Category: Careers, Culture & Company News
In Memoriam: Don Bonker
APCO Forum
We honor and remember Former Congressman Don Bonker, who sadly passed away May 30, 2023...
Read moreDEI as a Driving Force in Business Innovation
Alida Valle
DEI in TMTs is essential to business innovation by facilitating an unbiased decision-making process, promoting creativity, and establishing an inclusive culture. To better achieve this goal, companies should work to better understand the experience of top leaders and employee perceptions of their leadership efforts...
Read moreIs Remote Work to Blame for a Company’s Demise? Maybe, Maybe Not.
Katie Sprehe
During this the COVID-19 pandemic and era of remote work, some companies have succeeded, others are now bringing their employees back to the office and some are even blaming remote work for their company’s collapse...
Read moreObserving Black History Month is a Form of Black Resistance
Randi Towns
& Tyler Blackburn
BAAM members reflect on what Black resistance means to them and how our ideas, while poignantly different, may more greatly unite us all...
Read moreKwanzaa Brief and Resource Guide
Tyler Blackburn
& Randi Towns
& Mina Rodriguez
The ERG created a resource from the learnings about one holiday celebration in particular, Kwanzaa, geared towards educating our greater community...
Read moreThe Private Sector’s Resting Prowess
Elizabeth Sen
In 2023, APCO’s Middle East operations will focus on developing this market and supporting these organizations...
Read moreThe "Why" of Political Participation
Howard Pulchin
& Nina Verghese
Election Day at APCO is a company holiday, but we like to think of November 8 as not a day off, but as a “day on.” Election day allows us to participate in whatever manner makes the most sense for each of us...
Read moreWhy LGBTQIA History Month Matters
Diego de Leon Segovia
& Tristan Fitzpatrick
& Howard Pulchin
& Mina Rodriguez
& Olivia Taylor
We asked several of our LGBTQIA ERG members to share why our history matters to them and recommended a book that tells a part of our history...
Read moreWhat Companies Need to Know About Neurodiversity
Marina Brito
& Scott Chalkley
The hiring of neurodivergent people shouldn’t be thought of as a good deed–it should be thought of as a wise one...
Read moreEncore: Ever-Changing Learning and Development for Caregivers Returning to Work
Leanne High
Encore launched when five women, who had taken time out of the workforce to be caregivers, returned to recharge their careers...
Read moreFor Innovation in Leadership, Look to Aristotle
Emily Scherberth
Leaders have a new mandate: to become catalysts for progress and co-create a place for people to flourish, have purpose and do their best work...
Read moreHas Corporate America Run out of Steam for Equity & Justice? Reignite the Fire With These Top Five Strategies!
Charlene Wheeless
& Majd Baniodeh
Leaders have to understand that employees no longer consider equity and justice the right thing to do, it has become the necessary thing to do...
Read moreWe’re Not Here to Educate; We’re Here to Inspire
Howard Pulchin
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) exist for their members. Yet they also add value toward a sense of belonging for the organization in its totality...
Read moreDiversity and Inclusion Is Serious Business and No Pun Intended
Megha Puri
The pandemic may have further exacerbated an organization’s need to embrace DE&I but it falls to each and every one of us to now carry the baton forward...
Read moreSupporting Women in the Workplace: Doing More and Being Better
Lottie Wistow
& Tristan Lemonnier
We want our colleagues around the world to challenge and question one another and, in this way, push each other to think differently..
Read moreReturning to Work After a Career Break
Lydia Martin
I encouraged this year’s delegates to talk to recruiters about what they did before their career break, demonstrating that their experience is still valid. It doesn’t expire...
Read moreWEBINAR: The Future of Work: Building a Strong and Inclusive Culture
Licy M. Do Canto
In a panel at PRovoke Media Global Summit industry leaders spoke about the lessons learned while building an inclusive culture in a remote environment...
Read moreA Talent Acquisition Advertising Guide During the “Great Resignation”
Jonathan Ewing
The campaigns with the best results are collaborative between communications and talent teams and provide a full-funnel approach to talent acquisition. ..
Read moreA Unique Opportunity: Creating Meaningful Change Through Our Work
Elizabeth Duncan-Watt
& Elle Arlook
& Tracy Mathews
As the world’s largest women-owned and independent advisory and advocacy communications consultancy, it’s our responsibility to not only celebrate the work we’ve done so far, but to continue to push ourselves to do more and to do better...
Read moreThe “Return-to-Workplace” Policies That Will Bring Moms Back
Denielle Sachs
& Akinyi Ochieng
& Elizabeth Duncan-Watt
Work doesn’t work for moms, and work-life balance is an illusion. Employers fail to provide the basic policies and practices moms need to thrive...
