PodCatalyst: The Official Podcast of IABC

• Why Authenticity Matters in the Age of AI, Featuring Tim Johnson of UPRAISE

  In the latest episode of PodCatalyst, we sit down with TimJohnson, president of UPRAISE Marketing and Public Relations.Tune in as he joins IABC Executive Director Peter Finn to discuss how PR professionals are adapting to an AI-driven landscape, blurring the lines between internal and external comms, and the growing demand for creativestorytelling. Tim shares insights from his own journey — from his earlydays working on his college newspaper, to today as an agency leader — and reflects on how PR has become a vital strategic function in today’s tech-drivenbusiness world. Plus, get Tim’s thoughts on the growing value of authenticity as AI becomes more prevalent, ethical considerations when working with influencers, the need for data-driven content, and where he sees PR heading in the next 10 years.For more than 30 years, Tim Johnson has helped companiesranging from startups to the Fortune 500 in industries as diverse as agriculture, consumer electronics, financial services, many shades of tech, and more.Prior to starting UPRAISE, Johnson was the managingdirector of Golin, Inc.’s San Francisco office and director of its worldwide tech practice. Clients of the practice included giants such as Amazon, Cisco, HP, Oracle, Texas Instruments, and many more. The team included more than 200 professionals worldwide.Before Golin, Johnson was a senior vice president atRuder Finn’s Chicago office, where he helped expand the office from pure public relations to integrated communications, and for many organizations, wrote anddesigned their first websites.Prior, he was an account executive at Rubenstein, Wolfson& Co., in New York, serving financial services clients such as Barclay’s Bank, GE Financial, and Unum.++++++++++++++LINKS Mentioned In This Episodeupraisepr.com  Connect With IABC on Social MediaX (Twitter) | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | InstagramVisit IABC Online https://www.iabc.com/ https://www.iabc.com/catalyst

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• Mind the Gap: 2025 Global Communication Report Recap

  This episode of PodCatalyst is brought to you by IABC’spartners at the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations at the University of Southern California. Provided by the PRFuture podcast, this episode features host Fred Cook in conversation with Matt Tidwell, member of the IABC International Executive Board, Barby Seagal and Victoria Hamilton from Zeno Group, and USC Fellow David Michaelson.Together, the group unpacks the findings of the 2025 GlobalCommunication Report: Mind the Gap, that USC developed in partnership with IABC and Zeno Group. The communicators discuss insights from more than 1,000 PR professionals across the globe and weighs in on how AI, hybrid work, generational shifts, influencer culture, and polarization are transforming the communications landscape. Thank you to Fred Cook and the USC Annenberg Center forPublic Relations for their partnership with this report and for providing this insightful conversation to the IABC audience. ++++++++++++++LINKS EpisodeMind the Gap: 2025 GlobalCommunication ReportGenerational Divides on AI, Media,and Polarization Are Shaping the Future of PRIt’s Not Just You — GenerationalDivides Are Impacting PR and CommsConnectWith IABC on Social MediaX (Twitter) | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | InstagramVisitIABC Online https://www.iabc.com/ https://www.iabc.com/catalyst

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• In Under 10: What’s Really Holding Communicators Back?

  In this episode of PodCatalyst, we bring you another “InUnder 10” conversation from the ground at IABC World Conference 2025 in Vancouver.Sia Papageorgiou, managing partner at the Centre forStrategic Communication Excellence (CSCE), joins guest host Dawn De La Torre to talk about findings from the 2025CSCE Professional Development Survey. The research reveals a clear gap between how communicators rate their own skills and how their managers see their performance.Sia explains why this disconnect happens, what it means forteams, and how to close the gap with better feedback, clearer expectations, and more effective development opportunities. She also shares free resources andhighlights core skills communicators need to sharpen now, including planning, measurement, leadership, and change communication.+++++++++++++++Sia Papageorgiou is one of the world’s leading voices instrategic communication excellence. A globally recognized educator, consultant, and communication strategist, she has earned more than 50 awards for excellencein communication and leadership and continues to shape the future of the profession with bold thinking and practical insight. Sia is a certified Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP), a Fellow of the RoyalSociety for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, and past Chair of the Global Communication Certification Council. She has held leadership roles as President of IABC Victoria and as a Board Director for IABCAsia-Pacific. In 2021, she was named Communicator of the Year by IABC Asia-Pacific for her outstanding contribution to the profession. In 2022, she received the prestigious IABC Rae Hamlin Award for her exemplary service in championing the Global Standard and advancing the influence of strategiccommunication worldwide. Sia is committed to empowering communication professionals to lead with clarity, act strategically, and deliver impact, because your expertise deserves global recognition.+++++++++++++++LINKS Mentioned in the Episode2025 CSCE Professional DevelopmentSurvey: Research ResultsLearn More About CSCECertification Prep TrainingConnect With Sia on LinkedInConnect With IABC on Social MediaX (Twitter) | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | InstagramVisit IABC Online https://www.iabc.com/ https://www.iabc.com/catalyst

