Smart Talk Series

Hosted by Melissa Vela-Williamson

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Apr 2026

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Welcome to the Smart Talk Series with your host Melissa Vela Williamson, award-winning/nationally syndicated PR Pro. This is the show for professionals, marketing, and communications solo practitioners and teams.

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60 recent

September 1, 2026Episode 7550 min

Creating Your Niche with Jonathan Carone

Resilience is key when you're going all in on a niche. As external factors change, your passion and skills will help you stay afloat. Join Melissa as she kicks off season 12 with Jonathan Carone, the owner and creative director of Carone Designs and founder of Healthy Sports Parents. Listen as they discuss this season's theme of finding your niche. About Jonathan: Jonathan Carone has spent the last 10+ years helping organizations communicate more clearly, connect more deeply, and build trust with the people they serve. That's his day job at CaroneDesigns. But on the side, he's been building a new platform called Healthy Sports Parents. What started as a side project has become a fast-growing media platform with over 165,000 followers and 3M+ monthly views across social media helping moms, dads, and coaches navigate the world of youth sports with more empathy, perspective, and presence. Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Topics covered: Jonathan's journey to his niche The inspiration for Healthy Sports Parents How to cut through the noise and connect with an audience What HSP taught Jonathan about communications Tips for using communication for good Resources mentioned: Carone Designs Healthy Sports Parents Parents 2026 Next Gen Awards Opportunity Knocks Pitch Ideas Like A PR Pro Digital Course "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

April 21, 2026Episode 7451 min

Managing Crisis Communication and Building Immunity to Crises with Jon Goldberg

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

April 14, 2026Episode 7347 min

Breaking Through Leadership Barriers with Laura Saldivar Luna

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

April 7, 2026Episode 7242 min

The Value of Sharing Your Professional Experiences with Komal Shah Kapoor, Ph.D.

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

March 31, 2026Episode 7147 min

Who's in the Room? with Jamila Cupid, Ph.D. and Myescha Joell

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"

March 24, 2026Episode 7042 min

Building Resilience in Uncertain Times with Jannese Torres

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

March 17, 2026Episode 6914 min

PR Pros Are Equipped to Adapt

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

October 7, 2025Episode 6835 min

Making Milestones Happen with Michael Klein

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

September 30, 2025Episode 6736 min

Celebrating Organizational Milestones with Joseph Nespral and Casey Casseb

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

September 23, 2025Episode 6623 min

Supporting Future Young Professionals with Emilia Williamson

Today, Melissa is taking a break from talking to seasoned professionals by sitting down with a future young professional: her daughter, Emilia. Listen as Melissa and Emilia discuss how communication professionals can support and inspire Generation Z and beyond as they work to achieve milestones of their own. About Emilia: Emilia Williamson is a rising junior in high school who has "interned" in public relations and communications since she was a toddler. She is an honor roll student, award-winning theatre performer and cosplayer, aerial dance artist, and tenured Junior Intern at MVW Communications. She aspires to be an American Sign Language Interpreter, actor, and aerial performer who may advance the public relations profession in surprising ways. Topics covered: Emilia's memorable milestone moment Life as a junior in high school Emilia's journey to her creative endeavors How to navigate change in a smart way How to build trust and cultivate voice with students Resources mentioned: Pop Madness San Japan Cirque Aria Tips to Inspire Student Voice "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications