How trusted strategic advisors influence leaders

How trusted strategic advisors influence leaders

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/593338/fan_mail/new] In this episode, James (Jim) Lukaszewski joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how to influence leaders through trust, candor, and strategic communication. Tune in to learn more! Meet our guest: Our guest is James (Jim) Lukaszewski, president and CEO of The Lukaszewski Group. Jim has advised business leaders through crises and high-stakes situations for more than five decades. He shares practical strategies for becoming the trusted strategic advisor leaders rely on when making important decisions. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why trusted advisors begin by understanding leadership challenges before communication challenges  2. How candor helps build credibility with executives  3. The Three-Minute Drill for presenting strategic recommendations  4. Why offering options instead of conclusions leads to better leadership decisions 5. How studying leadership helps communicators become more influential advisors  Quotables “All problems are management and organizational problems before they are any other kind of problem.” — Jim Lukaszewski “You have to start where the person you're advising is, not where you think the solution is.” — Jim Lukaszewski “Management happens in real time.” — Jim Lukaszewski “Anybody who can offer three perspectives or useful concepts about any problem the boss is facing is a valuable person.” — Jim Lukaszewski “Your highest and best use … is being a trusted advisor to leadership.” — Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee [http://buymeacoff.ee/OnTopofPR] or by leaving us a quick podcast review [https://ratethispodcast.com/ontopofpr]. Guest’s contact info and resources: James Lukaszewski on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslukaszewski/] James E. Lukaszewski on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/JamesELukaszewski] E911 website [https://www.e911.com/] Crisisguru.ai [http://crisisguru.ai] Pre-order the “Influencing Leaders” book [https://www.amazon.com/Influencing-Leaders-James-Lukaszewski/dp/1394432283] Pre-order Jim’s new book. Email a copy of your receipt to jel@e911.com with the subject line "TOP."  Follow Jim on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslukaszewski/]. Subscribe to Jim’s newsletter [https://e911.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d4ce718be5a0a9da6543e3eb3&id=bbd10e130b]. When the book is released in August, you'll receive the handbook by email. Additional Resources: Does PR play an active role in your strategic planning? Learn how to make it easier to reach your goals [https://www.axiapr.com/blog/does-pr-play-an-active-role-in-your-strategic-planning-learn-how-to-make-it-easier-to-reach-your-goals] Defining leadership in corporate communications [https://www.axiapr.com/blog/leadership-in-corporate-communications] Axia’s crisis PR service [https://www.axiapr.com/services/crisis-communications-management-service] Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast. [https://www.axiapr.com/podcast] Find out more about Axia Public Relations. [https://www.axiapr.com/] If you like this episode, you're going to love this: How to be a trusted adviser with Del Galloway [https://youtu.be/yXwwgwof4ME?si=8woVo6Ufe64pMSem] When a crisis hits, say this or stay silent [https://youtu.be/Ia_GnST5PrE?si=QeAUauPtVpAEBPBJ] Recorded: July, 2026 Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/OnTopofPR] * On Top of PR [http://www.ontopofpr.com] is produced by Axia Public Relations [http://www.axiapr.com], named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. * On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer [https://www.reviewmaxer.com/pages/on-top-of-pr], the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

Why PR is the last budget line you should cut (and what happens if you do)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/593338/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Heidi Howell joins host Jason Mudd to discuss why organizations should think twice before cutting PR during economic uncertainty. They explore the connection between reputation, recruiting, employer branding, visibility, trust, and revenue growth. Tune in to learn more! Meet our guest: Our guest is Heidi Howell, she is a marketing executive who leads efforts to transform marketing into a revenue-driving function within healthcare staffing and human resources technology. She partners with executive teams to align marketing, sales, and operations through scalable systems, data-driven strategy, and growth-focused demand generation. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why public relations is often cut first and why that can be a costly mistake 2. How reputation directly impacts recruiting outcomes and talent acquisition 3. Why you should view recruiting as a revenue-driving function 4. How PR keeps you visible to top clients 5. Questions leaders should ask before reducing PR investments Quotables “PR is not just about visibility; it's about trust, reputation, and staying known to the people who are ultimately going to be buying your services.” — Heidi Howell “Recruiting is our revenue. That's how we make money. We make money by placing great candidates at great jobs with great clients.” — Heidi Howell “When companies cut PR, they're cutting the very thing that keeps them visible.” — Heidi Howell "When budgets are being cut, trust becomes more valuable, not less." — Heidi Howell “In a down economy, trust becomes more valuable, not less. PR is one of the few functions built specifically to protect it.” — Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee [http://buymeacoff.ee/OnTopofPR] or by leaving us a quick podcast review [https://ratethispodcast.com/ontopofpr]. Guest’s contact info and resources: * Heidi Howell on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidilhowell/] * How PR influences recruiting, retention, and workforce quality [https://youtu.be/yYdhfu4C3sU?si=Qhg_Mw6riu3e8gBd] * ratethispodcast.com/ontopofpr [http://ratethispodcast.com/ontopofpr] Additional Resources: * Reputation management for AI search: Monitoring and response framework [https://www.axiapr.com/blog/reputation-management-for-ai-search] * Warning signs your online reputation management is failing [https://www.axiapr.com/blog/signs-online-reputation-management-is-failing] * Axia’s reputation management service [https://www.axiapr.com/services/online-reputation-management-service] * Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast. [https://www.axiapr.com/podcast] * Find out more about Axia Public Relations. [https://www.axiapr.com/] If you like this episode, you're going to love this: * Job search and hiring tips with Nicole Balsam [https://youtu.be/WjIsaO1srFk?si=CuWoUKWNs_hB9av9] * Navigating PR and communications hiring with Brooke Kruger [https://youtu.be/drtwBoSBAZQ?si=D2ltguOopOxD8_bJ] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/OnTopofPR] * On Top of PR [http://www.ontopofpr.com] is produced by Axia Public Relations [http://www.axiapr.com], named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. * On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer [https://www.reviewmaxer.com/pages/on-top-of-pr], the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

