January 19, 2025
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Blake Lively Lawsuit Highlights Distinction Between Crisis Communications and Traditional PR
By Bruce Hennes, Hennes Communications
Here, we look at the critical distinction between true crisis communications and the practice of traditional public relations, especially in light of recent allegations of unethical tactics in the Blake Lively lawsuit. Crisis communications is portrayed as a principled discipline rooted in truth-telling, accountability and proactive problem-solving, unlike traditional PR, which often focuses on brand promotion and persuasion. This article critiques the trend of PR people claiming expertise in crisis management, warning that such practices undermine the profession’s credibility. Here, we emphasize the importance of ethical standards and rigorous vetting in crisis communications, offering actionable advice for organizations to ensure they partner with experienced professionals committed to navigating crises with integrity and transparency. If you think "crisis communications" is a fancy word for "spinning," this is a must-read.
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Crisis Communications Lessons from the Tragic Assassination of UnitedHealthcare's CEO
Here, we examine the crisis communications lessons from the tragic assassination of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, Brian Thompson. We critique the company’s public statements and explores the broader ethical and reputational challenges facing UnitedHealthcare in light of this tragedy and ongoing public criticism of its business practices, offering actionable insights for businesses grappling with crises that test their integrity.
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Editor's Note
Both of the above articles ran in the January issue of the Board Journal, a publication of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association. The UnitedHealthcare article also ran in the December 19 issue of Crain's Cleveland Business.
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Los Angeles Mayor Stays Silent When Asked About Handling of Fires
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declined to respond to criticism on Wednesday of the city's handling of a series of wildfires that have left at least five people dead and thousands of structures burned. Bass was on a diplomatic trip to Ghana as flames tore through the Pacific Palisades. Here, in just a short, 1-minute video, is a master class in how not to communicate.
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Why CEOs Must Stop Hiding Behind Scripts During a Crisis
In times of crisis, leadership isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you deliver it. Shawn Lim of Human Algorithm recently watched a government press conference addressing the accidental exposure of whole NRIC numbers. The gravity of the situation was apparent. One leader earned trust. The other lost credibility.
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Confronting Misinformation During Disasters: Strategies for Crisis Communicators
In today’s tumultuous landscape, the rise of misinformation and disinformation during disasters poses a significant challenge to effective crisis communication. The recent response to Hurricane Helene has starkly illustrated how false narratives can exploit the chaos, undermining trust in relief agencies and governmental institutions. As crisis communicators, our role is to deliver timely and accurate information and confront misinformation head-on. We are integral to the process of combating false narratives that jeopardize recovery efforts.
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Boeing’s Seemingly Endless Reputational Quagmire
When the label ‘troubled’ is inserted every time your company name appears, you know you are on a hiding to nothing. That is the reality for a once much-admired and envied giant of the aviation and aerospace industry. And it’s a stark example of how a succession of persistent and repeated crises creates a multiplier effect of exponential, corrosive reputational damage, each event building on the ones before. Most importantly, it demonstrates that traditional crisis response is sometimes just not enough. For the Boeing Company, the seemingly endless nightmare began in late 2018.
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Kellogg’s Food Dye Controversy: A PR Misstep with Lasting Consequences
In an age where transparency and trust are crucial to brand loyalty, Kellogg’s recent food dye controversy has left a sour taste in the mouths of consumers. The cereal giant, known for its colorful breakfast staples, has come under fire for its use of artificial dyes—raising concerns over potential health risks and lack of transparency in labeling. Hundreds of people gathered outside the WK Kellogg headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan earlier this month calling for the company to honor previous commitments to remove artificial dyes and the preservative BHT—which are banned in several European countries and Canada because of associated health risks—from its breakfast cereals sold in the U.S.. The fallout from this controversy could have long-lasting impacts on the brand, its consumer base, and its overall reputation.
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2/21/25 Ohio State Bar Association Leadership Academy
3/14/25 American Bar Association - Bar Leadership Institute
3/20/25 Consortium of State School Boards Annual Conference
3/26/25 National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA)
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3/27/25 Neighborhood Leadership Devel. Program
5/20/25 Managing Partner Bootcamp
5/21/25 Cleveland Southwest Safety Council
6/26/25 Consortium of State School Boards Association - Education Safety Conference
9/23/25 Ohio Trucking Association
10/21/25 Managing Partner Bootcamp
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