The 10 Most Influential Leaders in PR & Communication 2024

1. The 10 Most Influential Leaders in PR & Communication 2024 FORTUNES TIME January 2024 ARTICLE Blended Learning; Combining Traditional and Online Teaching Methods ARTICLE E-commerce Security by Protecting Customer Data and Preventing Fraud Driving Business Success Through Communication Mark President - North Star Communications Consulting Dollins Dollins Dollins

4. EDITOR’S NOTE If companies or individuals wish to get ready, market, and safeguard their brand, they should work with a public relations firm. Hiring a PR agency is essential to spreading the word about your story and raising the profile of your company. PR firms employ specialists with extensive training in media relations, crisis management, and communication tactics. They can offer firms in need of greater internal PR experience invaluable advice and assistance. When an in- house communications staff is unable to handle the workload or lacks media contacts, hiring a PR firm should also be taken into consideration. PR firms frequently provide additional assistance to internal communications teams, enabling companies to meet their communication objectives. Givin Brands New Identity A company with other objectives may find it difficult to devote the time and money necessary to managing an effective public relations strategy. These duties can be handled by PR firms, freeing up corporations to concentrate on other facets of their operations. Fortunes Time's latest edition “The 10 Most Influential Leaders in PR & Communication 2024”, has featured leading PR experts from the vast industry who have extensive industry knowledge, experience, and connections to create a appealing brand image that can attract target audience of the a brand. The cover has Mark Dollins who stands at the helm as the President of North Star Communications Consulting. Founded in 2011, North Star has become a go-to consultancy, recognized for its expertise in employee/change communications strategy and communications talent development. Mark's leadership has been instrumental in shaping the consultancy's trajectory and fostering enduring partnerships with notable clients such as Raytheon, Visa, Toyota, Louis Vuitton, Xerox, and Keep America Beautiful. Before charting the course for North Star, Mark's journey in communications began with a role in broadcast media, working as a production assistant for ABC News on iconic programs such as Good Morning America, World News Tonight, and Nightline. Subsequently, his path led him to general assignment daily newspaper reporting for a midwestern US newspaper, where he covered courts, the police beat, and city government. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts.

5. FORTUNES T IME CREDIT PAGE Elizabeth Graves Vijay Khulpe Dafny Meyer Tony Anderson Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Executive Editor Assistant Editor Art & Design Director Head of Design Department Charles Lee Sanket Zirpe Associate Designer Sarah Jones Business Development Manager Business Development Executive Celine Costa Robert Taylor Digital Marketing Manager Sales Manager Marketing Manager Technical Specialist Circulation Manager Laura Wright Albert Hill Stacey Flores Jennifer Thomas Carol Green JANUARY 2024 For More Details : Email: info@fortunestime.com Address. 8 The Green Suite R, Dover, DE 19901, USA Copyright 2024 Fortunes Time, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Fortunes Time Reprint rights remain solely with Fortunes Time.

6. Cover Story 08 Driving Business Success Through Communication Mark Dollins

7. Content Page 18 24 28 Alice Jen Berson Katherine Long 38 Weigthman 32 36 Shane Allison Keith Nealon Patrice Tartt Articles 30 22 Blended Learning; Combining Traditional and Online Teaching Methods E-commerce Security by Protecting Customer Data and Preventing Fraud

8. 08 | January 2024

9. Mark Dollins Dollins Through Communication Driving Business Success COVER STORY Fortunestime.com | 09

10. Mark shares lessons from wrestling in business communications with University of Missouri wrestling team head coach Brian Smith and team. 10 | January 2024

