Nick Leighton returns to the podcast to talk about how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing public relations.

He explains his concept of the "Narritect," a person who designs and engineers brand messages, similar to how an architect develops blueprints.

As AI accelerates content creation, brands risk drowning in content and starving for clarity. The Narritect's task is to construct coherent narratives across PR, marketing, and leadership communications, turning insight into strategy.

Key Takeaways

1. The job of the "Narritect" is to design, engineer, and structure brand messages, elevating PR professionals closer to leadership roles.
2. AI assists in research and drafting but cannot replace the nuanced insights and strategic decisions made by seasoned professionals.
3. AI's ability to tailor messages to different cultural contexts is powerful, yet human interpretation remains crucial.
4. The increasing role of AI in communications challenges entry-level positions, emphasizing the value of experienced professionals.
5. Successful brands will effectively merge clear, simple, human narratives with AI-driven content creation strategies.

About the Guest

Nick Leighton is the founder and CEO of NettResults, an award-winning Middle East-based public relations agency launched in 1999 with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Riyadh. He has over 25 years of experience in media relations and marketing and has lived and worked in the United States, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. He has represented the public image of Fortune 500 companies, some of the largest non-profit organizations in the world, political parties, and members of royalty. Nick's latest bestseller is available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible: The AI Effect: How Artificial Intelligence Is Rewriting the Rules of Public Relations.

About the Hosts

Abbie Fink is president of HMA Public Relations in Phoenix, Arizona and a founding member of PRGN. Her marketing communications background includes skills in media relations, digital communications, social media strategies, special event management, crisis communications, community relations, issues management, and marketing promotions for both the private and public sectors, including such industries as healthcare, financial services, professional services, government affairs and tribal affairs, as well as not-for-profit organizations.

Dr. Adrian McIntyre is a cultural anthropologist, media personality, speaker, and strategic communications consultant for PR agencies and marketing firms. He's lived in over 30 countries and spent more than a decade in the Middle East and Africa as a researcher, journalist, communications adviser, media spokesperson, and storytelling consultant. He earned a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a Fulbright scholar and National Science Foundation...

Robert Bauer joins us to unpack the intriguing topic of predictions within the PR industry—how they are formulated, their inherent risks, and their potential impact on reputation management.

He emphasizes the need for balance between cautious foresight and bold, sometimes controversial declarations about the future and shares his insights into the process of crafting meaningful predictions that resonate both with clients and broader audiences.

Our conversation also touches on the intricacies of risk management, the responsibility of experts in shaping future narratives, and the psychology behind authoritative predictions.

Key Takeaways

1. Predictions in public relations are tools for building credibility and positioning organizations as thought leaders within their industries.
2. Experts must strike a balance between making predictions that are too obvious and those that are excessively improbable.
3. Trust and credibility are crucial; audiences are more receptive to predictions from individuals they find trustworthy and knowledgeable.
4. Effective predictions often require a blend of boldness and modesty, acknowledging the inherent uncertainties of the future.
5. PR professionals play a critical role in not just making predictions but also managing the risks associated with them.

About the Guest

Robert Bauer is Managing Partner of accelent communications in Vienna, Austria, a firm he cofounded in 2011 (then as “asoluto public relations”) together with two business partners. Today, the agency is one of Austria's leading communications counselors, especially (but not exclusively) in the healthcare sector. Robert has a university degree in communications and has been working as a PR consultant since 1995. Among his main achievements were multinational PR campaigns for digital payments companies as lead agency and huge PR campaigns for the mandatory Austrian social security system. He was president of PRGN in the 2020-21 term.

About the Hosts

Abbie Fink is president of HMA Public Relations in Phoenix, Arizona and a founding member of PRGN. Her marketing communications background includes skills in media relations, digital communications, social media strategies, special event management, crisis communications, community relations, issues management, and marketing promotions for both the private and public sectors, including such industries as healthcare, financial services, professional services, government affairs and tribal affairs, as well as not-for-profit organizations.

Dr. Adrian McIntyre is a cultural anthropologist, media personality, speaker, and strategic communications consultant for PR agencies and marketing firms. He's lived in over 30 countries and spent more than a decade in the Middle East and Africa as a researcher, journalist, communications adviser, media spokesperson, and storytelling consultant. He earned a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a Fulbright scholar and National Science Foundation fellow. Adrian helps agency leaders...

Terrie Ard returns to discuss the findings of the 2026 M.Cast™ Trends Report. She explains the importance of adopting a "futurist mindset" and looking for signals and patterns of change to anticipate what is coming next, rather than simply reacting to the present.

