News from the FIR Blog

One of many career paths in the field of professional communication leads to colleges and universities: It is not uncommon for communication practitioners to move from the conference room to the classroom, where they help mold the next generation of communicators. All of the panelists participating in episode 116 of “Circle of Fellows” have chosen that path and will discuss the various dimensions of teaching — including making the transition from the business world to the hallowed halls of academia.

The session is set for noon EDT on Thursday, May 22, with Shel Holtz, SCMP, IABC Fellow (and not a teacher), moderating. For those who tune in to the live stream, you can ask questions and share observations as part of the conversation. The panel will be available later as a video replay and an audio podcast.

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Misinformation and disinformation aren’t just problems for the news media—they’re also becoming critical concerns for corporate and organizational communicators. Whether it’s a viral post spreading false claims about your company, a deepfake video targeting a leader, a cloned voice trying to trick employees into transferring funds, or AI-generated content muddying the information landscape, today’s communicators must be equipped to navigate a world where truth competes with convincing fiction. In this live-streamed conversation, Fellows of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) will explore how generative AI is accelerating the spread of false and misleading content—and what communication professionals can do to identify, counter, and prepare for it. Tune in to gain insights and practical strategies from some of the field’s most experienced voices.

Brad Whitworth, SCMP, IABC Fellow, will moderate the panel, which is set for noon EDT on Thursday, April 17. Tune in live and participate by asking questions, sharing observations, and offering comments to which the panel can react. If you cannot join us for the live stream, watch the video replay or listen to the audio podcast, which will be available shortly after the live stream ends.
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We are swimming in data. Are we using it as effectively as we could? Join four Fellows of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) for a lively discussion on leveraging data to enhance organizational communication. In this episode of Circle of Fellows, our panel will explore how communication professionals can use data to shape strategy, measure impact, tell better stories, and drive better decision-making across all communication disciplines. Whether you’re tracking audience engagement, demonstrating ROI, or using AI-driven analytics, understanding data is more critical than ever.

Shel Holtz, SCMP, will moderate the panel, which is set for noon EDT on Thursday, March 27. Tune in live and participate by asking questions, sharing observations, and offering up comments to which the panel can react. If you are unable to join us for the livestream, watch the video replay or listen to the audio podcast, both of which will be available shortly after the livestream ends.
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As the digital age continues to evolve, communicators face unprecedented challenges in maintaining ethical standards. Recent incidents, from a PR agency spreading false stories about a client’s rival through social media channels to a New York Times reporter’s alleged breach of privacy within a private WhatsApp group, the challenges to ethical behavior are mounting. Add to that the ethical implications of using artificial intelligence in content creation, with discussions focusing on the balance between innovation and ethical responsibility, and the need to define our ethical foundations couldn’t be clearer. Our panel fellows will explore these timely issues, offering insights and guidance for communicators striving to navigate the complex ethical terrain of today’s communication environment.

Shel Holtz, SCMP, will moderate the panel, which is set for noon EDT on Monday, February 24. Tune in live and participate by asking questions, sharing observations, and offering up comments to which the panel can react. If you are unable to join us for the livestream, watch the video replay or listen to the audio podcast, both of which will be available shortly after the livestream ends.
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2025 is sure to present a new set of challenges for communication professionals. Solving them will require creativity, innovation, and new thinking (which is not something AI can do!). This team of Fellows from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) will delve into breakthrough thinking, sharing ideas on how the creative process works. Discover how to find sources of inspiration while setting boundaries and allowing time for breaks. They will share thoughts about tools to push your thinking in new and innovative directions without exhausting yourself. Now is the time to learn the tips and tricks to fueling creativity even in the toughest moments.

The livestream, moderated by Shel Holtz, SCMP, is scheduled for 4 p.m. EDT on Thursday, January 16. Participants are encouraged to share questions, observations, and comments during the session, using YouTube’s comment feature. If you are unable to join us for the livestream, watch the video replay or listen to the audio podcast, both of which will be available shortly after the livestream ends.
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The communication function offers practitioners a rare opportunity. It is one of the few roles in any organization involved in every aspect of the business. In this Circle of Fellows panel, you will hear international perspectives on how the role of communication extends beyond the exchange of knowledge and information. Tune in as the panel shares thoughts on how communication fosters organizational collaboration and can be viewed as a cornerstone upon which professional success is built. Learn how the fundamental principles of strategic communication excellence can apply across different business sectors, underscoring its value in any professional context, and how effective communication not only enhances teamwork and innovation but also drives organizational growth, builds trust, inspires change, and helps achieve results. A communication role can position the communicator to move into other business careers. (Did you know that the late Intel CEO Paul Otellini was a marketer before ascending to the company’s top job?)

