What are on the minds of future journalists from technology to storytelling to trust? We speak to three top students from the University of South Carolina's School of Journalism and Mass Communications with different broadcast disciplines and unique work experiences as interns and fellows to give us some insight: Sarah Craft (international news/ WIS-TV, WYFF-TV and WMBF-TV), Chloe Castain (sports/NASCAR), Kiki Gushue (news and broadcast production/The Crux of the Story).

#145: The Next Generation of Broadcast Journalists

David Grossman is the founder and CEO of The Grossman Group, a leading communications consultancy focused on leadership, change management and internal communications.  We spoke with him about his 25th year in business and career journey, the evolution of leadership communication, and key insights from his upcoming book, The Heart Work of Modern Leadership: Six Differentiators of Exceptional Leaders.
We discuss how authentic and courageous leadership drives transformation; common communication challenges organizations face; and how leaders can foster employee engagement and cultural change. David also shares recent research on employee engagement in the public relations industry.

#146: The Heart Work of Leadership with David Grossman

With over 25 years of expertise in organizational transformation, leadership development, and employee engagement, Kate Bullinger, CEO of United Minds (Weber Shandwick’s global management consultancy) discusses how businesses can navigate uncertainty, foster purpose-driven cultures, and lead effectively through change. We also explore the evolving role of communications executives, the workplace of the future given A.I. and technology.  In this conversation we take deep dives into the strategies shaping the success of organizations today.

#147: Navigating Organizational Change: Insights from United Minds CEO Kate Bullinger

Chernoff Newman CEO David Campbell, head of one of the US’s more successful regional agencies, discusses his firm’s integrated approach – employing public relations, advertising, digital media and public affairs – to solve unique client challenges across many industry sectors, government and education. In our conversation we touch on agency growth, how technology and AI are changing the firm’s work, and the challenges of navigating brands in today’s politically charged world as we reflect on Cracker Barrels’ attempt to modernize its brand and other events.

#148: Work That Matters with Chernoff Newman CEO David Campbell

Manny Ruiz is a media, marketing and creative dynamo.  From founding the first Hispanic PR newswire service in the U.S… to launching Hispanicize an event that highlighted the best of Hispanic and Latino PR, marketing and advertising… to co-founding Brilla Media Ventures with his wife and creative partner Angela, Manny has spent three decades shaping how brands engage with U.S. Hispanic and Latino audiences. He’s also the creative force behind Bistec – Audible’s top Spanish-language fiction podcast of 2024.

In this episode we discuss his journey from Miami Herald journalist to entrepreneur, his impact, the missteps of marketers as they try to connect with Latino and bicultural audiences. And the future of Latino media.

#149: Transforming U.S. Latino Media, Marketing & PR with Manny Ruiz

Described as a “creative instigator,” Cheryl Overton who leads her own firm and previously worked for top agencies – including Ogilvy, Edelman and EGAMI Group – and has worked on several iconic brands from P&G to Lancome, Dove, the American Red Cross, and McDonald’s talks with us about the intersection of brands with culture.

We discuss:  the NFL and the “Taylor Swift effect,” the American Eagle jeans campaign with actress Sydney Sweeney, the backlash to Cracker Barrel’s brand refresh, and the DEI boycott impact on Target’s retail sales. We also chat about emerging issues: how marketers need to better connect with consumers over the age of 50, balancing cultural connectivity and authenticity, and what CMOs and advertisers might do to future-proof their brands.

#150: Connecting Brands and Culture with Cheryl Overton

The President & CEO of The Latino Coalition discusses public policy and expanding economic opportunity for Latino entrepreneurs. We explore his career journey across five companies – Anheuser-Busch, Carnival, Ford Motor Company, Tyson Foods, and Waste Management Inc – and his leadership of the Hispanic Association for Corporate Responsibility.  We also talk about Carlos’s book From Havana to DC: The Rise of Cuban Americans in Florida Politics as he shares insights on stakeholder engagement, communications strategy, and the evolving role of Latino leadership in business and politics.

#151: Latino Advocacy and Leadership with Carlos Orta

American Airlines’ EVP of Communications and Marketing Ron DeFeo, shares insights from a decade at one of the world’s largest airlines. We explore his approach to crisis management—from flight disruptions to viral passenger incidents—and how empathy, transparency, and strategic storytelling shape public response. Ron reflects on his career journey through Ketchum, Darden Restaurants, and The Home Depot, and discusses the importance of building resilient teams and defining corporate ethos. We also dive into his role as host of American Airline’s podcast Tell Me Why.

#152: Crisis, Culture, and Communications with Ron DeFeo of American Airlines

Fernando Vivanco, Chief Communications Officer at Marelli, returns to The Crux to unpack one of the most challenging—and least talked about—topics in corporate communications: bankruptcy. Following Marelli’s Chapter 11 filing, Fernando has led a global messaging strategy across 23 countries, confronting myths, managing stakeholder sentiment, and maintaining morale amid uncertainty. In this episode, he shares how his team crafted a proactive, multi-channel approach to reshape perceptions of restructuring, coordinate with legal and financial leaders, and keep employees and customers informed and engaged. Drawing on lessons from Boeing, Honeywell, and Medtronic, Fernando offers candid insights into balancing transparency with legal constraints, tailoring messages across cultures, and leading with empathy in the face of disruption.

#153: Restructuring the Narrative – Marelli’s CCO Talks Us Through Bankruptcy and Chapter 11

In our twenty-third episode, Gary and Mike are joined by Ray Kotcher, professor of practice at Boston University, Arunima Krishna, assistant professor at Boston University, and Steve Barrett, VP, editorial director PRWeek. They discuss the 2019 PRWeek Bellwether survey done in partnership with Boston University.

The Crux - PRWeek Bellwether Survey

Hosted by one of the world's top communicators, currently SVP & Chief Communications Officer at Enbridge, the show tackles relevant and controversial topics in the field of communications that are shaping business, politics, and our lives.

Prominent guests from PR, journalism, business, and academia discuss how communications can inspire, persuade, deepen one’s understanding, or move an audience - or even a nation - to action.