Jonathan Zaback (with his business partner and best friend, Jay Kolbe) was told that building a public relations practice that would include family office clients could not be done. They’re pleased to have proven the critics wrong.

Jonathan credits their experience in the traditional public relations space for seeing an opportunity and building a “best in class” business around it. He’s also highly insightful about the future of PR and shares his wisdom in today’s conversation.

His passion for earned media is palpable in today’s conversation — sharing a similar vision with Lisa about how difficult, but critical, it is in today’s media environment. Jonathan also talks frankly about the rapidly changing industry we’ve known for 30 years and how he sees emerging technologies and non-traditional means of communication emerging at the highest rate of speed.

Tune in for a lively conversation about the PR industry and meet my friend who proudly advises his clients about building their legacies.

As Washington, D.C., gears up for a busy inaugural weekend, I’m thrilled to share my conversation with Anita McBride of American University. Throughout her remarkable career, Anita has served three U.S. Presidents in key personnel and management roles, including as Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush.

In our discussion, she shares her journey from campaign work to senior leadership, reflecting on the evolving role of the First Lady. Anita has co-authored a collegiate text and written the novel Remember the First Ladies, inspired by Dolley Madison’s iconic words. As a highly sought-after thought leader in this fascinating area of history, her insights are both engaging and enlightening.

Join me for a conversation with someone whose career I deeply admire, on a subject that is uniquely and quintessentially American.

Missy Edwards is one of a few Washington, D.C. locals, brought to town because her dad was also a lobbyist. Influence runs in the family.

She credits good fortune for her first job on Capitol Hill, but those that know her know it’s her hard work and good nature that has brought her success. This Senate creature by nature, shares how she frequently “cuts through the noise,” for her clients in policy areas such as tax, energy and financial services. She also offers that a big part of being a lobbyist is assuring the client that everything is going to be ok.

Missy Edwards is the Founder and CEO of Missy Edwards Strategies and the very first guest of the new Friday Reporter vertical, “In the Lobby."