11. Where communication strategy and talent development intersect, Mark Dollins stands at the helm as the President of North Star Communications Consulting. Founded in 2011, North Star has become a go-to consultancy, recognized for its expertise in employee/change communications strategy and communications talent development. Mark's leadership has been instrumental in shaping the consultancy's trajectory and fostering enduring partnerships with notable clients such as Raytheon, Visa, Toyota, Louis Vuitton, Xerox, and Keep America Beautiful. Journey from Journalist to Communication Innovator Mark's passion for effective communication traces back to his upbringing in Alexandria, Va., a suburb of Washington, DC. Starting as the editor of his high school newspaper, he progressed to pursue a degree in radio and television, launching his career as a journalist. While covering diverse topics proved captivating, he sought a more impactful role beyond reporting past events. This quest led Mark on a new journey, merging storytelling with purposeful communication as a 35+ year communications senior executive at The Quaker Oats Company, PepsiCo, DuPont and Accenture. Opting for an unconventional path, he studied organizational communications not at a tradition communication graduate school, but at Purdue University, better known for excellence in science and engineering. Through the art and science of communications, he has applied his skills to diverse industries and brands, from Cap'n Crunch to Kevlar, and credit cards to Corollas. Recognizing the universal need for guidance in navigating change, Mark envisioned creating a consultancy as a North Star for organizations after leaving his Corporate career. Before charting the course for North Star, Mark's journey in communications began with a role in broadcast media, working as a production assistant for ABC News on iconic programs such as Good Morning America, World News Tonight, and Nightline. Subsequently, his path led him to general assignment daily newspaper reporting for a midwestern US newspaper, where he covered courts, the police beat, and city government. Mark's early experiences underscored the power of storytelling, the art of crafting narratives under tight deadlines, and the importance of embracing diverse perspectives—a foundation that continues to shape his approach to communications strategy. Join us in exploring the remarkable journey and leadership insights of Mark Dollins, a seasoned professional at the forefront of the communications consulting landscape. Specializing in change management communications, Mark's consultancy implements strategies for leader and employee engagement, delivering measurable returns tied to vital business metrics. In talent Fortunestime.com | 11

12. development, North Star uniquely identifies marketing and communication competencies, deploys assessment tools, and provides change management and coaching for individuals and teams, driving successful talent management capabilities. Mark's consultancy combines insightful strategy, creative storytelling, and metrics-driven communication programming—a distinctive fusion of art and science. This approach, aligned with Mark's vision, seeks to yield innovative business performance in unconventional ways, positioning North Star as a guiding force in the ever-evolving landscape of communication and change management. 2023, North Star conducted groundbreaking research on AI and how communicators are adapting to it. This commitment to pioneering insights will persist, illustrating the consultancy's ability to guide new clients in emerging markets. The mission is to continue illuminating the path forward and demonstrating how North Star can effectively steer organizations through the complexities of change. Illuminating the Path Forward in a World of Change Mark has had the privilege of collaborating with companies worldwide, including those with global operations. The overarching vision for North Star is to persist as a beacon, a guiding force for every organization navigating change. In the ever-evolving landscape of business, change remains the sole constant. Organizations not adept at navigating change are at risk of falling behind, stagnating, or becoming obsolete. Both large and small companies frequently grapple with the challenge of being agile, nimble, and flexible. Many struggle to align heads, hands, and hearts with the imminent or ongoing changes they face. This is where North Star excels. The consultancy is dedicated to developing and delivering strategies that intricately balance the art and science of communication, engaging teams at all levels in the unfolding mission. The key to this lies in staying ahead of the change curve, consistently bringing fresh insights to the industry. In A Perpetual Quest for Learning, Empathy, and Innovation Mark views his journey as a perpetual learning experience, valuing insights from everyone. His innate curiosity drives a quest to understand how things work and why people think the way they do, reflected in his consistent pursuit of deeper insights through questioning. In any career, Mark emphasizes the need to stay updated by not just monitoring competitors but also being receptive to innovations beyond the usual competitive set. 12 | January 2024

13. Maintaining connections with universities and business schools is vital for Mark, recognizing the benefits of understanding ongoing research for his clients. This practice enhances credibility, positioning himself and his firm as innovative entities always striving for the next milestone ahead of the curve. He sits on the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business Communications Leadership Council, and the Forbes Communications council. Insights on the Responsibility of Employers and the Role Mark underlines that the future of work is likely to involve a hybrid solution, combining in-office and remote work for the foreseeable future. While providing flexibility in work options is crucial for retaining talent, it places a significant responsibility on employers to be intentional about cultivating and maintaining organizational culture. Mark places a significant focus on the human side of business, stressing the challenge of teaching empathy. He notes the tendency of emerging leaders to overlook the importance of showing empathy, particularly when demanding much from their organizations. In an era of heightened stress and time constraints for employees, Mark advocates for leaders to lean into the human side of business and change. Effective leadership involves acknowledging, listening, and taking action to demonstrate care. Despite technology's potential to increase social distance, Mark underscores the need for leaders to be intentional in creating and maintaining human connections with their teams. “Mark knows how to provide his client with the correct answer even when his client does not know how to articulate the question,” said Toyota's Nancy Banks. “He is a deep, strategic thinker who understands the value of measurable results vs. volume of activity.” Mark highlights the importance of not leaving organizational culture unattended, especially as new generations of talent enter the workforce. The experiences of new employees, particularly those in hybrid or remote settings, may not naturally reinforce the desired organizational culture. In the absence of direct exposure to the behaviors of others who embody the brand, it becomes challenging for employees to fully comprehend or support the established "way we do things.” To address this challenge, Mark suggests that employers must double down on reinforcing their culture to instill the desired behaviors, such as collaboration and innovation. He acknowledges that significant ideas often Fortunestime.com | 13

