Smart Talk Series

Melissa Vela-Williamson, APR
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The Smart Talk Series -- dive into communication strategies, tips, and principles using a 360-degree approach with your host Melissa Vela-Williamson. Melissa is an accredited public relations expert, entrepreneur, and national columnist. This series will focus on a theme over the span of six weekly episodes. Listen as Melissa dives into a topic on her own, interviews industry experts, and gives listeners a broad perspective to learn from. Communication is the foundation of professional or personal success. So anyone ready to hear real talk about how to better communicate on topics that matter is welcome!

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  1. EPISODE 63

    Celebrating Your Own Milestones with Karen Swim

    Celebrating milestones as an entrepreneur can be difficult when you're trying to navigate a tough time or just busy serving your clients. In this episode, Melissa sits down with the President of Solo PR Pro, Karen Swim, to discuss how to leverage milestones as a business owner, the enduring spirit of solopreneurs, and how to take care of your well-being while leading the way in public relations.  About Karen: Karen Swim, APR, is an accredited public relations professional, speaker, podcaster, author, and champion of independent by choice workers. She is the Founder of Words For Hire, a B2B, Technology and Healthcare PR and Marketing agency and the President of Solo PR Pro, a membership organization for independents and microagencies. In 2024, she also co-founded Data+PR, a collaborative with BlueRun PR that focuses on storytelling through data.  Follow Karen on LinkedIn and Instagram Topics covered: - Karen's milestone moments - About the Solo PR Pro community - What inspires Karen to lead her community - Navigating uncertain times as a Solo PR Pro - Leveraging milestone moments - How to stop underestimating yourself Resources mentioned:  - Words for Hire -Solo PR Pro "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

    46 min

  2. EPISODE 64

    Leveraging Milestones for Social Change with Claudia Romo Edelman

    With each milestone you reach, your career and reputation grow. What good can you do with that power? In this episode, Melissa sits down with Claudia Romo Edelman, a global mobilization expert, about how Claudia uses her voice and influence to help positively change the world.   About Claudia: Claudia Romo Edelman is a global mobilization expert, catalyst for social change and marketer for social causes. She is a recognized speaker, activist, thought leader, author, and upcoming entrepreneur. Follow Claudia on LinkedIn.   Topics covered: - Claudia's milestone moments - What inspired Claudia to elevate the US Latino narrative - Key findings from the 2025 Hispanic Opportunity Toolkit - Claudia’s tips on promoting visibility   Resources mentioned:  The Hispanic Star Hispanic Sentiment Study LATINAFest 2025 Hispanic Opportunity Toolkit We Are All Human Foundation Hispanic Leadership Summit "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

    43 min

  3. EPISODE 65

    The Moments That Shape You with Hussein Al-Baiaty

    There are many moments in life, tragic and joyful, that can help create the person and professional you are today. In this episode, Melissa chats with Hussein Al-Baiaty, an author marketing strategist, about the past moments that shape us and the future moments we can manifest with the right mindset.   About Hussein: Hussein Al-Baiaty is an author marketing strategist, author, and founder of Rising Authors, a platform that helps nonfiction writers grow their influence, income, and impact through powerful brand-building. As a refugee turned entrepreneur, Hussein combines storytelling, strategic marketing, and design to guide authors in turning their personal stories into thriving businesses. He also hosts The Rising Authors Experience podcast, where he interviews leaders and creators about resilience, purpose, and legacy. Follow Hussein on LinkedIn.   Topics covered: - Hussein’s milestone moments - How becoming a father impacted Hussein - Advice for navigating uncertain times - Leveraging milestone moments to enhance your career - Insights on advancing your professional position   Resources mentioned:  Rising Authors  "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

    47 min

  4. EPISODE 66

    Supporting Future Young Professionals with Emilia Williamson

    Today, Melissa is taking a break from talking to seasoned professionals by sitting down with a future young professional: her daughter, Emilia. Listen as Melissa and Emilia discuss how communication professionals can support and inspire Generation Z and beyond as they work to achieve milestones of their own.   About Emilia: Emilia Williamson is a rising junior in high school who has “interned” in public relations and communications since she was a toddler. She is an honor roll student, award-winning theatre performer and cosplayer, aerial dance artist, and tenured Junior Intern at MVW Communications. She aspires to be an American Sign Language Interpreter, actor, and aerial performer who may advance the public relations profession in surprising ways.   Topics covered: Emilia’s memorable milestone moment Life as a junior in high school Emilia’s journey to her creative endeavors How to navigate change in a smart way How to build trust and cultivate voice with students   Resources mentioned:  Pop Madness San Japan Cirque Aria Tips to Inspire Student Voice "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

    23 min

  5. EPISODE 67

    Celebrating Organizational Milestones with Joseph Nespral and Casey Casseb

    A major milestone in your organization is the perfect time to take stock of what you’ve achieved and chart a path for the future. In this episode, Melissa interviews President & CEO of Texas Organ Sharing Alliance Joe Nespral and TOSA’s Director of Communications Casey Casseb, to discuss celebrating 50 years of their organization’s important work in organ donation. About Joe: Joseph Nespral, MD, CPTC is the President & CEO of Texas Organ Sharing Alliance. Joe has been with TOSA since July 1997 and was promoted to CEO in October 2016. Joe has an extensive background in Organ Procurement Organization leadership in operations, restructuring, policy analysis, business development and quality improvement. About Casey: Casey Casseb has been creating and executing creative marketing, media, and events for unique brands for over 20 years. She has experience collaborating with Fortune 500 brands and is a strong advocate for personalized, committed, and exceptional service to all clients, both internal and external. Currently, she serves as the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance’s Director of Communications. Topics covered: - Joe and Casey's career milestone moments - Celebrating TOSA’s 50th anniversary - Organ donation myths and misconceptions - Joe and Casey’s favorite TOSA memories - Insights on communicating sensitive topics Resources mentioned:  Texas Organ Sharing Alliance Donate Life Texas TOSA Wall of Heroes "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

    37 min

  6. EPISODE 68

    Making Milestones Happen with Michael Klein

    As we’ve learned this season, milestones don’t just appear. They come after brave actions, years, and sometimes decades of hard work and dedication. In the final episode of Season 10, Melissa interviews Michael Klein, Public Relations Manager at Ferrovial Construction, to discuss the career milestones he made possible by bravely asking for opportunities and taking action to bring them to life. About Michael: Mike Klein is a high-energy people person who began his career in television as a sports producer. Then changed career paths by becoming a public relations manager for one of the largest heavy civil construction companies in the world, Ferrovial Construction, and has found his calling in life. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn Topics covered: - The value of making “the ask” - Mike’s career milestone moments - Navigating life-altering career milestones - How to be adaptable in dynamic situations - The importance of community relations - Tips on cultivating a positive mindset   Resources mentioned:  Jimmy Goldstein Ferrovial Construction Ontario Subway Project "Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture" "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know" MVW Communications

    36 min
See All Season 10 (6)

About

The Smart Talk Series -- dive into communication strategies, tips, and principles using a 360-degree approach with your host Melissa Vela-Williamson. Melissa is an accredited public relations expert, entrepreneur, and national columnist. This series will focus on a theme over the span of six weekly episodes. Listen as Melissa dives into a topic on her own, interviews industry experts, and gives listeners a broad perspective to learn from. Communication is the foundation of professional or personal success. So anyone ready to hear real talk about how to better communicate on topics that matter is welcome!

Information

  • Creator
    Melissa Vela-Williamson, APR
  • Episodes
    73
  • Seasons
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021, MVW Communications
  • Show Website
    Smart Talk Series