💌 From Brandi’s Desk

Hey hey Insider fam,

BET Awards 2025 hit us with 🔥 culture, power, protest, and performances that spoke louder than any press release. From Jesse Williams’ mic-drop moment to Kevin Hart’s cinematic promo (yes, produced by Hartbeat!), it was a lesson in storytelling, brand legacy, and cultural resonance that would make any PR pro.

And this week on the podcast? I’m sitting down with the trailblazing Aquila Mendez‑Valdez, the first to franchise a PR agency model. We unpack how she scaled without selling out, kept authenticity alive across locations, and became the blueprint for PR entrepreneurship. Miss it at your own risk 👇

🎧 Episode: Franchising PR: The Aquila Mendez‑Valdez Playbook — streaming now on your favorite platform!

Cheering you on always,
Brandi ✨
CEO | Media Wrangler | Hype Queen of Headlines

💥 This Week in PR, Comms & Culture

Some quick hits from the industry that made us raise a brow, nod in approval, or grab popcorn:

🎥 Meghan Markle’s Father’s Day Reveal — and New PR Direction

Meghan Markle shared what’s being called a “desperate new PR strategy” after posting an intimate Instagram video featuring her kids for Father’s Day—marking a departure from her usual privacy stance. Notably, this follows her split from her in-house PR team and recent hiring of unconventional agency Method Communications, signaling a bold shift in how she controls her narrative thedailybeast.com.

🌟 Cannes Lions 2025 Kicks Off in Style

The 72nd Cannes Lions Festival—where creativity meets commerce—is in full swing, drawing 12,000 attendees from 97 countries. Heavyweights like Adobe, Serena Williams, and Reese Witherspoon are discussing AI, creator economy, and sports media. Behind the flashy panels, brands are fine-tuning their future: AI-driven engagement, influencer partnerships, and cross-industry innovation nypost.com.

⚖️ Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni — A PR-Heavycourtroom Drama

The legal showdown between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni continues—with a judge dismissing Baldoni’s $400M defamation countersuit. The case has thrown crisis PR into the spotlight, with allegations of coordinated smear campaigns, strategic text leaks, and crisis reputation management on full display. This isn’t just a celebrity feud—it’s a living case study in communications ethics, reputation repair, and narrative control vox.com.

📚 What We’re Reading

Edelman grabs first Cannes Lion 2025 for UK campaign 🏆

Edelman just snagged their inaugural Lion at the Cannes Festival of Creativity—proof positive that merging big ideas with bold PR execution still wins.
👉 Read more here

Salterbaxter creative chief exits after 17 years

Nina Pickup leaves Publicis partner Salterbaxter to pursue a new venture, reminding us that leadership transitions often spark fresh agency energy and strategic pivots.
👉 Read more here

97% of Brands Are Using AI in Customer Comms—But Consumers Aren’t Sure

Sinch’s latest research says nearly all businesses are integrating AI (like RCS or chatbots) into customer communication—but many consumers aren’t on board. The takeaway? Sophisticated tools still need thoughtful human strategies behind them.
👉 Read more here

💬 Got a campaign win, viral moment, or client feature you want us to share? Reply to this email and let’s amplify it!

Free Speaker Opportunity

🎤  Free Speaker Opportunity

If "stage-ready CEO" is your spirit animal, lean in: WBENC is accepting free speaker proposals year-round to amplify women in business and supplier diversity wbenc.org. Want to share your expertise at one of their events — conference, training, or networking boots-on-the-ground session?
👉 Review eligibility and submit your proof of performance to get in front of an empowered, engaged audience.

🗓️ Calendar of Events to Watch

• June 19: CultureCon LA (Inglewood, CA)

• June 25: Elevated Power Hour + Pitch Contest — PRSA Dallas & Tower Club Dallas

• June 25–26: DigiMarCon Southeast 2025 — Atlanta, GA

• June 26: PR Power Hour 

• June 26–27: PRSA Corporate Communications Impact25 Conference

• June 28: Houston Pride Parade and Festival

Tools We Love (& Recommend)

Ready to take control of your brand’s PR strategy in 2025? Our PR Plan Bundle gives you a step-by-step framework to develop an effective, efficient PR plan tailored to your business. From crafting a compelling media strategy to pitching like a pro, this bundle includes everything you need—plus a bonus workbook and PR tips sheet to keep you on track! Whether you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur, this is your go-to guide for PR success.

💡 Parting Thought

This week is all about legacy, scale, and soul—whether it’s the BET Awards preaching purpose, Aquila franchising with finesse, or WBENC giving you the mic without the fee. Remember: your message matters, and your platform awaits.

Until next week,
— Brandi 💬✨