14. emerge through the collaboration of individuals working together, emphasizing the need for intentionality in fostering such collaboration. This intentional approach to reinforcing culture and encouraging collaborative behaviors is a core aspect of what North Star specializes in. Tod MacKenzie, former Chief Corporate Affairs officer for companies that include Aramark, PepsiCo and Dine Brands, said,“Mark is an exceptional strategic partner and counselor across the entire communications spectrum and diverse industries globally. His deep expertise in change management is unmatched, and his grasp of employee messaging and engagement is second to none, including developing and grooming highly qualified talent. Mark's visionary leadership is grounded in careful analysis and insights, pragmatic strategy, thoughtful discipline, and practical application of critical competencies to deliver maximum impact. Simply stated, it does not get any better than Mark Dollins and North Star.” Triumphs Beyond the Boardroom Mark's involvement as a youth wrestling coach and his impressive achievement as a 4-time national USA Wrestling National Masters champion, including winning the title in 2023, adds a distinctive and noteworthy dimension to his profile. Moreover, his Silver certification as a USA Wrestling Coach, the second-highest level of certification, reflects a deep commitment to the discipline and the sport. Wrestling has served as a guiding force for Mark, offering valuable lessons in agility, constant learning, and the importance of trying different 14 | January 2024

15. Mark recognizes the dynamic nature of skills, urging professionals to stay on the leading edge. What's expert today may be average soon, emphasizing the importance of proactive skill development. Waiting for feedback isn't advised; instead, taking the initiative ensures relevance and success in the evolving communication and marketing landscape. approaches. Engaging with youth athletes has provided a unique perspective, fostering adaptability and a continual pursuit of improvement. This experience in the world of wrestling not only showcases Mark's dedication to personal growth but also underscores his ability to transfer these principles to other aspects of his life and career. Career Wisdom from Mark Landscape of AI in Marketing and Communications Mark advises those starting their careers to proactively own their development. While organizations often provide leadership training, function-specific skills may lack internal development opportunities. He emphasizes the value of cultivating a "hip-pocket skill," excelling uniquely, and continuously investing in it, echoing advice he received from a CEO. Mark acknowledges AI's transformative impact in marketing and communications, presenting both opportunities and ethical challenges. He urges communicators to proactively engage with AI, providing crucial perspectives on its potential effects. Waiting for guidance from outside or other internal functions may limit AI's full potential in communications, so he emphasizes the need for collaboration among key functions to ethically implement AI. Mark also notes a trend in prioritizing communication with front-line employees, stressing the importance of understanding their unique needs for effective engagement. He underscores staying ahead in the field by observing trends and embracing innovations, emphasizing the value of continual learning and proactive thinking for lasting success in marketing and communications. In communication and marketing, Mark stresses the need for ongoing self-assessment to deepen, broaden, and integrate technical competencies. His practice involves identifying and articulating current and emerging skills, outlining progression, and establishing talent assessment methods. Fortunestime.com | 15

18. Alice Weigthman 18 | January 2024

19. As a full-time mother, Alice Weigthman is the CEO and founder of The Work Crowd. She started her own executive search company because she noticed problems everywhere. Alice was aware of numerous intelligent, gifted women who desired to continue their careers but were unwilling to put their families at risk. Her clients, who were all in the marketing and communications industries, were having trouble getting the talent they required at the same time. Additionally, they were concerned about losing the powerful women in their industries. Alice made the decision that it was time for work to improve at that point. Thus, Alice established The Work Crowd, a global marketplace that would assist individuals in finding employment that suits them and match companies with talent. Currently, the idea is a reality. Alice says, "And although we may have begun in the UK, our goals are now focused on improving work everywhere." “As a matter of fact, about 25% of our members are currently located in Europe and the Middle East, and the number is growing daily. It is our belief that excellent work comes from doing it, not from where you do it. We don't appear to be alone in that.” Fortunestime.com | 19