Inside the newsroom: Media relations advice from a former CNN producer

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/593338/fan_mail/new] In this episode, former CNN producer Tiffany Anthony joins host Jason Mudd to discuss media relations best practices, newsroom operations, and journalist preferences. Tune in to learn more! Meet our guest: Our guest is Tiffany Anthony, a communications and storytelling professional and former CNN cross-platform producer at Warner Bros. Discovery. With more than 18 years of experience in broadcast, digital, and social media, Tiffany has helped shape high-impact stories and audience engagement strategies while working inside local and national newsrooms. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why strong media relationships still matter, even when newsworthiness comes first 2. Common media pitching mistakes that damage credibility with journalists 3. How to effectively follow up with reporters without becoming a nuisance 4. Why understanding newsroom operations improves media relations success 5. How changing newsroom dynamics and audience behaviors are reshaping media relations  Quotables “Relationships matter a lot when it comes to newsrooms as well as with PR. Basically, you don't want to be a stranger.” — @Tiffany Anthony “You need to consume news yourself. You need to know what's going on.” — @Tiffany Anthony “It is not always about the fastest anymore. It's about the most accurate, the most in-depth, the most personal.” — @Tiffany Anthony “You have to grab the reporter's attention, just like we have to grab the viewer’s attention. And you have to do it quickly because people will lose interest; reporters will lose interest.” — @Tiffany Anthony “Every touchpoint should add value to the relationship. Every touchpoint should be another piece of insight.” — @Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee [http://buymeacoff.ee/OnTopofPR] or by leaving us a quick podcast review [https://ratethispodcast.com/ontopofpr]. Guest’s contact info and resources: Tiffany Anthony on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-anthony-19a36014/] Tiffany Anthony on Muck Rack [https://muckrack.com/tiffany-anthony] Tiffany Anthony’s website [https://tiffanyanthony25.wixsite.com/producertiffany] From newsroom to PR: How journalists can successfully make the switch [https://youtu.be/1cqvqs8rHmk?si=SO1jZV_NcHkV6UqH] Additional Resources: What strong media relations actually look like [https://www.axiapr.com/blog/what-strong-media-relations-actually-look] The best and worst media relations efforts from public relations professionals [https://www.axiapr.com/blog/best-and-worst-observations-of-media-relations] The 4 R’s of media relations: Responsive, resourceful, rapid, and respect [https://www.axiapr.com/blog/the-4-rs-of-media-relations-responsive-resourceful-rapid-and-respect] Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast. [https://www.axiapr.com/podcast] Find out more about Axia Public Relations. [https://www.axiapr.com/] If you like this episode, you're going to love this: Advanced AI media relations strategies for public relations [https://youtu.be/2OtBcxp8pYI?si=QTGG2uP-A-6fcs3i] How to improve your media pitches with Jason Mudd of Axia Public Relations [https://youtu.be/OPDFPQY4Ido?si=lMu35qC9aZ5Y7WpH] Media relations best practices with Axia [https://youtu.be/sWyBu0PXetE?si=YUM_bZobDmH5qdL9] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/OnTopofPR] * On Top of PR [http://www.ontopofpr.com] is produced by Axia Public Relations [http://www.axiapr.com], named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. * On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer [https://www.reviewmaxer.com/pages/on-top-of-pr], the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

