Blog
Join us in conversation on the topics we believe matter...to our industry, our city and our society.
As the owner of a writing firm, I get asked about AI almost every week. Usually the question is some version of: “Are you worried?” The truth is that I’m definitely mindfully aware but not necessarily worried. At A.wordsmith, we use AI. It can be incredibly helpful for research, brainstorming, summarizing information and even getting […]
We often talk about the importance of being future-focused, having adaptability in our DNA and speed as our expectation. Yet many leaders struggle to move this concept from aspiration into action. In practice, this is about identifying opportunities, seeing behind corners, anticipating vulnerabilities and threats to guard against, and shaping creative storylines that move the […]
This Sunday we welcome the Portland Fire back to our city, and I’m allowing myself to feel excited! I love Portland (proudly raised my kids here, built a business in the city and actively engage in the food, arts and culture scene)…but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t struggling to feel engaged over […]
Is it just me or is it impossible to know what end is up these days? It seems we are all feeling the pressure to make more decisions “in the dark” than ever before. Whether it is business strategy, travel plans, client counsel or simply how we guide our teams, leaders today are operating in […]
Communication has always been rooted in storytelling. And while humans are hardwired for connection, and the secret to connection is through powerful storytelling, the role of the profession has undergone a profound shift. Today’s communicators are expected to interpret human behavior, anticipate stakeholder reactions, navigate reputational risk, and guide leadership in an era defined my […]
The recent controversy involving the U.S. men’s hockey team and President of the United States was not just a viral clip. For many people, it reinforced a familiar frustration: Women fighting for equal respect, equal visibility and equal celebration. The backlash was swift, and it reflected a larger tension that has existed for years. What […]
Not every organization has the luxury, or need, for a full-time Chief Marketing Officer. But every organization does need strategic marketing leadership. That’s where the rise of the fractional CMO comes in. Today, more companies are embracing flexible leadership models that bring senior-level expertise without the cost or commitment of a traditional hire. For agencies […]
If there’s one acronym PR professionals should be obsessing over right now, it’s this: GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). But instead of embracing it as a foundational shift in how content gets discovered, many PR pros are treating it like a shiny add-on. A new digital product. Something new to “sell.” Here’s my take:GEO isn’t a […]
If there is one thing communicators should be preparing for in 2026, it is this: the fundamentals of visibility are changing. AI is no longer a tool you occasionally tap into. It is becoming an ecosystem that sits between brands and the people trying to understand them. GEO is no longer something to experiment with; […]
Earlier this year I shared a roundup of podcasts that were keeping me company, and since then, I’ve added a few new ones to my rotation. They’re different in tone and topic — from legal analysis to NFL commentary — but each one offers something unique that keeps me coming back. Two Angry Men Hosted […]