She's Seen 30 Years of Founder Breakups. Here's What You're Missing. Ft. Jane Hales

She's Seen 30 Years of Founder Breakups. Here's What You're Missing. Ft. Jane Hales

What happens when the person who helped you build everything becomes the reason it falls apart? In this episode of the Brandinc PR Podcast, I sit down with Jane Hales — founder, board advisor, and one of the sharpest minds in the room when it comes to cofounder conflict. With over 30 years in business, Jane has seen it all: the slow burn of unspoken tension, the Slack messages that become legal exhibits, the "strategy disagreements" that are really just hurt feelings in a blazer. And she's not here to be polite about it. We get into the OpenAI board crisis, why most investors still treat cofounder conflict like a last-resort conversation, and the exact moment internal dysfunction becomes a full-blown PR emergency. Jane also breaks down her framework for what she calls a "conscious uncoupling" in business — how to protect your brand, your team, and your own reputation when a partnership stops working. If you've ever felt something was off at the top but couldn't name it — this episode names it for you. What you'll walk away with: — The early warning signs founders rationalize away — Why your "performance issue" might actually be a relationship problem — How to communicate under pressure without writing tomorrow's crisis today — The governance gap that almost every founder-led business has Jane's book From Dream Team to Divorce?  [https://janehales.com/books/]is coming — and after this conversation, you'll understand exactly why she wrote it. 🎙️ Hosted by Dr. Brandi Sims | Brandinc PR Podcast 📲 Follow @brandincpr | brandincpr.com RESOURCES + LINKS Book Your PR Power Hour Session — If you're ready to cut through the noise and get a clear, strategic PR plan tailored to your brand, this 1:1 intensive session is the fastest way to work with Brandi. Start Here [https://portal.brandincpr.com/public/appointment-scheduler/69aca1c472c638867214364a/schedule].  LIMITED TIME: Pitch Kit — $27 (Valued at $497) Get the exact tools, templates, and frameworks you need to position your brand for media opportunities and stand out in a crowded landscape here [https://portal.brandincpr.com/public/form/view/69c9bd85f7372a6f0384f33d].  Get Brandi’s AI-Powered Tool For Pitching Media ⁠Right Here⁠. Use code BIPR to get $50 off your first month! Revamp Your Business Foundation with our exact automation tool that streamlines communications from prospects to media bookings in minutes. ⁠Start For Free⁠ [https://www.dubsado.com/?c=brandincpr]. ⁠Sign Up for Our Free Weekly Newsletter⁠ [https://brandincpr-insider.beehiiv.com/subscribe] and get bi-weekly insights on brand strategy, PR trends, and business growth. Drop us a review and we’ll send you our 5 Things You Must Have to Be A Media Magnet [https://portal.brandincpr.com/public/form/view/68e2ba1670b57f101e811597] FREE (Value $297).

She Built a Global Business School With $20. No Investors. No Ads. Fr. Shampaigne Graves