20. About The Work Crowd The Work Crowd is an interactive marketplace that connects companies with a worldwide network of knowledgeable advisors, mentors, and independent contractors. It brings together one of the largest communities of pre-screened, on-demand talent in the industry, powered by human intelligence and cutting-edge technology. This platform, which has won multiple awards, encourages growth via teamwork and provides services that can jumpstart projects and improve teamwork, leadership, and critical skills. The Work Crowd offers businesses access to competent workers across several sectors for important roles that generate revenue, reputation, and risk management. The company prides itself on its unique blend of international talent from the UK, USA, Europe, and the Middle East. The Work Crowd's skill has been used to generate thought leadership content, build agile marketing functions, obtain coverage in local and international press, and drive sustainability programs. Leading organizations, brands, and government departments trust The Work Crowd. 20 | January 2024

22. Blended Learning; Combining Traditional and Online Teaching Methods 22 | January 2024

23. As a result of the fast-changing landscape, training and educational approaches should involve the best of the two worlds – the benefits of conventional educational environments and the benefits of the world of online learning. It gives rise to the idea of blended learning, which is a mix framework that combines conventional and online learning methods. of corporate education and achieve better levels of employee engagement. What is changing? books, and so on, thanks to the customized learning program. Learners may enjoy the benefits of traditional instruction as well as the adaptability of e-learning with such an approach. Learners who’re interesting to distance learning need to adapt to the way of delivery, which usually demands more reading and writing than face-to-face courses. Learners additionally need effective time management skills since remote education requires them to combine online and in-person course activities with outside commitments. Because students have limited access to the knowledge offered by the lecturer, classroom instruction can sometimes be rote learning. Meanwhile, with blended learning, teachers may engage students by assigning tasks that require them to go outside the boundaries of the classroom and learn by doing. This also increases their research abilities and capacity to find the materials they require to achieve their objectives. Future Aspects Many primary and secondary schools currently offer online access to classrooms in an effort to maintain instruction and avoid the academic year from being lost. However, since many students and families have no access to devices as well as the the web, blended learning is the ideal approach for ensuring everyone’s right to an education. Conversation between people is unable to removed through advances in technology. In order to understand online lectures, learners require fundamental advice, setting, and guidance, which only a real teacher can supply. Since access to educational material on device is beneficial, led by instructors’ collaboration in the limits of a physical classroom needs to combine various abilities and assure team learning for best results. Many schools are trying to use online resources to provide instruction on real-life tasks that students may complete at home, as part of their routine. Long theory lessons, which are impossible for primary school students who’s focus is hard to keep for a long period of time, are therefore avoided, in favor of experimentation-based exercises. This kind of learning combines personal interaction with extensive use of eLearning materials. The use of blended learning helps learners to direct their own learning experience by utilizing interesting, contextual, and relevant online learning materials. Also, it combines the function of an instructor for human connection, brainstorming, team learning, and so on. If the curriculum is delivered online or in person, an educator’s main duty is that of a learning facilitator. Although the educator builds the blended learning environment, learners use technology through its delivery, accessibility, movement, material, and exercises. Companies are rapidly recognizing that blended learning, or a combination between traditional and virtual learning, is the best way ahead. Since distance education allows learners to study at their own rate, whenever and wherever they want, as well as hone their abilities through exercises and gaming, mentoring and mentoring programs in traditional classroom settings provide much-needed human interaction and more possibilities to interact and thinking with both teach and others when working toward a common goal. Implementing Blended Learning Effectively Defining Blended Learning A combination of offline and online training methods gives learners the best of both worlds. Similar to a single- method strategy, blended learning is more able to adapt. It caters to all types of learners, no matter if they prefer the traditional classroom, online sessions, or a combination of both, ensuring that no student falls behind. Pairing classroom instruction with distance learning programs provides a unique chance to tailor training to users’ specific abilities and expertise levels. Businesses may use blended learning to sets up many channels that change to each employee’s style of learning and needs. Whichever are someone’s preferences for learning and objectives, details about specific training courses can be given in a variety of forms. While education authorities argue what to do if the isolation suggestions are upheld, each school seeks a solution and rushes to convert its lessons to the digital format. With a variety of training modalities such as multimedia content, talks, guidance from instructors, class seminars, real-life projects, and so on, the correct blended learning model may help businesses break the pattern Learners may obtain knowledge through online resources, webinars, Fortunestime.com | 24

