This keynote addresses the universal challenge of stopping a crisis for your organization before it starts. Contrary to the common belief that crises always originate from external sources, this talk reveals that they almost always start from within. Beginning with a historical example of a hero turned traitor due to internal infighting and jealousy, Molly McPherson will illustrate how internal dynamics can trigger major crises by identifying the key players often involved in conflicts. Attendees will learn the secret to spotting a crisis on the horizon by paying closer attention to people, paying customers, and the press who start them. This talk is ideal for executives, boards, HR professionals, and communicators across sectors, providing actionable insights to help organizations anticipate, manage, and recover from internal and external crises effectively.

In today's highly scrutinized environment, directors are now in the unusual and uncomfortable position of finding themselves in the line of fire when crises arise. This session offers a solution for safeguarding your board's reputation and maintaining stability during turbulent times. Drawing from her extensive experience working with boards facing unexpected and challenging predicaments, Molly McPherson, a seasoned crisis communication strategist, will delve into real-world examples and proven strategies to help boards navigate public demands for accountability. Whether the scrutiny comes from a Facebook page, a website, or the press, Molly will explain how to handle it effectively. Attendees will learn how to communicate during a crisis, build resilience within the board, and implement proactive measures to prevent backlash. Ideal for executives, board members, and communication professionals, this talk provides actionable insights on how governance meets scrutiny and what to do about it, ensuring your board remains a pillar of strength and confidence for your organization.

In today's high-stakes business environment, honesty often feels like a gamble. Many executives fear that telling the truth will expose them to retribution and punishment, potentially making their situation go from bad to worse. Crisis Communication expert Molly McPherson is here to challenge that assumption. From her extensive career managing crises across the media landscape, Molly will explore why leaders fear honesty and analyze real-world examples of dishonesty leading to greater repercussions from politics, brands, and celebrities. She will highlight the timeline of lies and obfuscation, illustrating how people once got away with deception in the days of fax machines to how companies are now shamed online for even attempting to obscure the truth in the era of social media. Participants will learn actionable steps for communicating truthfully, even in difficult situations, and discover techniques to build a culture of transparency and trust within their organizations. By addressing the fear of extreme backlash and showcasing success stories, Molly will prove that the long-term benefits of honesty far outweigh the risks, leaving participants with a renewed perspective on the power of truth.

In today’s prickly digital media era, understanding the motivations behind online backlash is crucial for PR professionals at all levels. In this session, McPherson not only unravels the reasons behind the persistent “cancel culture,” but also provides a practical blueprint for PR professionals to prepare for and manage these crises. This session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to manage online backlash effectively and protect your organization’s reputation, ensuring you are prepared and ready to face any situation, regardless of whether you are a seasoned executive or just starting out in management.