From the “command and control” RTO mandates at Dell to the political backlash against data center secrecy, our team saw this month that treating transparency as an option rather than a foundation is a recipe for crisis. Whether it’s 7-Eleven rebranding for a new generation or Spotify outshining YouTube by making data feel personal, the message is clear: In a world of fragmented media and automated efficiency, the only way to build lasting trust is to lead with a narrative that is as transparent as it is human.
CRISIS COMMUNICATION
Sonder had years of red flags before Marriott made a deal — and travelers got left in the lurch –Madeline Berg, Natalie Musumeci, and Kelsey Vlamis, Business Insider
“Many companies go through extensive financial and legal due diligence efforts before undertaking a merger or acquisition, but how often does that risk assessment include reputational implications? This article points out how clearly this information was available in public records, including SEC and financial reports, yet a global company like Marriott still missed them. Or at least did not give their reputational impacts sufficient consideration. The potential contribution to negative brand and reputation impacts on Marriott will last beyond the financial impacts.” – Andrew Moyer
The Ritual Shaming of the Woman at the Coldplay Concert – Lisa Miller, The New York Times
“This profile of Kristin Cabot — whose appearance on a Coldplay concert Jumbotron with her boss ignited a viral firestorm — dives into the human cost of modern-day scandal. I think this is a very relevant read for PR professionals: a reminder of how quickly reputational crises can spiral out of control, especially when gender dynamics, viral media, and public assumptions collide. From doxxing and TikTok’s, to board investigations and silent ex-colleagues, this is a case study in how important it is to shape the narrative early, prepare leaders for digital scrutiny, and think about long-term reputation resilience and not just reactive messaging.” – Makenna Eldridge
EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATION
Employees say they’re fuzzy on their employers’ AI strategy – Carolyn Crist, HR Dive
“With something as transformational and disruptive as AI, employees are understandably curious and even anxious. This article shows that many employers aren’t doing an adequate job of explaining to employees how AI will affect them. To be sure, there’s a lot that’s still unknown. But, employers have at least some ideas that should be shared. Will it affect staffing levels? What about tasks being performed? Employee loyalty and trust are already at perilously-low levels. This is the latest wake-up call to address them.” – Nick Kalm
Dell exec doubles down on 40-hour RTO for sales team after ‘end-of-day walkthroughs’ revealed workers leaving early – Polly Thompson
“Dell’s new five-day office mandate for sales staff is a pivot from its ‘flexibility-first’ reputation to a ‘command and control’ culture. By framing the move as a necessity for innovation, Dell is attempting to justify a policy that likely aims to quietly slim the workforce via resignation rather than severance. This shift aligns Dell with a broader corporate trend toward strict RTO mandates, though it risks long-term damage to its employer brand and talent retention.” – Grace DuFour
Companies Are Desperately Seeking ‘Storytellers’ – Katie Deighton, The Wall Street Journal
“As traditional media continues to shrink and audiences’ fragment, companies are increasingly investing in “storytellers” to take greater control of their narratives. The Wall Street Journal reports that organizations across tech, finance and consumer sectors are creating dedicated storytelling roles—often at senior levels—to translate complex ideas into compelling, human-centered narratives that resonate with customers, employees and investors. This shift reflects a broader reality: with fewer reporters and earned-media opportunities, brands are becoming their own publishers, relying on owned channels like social media, newsletters and podcasts. The growing demand for storytelling talent underscores that narrative is no longer a ‘nice to have,’ but a strategic business function tied to trust, differentiation and long-term brand value.” – Jenny Cummings
The year the job market hit a wall – Harriet Torry, The Wall St Journal
“Economic headwinds like labor market softness can become compelling narrative contexts for employer-brand storytelling, recruitment messaging, and workforce strategy communications in this environment. Employers who can step up and communicate their commitment to their valued employees will stand apart and demonstrate market strength while doing the right thing to build trust.” – Kate O’Neil
Data Centers’ Impact on Power Bills Investigated by Democrats – Josh Saul, Leonardo Nicoletti and Dina Bass, Bloomberg News
“Senate Democrats’ investigation into Google, Microsoft and Amazon reflects the political consequences of inadequate stakeholder communication. Their charge that tech and energy companies ‘regularly hide as much information as possible from the communities’ where data centers will be built captures the core stakeholder management breakdown: lack of transparency breeds opposition. When companies treat transparency as optional rather than foundational, they transform regulatory approvals from administrative processes into political battles that senators feel compelled to investigate.” – Michael Grimm
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Major convenience store chain closing 500 stores amid market shift – Daniel Kline, TheStreet
“7-Eleven is moving beyond a simple fuel stop to become a destination for food, drinks and a better overall purchasing experience. Alongside store renovations and upgraded offerings, strategic communications will play a key role in letting lapsed customers know these locations are no longer your average gas station. Highlighting the new experience in a way that feels relevant and inviting will help bring shoppers back.” – Emma Smits
Louvre Museum Staff Go on Daylong Strike, Shutting Out Tourists – Ségolène Le Stradic and Ana Castelain, New York Times
“Following the heist and employee strikes leading to the Louvre’s temporary closure, the museum’s management underscores how unresolved internal issues can disrupt operations and damage trust. As the world’s most-visited museum, the Louvre must see proactive employee engagement and strengthened security measures as essential not only to workforce relations, but to maintaining stakeholder confidence when pressures mount.” – Emily Schultz
Trump’s return brought stiff headwinds for clean energy. So why are advocates optimistic in 2026? – Jennifer McDermott, Associated Press
“While 2025’s energy policy turbulence dominated headlines, the real communications shift is happening beneath the surface. Clean energy advocates are pivoting from federal fights to state-level economic messaging and discovering unexpected bipartisan consensus around nuclear and geothermal power. The industry’s smartest move may be reframing the conversation entirely — positioning renewable growth not as an environmental imperative but as the only viable solution to skyrocketing electricity demand from data centers and AI infrastructure. When economics and urgency align, ideology becomes less relevant — a lesson that could reshape energy communications in 2026.” – Kristin Monroe
MARKETING & DIGITAL STRATEGY
Why YouTube Recap flopped and Spotify Wrapped is buzzing – Lee Chong Ming, Business Insider
“Spotify launched its annual ‘Wrapped’ in early December, and this year, it inspired similar campaigns from other companies like YouTube, Duolingo and Strava. Despite this trend, users criticized some campaigns, such as YouTube’s, for missing vital stats like ‘total videos watched’ and ‘total watch time.’ So why does Spotify’s version still stand out? It appears that users appreciate the straightforwardness of baseline stats (minutes listened, top artists, and top songs) combined with the unique, shareable features that make Wrapped feel personal. The key takeaway for other companies: make users feel unique or reconsider the value of analyzing their stats.” – Catherine Wycklendt