Any organization or individual can encounter a public relations crisis. That's why it's important to proactively build an immunity to crisis and have the right team in your corner when your reputation is at stake. In this season's finale, Melissa talks with Jon Goldberg, the founder of Reputation Architects, about the lessons he's learned through his work in crisis communications and reputation management.

About Jon:

Jon Goldberg founded Reputation Architects in 2009 after more than 25 years as an advisor to top executives and boards and a senior leader at some of the world's most prominent communications firms. Trained as a journalist, Jon is a frequent speaker, author and media commentator at the intersection of risk, reputation, culture and technology, including building organizational immunity to crisis; countering disinformation; the psychology of online trolling; communicating on polarizing social issues; and the role of artificial intelligence in stoking—and potentially reversing—incivility and online hate.

Connect with Jon on LinkedIn

Topics covered:

• Crisis communication vs. reputation management

• How to manage your well-being in a stressful line of work

• Learnings from Jon's deep experience in crisis communications

• Who is at risk for a crisis

• The intersection of reputation, risk, culture and technology

• What Jon wishes PR pros knew about managing crisis comms

Resources mentioned:

• The Coffee Bean

• "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture"

• "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know"

• MVW Communications

Coaching is a valuable way to help break through what is keeping you from being the leader you were meant to be. In today's episode, Melissa speaks with the founder and CEO of Piñata Possible, Laura Saldivar Luna, about how working with a leadership coach can transform your professional and personal life.

About Laura:

Laura Saldivar Luna is a wife, mom, and the founder and CEO of Piñata Possible, a transformational coaching practice that helps purpose-driven leaders unlock breakthroughs in their inner leadership and external impact. Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Laura spent nearly 20 years with Teach For America—serving as a classroom teacher, as an Executive Director, and as the organization's Chief People Officer. Her work is rooted in the belief that when leaders liberate their full expression, they expand their clarity, joy, power, and impact.

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Topics covered:

• The story behind Piñata Possible's framework

• Lessons learned from working in education

• When to seek the help of a coach

• What prevents people from taking action on their goals

• What to know about working with a leadership coach

• How cultural differences impact coaching experiences

Resources mentioned:

• Piñata Possible

• Beyond the Bite with Eddie Aldrete: Laura Saldivar Luna on Breaking the Piñata and Finding the Potential Within

• Chip Conley

• Ask A Latina

• "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture"

• "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know"

• MVW Communications

Paying it forward doesn't always have to mean a monetary act of kindness. Sometimes, candid career advice and making connections can be infinitely more valuable to students searching for or starting their careers.

In today's episode, Melissa speaks with public relations professor and the founder of SpeakerPost, Komal Shah Kapoor, Ph.D., about why it's impactful to share advice from your professional journey with students and young professionals.

About Dr. Kapoor:

Komal Kapoor is a public relations professor at Pepperdine University and the founder of SpeakerPost, a platform that connects educators with industry professionals for guest speaking opportunities in high school and college classrooms. With a background spanning global marketing, media, and entrepreneurship, her work focuses on mentorship, relationship-building, and helping students feel more confident and prepared as they enter professional environments.

Connect with Dr. Kapoor on LinkedIn

Topics covered:

• Dr. K's passion for connecting students and industry professionals

• Student's perspective on PR and communications

• Feedback from students

• How students utilize AI for advice

• What Dr. K wishes pros knew about young professionals

• How to advise the future generation of PR professionals with SpeakerPost

Resources mentioned:

• SpeakerPost

• Green Sea Shells

• "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture"

• "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know"

• MVW Communications