Practicing for Your Mic-Drop Moment

By Janna Dawson In his book “Outliers,” Malcolm Gladwell popularized the idea that 10,000 hours of deliberate practice was the “the magic number of greatness” to become world-class in any field. He suggests that 10,000 hours of practice was even key to The Beatles’ success. Believe it or not, the same philosophy can be applied…

Creating a Community in a Crisis

COVID-19, or the coronavirus, is creating a rapidly developing public health situation impacting businesses across the world. When it comes to industry, it isn’t discriminating.  As a consumer, I feel the same mix of emotions that my community feels — sadness, sympathy or frustration. But as a communications expert, these crises can be difficult to…

Nike’s Gamble, and Why it Worked

The 2018-2019 NFL Season ended with perhaps the least surprising headline: New England Patriots are Super Bowl Champs. Again. But the season started with a wholly original headline: Former QB Sparks Controversy in New Nike Ad. When Nike released a TV spot in early September 2018 featuring Colin Kaepernick, the sports apparel company was gambling…