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• In Under 10: Using Ingratiation and Apology to Build Trust During Crisis With Christal P. Austin

  In this episode of PodCatalyst, our “In Under 10” seriesbrings you a behind-the-scenes conversation from IABC World Conference 2025 in Vancouver.Christal P. Austin, public affairs officer for the Government of Barbados, joins guest host Dawn De La Torre to unpack what it really takes to lead during a crisis. Drawing on firsthand examples from government communications, Christal shares how today’s communicators can respond to crises with clarity and credibility, especially when misinformation,disinformation, and social media chaos are in the mix.You’ll hear why some defensive strategies like denial canprotect your organization and when they absolutely shouldn’t. Plus, Christal introduces a lesser known but powerful tool: ingratiation. Done right, it’s more than damage control, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with your audience in a meaningful way.+++++++++++++++Christal P. Austin is a strategic public relations advisorwith over 20 years of experience. She’s been an active IABC member since becoming the founding president of the Barbados chapter in 2008. In 2023, she presentedat IABC World Conference in Toronto and joined the Program Advisory Committee for the 2024 and 2025 World Conferences. Christal is also a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) award-winning writer, a decorated Toastmaster, and a passionate lecturer in social media and crisis communication. She holds a post-graduate diploma in business administration from the University of Surrey, a certificate in integrated marketing communication from IE Business School, and a Google project management certificate.+++++++++++++++LINKS Connect With IABC on Social MediaX (Twitter) | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | InstagramVisit IABC Online https://www.iabc.com/ https://www.iabc.com/catalyst

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• In Under 10: Indigenous-Led Methods for Authentic Connection With Juli Holloway

  In this episode of PodCatalyst, we continue our “In Under 10” series with a powerful conversation recorded live at IABC World Conference 2025 in Vancouver.Juli Holloway, SCMP, IABC Fellow, and communications advisor at the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics, joins guest host Dawn De La Torre to discuss Indigenous-led communication methods and their role in building authentic, cross-cultural relationships. Juli shares how prioritizing empathy, community service, and meaningful engagement can transform the way communicators connect with diverse audiences.As Juli puts it, “We don't need saviors, we need supporters,” a powerful reminder that true allyship begins with listening, not leading.From integrating Indigenous voices early in the process to leading with humility over ego, Juli offers practical guidance for anyone looking to make their communication efforts more inclusive and impactful. Whether you’re working locally or globally, this episode is a must-listen for communicators striving to build trust and lasting relationships.+++++++++++++++Juli Holloway is an Indigenous communications leaderspecializing in professional communication within Indigenous contexts. With a master’s in professional communication from Royal Roads University, heraward-winning research developed a model supporting Indigenous self-determination through strategic community engagement. As communications advisor at the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics, Juli advances Indigenouseconomic reconciliation and teaches a master’s program in professional communications at Royal Roads. Throughout her career, Juli has been fortunate to work with First Nations and Indigenous organizations across Canada to supporttransformative change for First Nation communities and people through strategic communications and community engagement.+++++++++++++++LINKS Connect With IABC on Social MediaX (Twitter) | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | InstagramVisit IABC Online https://www.iabc.com/ https://www.iabc.com/catalyst

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