Disney Magic and DEI Changes with Shawn Smith

Shawn Smith has served in senior communications roles with Warner Bros. and The Walt Disney Company, developing multimillion-dollar campaigns for global brands and franchises. She has also served as the global head of communications with Osmo, one of the world’s leading ed-tech companies. Here, she discusses the current state of DEI in PR, the joy of working with iconic IPs, and why she's stepping out on her own. Key Takeaways: - The current state of DEI in the PR world - What it’s like working with powerful IPs - What it was like working with PR legend Pat Tobin - How Shawn helped Minnie Mouse get her star on the Walk of Fame Episode Timeline: 1:45 What has been happening in the world of DEI, especially in media, over the past few months? 4:10 What's the reason for recent changes in DEI programs? 5:40 What do you see as the biggest DEI challenges in the world of PR and communications? 7:40 Where should we focus to make the biggest improvements in DEI? 9:30 What was it like being a steward for such iconic characters and brands? 11:10 Can it be hard dealing with fans? 12:15 The character "Bible" 15:10 The Minnie Mouse moment 16:30 Minnie's star on the Walk of Fame 17:30 Disney's Lucasfilm purchase 19:10 Shawn's mentor Pat Tobin 22:30 Jill Biden’s vaccination campaign 24:00 What inspired Shawn to start her own company? This Episode’s Guest: • Shawn Smith from Shawn Smith Communications • Follow Shawn on LinkedIn Subscribe and leave a 5-star review: https://pod.link/1496390646 Contact Us! • Join the conversation by leaving a comment! • Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Thanks for listening!