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HOW I WORK

I work as a strategic advisor to leaders who need clarity, not campaigns. After nearly five decades in communications -- as a journalist, agency leader ader and independent practitioner — I focus exclusively on advisory and fractional engagements.

My role is straightforward: help leaders think clearly about communication decisions that carry reputational, operational or leadership consequences before those decisions become problems.

I don't execute tactics, manage accounts or produce deliverables. I advise the people who decide what happens next.

WHY LEADERS TYPICALLY CALL ME

  • A situation feels urgent but the right response isn't obvious

  • Messaging feels unclear, off-balance or overcomplicated

  • Visibility is increasing and the stakes feel higher

  • A decision carries reputational risk that extends beyond the moment

  • They want an experienced, independent voice — not a vendor

WHAT MY ADVISORY WORK INCLUDES

  • Clarity — Framing the real issue, separating signal from noise, and identifying what actually requires a response and what doesn't.

  • Narrative Direction — Defining what to say, what to avoid, and how to sound credible under pressure rather than reactive.

  • Decision Support — Advising on timing, tone and visibility to prevent the kind of missteps that are difficult to walk back.

WHO I WORK WITH

  • PR agency owners and principals who need an outside perspective

  • Small business owners and founders navigating unfamiliar reputational territory

  • All engagements are selective. They are built on discretion, trust and a shared understanding that good counsel requires honesty — not just agreement.

THREE WAYS TO ENGAGE

Strategic Advisory Session

Best for: A specific decision or situation that needs outside perspective

What you get:

  • 90-minute structured conversation (video or phone)

  • Pre-session brief so we use time efficiently

  • Written summary of key insights and recommended approach

  • Two-week follow-up availability for quick questions

Investment: $1,500

When to use this:

  • Facing a difficult client decision (fire them? restructure?)

  • Navigating a reputational challenge with no clear right answer

  • Need objective perspective on a high-stakes communication decision

  • Evaluating whether to respond publicly to an issue  

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Monthly Advisory Retainer

Best for: Ongoing access to strategic counsel without a full consulting engagement

What you get:

  • Two 60-minute advisory sessions per month (scheduled flexibly)

  • Email/text access between sessions for quick questions (response within 24 hours)

  • Priority response time

  • Thought partnership on emerging situations as they develop

Investment: $3,500/month (3-month minimum)

When to use this:

  • You're an agency owner navigating complex client relationships

  • You face recurring strategic decisions and want a trusted sounding board

  • You need someone outside your organization who understands the landscape

  • You value having counsel available before situations become crises

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Fractional Advisory Role

Best for: Organizations in transition, facing extended reputational challenges, or building communication capacity

What you get:

  • Tailored scope based on your specific needs

  • Regular strategic counsel and decision support

  • Available for urgent situations as they arise

  • Deep familiarity with your organization, stakeholders, and context

Investment: Custom (typically $5,000-8,000/month)

When to use this:

  • Leadership transition or organizational change

  • Extended reputational or policy challenge

  • Building internal communication function and need experienced guidance

  • Need senior-level strategic counsel without a full-time hire

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HOW TO START

Send me a message here with:

  • Brief description of what you're facing

  • Which engagement model feels like the right fit

  • Your availability for an initial 20-minute exploratory call (no charge)​

​​'ll respond within 24 hours to set up a time to talk.

WHAT THIS IS NOT

This is not PR execution, campaign management, media pitching or content production.

If you need someone to carry out a communications plan, there are excellent firms that do exactly that. If you need someone to help you decide what the plan should be — and whether you actually need one — that's a different conversation.

Most communication problems are not tactical failures. They are thinking failures under pressure.

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