Our Work
OUR CLIENTS
We have worked with thought leaders, innovators and challengers in search of BOLD THINKING. Clients often come to us when they have tried more traditional communication approaches and have found them lacking. We are highly creative and love a challenge, and want to be viewed as part of your team rather than as outside advisers.
SELECT CASE STUDIES
Clear Channel Outdoor
Developed a comprehensive communications campaign to help Clear Channel Outdoor capitalize on opportunity created by the rapid change in the out-of-home media sector relating to the incorporation of new digital and mobile technologies. Strategy included creating an entirely new corporate narrative that was more relevant to the conversation taking place in the broader media sector; designing an aggressive executive visibility strategy; and finding creative ways to showcase creative and technological innovation in client ad campaigns.
Calvert Impact Capital
Having completed a new three-year strategy, Calvert Foundation sought our help to develop a communications plan that more accurately re-positioned the organization in the broader context of a financial services player that lives squarely outside of the muddy philanthropic impact marketplace. Based on internal and competitive audits, we provided Calvert Foundation and its board with a comprehensive communications strategy that leveraged best practices in narrative development media relations, thought leadership, partnership strategies and digital strategy.
United Way
Designed and managed a joint investor relations/marketing initiative to improve the organization’s corporate recognition program and strengthen its strategic partnerships with global corporate donors in the wake of rapidly shrinking workplace giving campaigns. Conducted extensive research, market landscape and competitive analyses, and engaged corporate partners to identify appropriate strategies, practices and approaches to strengthening these relationships, resulting in a series of concrete recommendations, including an organizational re-design of the investor relations function and enhanced integration of investor relations and marketing efforts directed at corporate partners.
Mariner
Mariner, the diversified alternative asset manager, has been very active in the ESG space and has structured a number of innovative transactions to support a broader-based impact philosophy. In late 2013, Mariner became the first hedge fund to sign up to the UN Principles of Responsible Investment. They also announced their intention to start using various ESG screens to get a better understanding of the ESG impact of their flagship fund, which they now use on all of their mandates (where appropriate). In addition, Mariner announced several innovative transactions in the project finance space designed to encourage infrastructure investment in the developing world, and they currently donate a portion of these proceeds to the US Fund at UNICEF. Our work has helped Mariner carve out a leadership space in a very competitive hedge funds universe, with regular coverage in impact and financial outlets, including a front page investment section story in the Financial Times on its innovative project finance mandates.
Girl Scouts USA
Developed a communications plan to support implementation of a new business strategy for the Girl Scouts Movement across all units of its federated structure. Created a value proposition, messaging and tactical communications tools to support the rollout of the new strategy and supported the organization’s CEO and executive team in communicating this strategy internally and with the GSUSA Board, local board chairs and local council CEOs.
Reader’s Digest
Supported The Reader’s Digest Association through two Chapter 11 filings and emergences (2013 and 2010), providing strategic counsel, message development and media relations support related to various milestones in the case. Ongoing support included media relations, investor relations and issues management counsel through three CEO transitions and a full business realignment as well as corporate positioning, strategic counsel and brand support to drive growth through a sustained media relations and executive visibility program.
The Rockefeller Foundation
Conducted a comprehensive assessment of the venerable philanthropy’s brand position and communications function, including structures, processes and practices, identifying strategic changes in organizational design, brand refinement and amplification and public relations initiatives. Managed the foundation’s communications function during a protracted search for a permanent vice president, articulating the organization’s strategic initiatives and providing direct counsel to the president of the foundation. Negotiated an ongoing collaborative partnership between the Foundation and the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Allstate
Developed an updated, streamlined version of Allstate’s crisis manual, outlining best practices for managing a crisis situation and developing a full suite of document templates for various scenarios. The manual is used by Allstate’s entire crisis management team (including HR and legal departments) but focuses primarily on the communications needs of Corporate Relations.
Phoenix House
Developed a long-term communications strategy to educate stakeholders about a strategic transformation in the organization’s business model, build brand awareness and position the organization for growth in an increasingly competitive segment of the health care industry. Advised the organization’s CEO on day-to-day communications strategy, public relations and crisis management.
InterDigital
Provided best practices counsel on capital markets and transaction communications to InterDigital, a leading developer of wireless IP. Positioned the company in the capital markets and assisted it through a significant change in strategic direction, a restructuring that impacted nearly half of the company’s workforce, a listing issue with NASDAQ, several activist issues and key executive departures.
Eclat Impact
We are currently engaged with Éclat Impact, which is about to launch an online global impact marketplace targeting institutional investors and UHNW investors. Their objective is to disintermediate the investment banks playing in this space and become the “go-to” for investors seeking solid returns and high quality product to invest in in the impact space. We are overseeing all aspects of branding and communications including, logo redesign, website development, narrative development, marketing communications and profile raising (media relations, social media, conference support).