Twenty dollars. No investors. No paid ads. And an idea the industry wasn't ready for. In this episode of the Brandinc PR Podcast, I sit down with Shampaigne Graves — Founder and CEO of BOLDIFI [https://boldifi.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorZX5jdiOdlMDxQ0PyBK4TbNhrsNdYkwtYMUkBrrhRy6AnJBrxv], Women's Consumer Expert, and the architect of a research framework that is quietly dismantling everything the sales and marketing world thought it knew about women. Eight years ago, Shampaigne launched BOLDIFI with $20 and a conviction most people would have talked themselves out of. Today it's a QAHE-accredited, audio-first microschool that has trained 250+ women across 20+ languages — with a 60% active business rate among graduates that most MBA programs couldn't touch. And now? Institutions are licensing her curriculum. SBDCs, SBA-affiliated banks, workforce development organizations, and universities worldwide are coming to her. But this episode isn't just a success story. It's a master class in what happens when you stop trying to fit into a framework that was never designed for you — and build a better one from scratch. We dig into her proprietary WCR4 Method — the research framework studying how emotions, gender socialization, intersectionality, and legacy consumerism shape the way women buy and build. We talk about why the sales industry has been slow to accept what her data has been proving for years. And we get into the real communications strategy behind landing Newsweek, Yahoo Finance, and The Observer with zero PR budget. This one will make you rethink everything — your sales approach, your marketing language, and who you've been designing your business for. What you'll walk away with: — Why most sales frameworks fail women buyers and builders — and what to do instead — The WCR4 Method broken down in plain language — How Shampaigne built accredited curriculum from the ground up without institutional backing — The zero-budget media strategy that got her into major national outlets — Why language accessibility isn't just inclusive — it's a growth strategy If you've ever felt like you were selling the right thing the wrong way — Shampaigne is about to show you why. 🎙️ Hosted by Dr. Brandi Sims | Brandinc PR Podcast 📲 Follow @brandincpr | brandincpr.com RESOURCES + LINKS Book Your PR Power Hour Session — If you're ready to cut through the noise and get a clear, strategic PR plan tailored to your brand, this 1:1 intensive session is the fastest way to work with Brandi. Start Here [https://portal.brandincpr.com/public/appointment-scheduler/69aca1c472c638867214364a/schedule].  LIMITED TIME: Pitch Kit — $27 (Valued at $497) Get the exact tools, templates, and frameworks you need to position your brand for media opportunities and stand out in a crowded landscape here [https://portal.brandincpr.com/public/form/view/69c9bd85f7372a6f0384f33d].  Get Brandi’s AI-Powered Tool For Pitching Media ⁠Right Here⁠. Use code BIPR to get $50 off your first month! Revamp Your Business Foundation with our exact automation tool that streamlines communications from prospects to media bookings in minutes. ⁠Start For Free⁠ [https://www.dubsado.com/?c=brandincpr]. ⁠Sign Up for Our Free Weekly Newsletter⁠ [https://brandincpr-insider.beehiiv.com/subscribe] and get bi-weekly insights on brand strategy, PR trends, and business growth. Drop us a review and we’ll send you our 5 Things You Must Have to Be A Media Magnet [https://portal.brandincpr.com/public/form/view/68e2ba1670b57f101e811597] FREE (Value $297).

Stop Chasing Attention — Build Infrastructure Instead ft. Edward James

What does it actually take to use an artist or cultural figure to move a brand — or a cause — in today's market? In this episode of the Brandinc PR Podcast, Dr. Brandi Sims sits down with Edward James, Founder and President of CHQ Media [https://www.chqmedia.com]and a 20-year veteran of lifestyle, entertainment, and brand communications. Ed has built campaigns for major brands including Toyota, Guitar Center, Bowers & Wilkins, and AllianceBernstein, and has done cause-driven work spanning music education, mental health, and gun violence prevention. This conversation goes deep on what most PR pros never get taught: how to position artists as strategic brand vehicles, how to align a brand with a cause without it feeling performative, and why chasing attention without infrastructure is a losing strategy in the attention economy. In this episode, we cover: • Why brand + artist alignment is about values, not visibility • How to approach cause-driven campaigns with integrity and impact • What today's PR landscape demands from communications strategists • Real talk on manufactured buzz, bot culture, and what it costs your reputation • Tactical advice for breaking into entertainment brand work Whether you're a PR pro, founder, or marketer — this one will change how you think about influence. 🎙️ New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a colleague who needs to hear this. RESOURCES + LINKS Book Your PR Power Hour Session — If you're ready to cut through the noise and get a clear, strategic PR plan tailored to your brand, this 1:1 intensive session is the fastest way to work with Brandi. Start Here [https://portal.brandincpr.com/public/appointment-scheduler/69aca1c472c638867214364a/schedule].  LIMITED TIME: Pitch Kit — $27 (Valued at $497) Get the exact tools, templates, and frameworks you need to position your brand for media opportunities and stand out in a crowded landscape here [https://portal.brandincpr.com/public/form/view/69c9bd85f7372a6f0384f33d].  Get Brandi’s AI-Powered Tool For Pitching Media ⁠Right Here⁠. Use code BIPR to get $50 off your first month! Revamp Your Business Foundation with our exact automation tool that streamlines communications from prospects to media bookings in minutes. ⁠Start For Free⁠ [https://www.dubsado.com/?c=brandincpr]. ⁠Sign Up for Our Free Weekly Newsletter⁠ [https://brandincpr-insider.beehiiv.com/subscribe] and get bi-weekly insights on brand strategy, PR trends, and business growth. Drop us a review and we’ll send you our 5 Things You Must Have to Be A Media Magnet [https://portal.brandincpr.com/public/form/view/68e2ba1670b57f101e811597] FREE (Value $297).