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25. Jen Berson President & Founder of JENERATION PR, LLC Jennifer Berson is the President and Founder of Jeneration Academy, an online learning platform for entrepreneurs that offers resources, courses, and the Jeneration Insiders Facebook community. Jeneration PR is a Public Relations and Social Media Marketing firm that specializes in promoting beauty, baby, and lifestyle brands. Before Jen started Jeneration PR in 2005, she practiced civil litigation law in Los Angeles. In addition to being covered on Apple.com, Jen has appeared in the New York Times, Forbes, Inc., Business Insider, Yahoo!, Entrepreneur Magazine, PR Week, Huffington Post, Fox 11 News, TV Guide Network's "Hollywood 411," and PR Web. Additionally, Babble.com named Jen one of the ten "Mompreneurs Who Made it Big!” The New York Times, Forbes, Inc.com, Business Insider, Yahoo! Finance, Entrepreneur Magazine, Huffington Post, Mind Your Business Podcast with James Wedmore, Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield, and EOFire have all highlighted Jen's public relations prowess, entrepreneurial acumen, and distinctive approach to business- building. The mother of two boys was chosen by Babble.com to be one of the 10 "Mompreneurs Who Made it Big!" and was featured on Apple.com as a "entrepreneur on the go" who uses Apple devices to run her business. She resides in Los Angeles together with her two young boys and husband Kevin, who is also an entrepreneur (I'm sure you can image their dinner chats!). Fortunestime.com | 25

26. About Jeneration PR Jeneration PR is a creative small- scale PR, marketing, and social media firm that specializes in children's, beauty, and lifestyle products. Its professionals are hardworking, enthusiastic, proficient, and entertaining communicators. Beyond the typical agency position, it wants to provide its clients focused tactics that yield quantifiable outcomes. from customers, raises brand awareness, and boosts revenue. A wide range of public relations and communications services are offered by Jeneration PR, including cause marketing, event management, celebrity seeding, social media strategy and execution, traditional and digital media relations, and more. Since its founding in 2005, Jeneration PR has worked to grow with its clients' brands, assisting in the integration of marketing and sales objectives into a well-thought- out public relations and social media strategy that boosts demand 26 | January 2024

28. Katherine Long 28 | January 2024

29. About Margulies Communications Group Public Relations Director at Margulies Communications Group Since 1986, the MCG team has provided creative ideas and wise counsel to some of the most prosperous businesses in the world, helping them expand and safeguard their brands. Fortune 500 companies, emergent growth businesses, trade associations, law firms, non-profits, professions, and state and local governments have all benefited from the firm's strategic PR advice. To provide outcomes for its clients, it makes use of tried- and-true best practices in social media, crisis management, and media relations. Since 2010, Katherine Long has worked with Margulies Communications Group as the director of public relations. She has experience working with customers in a range of US media sectors and industries. Her areas of competence are crisis management, content creation, media relations, and project and event planning for our customers. Her diligence, organization, and upbeat demeanor are strengths for any endeavor. Katherine graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor's degree and the University of Dallas with an MBA. Save Your Business, Save Your Job: Crisis Management in the Internet Age was written by the company's President and CEO, David Margulies. He was once a longstanding TV journalist and is often quoted in print and on network television. David is a national speaker on media relations, internet and social media effect, and crisis prevention and management. Never Say "No Comment" and Media Savvy Litigation in the Social Media Age are two of his lectures. Katherine has experience working with customers in a range of US media sectors and industries. Her diligence, organization, and upbeat demeanor are strengths for any endeavor. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications from Texas A&M and an MBA from the University of Dallas. Public relations, crisis management and prevention, crisis communication plans, special events, litigation support, community philanthropic initiatives, video production, cause marketing, branding, social media, and government and media relations are among the areas of expertise for the MCG team. Fortunestime.com | 29

