the disastrous consequences of his decision to run again, highlighting stark contrasts in managing aging and health.

Hearts & Minds: Rehabilitation of GM shows the value of playing the long game

Two decades ago, GM crops faced fierce opposition and fearmongering. Today, they are embraced in the UK, with negotiators defending their benefits against EU restrictions. This shift highlights the power of patience, calm advocacy, and political support in changing public perception.

Hearts & Minds: What happened when I asked ChatGPT to write in my style

AI-generated content is becoming mainstream, with companies openly using it for various tasks. Despite initial resistance, AI is now embraced for its efficiency and creativity, though human oversight remains crucial to ensure quality and ethical standards.

Hearts & Minds: Welcome to the island of strangeness: Starmer’s narrative on immigration

Sir Keir Starmer navigates the divisive issue of migration, balancing tougher controls to appease opponents while maintaining his party's values of fairness and openness. His strategy involves adapting opposing language to create a unifying message.

Hearts & Minds: When comms comes up against the class system

Graham King, a successful entrepreneur, faces criticism for profiting from asylum seeker accommodations despite his legal and ethical business practices. His story highlights societal resentment towards wealth creation and the challenges of achieving respectability in business. 

Hearts & Minds: Flag Waving & White Smoke

Flags symbolize significant events and values, from VE Day to corporate milestones. They connect past and present, embodying stories and principles. Effective communication involves making these symbols meaningful and relevant, as seen in recent commemorations and corporate practices.

 

Hearts & Minds: Delivering shareholder value? The challenge of the virtual AGM

Virtual AGMs are becoming the norm post-Covid, offering cost savings, inclusivity, and convenience. While some argue they lack democratic engagement and physical connection, technological advances and changing attitudes make them an inevitable shift in corporate governance.

Hearts & Minds: Whose idea was it anyway? ‘Two-tier Kier’ and the UK-India trade deal

Sir Keir Starmer's UK-India trade deal, once a sought-after post-Brexit triumph, faces backlash from Tories and Nigel Farage, turning a political win into a communications challenge.

Hearts & Minds: A Capable Man? Gary Abel’s challenge

Gary Abel, chosen by Warren Buffett to succeed him at Berkshire Hathaway, faces the challenge of proving his worth to loyal followers. Despite initial market skepticism, Abel must establish his own style and deliver results to gain reverence.

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