Hearts & Minds

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Keir Starmer’s promised government dashboard—meant to showcase policy progress and boost trust—has missed its launch and stalled. What began as a bold transparency tool now risks becoming a PR blunder, exposing the dangers of over-promising in a complex system.

AI hype mirrors the late-’90s dotcom frenzy: wild valuations, bold promises, few profits. History warns most will fail, a few will soar. Don’t get swept up—keep your head. Tech advances, but speculative exuberance and risk remain eerily familiar.

Raynor Winn’s bestselling memoir, The Salt Path, faces scrutiny after The Observer alleges fabrications about her identity, finances, and husband’s illness. Winn’s delayed, personal response fails to quell doubts, while her publisher distances itself and her reputation unravels.

Junior doctors are set to strike after failed pay talks with the UK government, risking NHS disruption. This dispute will be fought in the court of public opinion, where support is waning, with 48% now opposed. The standoff tests political resolve as both sides vie for the nation’s sympathy. 

Rishi Sunak joins Goldman Sachs as a senior adviser, with his pay going to charity and restrictions on lobbying. The move revives debate over ex-politicians entering finance, raising questions about privilege, influence, and the blurred lines between public and private interests.

Nearly half of CEO successions in Europe and the Middle East are unplanned as boardroom tensions rise and CEOs feel unsupported. With relationships fraying, comms teams must skillfully manage crises and prevent damaging splits before it’s too late.