I am deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of my radical mentor, Philip Hedley—a risk-taker who believed in a small-town dreamer with wild publicity ideas. His generosity and visionary rule-breaking transformed lives and taught me about the essence of risk and trust. His historical legacy, pioneering diversity and inclusion before it became a trend, remains ahead of its time.Arguably, Borkowski would not exist if it weren’t for a chance meeting back in 1980. In the early 1980s, Theatre Royal Stratford East’s then-artistic director, Philip Hedley, took a chance by giving an ambitious 20-year-old wannabe publicist a job. That…

The ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Sussexes isn’t beneficial. It’s a black hole. In Tinsel Town, negativity isn’t embraced; hence the millions poured into the image management industry. Negative press is detrimental. When they initially decided to step away from the royal family, it garnered both support and criticism from key Hollywood influencers. While seeking more autonomy and control over their lives, they seem to be encountering unexpected hurdles in Hollywood. Transitioning into a new sphere of influence and fame was never going to be as smooth as expected. Their ability to generate wealth and sustain their brand has faced numerous…

In today’s fast-paced world, the Israel-Hamas conflict risks fading from public focus amidst global distractions. While the world yearns for resolution, the relentless stream of updates can induce a sense of powerlessness, numbing us to the ongoing human tragedy. Despite the escalation of violence and the breakdown of the Israel-Hamas truce, grassroots groups remain committed to advocating for peace. These unsung heroes work tirelessly within their communities, striving to bridge divides and foster understanding, even in the face of tremendous odds. Their dedication, focused on dialogue and reconciliation, showcases the resilience of the human spirit. Often these initiatives symbolise a…

In the ongoing Royal saga, the specter of Harry and Meghan subtly haunts the launch of Omid Scobie’s latest insights on the British Monarchy, a narrative intricately tied to their confidant, Scobie. His book ‘Endgame’ triggers renewed interest in the tumultuous Royal Household. Some view it as a critique amid the clamor for exclusive details.Amidst this hype monster of sensationalism, the Royal Family’s refusal to engage becomes their winning strategy in the PR war. While the world craves headlines and disrupts norms, the Royals’ adherence to timeless values—discretion, privacy, and dignity—anchors them amidst constant revelation. Their silence amidst media frenzy…

In the tumultuous seas of our information age, where deep fakes and propaganda challenge the very essence of truth, our approach to understanding takes on heightened significance. Recent tragic geopolitical events, such as those in Gaza and Ukraine, underscore the urgent need to reflect not just on what we know but on how we acquire knowledge.A stark distinction exists between the pursuit of understanding driven by compassion, careful study, and unbiased analysis and the darker path of using knowledge for self-affirmation and control.True wisdom arises from a genuine curiosity to comprehend the complexities of other cultures, historical epochs, and diverse…

Great host Mark Phillimore, Senior Lecturer on the Master Programme in Public Relations at the University of Greenwich and a wonderful foil Rob Mcgibbon, author and journalist. Brilliant coordination Debbie West Chair CIPR Podcast Editorial Board”I have an expression which I use all the time, which is everything is different, everything’s the same. It is about relationships. It’s about strategy, it’s about consideration, it’s about understanding the media that you work in and understanding people. It is building up trust through relationships. That doesn’t change. I don’t think that’s ever changed at all.”

 Bill, a cherished client of Borkowski for over two decades, was not just a client; he was a remarkable showman with an unparalleled understanding of how to produce great nights out.Bill’s love for the theatre was limitless, and his fiery passion knew no bounds. As a producer, he fearlessly pursued the creation of memorable evenings in the theatre the length of the country. His dedication and spirit have left an indelible mark on the industry. The void he leaves behind is immeasurable. My heart goes out to his partner, Jenny, his daughter, Lucy and the BKL familyAs we mourn the…

Let’s talk about the importance of curiosity and inquiry in the age of the Digisphere. In his book “A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas,” bestselling author Warren Berger emphasizes the profound significance of maintaining a constant sense of curiosity. This curiosity becomes especially crucial in a world where our quest for truth is often hindered by the information bubbles we inhabit.Berger reveals that the most creative and successful individuals are masters of the art of inquiry. They have a knack for asking questions that others overlook, ultimately uncovering the answers that everyone is searching…

I have been contemplating the cost of fame as media darlings fall from grace. In our epoch, the sprawling media matrix has transformed into an elaborate stage where entertainers deftly wield the tools of the digital age to amplify their performance. Society becomes entangled in this grand spectacle of entertainment and ostentation as one digital showman after another adroitly utilises their fame to accumulate wealth and influence. However, it is worth considering that these entertainers often employ masterful PR myth-weavers in their pursuit of prominence to craft narratives that test the boundaries of reality.For instance, the curious narrative that once…

