Send us a text

Episode 3 of CommsCast – The Reputation Podcast Powered by Adfactors PRfeatures Sandra Stahl, cofounder of jacobstahl (now a Ruder Finn company), lecturer, and award-winning author, in conversation with Christina A Dsouza, Senior Account Director and Co-Lead of the Integrated Healthcare Practice at Adfactors PR. This episode explores Sandra’s three-decade-long career in public relations, particularly within healthcare, and her journey from the 1980s to becoming an agency co-founder.

The growing importance of reputation and communications: Sandra discusses her latest book, ‘Shifting Sands: Building Reputation in an Evolving Landscape’, highlighting the increasing significance of reputation in a world filled with grievances, misinformation, and rapid technological change. With India’s business landscape evolving, she emphasizes how strong communication strategies are essential for companies looking to attract investment and top talent.

New tools and technologies for communications professionals: The conversation delves into the latest tools in the communications industry, particularly AI, data analytics, and automation. Sandra stresses that while these technologies enhance efficiency, professionals must go beyond just using them—they must humanize the data, extract meaningful insights, and craft messaging that resonates with audiences.

The do’s and don’ts of reputation management: Christina and Sandra explore the critical aspects of reputation management, emphasizing authenticity, transparency, and proactive engagement. Sandra warns against inconsistent messaging and silence during crises, urging companies to communicate consistently and actively with their stakeholders.

The structure and accessibility of Sandra's book Shifting Sands: Sandra shares how ‘Shifting Sands’ is designed as a practical, non-linear guide for PR professionals. By focusing on clarity and accessibility, she ensures that readers can apply the book’s insights immediately, without being bogged down by industry jargon.

Balancing technology with human relationships in communication: Despite rapid technological advancements, Sandra asserts that strong human relationships remain at the core of effective communication. She highlights the need for PR professionals to stay informed about the evolving media landscape while maintaining personal, meaningful engagement with their audiences.

Insights from teaching experiences in India and the U.S.: Reflecting on her experiences as a lecturer, Sandra praises the curiosity and insightfulness of Indian students and emphasizes the importance of listening skills and empathy in PR. She believes young professionals must approach communication through the lens of their audience to be effective.

Future readiness and the role of PR in risk mitigation: Sandra outlines how communications plays a key role in future readiness and risk mitigation, helping companies navigate uncertainty through scenario planning and proactive messaging. She stresses that organizations must prepare for disruptions while strengthening internal communications to keep employees engaged.

The necessity of a strong reputation in today’s business landscape: Sandra reinforces that a strong reputation is not just a soft asset but a strategic necessity, impacting customer loyalty and financial success.

So here is Sandra Stahl in conversation with Christina A Dsouza, offering valuable insights from her book and experience. ‘Shifting Sands’ serves as a roadmap for navigating the complexities of communication in a fast-changing world. Listen to the episode, and share i