The Trouble with Tariffs

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the tumultuous impact of tariff policies on corporate America, highlighting the challenges and strategies companies face in navigating communication during periods of volatility. They explore the delicate balance between speaking out and remaining silent, the evolution of corporate communication strategies, and the importance of timing and credibility in corporate messaging. TakeawaysSilence from companies can be a strategic choice, but it carries risks.The shift from episodic crisis response to permanent volatility management is significant.Companies need to be proactive in their communication strategies.The recent market turmoil has opened a window for corporate voices to speak out.Topics Mentionedcorporate communication, tariffs, corporate reputation, market volatility, CEO responses, communication strategy, business risk, public relations, trade policy, corporate AmericaCompanies MentionedWhite House, Wall Street, JP Morgan, RH, Restoration Hardware, Bloomberg, Treasury, Politico, Wall Street Journal, Ethan Allen, Yale School of Management, S&PChapters00:00 Introduction to Corporate Communication Challenges03:02 The Impact of Tariffs on Corporate America05:50 Navigating Silence and Communication Risks09:09 The Shift to Permanent Volatility Management12:00 Opportunities for Corporate Voices14:48 Case Studies: Furniture Industry Responses18:01 The Evolution of Corporate Communication StrategiesHashtags#corporatecommunication #tariffs #corporatereputation #marketvolatility #CEOresponses #communicationstrategy #businessrisk #publicrelations #tradepolicy #corporateAmerica #WhiteHouse #WallStreet #JPMorgan #RH #RestorationHardware #Bloomberg #Treasury #Politico #WallStreetJournal #EthanAllen #YaleSchoolofManagement #S&P

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.