Strip away the rest of the rhetoric, and we are left with a simple soundbite that will form the basis of his pitch for another term in government:“Proportional, pragmatic and realistic.”Here is a leader, Sunak would have us believe, who will eschew populist headlines in favour of beneficial policies that do not disrupt people’s lives. But this volt-face is more about our crisis in critical thinking and the profound influence of soundbites in political communications than genuine conviction. In an era dominated by social media, it’s no surprise that the Conservative government is fiercely adapting to the digital age. However,…

I’ve been asked by some people what counsel I would have given Jordan Henderson amidst the fallout from his interview with The Athletic after moving to play football in Saudi ArabiaFrom my perspective, one can argue that Jordan Henderson’s PR nightmare case raises questions about the values and principles individuals should uphold, especially those in the public eye. It highlights the tension between personal interests, financial gain, and moral integrity. Philosophers have long debated the ethical dilemmas surrounding compromising one’s principles for financial or personal benefit. Henderson’s choice to move to Saudi Arabia, where LGBTQ+ rights are limited, can be…

Greenpeace’s recent return to the fight against Big Oil has sparked a significant reaction, with their viral film, “Total Pollution: A Dirty Game,” making waves. The video shows a packed rugby stadium drowning in oil as the kickoff whistle blows, protesting Total Energy Corp sponsorship of the Rugby World Cup.This creative approach aims to draw attention to the issue of greenwashing, similar to how human rights groups challenged the FIFA World Cup last year. While these protesters align ideologically with “Just Stop Oil,” their tactics appear more polished and less disruptive, at least in the literal sense, often overused in…

As time continues its forward march and the stalwarts of bygone eras gradually recede into history, an intriguing challenge arises: how do we ensure that these cultural giants’ legacies remain preserved and relevant? This quandary becomes particularly timely when we consider figures like Michael Parkinson against the backdrop of a TikTok-driven cultural zeitgeist. In the midst of these shifts, it is imperative to bridge the gap between the timeless contributions of these icons and the contemporary preferences of a rapidly evolving audience.The historical tapestry upon which the likes of Parkinson embroidered their influence can serve as an evocative connection between…

I can’t believe July has passed in a flash. Reflecting on the hustle and bustle of modern existence it’s easy to get lost in a constant cycle of digital distractions. Our minutes are meticulously scheduled, leaving no room for interruptions. However, let us take a moment to reflect on the importance of building in a margin of flexibility. By allowing some breathing space in our daily routines, we create opportunities to connect with others on a deeper level. As the Dutch Catholic priest, theologian, and spiritual writer Henri Nouwen suggests, what may have initially seemed like interruptions can turn into…

Seven days’ later, NatWest CEO Alison Rose dramatically revealed she had been the source of the BBC article and admitted the information she provided had been incorrect. After attempting to cling on she resigned at 1.45am the following day.PR expert Mark Borkowski said bank bosses were guilty of using ’20th-century PR to deal with 21st-century crisis issues’. He told MailOnline: ‘Every crisis that leads to problems that will bring down people is down to hubris and the advice these people are getting.The way to deal with any crisis is to burst the bubble. The professionals advising those in charge need…

Seven days’ later, NatWest CEO Alison Rose dramatically revealed she had been the source of the BBC article and admitted the information she provided had been incorrect. After attempting to cling on she resigned at 1.45am the following day.PR expert Mark Borkowski said bank bosses were guilty of using ’20th-century PR to deal with 21st-century crisis issues’. He told MailOnline: ‘Every crisis that leads to problems that will bring down people is down to hubris and the advice these people are getting.The way to deal with any crisis is to burst the bubble. The professionals advising those in charge need…

The shockwaves emanating from Kevin Spacey’s acquittal will once again force us to consider how we conduct ‘trial by media’. Exposing sexual impropriety is, of course, a crucial fourth estate duty. Still, it is just as vital that a clear distinction is drawn between the editorial values of reporting allegations of wrongdoing based on fact and crusading on behalf of accusers without pausing to consider the consequences of doing so in error. The tiniest spark created by even the most well-intentioned news story can ignite a social media firestorm that burns through any of the meagre protection offered by defamation or privacy…

After another discombobulating 24 hours in the BBC Presentergate spin cycle, I find myself dwelling not on where the stakeholding organisations lie on the chessboard, nor on what the story says about the state of contemporary media and mass communication, but on the human beings watching their futures being pinballed around the news agenda. The reason the story keeps shapeshifting is fundamentally lack of available facts. We don’t know what happened. And in my experience, this is often compounded by what I am call the Vicious Cycle of Human Fragility: In the understandable panic caused by the hydraulic pressure of a crisis,…

I have finally stopped wincing at the car crash that is Coutts’ Nigel Farage climbdown to think about the miscalculations that drove this disaster.Although he was in some ways a commercial risk, it’s clear that distaste for Farage’s political views was the chief reason for Coutts’s attempts to shut down his account.Many factors massively counteracted any cheap points Coutts may have hoped to score from this move:Firstly, Coutts appears to have broken its own rules, which has prompted the FCA and the government to weigh in on the matter – both of which are considerably more damaging to the bank…