Read moreHow Companies are Rethinking Employee Engagement to Win the War for Talent
Katherine F. Mackinnon
& Kimberly Gardiner
Now is the moment for companies to craft creative engagement solutions to entice employees — particularly women — to return to and remain in the workplace. ..
Read moreThe New World of Work
Anna Tunkel
COVID-19 fundamentally changed the way that we work, and as we edge closing to office and event re-openings, it is that that the future of work is here...
Read moreAAPI Heritage Month: Solidarity, Community & Celebration
Priya Ramanathan
We hope to demonstrate solidarity in the fight against racism, while also creating space for healing, education and collaboration as a diverse community...
Read moreEmbracing a Hybrid Workplace Future
Travis Bullard
As a result of increased levels of stress, isolation and burnout, it’s perhaps no surprise that more companies are prioritizing employee wellbeing as part of their overall ESG strategies...
Read moreTransitioning to a Safe and Secure Technological Future
Daniel Becker
As companies develop new and revolutionary technologies and our society irrevocably shift towards greater online interaction and presence, so do the dangers of technological shortcomings.
..
Read moreLeadership's Role in Accelerating Progress
Kelly Williamson
Kelly and Jason came together to discuss the role of leadership in creating impactful, lasting change, and how leaders can instill a sense of bravery/empowerment across the entire culture of a company...
Read moreWomen*, Equity and Purpose in the Workforce
Elizabeth Duncan-Watt
& Nicole Monge
Unequal pay is hardly new but with a global pandemic and its disproportionately devastating impacts on women—in the pandemic, women have lost a net of 5.4 million jobs—we are facing a true crisis...
Read moreCommemorating the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Kelly Williamson
As we consider the year behind us, and all that it entailed, Claire Boussagol and Kelly Williamson share their thoughts on the events of the past year, and how APCO is working to ensure an inclusive and accessible work environment for all its employees. ..
Read moreIn Memoriam: Geoffrey Lace, Founder of PRWeek
Margery Kraus
& Brad Staples
We honor and remember Mr. Geoffrey Lace, who sadly recently passed away at the age of 74. We salute Mr. Lace’s entrepreneurism and his everlasting legacy, and extend our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time...
Read moreStatement by Margery Kraus on the January 6, 2021 Storming of the U.S. Capitol
Margery Kraus
I strongly condemn the actions of these cowards and believe that law enforcement should take the strongest actions against those who callously desecrated U.S. democracy and all the values it is meant to represent...
Read moreVoting. Privilege, Right or Obligation?
Howard Pulchin
It’s an understatement to say that this year’s Election Day in the U.S. is different; it also feels different. Happily, more organizations are seeking to inform, encourage and help people register and vote. There are also more organizations, including APCO Worldwide, that are encouraging employees to “work” on Election Day as poll workers, for example, and to encourage others to get out the vote...
Read moreJoin Me in Making Election Day a “Day On”
Kelly Williamson
I am delighted to introduce “adVOcaTE,” a campaign consisting of internal and external education and engagement efforts designed to help APCO employees prepare to cast purposeful votes, share their voices and continue their efforts fighting for what they believe in..
Read moreWaking Up: Accelerate What’s Right
Kelly Williamson
We must check ourselves to ensure that we go deeper into the right sets of actions versus spreading ourselves too thin, show progress instead of just talking about it amongst ourselves and ensure that this is a commitment we all feel obligated to join—because the future of our country, our communities, our workplaces and most importantly people’s lives, require it...
Read moreKeio University Adovacy Campaigning Lecture Recap
Masayo Nagai
As a leading global company in public affairs and strategic communication, APCO's Tokyo office had the opportunity to hold a lecture on advocacy campaigning with a class of international and Japanese students at Keio University...
Read moreHow to “Show Up” for This Year’s Pride
Howard Pulchin
While there won’t be parades this year, it doesn’t mean that Pride is canceled altogether. Rather, it is an opportunity for brands and corporations to turn flashy shows of support into action. It is a time for change...
Read moreMay’s Mental Health Awareness Month Hit Differently; What Will Summer Bring?
Howard Pulchin
Mental health and mental wellbeing are obvious points of consideration during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. What have historically been taboo discussion topics—both inside and outside the corporate world—are now easily looming as a true known second-order health crisis...
Read moreIn Memoriam: Roger Hayes
Margery Kraus
& Brad Staples
We send our deepest condolences to Roger's family during this difficult time and encourage you to share your thoughts and memories of Roger in the comments...
Read moreEmpowerment Through Advocacy
Casey Johnson
The most impactful piece of advice, which I learned in a rather unorthodox way, is to advocate not only for yourself but for your teammates as well. This simple lesson in transparency and advocacy is even more relevant today, as companies consider diversity, equity and inclusion practices at greater lengths...