Shel Holtz, SCMP, ABC, IABC Fellow, will moderate the panel that includes IABC Fellows Neil Griffiths, Russell Grossman, Theomary Karamanis, and Martha Muzychka. The panel will stream live via YouTube at noon EST on Thursday, December 19. Join us and be part of the conversation by sharing your questions, comments, experiences, and observations. If you can’t make it during the live stream, you will be able to watch the video replay or listen to the audio podcast shortly afterward.

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Few communication disciplines are as challenging as executive communication. These professionals ensure that organizational leaders communicate effectively, whether making a speech or delivering testimony to a governmental body. In the November 2024 installment of Circle of Fellows, our panel will explore executive communication challenges like rebuilding institutional trust in an era of widespread credibility loss, working closely with executives whose time is limited, and helping executives communicate effectively during a crisis. Learn how seasoned communicators navigate these complexities while avoiding communication failures that can escalate into PR disasters. Our panel of Fellows will share proven strategies for ensuring consistent communication among all members of an executive team, helping executives communicate the “why” behind decisions, and making good apologies when needed.

Shel Holtz moderates the panel, which will begin at noon ET on Thursday, November 21. Panelists include Alice Brink, Juli Holloway, Mary Ann McCauley, and Bish Mukherjee. If you participate in the panel, you can ask questions and share observations in real time. The panel will also be available as a video replay and audio podcast.
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Change management is among the most critical of communication skills. As organizations face unprecedented challenges and opportunities, the ability to navigate and implement change effectively can mean the difference between an organization thriving or struggling to survive. The pace of change has been accelerating dramatically, driven by technological advancements, shifting market dynamics, and global events. This has highlighted the crucial role that effective communication plays in successful change management. Skilled communicators are essential in articulating the vision for change, addressing concerns, fostering engagement, and maintaining momentum throughout the transformation process.

Join us for a live-streamed panel discussion featuring four IABC Fellows with extensive change management experience as they explore the latest strategies, challenges, and best practices in this vital field. You will gain valuable insights to help your organization or clients navigate change.
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The pressure’s on — deadlines, stakeholders, and the ever-present need to deliver. According to data, half of PR, marketing, and comms professionals reported experiencing severe stress, anxiety, or burnout multiple times each year. Two in five PR professionals feel pressure and/or anxiety from their job every day. And 60 percent of PR professionals have experienced mental ill-health, while 89 percent have struggled with mental well-being.

In episode 108 of the “Circle of Fellows,” the September panel will dive deep into mental wellness in the communication profession. Join us as a panel of seasoned IABC Fellows shares their insights and strategies for navigating the unique challenges of our profession. Discover how to cultivate resilience, manage stress, and lead with compassion, not only for your teams but also for yourself. Whether you’re an aspiring communicator or a seasoned pro, this conversation is essential for anyone seeking to thrive in the dynamic world of organizational communication.

Brad Whitworth will moderate the panel at noon ET on Thursday, September 19, joined by Amanda Hamilton-Attwell, Andrea Greenhous, Ginger Homan, and Mark Schumann. If you watch the live stream, you can ask questions and share your experiences and observations. If you can’t make it to the live panel, you can watch the video replay or listen to the audio podcast.
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The headline reads that Google’s Olympics ad went viral for all the wrong reasons and is fueling the growing concerns about using generative AI apps in people’s personal and work lives. Gartner’s Peer Insights offers Generative AI Apps Reviews and Ratings to guide your foray into foreign territory. And, Capgemini’s Harnessing the Value of Generative AI, 2nd edition report details where Generative AI is adding value to organizations throughout the world. So, what are strategic communication professionals doing with generative AI? How does it add value to the communication function? Most importantly, what are communication professionals learning about generative AI? Join a panel of Fellows from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) for what is sure to be a fascinating discussion.

Shel Holtz will moderate the panel, which will stream live at 5 p.m. EDT on Thursday, August 15. Participants in the live stream can participate by asking questions and sharing their experiences. If you can’t join us in real-time, you can watch the video replay or listen to the audio podcast shortly after the panel wraps up.
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