Terrie explains the concept of the "Invisible AI Revolution," predicting that artificial intelligence will soon move from a novelty tool to transparent infrastructure, much like the internet and electricity have in the past. Because of this shift, an organization's true competitive advantage will not be the technology itself, but rather "durable skills" — distinctly human capabilities like critical thinking, empathy, and strategy.

Abbie and Terrie also discuss the trend of "Verified or Vulnerable," highlighting why proving trust is a business imperative in an era of skepticism and misinformation. Terrie offers practical advice for leaders on how to use third-party validation and data transparency to earn that trust and how to apply the report’s framework to their 2026 marketing plans.

Key Takeaways

1. Think Like a Futurist: Success requires looking for patterns and implications to act on trends before they become mainstream, shifting focus from "what's now" to "what's next".
2. The Invisible AI Revolution: We are approaching a point where AI will become "invisible" infrastructure, seamlessly embedded into business operations rather than functioning as a standalone tool.
3. The Human Competitive Advantage: As AI becomes a commodity, the organizations that win will be those that prioritize human strengths—such as critical thinking, strategy, and authentic storytelling.
4. Verified or Vulnerable: In an age of deepfakes and misinformation, reputation alone is not enough; brands must provide "verifiable proof" through data, certifications, and real customer testimonials to earn trust.

About the Guest

As Partner, President & COO, Terrie Ard leads the strategic direction and growth of Moore, a future-forward agency, including key initiatives, partnerships, and client development. With a passion for collaboration and culture building, Terrie oversees the Moore Team, boasting a 92% retention rate. Her leadership and insight have propelled the agency to achieve a remarkable 98% client retention rate, positioning it as a top 50 marketing agency nationally and top 200 globally.

With 30 years of marketing and business strategy experience, Terrie has been instrumental in leading the integration of artificial intelligence into the agency's operations, client servicing, and product development, enhancing innovation and efficiency in marketing campaigns and internal processes. Terrie's expertise in corporate positioning, branding, and crisis communications, combined with her passion for innovation, has solidified her reputation as a visionary leader in the industry.

A graduate of Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in communications, Terrie is Accredited in Public Relations (APR) and a Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC). She has been recognized by Florida Trend as one of the top 500 most influential leaders. She is a recipient of the Florida Public Relations Association Stanley Tait Award for Leadership, the American Advertising...

Abbie Fink talks with newly appointed PRGN President Frédéric François about his vision for the Public Relations Global Network throughout his term.

Frédéric shares three key initiatives: combating misinformation and disinformation, advancing digital-first strategies among PRGN member agencies, and responsibly integrating AI into our work. By aligning agency efforts towards these goals, PRGN aims to serve as both a thought leader and a proactive force driving positive change in the public relations industry.

Key Takeaways

1. Frédéric prioritizes combating fake news to preserve democracy and enhance the integrity of public relations practices.
2. Advancing digital-first strategies allows PRGN members to position themselves as leaders in digital communication, addressing potential gaps in digital proficiency.
3. The role of artificial intelligence in public relations is critical, with Frédéric advocating for a strategic but responsible use of AI tools.
4. Strategic external partnerships and internal collaborations within PRGN will be crucial to implementing Frédéric’s initiatives efficiently.
5. The 2nd annual Influence Insights survey will inform PRGN’s strategies with data collected from communication directors and industry leaders on global trends and challenges.

About the Guest

Frédéric François is the new president of the Public Relations Global Network and Founder and Managing Partner of Two cents, a communications agency serving the Benelux region (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg). Based in Brussels, Frédéric leads a team that supports clients with integrated PR, content and digital marketing, media buying and event-driven communication across sectors such as exhibitions, construction, interior design, tourism and ICT.

Early in his career, Frédéric served as PR assistant to Belgian Prime Minister Wilfried Martens, an experience that introduced him to high-stakes political communication and media relations. He then spent nearly a decade at Brussels Expo as an exhibition organizer, focusing on sales, marketing and public relations around major trade fairs and live events. This deep exposure to the event industry shaped his enduring passion for live communication and for creating memorable experiences that connect brands with their audiences.

In 2001, Frédéric founded Advanced Fair to organize trade fairs and support clients with logistics and PR across a variety of sectors. As the agency’s PR work grew, he spun off and branded its communications arm as Two cents, which has since evolved into a full-service PR and communications agency. Today, Two cents combines press relations, content and communications management, media planning and digital marketing to help brands build visibility and reputation across the Benelux region.

Alongside his agency leadership, Frédéric has a long-standing relationship with PRGN, one of the world’s leading networks of independent PR and communications firms. After serving in roles including Secretary of the network, he was elected President, succeeding Natacha Clarac and representing Two cents and the Belgian–Dutch market within PRGN’s global community. In this role he focuses on strengthening collaboration among member agencies, fostering cross-border campaigns and sharing best practices in integrated...