Read moreHold on to Hope and be Resilient
Agnieszka Zieminska Yank
The way I have been coping is by consciously noticing and intentionally acknowledging the many bright spots in our daily lives and keeping things in perspective...
Read moreThere’s Always Room for Women at the Table
Ginna Royalty
Women's History Month reminds us that taking the time to have meaningful conversations and to discuss these crucial issues is critical to enacting change, but that more can and should be done...
Read moreYou, Me and Equality: The APCO Way
Uzma Lodhi
Diversity of thought makes society and businesses stronger and more resilient. At APCO, we know that diverse thinking spurs creativity, unites teams and enhances client services. ..
Read moreThe Critical Role of HR Communication in Times of Crisis
Agnieszka Zieminska Yank
As the coronavirus outbreak rapidly progresses, HR departments across all companies can and should be fully engaged and at the forefront to demonstrate caring and become part of the solution. ..
Read moreBuilding a Virtual Culture: The Remote Workforce
Katie Sprehe
The coronavirus is leading many companies in the United States to encourage their employees to work from home. While many miles may separate them from their onsite colleagues, a new APCO Insight survey of U.S. employees shows that remote workers are not so different from their in-office counterparts. ..
Read moreGenerational Viewpoints on Workplace Culture That Lasts
Pete Wentz
& Lelia Busch
With four generations working together, today’s workplace offers a wide range and dynamic combination of experience, expectations and priorities. We asked three APCO Worldwide colleagues to share their views on the workplace, how it has changed and what they see as the most important future considerations for companies as they look to create a culture that is inclusive for a multi-generational workforce...
Read moreTrust in Leaders Emerges as a Pivotal Workplace Factor for 2020
Kimberly Gardiner
Employees are seeking more than just a paycheck and benefits in the jobs they hold. Crucial are top executives’ integrity and candor, along with the organization’s mission and values...
Read moreDeveloping Future Generations Through Diversity & Inclusion
Four APCO colleagues share their impressions and takeaways from ColorComm Network's NextGen Conference, November 2019...
Read moreHow Agile Companies Will Attract Gen Z
APCO Forum
As new generations enter the workforce, what can APCO and others do to improve communication within teams and throughout offices?..
Read moreWhy Supplier Diversity is Crucial for Driving Business Growth
Edwin Feliciano
Procurement optimization can add immense value to your business, and in an evolving social landscape, procurement organizations are starting to diversify their suppliers. Here are three important factors for diverse suppliers to keep in mind when forming relationships and negotiating with procurement officers...
Read moreAn India Perspective on the Battle for Talent
APCO Forum
India's significant employability gap is a real concern for global organizations operating in India, but it presents an opportunity for companies to partner with the government to ensure that there are an adequate number of bridge programs for the millions of fresh college graduates that pass through the portals of the education system year on year...
Read moreEnterprising Culture: The Secret to Business Success
Kimberly Gardiner
During a time when half of leaders and mid-level managers anticipate challenges with hiring and retaining qualified workers, a strong Enterprising Culture can be a differentiating factor in future-proofing an organization...
Read moreThe Office Environment of the Future
Richard N. Swett
In this highly competitive world where much is at stake, companies need to create as advantageous a work environment as possible for their employees...
Read moreTo Win Today’s Top Talent, Organizations Must Be Flexible
Dale Vieregge
Today’s workforce is the most educated, globally-mobile, gender-balanced and ethnically diverse ever. To convert all of that potential energy into a world-changing force, organizations of all types, sizes and geographies must acknowledge the structural changes that have and are reshaping the employer-employee relationship...
Read moreThe War for Talent
Natasha Angileh
"The war for talent" is not a new phrase, but even today, and perhaps even more so in the future, the war continues. To win, employers must continually keep abreast of what current and future employees are looking for...
Read moreBuilding a Learning Culture
Courtney O’Connell
The way companies can stay ahead and meet the challenges of the future is by enacting key practices that contribute to a learning culture. Companies of any size can begin implementing these practices tomorrow to build a learning culture...
Read moreWorking for Balance: 2019 Advice Report
APCO Forum
APCO’s North America 2019 Women’s History Committee created a report featuring advice, anecdotes and insights from our colleagues in North America about growing your career, mitigating bias, closing the gender gap and the workplace of the future...
Read moreDesigning Learning Experiences for Leaders
Courtney O’Connell
I wanted to share some insights into the why we felt it was important to convene in person, why any other organization should consider doing the same...
Read moreAgainst the Odds
Tracy Mathews
When I was a child, I knew when I grew up, I wanted to be a horse. Yes. A horse...
