Mastering High-Stakes Communication: Insights from Purposeful Advisors

In this episode of In Focus by 7 Wonders, hosts Stephen Skeel and Michael Ayjian sit down with Frank De Maria and Elie Jacobs, co-founders of Purposeful Advisors, to explore the art of high-stakes communication and the evolution of strategic advising.

From Corporate Giants to Purposeful Advising

Frank and Elie bring decades of experience in public relations, crisis communication, and corporate strategy, having worked with organizations like Reuters, NASDAQ, and the Clinton administration. Their journey from large-scale corporate roles to founding Purposeful Advisors was driven by a desire to offer high-level strategic counsel to companies of all sizes.

The Power of Storytelling in Business

One of the key themes of the conversation is how businesses can leverage storytelling to shape their brand identity. Frank shares insights from his time at NASDAQ, where he helped reposition the exchange from being known as the “tech stock market” to the home of innovation across all industries. This transformation was powered by strong messaging and visual storytelling—two elements that remain critical for brands today.

Crisis Communications: Staying Calm Under Pressure

Handling high-stakes situations is a skill that Frank and Elie have mastered over the years. Their advice?

• Preparation is key: Every statement must be carefully crafted with purpose.

• Stay composed: The ability to remain calm under pressure builds trust and credibility.

• Retain authenticity: Human connection remains the cornerstone of effective communication, whether addressing a global audience or engaging one-on-one.

What’s Next for Purposeful Advisors?

As the business landscape evolves, Frank and Elie emphasize the growing role of AI, visual media, and risk mitigation in corporate communications. Their firm is focused on providing advisory services that go beyond traditional PR, helping businesses navigate complex challenges with clarity and confidence.

Final Takeaways

For brand managers and executives looking to refine their communication strategy, the key lessons from this episode are:

• Understand your limitations and seek expert advice.

• Embrace visual storytelling as a core component of brand messaging.

• Build a strong network and continuously ask the right questions.

Want to hear more? Watch the full conversation on In Focus by 7 Wonders and discover how strategic communication can elevate your brand’s success.

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