Gábor Jelinek, Executive Director of the Public Relations Global Network, joins us to discuss emerging trends and PRGN members' predictions for the public relations industry in 2026.

Starting with a look back at last year's predictions, Gábor points out the continuities and new developments in global communications. He specifically notes the impact of AI in PR, its role in reshaping how agencies work, and its implications for measurement, crisis management, media relations, and agency operations.

Gábor also talks about the importance of human authenticity, the revival of live experiences, and the impact of mergers and acquisitions, offering a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in the year ahead.

Key Takeaways

1. AI continues to gain traction, moving beyond a mere tool to a strategic component in public relations, influencing media relations and crisis management.
2. Agencies must navigate new ethical, operational, and security considerations as AI reshapes traditional practice.
3. Despite technological shifts, the PR practitioner's role as a trusted business counselor remains pivotal to navigating uncertainty and strategic planning.
4. As global mergers in PR create potential conflicts, opportunities arise for independent agencies to provide personalized and focused client service.

About the Guest

As the Executive Director of PRGN, Gábor Jelinek is the engine of the global agency network. His versatile role covers both strategic and operational assignments. Gábor is the number one support of the President and the Executive Committee of PRGN, while he often serves as the face of the network when it comes to marketing, business development or new member recruitment. At the same time he makes sure the operations of PRGN run smoothly and member needs are served and supported.

With 15 years of agency management experience and ten years in business journalism prior, Gábor equally understands the factors that make agencies successful and the rapidly changing communications and media environment in which they all operate.

Gábor enthusiastically seeks to learn about different cultures and people which makes PRGN his native home bringing together 40+ nationalities and people with diverse cultures and languages.

More than 1,000 clients across six continents depend on the combined resources of the Public Relations Global Network to deliver targeted public relations campaigns in more than 80 markets around the world. With revenues of more than US$100 million, PRGN is among the world’s top five public relations networks. PRGN harnesses the resources of 40 independent public relations firms, 50 offices and more than 800 communications professionals to connect international companies and organizations with individual and culturally diverse markets globally.

About the Hosts

Abbie Fink is president of HMA Public Relations in Phoenix, Arizona and a founding member of PRGN. Her marketing communications background includes skills in media relations, digital communications, social media strategies, special event management, crisis communications, community relations, issues management, and marketing promotions for both the private and public sectors, including...

"Influence is the currency of today, but also of the future." Gilbert Manirakiza, CEO of Newmark Group, discusses his experience as host of the recent PRGN conference in Nairobi, Kenya. He shares insights into the strategic planning and execution of the conference, emphasizing the importance of fostering global collaboration among public relations leaders.

Gilbert and his team included voices from African companies and the local community within the conference, offering fresh perspectives to PRGN members. Topics explored include agentic AI's potential to revolutionize public relations, the intricate relationship between geopolitical tensions and brand communication strategies, and the opportunities for collaboration in Africa's travel and tourism sectors. Gilbert articulates the increasing need for adaptation and innovation in communication strategies, encouraging methods to bridge cultural and geographical gaps effectively.

Additional Resources

1. The PRGN conference in Nairobi was a platform for global public relations leaders to exchange ideas, with a focus on critical topics like AI and geopolitics.
2. Gilbert emphasized the significance of integrating community voices and diversified perspectives, which led to compelling discussions and collaborative opportunities.
3. Agentic AI in public relations offers both exciting prospects and challenges, requiring careful implementation and understanding.
4. The travel and tourism sector in Africa holds immense potential if strategic collaborations are established between brands, airlines, and governments.
5. Gilbert identifies adaptability and innovation as crucial components for the future of strategic communications, reflecting the necessity for agencies to remain agile and forward-thinking.

About the Guest

Gilbert Manirakiza is CEO of the Newmark Group in Nairobi, Kenya. He is a brand leadership, PR, and strategic communications expert with the added advantage of multilingual communications and localization expertise. Prior to co-founding Newmark, he worked with the United Nations, the World Bank, the World Health Organisation, the IMF, FAO, and the African Union, among other global organizations and brands, as a communications strategist to build multi-layered, multilingual, and multi-channel communications campaigns and systems. He has since lent his expertise and experience to local and global blue chips such as General Electric, Barclays Bank, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the governments of Japan, France, Dubai, and Singapore, just to name a few. In addition to providing media handling, etiquette, and public speaking training to Fortune 500 CEOs and senior executives, he has designed and moderated thought leadership panels during global and regional forums.

Gilbert has contributed to the evolution of the PR industry in Africa by developing Newmark into a company that excels at integrating digital, mobile, experiential, and creative brand communications into traditional PR. Having worked in over 20 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, he has intimate knowledge of the opportunities, challenges, and complexities of the African marketplace, making him a key asset for all the clients that his teams serve. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (UK) and the International Society of...

