
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: 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.
14 May 2025
Read more chevron_rightHearts & 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.
13 May 2025
Read more chevron_rightHearts & 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.
12 May 2025
Read more chevron_rightHearts & 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.
09 May 2025
Read more chevron_rightHearts & 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.
08 May 2025
Read more chevron_rightHearts & 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.
07 May 2025
Read more chevron_rightHearts & 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.
06 May 2025
Read more chevron_rightHearts & Minds: Reform is reframing British politics , but it will need to reframe itself too
Nigel Farage and the Reform Party are gaining traction in British politics, winning their first mayoralty and parliamentary by-election. Farage aims to broaden the party's appeal and prove its lasting power, mirroring the MAGA movement in the US.
02 May 2025
Read more chevron_rightHearts & Minds: Is Tony Blair sending the ‘wrong message’ on Net Zero?
Tony Blair, once a master of communication, faces criticism for his stance on Net Zero. He argues for realistic climate targets, but experts say his approach is misleading and risks undermining global decarbonization efforts.
01 May 2025
Read more chevron_rightHearts & Minds: Beware the tyranny of the first 100 days
The first 100 days are a critical test for new CEOs, often used to gauge their impact. However, rushing reforms can be risky. Successful leaders should move with purpose, balancing speed and caution to avoid missteps.
30 April 2025
Read more chevron_rightHearts & Minds: Laughing out loud at the boss’s emojis
Emojis, once a quick way to communicate, now reveal personality traits. New research shows frequent emoji use can indicate manipulative or narcissistic tendencies, challenging previous beliefs. Emojis also impact professional perceptions and psychological profiling.
29 April 2025
Read more chevron_rightHearts & Minds: A very, very important take on 100 days of Trump!
A very, very important take on 100 days of Trump!
28 April 2025
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