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

Sharing access, authenticity, and empowerment in the public relations industry matters. In today's episode, authors Jamila Cupid, Ph.D. and Myescha Joell share what inspired them to write their groundbreaking new book, "Who's in the Room?: A Guide to Public Relations from the Black Professional Perspective." The book amplifies the voices, experiences, and contributions of Black public relations practitioners while providing a roadmap for authentic allyship and inclusion across the industry.

About Jamila:

Dr. Jamila Cupid is an international scholar and educator who trains students in the practice of public relations at Pepperdine University. She is a public relations and digital media professional, with expertise in research and strategy, who worked in the New York City and Washington, DC markets. Her research is based in global and multicultural PR and media.

Connect with Jamila on Instagram and LinkedIn

About Myescha:

Myescha Joell is an award-winning publicist, producer, and founder of Morris Street Media, known for high-impact campaigns at the intersection of culture, entertainment, and social impact. With over 20 years of experience, she's helped shape visibility for creatives, brands, and storytellers while producing content that amplifies underrepresented voices.

Connect with Myescha on Instagram

Topics covered:

• What inspired the creation of their guidebook for Black professionals

• Unexpected themes from "Who's in the Room?"

• Unique challenges for Black PR pros

• What allyship and inclusion look like in today's climate

• Advice on how to show up in professional spaces

Resources mentioned:

• "Who's in the Room?: A Guide to Public Relations from the Black Professional Perspective"

• Ask A Latina

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

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

In tough times, resilience is key to keeping every aspect of your life from falling apart. In today's episode, Melissa interviews the founder of Yo Quiero Dinero, Jannese Torres, about how to build financial, mental, and professional resilience in eras of your life that may be unpredictable.

About Jannese:

Jannese Torres is the founder of Yo Quiero Dinero, an award-winning personal finance podcast, and author of Financially Lit!. A former engineer turned entrepreneur, she teaches Latinas how to grow income, invest confidently, and build wealth through ownership. Her work empowers women to break generational money cycles and create financial freedom on their own terms. She is a Florida State Board Member of the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC).

Connect with Jannese on Instagram

Topics covered:

• Common misunderstandings about influencers

• Financial advice for uncertain times

• Building resilience during tough times

• Who Jannese looks to for sound advice

• How to know when to speak up

• The resurgence of blogging

Resources mentioned:

• Delish D'Lites

• Financially Lit

• Ask A Latina

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

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

• MVW Communications

Listen as Melissa kicks off Season 11 by talking about the importance of adapting in uncertain times and relying on our industry fundamentals. Join us this season as Melissa talks with experts in various disciplines about valuing advice and taking action.

Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook

Topics covered:

• The theme of season 11

• How PR pros can approach change in 2026

• Remembering Pandemic-era lessons

• Advising clients during uncertain times

Resources mentioned:

• "PR Pros Are Equipped to Adapt"

• Ask A Latina

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

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

• MVW Communications

As we've learned this season, milestones don't just appear. They come after brave actions, years, and sometimes decades of hard work and dedication. In the final episode of Season 10, Melissa interviews Michael Klein, Public Relations Manager at Ferrovial Construction, to discuss the career milestones he made possible by bravely asking for opportunities and taking action to bring them to life.

About Michael:

Mike Klein is a high-energy people person who began his career in television as a sports producer. Then changed career paths by becoming a public relations manager for one of the largest heavy civil construction companies in the world, Ferrovial Construction, and has found his calling in life.

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

Topics covered:

• The value of making "the ask"

• Mike's career milestone moments

• Navigating life-altering career milestones

• How to be adaptable in dynamic situations

• The importance of community relations

• Tips on cultivating a positive mindset

Resources mentioned:

• Jimmy Goldstein

• Ferrovial Construction Ontario Subway Project

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

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

• MVW Communications

A major milestone in your organization is the perfect time to take stock of what you've achieved and chart a path for the future. In this episode, Melissa interviews President & CEO of Texas Organ Sharing Alliance Joe Nespral and TOSA's Director of Communications Casey Casseb, to discuss celebrating 50 years of their organization's important work in organ donation.

About Joe:

Joseph Nespral, MD, CPTC is the President & CEO of Texas Organ Sharing Alliance. Joe has been with TOSA since July 1997 and was promoted to CEO in October 2016. Joe has an extensive background in Organ Procurement Organization leadership in operations, restructuring, policy analysis, business development and quality improvement.

About Casey:

Casey Casseb has been creating and executing creative marketing, media, and events for unique brands for over 20 years. She has experience collaborating with Fortune 500 brands and is a strong advocate for personalized, committed, and exceptional service to all clients, both internal and external. Currently, she serves as the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance's Director of Communications.

Topics covered:

• Joe and Casey's career milestone moments

• Celebrating TOSA's 50th anniversary

• Organ donation myths and misconceptions

• Joe and Casey's favorite TOSA memories

• Insights on communicating sensitive topics

Resources mentioned:

• Texas Organ Sharing Alliance

• Donate Life Texas

• TOSA Wall of Heroes

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

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

• MVW Communications