The best argument for PR? Surprisingly, it's AI

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/593338/fan_mail/new] In this solocast, On Top of PR host Jason Mudd explains why earned media now drives visibility in ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and AI search. Tune in to learn more!  Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why earned media is the primary driver of visibility in AI-generated search 2. How ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude determine which brands to recommend 3. What the 2% pitch overlap statistic means for PR and marketing teams 4. Why media velocity and recency matter more than one big placement 5. What to do right now: three actions to strengthen your brand's AI visibility   Quotables “Earned media is what AI trusts.” — @jasonmudd9 “The right earned media in the right outlets at the right frequency is the primary lever for brand visibility and AI-generated search. Not one of the levers, it's the primary lever.” — @jasonmudd9 “The brands that figure this out first are going to own the narrative inside the AI tools their buyers are already using every day.” — @jasonmudd9 “99% of links cited by AI come from unpaid media.” — @jasonmudd9 If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee [http://buymeacoff.ee/OnTopofPR] or by leaving us a quick podcast review [https://ratethispodcast.com/ontopofpr]. Contact info and resources: Jason Mudd on X [https://x.com/jasonmudd9] Jason Mudd on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmudd/] Muck Rack: Earned media still drives 84% of AI citations [https://muckrack.com/blog/what-is-ai-reading-may-2026] Gartner: Predicts 2026: Top Predictions to Inform 2026 Comms Strategies [https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/7160430] ratethispodcast.com/ontopofpr [http://ratethispodcast.com/ontopofpr]  Additional Resources: Why earned media is so powerful in the age of AI and GEO [https://www.axiapr.com/blog/earned-media-in-the-age-of-ai-and-geo] Why AI tools now rely on earned media [https://www.axiapr.com/blog/why-ai-tools-now-rely-on-earned-media] How earned media gets AI to remember your brand [https://www.axiapr.com/blog/how-earned-media-gets-brand-remembered] Axia’s AIVisibility services [https://www.axiapr.com/services/ai-relations-generative-engine-optimization-service] Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast [https://www.axiapr.com/podcast] Find out more about Axia Public Relations [https://www.axiapr.com/] If you like this episode, you're going to love this: The PR playbook for getting recommended [https://youtu.be/RsYv5RAvMHA?si=8sdK6UdZnHnNUFYo] Embedded AI: The future of PR and communication workflows [https://youtu.be/qWgHYGkHQkE?si=OODa529aGEpVMKia] How to stay ahead of AI in communication and marketing [https://youtu.be/Rs6G83ui0Ss?si=EeYy7RJrR92QrX1S] Recorded: June 06, 2026   Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/OnTopofPR] * On Top of PR [http://www.ontopofpr.com] is produced by Axia Public Relations [http://www.axiapr.com], named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. * On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer [https://www.reviewmaxer.com/pages/on-top-of-pr], the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.

The secrets every professional speaker knows (that you don't)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/593338/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Matt Mosich joins host Jason Mudd to discuss what separates professional speakers from aspiring speakers. From storytelling and stage presence to preparation, mindset, and memorable messaging, Matt shares practical insights from years of coaching executives, founders, and business leaders. Tune in to learn more!    Meet our guest: Our guest is Matt Mosich, president and owner of The Mosich Group. Matt is a communication and speaker coach for executives, founders, and their teams. He helps clients prepare for and build keynotes, board presentations, podcasts, and media interviews. Five things you’ll learn from this episode: 1. Why every point needs a story and every story needs a point 2. How great speakers collect stories from everyday experiences  3. Why audiences remember sentences, not speeches 4. The hidden preparation behind seemingly effortless presentations  5. How to use nerves as an advantage instead of trying to eliminate them   Quotables “There are probably thousands of people out there who can speak on your topic. They might have the exact same conclusions that you do. The only difference is how you arrived at them.” — Matt Mosich “The best speakers aren't more creative. They're better at noticing and writing down what everyone else walks past.” — Matt Mosich “People remember sentences, not speeches.” — Matt Mosich “Our mindset is how we observe the world; it's how we live our experience.” — Matt Mosich “You have to show up as a professional in order to get paid like a professional.” — Jason Mudd If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee [http://buymeacoff.ee/OnTopofPR] or by leaving us a quick podcast review [https://ratethispodcast.com/ontopofpr]. Guest’s contact info and resources: Matt Mosich on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmosich/] The Mosich Group website [https://mattmosich.com/] Jack Sernett [https://www.jacksernett.com/] Matthew Dicks [https://matthewdicks.com/] The Four Agreements Book [https://www.miguelruiz.com/the-four-agreements/] Toastmasters International [https://www.toastmasters.org/] Additional Resources: Axia Public Relations’ SpeakersBureau service [https://www.axiapr.com/services/booking-public-speaking-engagement-service] Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast. [https://www.axiapr.com/podcast] Find out more about Axia Public Relations. [https://www.axiapr.com/] How to become a TED speaker [https://www.axiapr.com/blog/how-to-become-a-ted-speaker] The right way to apply for a speaking engagement [https://www.axiapr.com/blog/right-way-to-submit-a-speaking-engagement] Don’t let your superstar company speaker go unnoticed; promote today! [https://www.axiapr.com/blog/dont-let-your-superstar-company-speaker-go-unnoticed-promote-today] If you like this episode, you're going to love this: Embracing the power of “No” and storytelling [https://youtu.be/XCZE055eD8c?si=FtFAYg-qCUpNJNek] How company executives can become powerful keynote speakers [https://youtu.be/1RWb6Lmv4Bw?si=TXrR-s7zh4ctG_Gl] How to become an excellent TEDx speaker [https://youtu.be/kMaXGq67mCY?si=-awU283MDrr5HAwU] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/OnTopofPR] * On Top of PR [http://www.ontopofpr.com] is produced by Axia Public Relations [http://www.axiapr.com], named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands. * On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer [https://www.reviewmaxer.com/pages/on-top-of-pr], the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.