This blog is about corporate communications and culture. So why is it called “BS and Band Music?”

Here’s the story.

I’ve worked as a communications leader and advisor in the C-Suite for more than 25 years. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some really smart, innovative and dynamic leaders.

One of the best leaders I’ve worked with is John Lumelleau. He recently retired after 15 years as President and CEO of Lockton, a global insurance broker.

John is a tall, broad-shouldered...

I grew up in a small town, a really small town.

Mercer, Missouri never had more than 400 residents. A small bandstand still stands in the town square. Back when Mercer was more prosperous, the square included a drug store, two grocery stores, a lumber yard, the bank, the post office, and Sammy’s barber shop.

Every other Saturday, Mom sent me to Sammy’s for a haircut. Sammy worked alone, but he had five or six chairs in the waiting area, so it made the perfect place for the guys to sit...

Let me stake out a controversial position. Humility has become a de-valued asset for business leaders, and we need to reverse this trend.

In today’s business and political environment, bluster, boasting and blather seem to be the rage, sometimes literally. The biggest, baddest, boldest claims get the most ink. The mouthiest are frequently celebrated as “disruptors,” and showered with praise, votes and investment capital.

Since I am a public relations and communications advisor, you...

Leaders and communicators face an extraordinary set of fast-moving challenges today. If you haven’t learned any lessons about leadership during the storms of 2020, then you’re not paying attention.

We still have a long way to go in 2020, but here are ideas to inspire and inform.

1) Be Flexible and Keep Moving – Remember all those carefully laid strategic plans for 2020? The pandemic put them on ice. The best leaders made swift decisions to move major events online, and keep employees and...

We live in the Fake News Era. When a news outlet publishes an unfavorable story about someone, he or she screams, “Fake news.” Bots, internet trolls, and disreputable web sites promote phony stories, undermining the credibility of honest reporters and publications.

It’s a tricky time to work in media relations. Reporters are suspicious. Audiences are dubious and distracted. Executives at companies we advise are impatient and want accurate—and favorable—coverage.

So how do we deliver...