In our final episode on PRGN's 2025 Influence Insights research, Rogério Artoni discusses the significance of cultural and social values in public relations, especially in the Latin American context, with a sharp focus on Brazil.

Download PRGN's whitepaper on insights from the 2025 global survey on Brand Influence.

Rogério highlights that understanding these values is crucial for effective communication and relationship-building in the region. He points out that the Brazilian market, which represents a staggering 40% of Latin America's GDP, requires a tailored approach in public relations strategies that resonate with local customs.

The conversation also touches on the dual importance of digital presence and traditional media trust among Brazilian audiences, underscoring a unique blend of modern and legacy communication methods. Overall, the episode emphasizes the need for brands to adapt their messaging to fit local cultures, ensuring they forge genuine connections with their target audiences.

Influência que Move SUMMIT | SÃO PAULO – 02 de outubro de 2025

No dia 2 de outubro, o Influência Que Move Summit reunirá grandes nomes do mercado para debater reputação corporativa, influência institucional e os desafios da comunicação em um cenário que muda diariamente. Com realização da Race Comunicação e parceria da Faculdade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, o evento acontecerá às 9h, em São Paulo, na Unidade de Higienópolis do Mackenzie, e é a oportunidade certa para quem deseja se atualizar e se fortalecer na área. Evento Gratuito – Vagas Limitadas! Inscreva-se e garanta sua presença »

About the Guests

Rogério Artoni is Founding Partner and CEO of Race Communications in São Paulo, Brazil. Rogério is a journalist with an MBA in Corporate Communication. His experience includes areas ranging from education to finance, sports, tourism, and manufacturing. Rogério has extensive international experience and was named one of the world’s most influential PR professionals by PRWeek magazine in its 2016 and 2017 Global Power Book.

Bill Southard is founder and CEO of Southard Communications in New York. He also serves as Marketing Committee Chair for PRGN. Bill launched Southard Communications in 1994 and has since experienced consistent and considerable growth and today represents a broad range of clients across a myriad of industries. In his day-to-day role at the agency, Bill drives the creative process, provides ongoing strategic counsel and manages all crisis communications on behalf of agency clients. With more than 35 years of communications experience, Bill has counseled some of the country's leading Fortune 500 firms. Prior to founding Southard Communications, he was president of Earle Palmer Brown Public Relations and previous to that General Manager with Dorf & Stanton Communications.

About the Host

Dr. Adrian McIntyre is a cultural anthropologist, media personality, speaker, and strategic communications...

Andy See discusses PRGN's 2025 Influence Insights survey results from an APAC perspective, highlighting the distinct challenges and opportunities for brands in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Andy, Bill, and Adrian talk about how cultural, regulatory, and market dynamics impact brand strategy and communication approaches in APAC and beyond. Their discussion underscores the importance of adapting strategies to local contexts and cultural nuances.

Download PRGN's whitepaper on insights from the 2025 global survey on Brand Influence.

Key Takeaways

1. The PRGN survey offers vital insights into brand influence across diverse global markets, reaffirming the need for customized communication strategies.
2. The Asian market is evolving, with growing emphasis on establishing trust and reputation among local brands.
3. Consumer expectations are evolving, merging traditional PR objectives with immediate sales goals.
4. Cultural differences shape perceptions of technological innovation and emotional connections in various markets.
5. Thought leadership in the APAC region faces challenges due to cultural norms favoring discretion over public exposure.
6. Collaboration with local experts is crucial for crafting effective strategies and navigating the complexities of market penetration in diverse contexts.

About the Guests

Andy See Teong Leng is Principal Partner and Managing Director of Perspective Strategies, a strategic communications and issues management firm in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Andy founded the firm in 2006 after working with multinational and local consultancies including The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Edelman for more than a decade. Perspective Strategies has built a solid reputation for quality strategic counsel and is one of the leading PR and Strategic Communications consultancies in Malaysia. Andy adopts a hands-on approach to his work and the business. Besides managing the firm, he leads strategic client relationships and coach corporate spokespersons in their media and stakeholder engagements. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the School of Media and Communication, Taylor’s University and a past president of the Public Relations and Communications Association of Malaysia (PRCA Malaysia). He speaks regularly at industry events and contributes thought leadership articles on PR, Leadership, Strategy, Sustainability and Communications.

Bill Southard is founder and CEO of Southard Communications in New York. He also serves as Marketing Committee Chair for PRGN. Bill launched Southard Communications in 1994 and has since experienced consistent and considerable growth and today represents a broad range of clients across a myriad of industries. In his day-to-day role at the agency, Bill drives the creative process, provides ongoing strategic counsel and manages all crisis communications on behalf of agency clients. With more than 35 years of...