Read moreAchieving Balance Around the World
Margery Kraus
Closing the gender gap and achieving balance around the world requires different solutions for each market and industry. However, each of those solutions will require that we hold each other accountable...
Read moreW20: Helping Japan Balance for Better
Masayo Nagai
Although regarded as an innovative country in many ways, Japan still has a lot to learn when it comes to gender equality...
Read moreAn African American Woman's POV on Diversity
Carrinne M. Cooper
Diversity is a purposeful adventure and should be approached as such. This is what we celebrate when we elevate months like Black History Month – we celebrate the journey of all of us together...
Read moreNavigating Blackness In Acting
Chris Allen
When Chris began acting, he noticed a pattern of being assigned to racially-specific roles that were not as interesting as others. Chris brings insight into the similarities between acting in theater and working in a firm, and how he deals with people's prejudices...
Read moreHealth Care Leaders are not Prepared for the Future
James Tyrrell
To better understand the future of health care, and the challenges the industry faces, we surveyed a select group of 18 members of APCO’s International Advisory Council (IAC) and Health Advisory Board (HAB)...
Read moreActive Leadership with Views from APCO’s Global Team
Margery Kraus
Given that active leadership is such a key component to organizational agility, members of APCO’s global team took a closer look at which leaders are best positioned to succeed in a range of sectors and industries...
Read moreThree Pieces of Advice for Women Entrepreneurs
Margery Kraus
I feel I have a tremendous responsibility to train and mentor the next generation of women leaders at all stages of their careers, not just in our profession but in business generally. ..
Read moreCommunicating in an Era of Great Change
Seiko Indo
At this time of change, proponents of "future investment" must balance diverse stakeholder interests, negotiate generational disparity and navigate an evolving media environment. This is a prime moment for Japan’s PR industry to redefine its role as arbiter and communicator...
Read moreReflections From a Summer Intern
Tina Kaiser
Martina Perez, a 16-year-old rising junior in high school, shares her experience as a summer intern in APCO's New York office...
Read moreWe Are Far From Done
Margery Kraus
As we celebrate Women’s Equality Day in 2017, commemorating the historic date that American women won the right to vote in 1920, we should momentarily pause and reflect on how far we have come in less than a century. ..
Read moreGet off the Plane
Tomorrow, I leave for Kazakhstan. As I get ready to make the long, hard slog back to Astana, there is one thing that keeps me going more than any other: the idea that right now in these increasingly complicated times, events like Expo 2017 are more important than ever...
Read moreTake A Look In The Mirror
Margery Kraus
International Women’s Day is certainly a time of reflection for many and I am no exception...
Read moreA Look Back at Pride
Brad Staples
Now we are at the end of June, we should take a moment and appreciate the importance this month has for so many people around the world. ..
Read morePride Month: Why it Matters.
Howard Pulchin
June marks the annual period of Gay Pride observations around the world. It’s a month of love and togetherness – when both gay and straight men and women come together to celebrate advances made while working hard to advance the challenges that still lie ahead. ..
Read moreIn Memoriam: Alicia Peterson Clark
Margery Kraus
Today we honor and remember a wonderful colleague, Alicia Peterson Clark, who sadly passed away on April 12, 2017. ..
Read moreRemembering Al Golin
Margery Kraus
As someone who has built her own firm, I also respected Al’s pioneering nature and understood the grit it took to accomplish what he did...
Read moreAPCO Supports Non-Profits in Chicago in Tackling Violence
Emily Coghlan
APCO is supporting local non-profits in Chicago which work towards making a difference in reducing violent crime rates. ..
Read moreHow PRs Need to be Looking Further Ahead
Jolyon Kimble
Jo Kimble responds to The Times' "Big Brands Fund Terror" story...
Read moreCreating Transformational Learning Experiences in the Digital Workplace
Courtney O’Connell
Anyone with a video camera and an LMS can create online training programs for their company, but is that enough?..
Read moreSkills-based Philanthropy Builds Corporate Teams
Iris Shaffer
When a team volunteer opportunity is skills-based, it’s often even more impactful, both to the organization or people being served and the volunteers...
Read moreExplore:
Careers, Culture & Company NewsCatalyst for ProgressCorporate Responsibility & Sustainable GrowthCrisis and Reputation ManagementDigital & CreativeDiversity & InclusionEnergyFinanceFood & Consumer Products & RetailGovernmentHealthM&A and CompetitionPublic AffairsResearchStrategic Communication & Stakeholder EngagementTechnologyTradeTransportation & InfrastructureNotice
APCO Forum blog posts represent the voice of the author and not necessarily the corporate position or policy of APCO Worldwide.