077 | The PR Crisis That Transformed My Career

It was 15 years ago that I encountered my first and worst crisis as a public relations professional. It was then, when I was Southern University at New Orleans’ public relations director, that a Louisiana legislator proposed a bill that would merge SUNO with the University of New Orleans as part of their move into the University of Louisiana System. The writing was on the wall that a merger presumably meant SUNO’s closure.

The moment that hit me without mercy—causing a combination of rage, frustration, and fear—was a local newspaper column that dragged my then-employer through the mud, igniting weeks of additional harsh media and social media commentaries. In the end, SUNO was removed from the bill and remains a member of the Southern University System.

In this Higher Edification segment, I speak candidly about how I found a transformational moment with the help of the SUNO community. I also talk about how I developed my personal leadership while continuing to practice personal growth and development. Read more about how this moment helped my growth.

The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.