30. In this digital age, the conventional idea of commerce has found its way through e-commerce. And, while the retail sector experiences a record amount of innovation, e- commerce is on the increase. Regular Security Audits and Updates E-commerce security is a collection of procedures that enable secure e- commerce transactions, safeguarding consumers’ and businesses’ data from dangers such as phishing attempts, hacking, credit card fraud, data mistakes, or unsecured internet services. Failure to offer a safe atmosphere can not only reduce an e- commerce store’s income, but will also cause its consumers to lose faith. Online merchants can help protect themselves toward fraudulent purchases by keeping an eye on their stores for unusual behaviour. Accounts and transactions can be monitored for red flags such as incorrect billing and shipping information and the customer’s actual location. Also, retailers can utilize software tools that track consumer IP numbers and inform them if the addresses reflect nations with a high fraud rate. As a result, frequent surveillance of sites may However, the development of e- commerce as a whole and possibilities it brings with it comes with a significant duty for online shop owners: putting up safety measures and securing important client data to protect both themselves and their consumers. This implies that e-commerce security is a major priority for all online retailers. 30 | January 2024

31. E-commerce Security by Protecting Customer Data and Preventing Fraud assist organizations in protecting themselves against potentially suspicious behaviour that could lead to measurable frauds in the future. customers feel more at ease and trusting while making purchases. Privacy Protection Fraud Detection and Prevention Systems Whichever techniques and processes you devise, the most essential thing is that the rules be followed. And it all starts with the person in charge of the e-commerce platform. To error is human, so having a robust tool to assist you maintain your platform secure is essential. Many systems ensure that all sensitive data is kept in an encryption hardware service, that all ports are automatically closed, that security fixes and firewalls are immediately implemented to all computers, and that users can create SSL certificates with a single click. All of this while automatic monitoring is in place. Having so many things to do, it may be challenging to manage use to each of your tools and ensure safe deployments, which is where tools come in. According to statistics, the level of E-commerce fraud is considerable. According to Cybersource, corporations would lose 2.9% of worldwide income to fraud in 2022. Companies lost 3.6% of their worldwide sales in 2021, thus this is an improvement. Things are improving since the market is expanding and modern solutions to this problem are developing. According to 360iResearch, the worldwide eCommerce fraud detection and prevention industry is valued $47.93 billion. In 2023, the market is expected to be worth $47.93 billion. According to a 20.35% CAGR, the industry might be valued $102.28 billion by 2030. What Lies Ahead? Crowe UK and the Centre for Counter Fraud Studies (CCFS) developed Europe’s largest comprehensive database of fraud information, comprising data from over 1,300 businesses from nearly every economic sector. According to the surveys, 21% of customers are concerned that their credit card information would be stolen, and 19% are concerned that their sensitive information will be exploited. People reported experiencing illegal or suspicious behavior over the Internet at a higher rate than through mobile spam calls (18%), door-to-door sales (13%), postal mail (12%), or businesses (5%). The global number of ecommerce enterprises is increasing. Because of the current COVID-19 epidemic, the amount of online sales and transactions is particularly high. This development, however, has resulted in an increase in fraudulent operations. As a result, internet firms must employ fraud detection and avoidance software. They should use algorithms based on machine learning that can learn, adapt, and improve over time. Such technologies may detect new fraudulent patterns without the need for human interaction. Also, in order to make their company more safe and dependable for clients, online businesses should follow common security policies and PCI requirements. According to reports and user surveys, E-commerce enterprises should be aware of the possible hazards of fraud, as well as the tools and solutions to counteract them, so that Fortunestime.com | 31

32. Keith Keith Nealon Nealon 32 | January 2024

33. Chief Executive Officer at Bazaarvoice Keith Nealon is an accomplished entrepreneur with more than two decades of expertise propelling growth in international technology organizations. He has excelled in management, sales, marketing, services, and technology roles. Before coming to Bazaarvoice, he was the Chairman and CEO of Vyze, a well-known financial technology platform that allowed customers to finance purchases in- store and at the point of sale, increasing sales and customer loyalty for retailers. In April 2019, Mastercard purchased Vyze. Before then, he was in executive positions at a number of public and private software firms, such as Conductor, Eloqua, ShoreTel, Adaptive Insights, and NaviSite. Apart from his position at Bazaarvoice, Keith is a member of several software businesses' advisory boards. Keith graduated from Trinity College, University of Dublin, with a double major in math and computer science. About Bazaarvoice Thousands of the biggest brands and merchants in the world rely on Bazaarvoice's technology, services, and experience to increase sales, broaden their customer base, obtain useful insights, and cultivate devoted supporters. Bazaarvoice offers brands and retailers the resources they need to build smarter shopper experiences across the full customer journey with its broad global retail, social, and search syndication network, product-passionate community, and enterprise- level technology. technology. On the 12,000+ brand and retail websites in our network, over a billion consumers read and share real user-generated content every month, which ranges from reviews and ratings to carefully chosen social media photographs and more. Bazaarvoice is here to be a true strategic partner for clients' businesses, whether that means growing worldwide multichannel strategy or launching customer- generated content programs from the ground up. With the help of Bazaarvoice, the brand offers its consumers smarter purchasing experiences while also expanding its clientele. Bazaarvoice was established in 2005 and has locations around North America, Europe, and Australia in addition to its headquarters in Austin, Texas. With offices all around the world, Bazaarvoice connects thousands of brands and merchants to their consumers' voices by putting people first and utilizing cutting edge Fortunestime.com | 33

