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
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.
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.
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.
The Dow Chemical Company
Provided communications support to The Dow Chemical Company during the demand destruction that severely impacted the global chemical industry, the cancellation of a $17 billion joint venture project in Kuwait, the litigation and settlement with Rohm and Haas Company and the eventual close of the transformational acquisition. Played a major role in the organization and execution of a well-received Investor Day that effectively re-launched Dow, an event that was attended by over 200 members of the investment community and media.
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).
Social Finance
We worked with Social Finance (US), the entity large credited with putting social-impact investments on the map. We developed a corporate narrative for the entity and developed all supporting materials supporting the launch of their first major transaction with the State of New York. Our work resulted in top-tier media coverage as well as coverage in impact and financial services trades. We also supported the CEO, Tracy Palandjian, on an executive visibility campaign including media introductions and resulting coverage.
Lululemon
Assisted the then newly publicly traded company in defense against inaccurate media reports which had drastically impacted the Company’s stock price. Reports claimed that products were not made using the natural ingredients that helped to define its brand. Detailed, independently-verified data validating fabric content claims – combined with effective messaging about stringent testing procedures – prevented further attacks and the stock price recouped its losses within days.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
