Panel Recap: Navigating Legacy & Innovation Through Communications
Posted on May. 3, 2024 / Subscribe 0
Recently PRSA Detroit held an event to learn from four influential PR professionals about how they’ve led legacy companies through transitions and innovations over the years. This is because the PR industry is always evolving. This includes new technologies hitting the scene like generative AI to the ever-changing media landscape, new methods of communication popping up around each corner and more.
In honor of Franco’s 60th anniversary, the panel took place at their corporate office in the GMRENCEN. The expert panelists included:
- Nikki Little, Senior VP at Franco
- Paula Silver, Senior VP of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at DTE Energy
- Georgella Muirhead, APR, Marketing Coach and CEO at 98Forward
- Mary Arraf, Head of Communications Automotive & Continental North America at Continental
This panel was moderated by Wayne State University and PRSSA student, Mya Smith.
Panelists shared background on their careers and highlighted some of the favorite campaigns they’ve worked on. They also provided insights on how these experiences shaped their professional paths and positioned them as the leaders they are today.
Although each of the panelists have taken different paths to get to where they are today, all four panelists had one thing in common—a passion for lifelong learning and a love of trying new things. Each described situations in which staying updated on current trends allowed them to implement new tactics into their communications strategies to position their companies at the forefront of their industries.
The key to each company’s longevity was adaptability and continuing to challenge the status quo.
- Nikki shared her expertise in staying on top of trends in order to optimize campaigns and offer Franco’s clients the utmost expertise.
- Paula recapped DTE Energy’s position on assisting the communities it serves as well as listening to customers’ needs to communicate accordingly.
- Georgella recapped her smaller but mighty team and how they have been involved with many influential Detroit organizations throughout the city (and region!) in order to make notable differences for the community.
- Mary shared her gratitude for learning in many different PR settings, expanding agency, corporate and more. Her advice on taking time for yourself and loved ones above all else, even if that looks like leaving the office “early” to go to your child’s soccer game, was particularly moving.
Thank you to those who were able to attend and stay tuned for future events on our website.
Galina Roehl is an integrated communications specialist at Franco.
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