The Economic Impacts of the War in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine will cause global economic headwinds in the second quarter and beyond, further undermining economic recovery and hitting the poorest regions and countries the hardest. This article examines some trends to watch in the weeks ahead.

The Evolution of ESG in Light of War in Ukraine

Six weeks into the war in Ukraine, it is clear there will be both predicable and unpredictable ripple effects from the conflict with profound implications for environment, social and governance (ESG) considerations for businesses.

How to Acknowledge IWD 2022 In a Time of Conflict

Over the last few years, International Women’s Day has become a focal point for organizational efforts focused on gender equality and diversity, equity and inclusion. As the Russian invasion in Ukraine intensifies, it will be important for communicators to reassess plans for IWD 2022 to ensure that content is appropriate in the context of the escalating conflict.

How Business Can Support the Humanitarian Response in Ukraine

The horrifying events unfolding in Ukraine will undoubtedly count among the darkest in modern history. We stand with the people of Ukraine — and all those affected by this war. The humanitarian situation on the ground is dire and bound to get worse as the impacts of invasion and escalating war become clearer. Here is guidance on how the business community can best support the humanitarian response effort in Ukraine.

Three Imperatives for Gender Equality in a Time of Conflict

International Women’s Day is to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It’s a day for the global community to come together and shine a spotlight on progress — and the work still to be done. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. This year, the theme is #BreakTheBias.

The Freedom to Speak Freely

It is one of the many ironies of our age that we constantly hear calls for national “conversations” about the great issues of the day, and then have only to wait nanoseconds before the calls are overwhelmed by outrage as soon as the discussion begins. Under the circumstances, it seems fair to ask if we have freedom of speech if we’re disinclined to speak freely?

Leading at the Intersections in 2022

Powell Tate’s report, Leading at the Intersections in 2022, offers insight on key themes at the center of our work in 2022, as well as some of our best thinking from the past year.

10 Trends Affecting Corporate Reputation in 2021

Corporations are facing a confluence of political turmoil, economic uncertainty and a world navigating the challenges of a global pandemic and vaccinating their populations. In a time of dynamic change, companies must closely monitor both fast-evolving, disruptive events as well as opportunities and threats that lie over the horizon.

2022 Watch List: Thought Leaders Weigh In

We opened the year by connecting with dozens of thought leaders across policy, politics, business, public health and the media to explore the issues and trends they see shaping the public affairs and communications landscape in 2022.

3 Pivots for Purpose Communications in 2022

As we get 2022 underway, it’s tempting to be dispirited by the state of the world. But we’re optimists, so our team is focusing our energy on a critical question: What’s possible if we collectively navigate today’s challenges to find opportunity in the disruption?

Policy Matters: End-of-Year Federal Update

Following the close of the first session of the 117th Congress ahead of the holiday recess, this issue of Policy Matters provides an update on must-pass legislation and other hot-button political matters before the House and Senate.

Combating Misinformation is Every Brand’s Purpose

What is the responsibility of a brand for tackling misinformation about fast-moving cultural and policy issues? And just as importantly, who needs to be at the table when brands decide what their role should be in these conversations? These are the questions many brands are confronting — and will continue to demand attention from the C-suite in 2022 and beyond.

Anticipating the Year Ahead: Global Events in Watch in 2022

As the world enters a new year, continued uncertainty over the path of the global COVID-19 pandemic, an evolving set of economic challenges, rising political and social unrest and the prospect of geopolitical conflicts that could disrupt business and international relations persist. Going into 2022, we’re keeping our eyes on several key issues and events.

Advancing Health Equity Beyond this Cultural Moment

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated underlying disparities and inequities in health and healthcare, increasing the urgency to address them. In this article, we explore ways for communicators to help drive meaningful and sustainable progress.

COP26: What Business Should Watch

Global climate leaders will meet for two weeks in Glasgow starting on October 31. A successful COP26 will accelerate governments on their path to mitigating climate risks and provide businesses with the clarity they need to invest in and create opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation.

Reputation Advisory: Business Called On to Help End the Pandemic

Recently, President Joe Biden announced vaccine and testing requirements for federal employees and contractors, employers with more than 100 employees, many healthcare workers and large event venues. Our advice: Embrace the new federal mandates to help ensure workplaces are safe.

Countdown to COP26

This year’s intergovernmental UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) takes place from November 1–12, in Glasgow, and will be the most important global climate summit since the landmark Paris Climate Agreement was finalized in 2015.

Tackling Commitment Fatigue in ESG Communications

Having a concrete set of timebound goals is a necessary underpinning for any sustainability, corporate responsibility or diversity and inclusion communications strategy. However, it is increasingly difficult to earn attention through this alone in a crowded space.

Evolution of the C-Suite in 2020: Top 8 Trends

The events of 2020 — from managing through a global pandemic to weathering an economic downturn and backslide on global development, navigating through a reckoning on racial equity and experiencing the growing impacts of climate change — have tested the C-Suite like no other time
in recent memory.

Policy Matters

We cover hot issues on Capitol Hill, share progress made on the Biden-Harris Administration’s agenda and a look-ahead at issues to watch. We closely follow the overarching areas animating much of U.S. policy: response to the pandemic, the economy, equity, climate and technology.