Stop Waiting to Be Discovered: Cindy Mich on Visibility, Storytelling & Creating Your Own Opportunities

What separates talented creatives from the ones who actually get noticed? In this episode of The Brandinc PR Podcast, Brandi Sims sits down with multimedia creator, filmmaker, publisher, and Art is Alive Magazine founder Cindy Mich for a conversation about visibility, storytelling, and why waiting to be “discovered” is keeping so many creatives stuck. From publishing magazines and producing radio shows to judging film festivals and reviewing creative projects, Cindy shares what truly makes people stand out in crowded industries and the biggest mistakes creatives make when promoting themselves. If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, filmmaker, author, speaker, or brand trying to build visibility in today’s noisy media landscape, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can apply immediately. ✨ In this episode: * Why talented people often stay invisible * The biggest branding mistakes creatives make * How to build your own platform instead of waiting for opportunities * What instantly makes professionals stand out * Storytelling strategies that actually connect with audiences * How creatives can avoid burnout while staying visible This conversation feels like equal parts creative masterclass and reality check. RESOURCES + LINKS Book Your PR Power Hour Session — If you're ready to cut through the noise and get a clear, strategic PR plan tailored to your brand, this 1:1 intensive session is the fastest way to work with Brandi. Start Here [https://portal.brandincpr.com/public/appointment-scheduler/69aca1c472c638867214364a/schedule].  LIMITED TIME: Pitch Kit — $27 (Valued at $497) Get the exact tools, templates, and frameworks you need to position your brand for media opportunities and stand out in a crowded landscape here [https://portal.brandincpr.com/public/form/view/69c9bd85f7372a6f0384f33d].  Get Brandi’s AI-Powered Tool For Pitching Media ⁠Right Here⁠. Use code BIPR to get $50 off your first month! Revamp Your Business Foundation with our exact automation tool that streamlines communications from prospects to media bookings in minutes. ⁠Start For Free⁠ [https://www.dubsado.com/?c=brandincpr]. ⁠Sign Up for Our Free Weekly Newsletter⁠ [https://brandincpr-insider.beehiiv.com/subscribe] and get bi-weekly insights on brand strategy, PR trends, and business growth. Drop us a review and we’ll send you our 5 Things You Must Have to Be A Media Magnet [https://portal.brandincpr.com/public/form/view/68e2ba1670b57f101e811597] FREE (Value $297).

The Future of PR in the Age of AI | Diane Schwartz, CEO of Ragan Communications

AI is no longer “the future” of PR. It’s already rewriting the rules in real time. In this episode of the Brandinc PR Podcast, Dr. Brandi Sims sits down with Diane Schwartz, CEO of Ragan Communications, to unpack the industry-shifting findings from Ragan’s AI in PR Report and what communicators need to know now to stay relevant, strategic, and ahead of the curve. From AI burnout and ethical concerns to leadership, trust, job security, and the future of communications, this conversation goes beyond the hype and gets real about what’s actually happening inside the PR industry. Diane also shares insights from leading one of the communications industry’s most influential organizations through rapid innovation as the first female CEO in Ragan’s 56-year history. If you’re a PR professional, entrepreneur, marketer, communicator, or brand leader trying to figure out how AI fits into your workflow without losing the human side of storytelling, this episode is for you. 🔥 In this episode: • The biggest misconceptions PR pros have about AI • What communicators are still getting wrong • How AI is changing the future of media and messaging • Why strategy matters more than ever • The skills PR professionals need to develop now • What separates industry leaders from those falling behind Connect with Brandinc PR: Website: www.brandincpr.com [http://www.brandincpr.com/] RESOURCES + LINKS Book Your PR Power Hour Session — If you're ready to cut through the noise and get a clear, strategic PR plan tailored to your brand, this 1:1 intensive session is the fastest way to work with Brandi. Start Here [https://portal.brandincpr.com/public/appointment-scheduler/69aca1c472c638867214364a/schedule].  LIMITED TIME: Pitch Kit — $27 (Valued at $497) Get the exact tools, templates, and frameworks you need to position your brand for media opportunities and stand out in a crowded landscape here [https://portal.brandincpr.com/public/form/view/69c9bd85f7372a6f0384f33d].  Get Brandi’s AI-Powered Tool For Pitching Media ⁠Right Here⁠. Use code BIPR to get $50 off your first month! Revamp Your Business Foundation with our exact automation tool that streamlines communications from prospects to media bookings in minutes. ⁠Start For Free⁠ [https://www.dubsado.com/?c=brandincpr]. ⁠Sign Up for Our Free Weekly Newsletter⁠ [https://brandincpr-insider.beehiiv.com/subscribe] and get bi-weekly insights on brand strategy, PR trends, and business growth. Drop us a review and we’ll send you our 5 Things You Must Have to Be A Media Magnet [https://portal.brandincpr.com/public/form/view/68e2ba1670b57f101e811597] FREE (Value $297).