LINKS WE LOVE | #LWL Volume 2

Excessive screen time is an occupational hazard. But, we say, define “excessive.” That being said, from time to time, we do take a break from our Gdocs and Gmail to get caught up on what’s trending or making waves in the industry. Plus, we enjoy stepping out of the chaos and taking a moment to immerse ourselves in what we find inspirational and insightful from the world around us. From the Atlantic’s “How to Build a Life” to the rise of “it’ consumer products, to languid travels as told through Conde Nast Traveler, here are some links we’ve been loving this month. Enjoy our February edition of #LWL

xx The Birds

Peyton Robertson | Founder/Chief Strategist

The Atlantic is one of my favorite, go-to news sources and the "How to Build a Life” column from renowned social scientist Arthur C. Brooks I find especially to be a welcome respite from the typical dumpster fire of a daily news cycle. It’s intellectually stimulating and a great resource for learning and sharing the art and science behind building a sustainable, happy life full of purpose, meaningful connections and positive self growth.

Will AI and Chat GPT eventually replace PR pros? 

The rise of bots has provoked a lot of interesting questions and anxiety levels in our industry. Fully functional dependence on AI seems a bit dystopian, as the human element will always be vital, but how to embrace the technology and ride the wave of innovation is what I’m most interested in navigating.

Rather than sharing an article, I posed this very question to Chat GPT and this was “its” response:

"No, AI and ChatGPT are not likely to fully replace PR professionals. While AI and ChatGPT can assist with tasks such as generating content, conducting research, and providing information, they lack the human skills and judgment necessary for successful public relations, such as emotional intelligence, creative problem-solving, and strategic thinking. PR professionals also have the ability to build and maintain relationships, understand cultural and societal nuances, and effectively communicate complex ideas. Additionally, public relations involves a human touch and personal interaction that cannot be replicated by AI or ChatGPT. It's possible that AI and ChatGPT will augment and assist PR professionals, but full replacement is unlikely."

Spot on.

Alex Zalicki | Director 

As a fan of hot new olive oil brand Graza AND a publicist, I loved this insightful report by the WSJ examining the (unexpectedly) positive response to the company co-founder's apology for botched holiday deliveries. What worked? Communicating like a "real" person. 

As a working mom, I'm all too familiar with the (unrealistic) societal pressures to "have it all." Including a tidy, well-organized home. The news that the KonMari lifestyle guru herself (now a mom of three) has given up applying her own rigorous method at home, "sparks joy.”

Liquid Death is an "entertainment machine" with a water brand attached. Sparkling water rules in our household and Liquid Death has become a favorite. For the uninitiated, it's water packaged in an eco-friendly 16 oz. can "straight from the Alps to murder your thirst." Marketplace's Kai Ryssdal chats with the brand's co-founder to get insight into the brand's clever, youthful marketing. 

Kaeli Hearn | Content Coordinator 

Conde Nast traveler transports us across the world, this time to Barcelona. Journalist Paul Richardson dives into the "buzz that has returned to the coastal city post-covid, percolating through progressive eateries and stylish boutiques in its emerging enclaves." Although a process underway well before the pandemic, the country's latest wave has shifted the focus away from the tourist clusters at the center of the city and toward points further afield that is nonetheless brimming with local life. Through gastronomic reinvention, new and emerging design, and the emphasis on local businesses and people, Barcelona is again on the move, alluring us with all her charm.

My love for White Lotus star Michael Imperioli is staggeringly at an all-time high after watching his AD house tour. The actor and NYC native takes us on a tour of his intricately decorated, art-filled home complete with an extensive art collection acquired primarily in antique shops over nearly three decades, all with nods to mid-century design.

Ana | Social Media Manager 

The Cut interviews abortion rights advocates on what they expect to see in 2023. In a nutshell, legislation that would prosecute abortion seekers for felony murder, new bans on abortion starting at fertilization, and measures to amend state constitutions to exclude abortion from the right to privacy. These are just a *few* of the bills Republican lawmakers have introduced in the past weeks. (GROSS!) 

The Louis Vuitton's 200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries has made its way to NYC. Maison Louis has united fashion and bringing unique designs that combine innovation with quality since 1854. The exhibition stays true to the founder, who created an 'Art of Travel' through luggage and bags and is now inside the landmark Barney's NY building on Madison Ave.

Madison Schaller | Digital Intern 

CNN highlights how British actor Andrea Riseborough was nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award. The Academy is investigating this nomination because it had a lot of celebrities backing the campaign and their posts were almost exactly similar to one another. People are also talking about how this film was not popular or known in the movie industry until the celebrity endorsements and nomination. 

San Diego Women’s Week celebrates 14 years of inspiring, empowering, and connecting women with leadership events for all ages and professions. Attendees enjoy networking, keynote speakers, panel discussions, and more, all wrapped around creative solutions to everyday issues affecting women in the workplace and in their daily lives. This year’s conference, on March 2nd, features five powerhouse speakers including NYT best-selling author and one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World, Gretchen Carlson.

Peyton RobertsonComment