Ford Breaks Silence on Tariffs, Meta Breaks Decorum on Layoffs

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the challenges companies face in navigating communication during times of economic anxiety, focusing on Ford's public stance against tariffs and Meta's controversial layoffs. They analyze the contrasting approaches of Ford and GM in addressing economic pressures and the implications of Meta's performance-based layoffs on employee morale and corporate reputation.TakeawaysFord's CEO publicly criticized tariffs, highlighting industry risks.GM's CEO emphasized preparedness and contingency plans.Public communication strategies can significantly impact corporate reputation.Meta's layoffs were framed as performance-based, drawing criticism.Topics MentionedCorporate Communication, Economic Anxiety, Ford, GM, Meta, layoffs, tariffs, performance management, leadership, public relations, crisis managementCompanies MentionedFord Motor Company, General Motors (GM), Meta (formerly Facebook), Microsoft, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)Chapters00:00 Navigating Economic Anxiety in Corporate Communication18:36 Meta's Layoffs and the Performance-Based Narrative

Om Podcasten

Communication Breakdown is a postgame show for PR pros. In each episode, hosts Craig Carroll (fmr. USC Annenberg, UNC Chapel Hill) and Steve Dowling (fmr. OpenAI, Apple) discuss the strategies and tactics companies are using in high-visibility crises and PR initiatives, giving listeners unique insight into how key decisions are made.The podcast offers two unique perspectives on communications theory and practice, drawing on Craig’s teaching and research at top universities around the globe and Steve’s two decades of experience as a comms leader at some of the world’s most influential companies. Whether you're a PR professional, marketing executive, or just curious about how companies make key communications decisions, you'll find these discussions insightful and valuable.