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37. Patrice Tartt Patrice Tartt is a bestselling author, speaker, entrepreneur, and the Dream Big Writing Coach® in addition to serving as Editor-in-Chief of MillBuzz.com. In order to deal with her dad's demise and the problems that followed, Patrice began writing. On the day of his funeral, she declared she was going to write a book while standing outside his house, hurt, angry, and perplexed. Network Journal. In addition, she has written for Curly Nikki, MadameNoire, ESSENCE, Black Enterprise, Sheen, HuffPost, and EverythingGirlsLove. She likes to travel, go shopping, and spend time with her son when she has free time. In addition, Patrice belongs to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Follow Patrice @PatriceTartt on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to stay in touch. Before Patrice's father passed away, she had never written anything. In high school, she would write in her English class, but she never gave other writing—especially creative writing—any thought. She tells about Mr. Farley from Advanced Placement English in high school, who would use his red ink pen to bleed all over her papers every week. Since then, Patrice has advanced significantly. Nevertheless, she let the anguish of losing her father drive her to achieve her goals of becoming a best-selling author and contributing writer for major US magazines, including Everything Girls Love, Black Enterprise, HuffPost, MadameNoire, Sheen Magazine, and Curly Nikki. In addition, Patrice has submitted pitches to be published in magazines like Publishers Weekly, ESSENCE, Inc., Black Enterprise, and more! Patrice originally turned to writing as a form of therapy in order to deal with her father's passing. This greatly aided her in creating her first book, Wounds of Deception. Following her writing and self-publication, Patrice made the decision to broaden her writing abilities and begin contributing to national media outlets on a worldwide scale. Based in the Washington, D.C. metro area, Patrice has been featured and mentioned in publications such as Publishers Weekly, She Knows, Inc., Everything Girls Love, ESSENCE, BET, Houston Defender, and The Fortunestime.com | 37

38. Founder & Managing Director Public Address The CEO and founder of Public Address, Shane Allison, is a skilled speaker who has held positions on the board as Honorary Treasurer and NSW President in the past. Communicators all around Australia utilize Public Address, his company, for their all- inclusive media relationship management software. public policy and communications, with a focus on assisting executive teams in handling reputational crises. Over his career, Shane has received recognition for his contributions to the industry as the Mumbrella CommsCon PR Professional of the Year and the Mumbrella Next Award PR Talent. While attending MGSM, Shane was also named one of the AFR's Top 100 Future Leaders. Shane was the Director of Client Services at Sefiani Communications before, where he oversaw teams that provided advise on 38 | January 2024

39. Shane Allison Shane Allison About Public Relations Institute of Australia The national trade association for communication and public relations specialists in Australia is called the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA). PRIA is a national organization that represents practitioners and consultants and offers them recognition and professional support. These consist of a minimum of three years of full-time practice or a minimum of five years of full-time experience, along with a postsecondary degree that has been accredited by PRIA. Every member must personally and in writing swear to uphold our strict code of ethics. An further code of practice pertaining to client relations, fees, income, and general practice also binds consulting members. The principal of the public relations firm must be a full professional member of PRIA in order to be qualified for Registered Consultancy status. PRIA's mission has been to advance the profession and its standing in the larger community since 1949. PRIA represents public relations professionals in the best interests of the industry and upholds the strictest ethical standards. Members of PRIA come from corporate, governmental, and community practice as well as in-house and agency settings. A person must fulfill certain requirements in order to be eligible for full professional membership. Fortunestime.com | 39

40. FORTUNES TIME