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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: Does your job title draw derision?

The Times critiques inflated job titles like "group chief people officer," highlighting their potential for ridicule and self-importance, despite their common use in corporate settings to humanize roles traditionally known as "human resources."

Hearts & Minds: How jet setting climate leaders should handle the flak

Prince Harry faces criticism for flying to China to speak on climate change, highlighting the broader issue of public figures not practicing what they preach. Despite the backlash, such actions are often seen as necessary for their roles.

Hearts & Minds: Lessons from the incredible shrinking TED Talk

Novelist Elif Shafak's TED talk was cut from 18 to 13 minutes to avoid audience fatigue. In today's digital age, attention spans are shrinking, making concise communication crucial. Less is more; keep messages brief, impactful, and engaging.

 

Hearts & Minds: You turn if you want to, I’m just negotiating

Two leaders, Trump and Starmer, exhibit contrasting communication styles: Trump is direct and confident, while Starmer is cautious and detailed. Both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, reflecting their distinct methodologies and public personas.

Hearts & Minds: The lighthearted quip that ended a career

Japan's farm minister resigned after joking about the cost-of-living crisis, highlighting the risks of making light of serious issues. His fall mirrors the infamous "Ratner" incident, where a joke about product quality led to a retail giant's downfall.

Hearts & Minds: UnHerd becomes UnSeen as stealth banning comes out of the shadows

Paul Marshall, owner of GB News, warns of tech platforms' "shadow banning" content, citing an UnHerd interview with Lord Sumption during COVID-19 as an example. He highlights the issue of online censorship and the lack of transparency in platform regulations.

 

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.

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