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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: The Silly Season? Does the world stop in August anymore?

Despite summer’s lull, the world doesn’t pause—news breaks, people work poolside, and the so-called silly season is anything but. 

Hearts & Minds: A millionaire migration myth?

Before approving data-led reports, scrutinize the methodology—Henley & Partners’ flawed millionaire migration claims show how unchecked data can damage credibility.

Hearts & Minds: A case of having your ‘cake’ and eating it

M&S and Tesco sparked national buzz with quirky summer sandwiches, blending nostalgia, tax intrigue, and clever branding. Their low-key launches hit the zeitgeist, proving that playful innovation—done right—can dominate headlines and consumer chatter.

Hearts & Minds: So, your ad got banned. Now what?

The ASA, funded by the ad industry, bans controversial ads monthly—often sparking media buzz. For brands, silence and swift apology are best; fighting back risks escalating into public backlash and reputational damage.

Hearts & Minds: Lies, damned lies, and the temptation to trash the stats

Attacking inconvenient data may be a political tactic, but in business, it’s a reputational risk. Dismissing stats can backfire fast—turning a dip into disaster and spotlighting flaws you'd rather keep dim. Think twice before shooting the messenger.

Hearts & Minds: What’s in a name? A lot, actually…

Rebranding may promise fresh appeal, but it’s a risky, costly move that demands more than impulse. As LSEG considers a name change, the real question is: will it fix anything—or just sacrifice trust for a shiny new label?

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.

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