Disney Magic and DEI Changes with Shawn Smith
Episode description
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
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