AI Can Write. But Can It Persuade?

By Ann Smith | Jun 29, 2026

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 […]

When Business Moves Fast, Pattern Recognition Becomes a Competitive Advantage

By Lisa Hildebrandt | May 18, 2026

 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 […]

Move Despite the Fear: Leading Through a Time of Uncertainty

By Ann Smith | Mar 17, 2026

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 […]

The Future of Communications: From Message Shapers to Strategic Architects

By Lisa Hildebrandt | Mar 13, 2026

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 […]

PR Pros Need to Stop “Selling” GEO and Focus on Understanding It

By Ann Smith | Jan 30, 2026

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 […]

How to Create a Winning Thought Leadership PR Campaign

By Ann Smith | Jun 3, 2025

Thought leadership works best when it’s more than a buzzword. It’s a strategic PR effort designed to position your brand — and the humans behind it — as voices of authority, clarity, and forward-thinking. But what does a great thought leadership campaign look like from start to finish? Here’s our guide to building a winning […]

Top 5 Hospitality PR Trends in 2025

By Ann Smith | May 24, 2025

The hospitality world is always evolving but in 2025, the shift is more about meaning than novelty. Travelers are craving connection, experience and values alignment. Hospitality brands that understand this are rewriting the rules of PR. Here are five trends we’re seeing in hospitality PR right now: 1. Local Storytelling Wins Forget the broad strokes. […]

How to Pitch Thought Leadership (So Editors Actually Say Yes)

By Ann Smith | Apr 10, 2025

Thought leadership isn’t just about being smart — it’s about being seen as smart in the right places. Whether you’re trying to land an op-ed, podcast interview, or byline in a top-tier outlet, your pitch needs to do more than explain what you know. It needs to tell a story that connects your expertise to […]

Steps to Effective Change Communications

By Lisa Hildebrandt | Jun 24, 2024

Change is a constant and ever-accelerating force that compels leaders to redirect visions, capitalize on new ideas, adjust course, or chart new paths forward. Against this landscape, it’s more important than ever to craft change communications strategies that engage audiences, inspire skeptics and stick in the fabric of an organization.  Whether you’re navigating a leadership […]

9 Steps to Strengthen Employee Engagement

By Lisa Hildebrandt | Mar 22, 2024

“Courage, innovation and discipline help drive company performance, especially in tough economic times. Effective internal communications can keep employees engaged in the business and help companies retain key talent, provide consistent value to customers and deliver superior financial performance to shareholders.” – Harvard Business Review I’m a passionate believer that people are the heart of […]

5 Ways Hospitality Businesses Can Ace Holiday Season Marketing Campaigns 

By Jessie Levine | Nov 21, 2023

For hospitality businesses including hotels, restaurants, and bars, the holidays can be a particularly stressful time of year. One aspect that doesn’t have to be stressful is developing and executing a holiday season marketing plan. Here we sprinkle a bit of holiday magic and detail five fool-proof ways to ace your hospitality brand’s marketing campaign.  […]

Strong Media Relations Key to Long-term PR Success

By Kyle Mallory | May 9, 2023

Building strong relationships with media is critical to the success of any PR campaign. In today’s competitive media landscape, it’smore important than ever to develop and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and content producers. I started my career in news, working both for a newspaper as well as a local TV station, and it provided a […]