Stephen Waddington
@wadds.bsky.social
Dad to five incredible humans. Husband. Professional advisor, Wadds Inc. Founder, Socially Mobile. PhD student and author. Allotment dweller.
Reposted by Stephen Waddington
Team vibes 💯 this week. And if you’re looking for a career start in a place like this (I sit on the left close to coffee) then check out the battenhall Instagram as we have two internships up for grabs. See you this summer 😎☀️🌞
April 25, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Team vibes 💯 this week. And if you’re looking for a career start in a place like this (I sit on the left close to coffee) then check out the battenhall Instagram as we have two internships up for grabs. See you this summer 😎☀️🌞
A brilliant data led myth busting report about the contribution of the indie creative agency sector to the U.K. economy. 99% of agencies are indie, half are outside London, yet it’s the 1% in London, owned by holding companies that define the sector.
open.substack.com/pub/wadds/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/wadds/p/...
✅ How independent agencies define the UK's creative economy
The UK independent agency sector contributes £26.7 billion to the economy. It’s time we gave it the recognition it deserves.
open.substack.com
April 17, 2025 at 7:17 AM
A brilliant data led myth busting report about the contribution of the indie creative agency sector to the U.K. economy. 99% of agencies are indie, half are outside London, yet it’s the 1% in London, owned by holding companies that define the sector.
open.substack.com/pub/wadds/p/...
open.substack.com/pub/wadds/p/...
Reposted by Stephen Waddington
Things I would not have believed possible 6 months ago: the United States is losing a global public relations war to China. Because the world views China as a more trustworthy trading partner.
April 14, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Things I would not have believed possible 6 months ago: the United States is losing a global public relations war to China. Because the world views China as a more trustworthy trading partner.
Channeling my inner Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, heading off on a road trip of the road trip on the Ribble Valley and North Yorkshire. Visiting my Mum, Leeds Business School and a couple of agencies along the way.
April 14, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Channeling my inner Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, heading off on a road trip of the road trip on the Ribble Valley and North Yorkshire. Visiting my Mum, Leeds Business School and a couple of agencies along the way.
In this week's newsletter, The We Show the Salary activist campaign aims to address the inequality that arises in the UK job market from salary secrecy. It's an issue that is acute in the public relations industry.
wadds.substack.com/p/a-call-to-...
wadds.substack.com/p/a-call-to-...
✅ A call to action for employers on pay transparency
The We Show the Salary activist campaign aims to address the inequality that arises from salary secrecy.
wadds.substack.com
April 14, 2025 at 1:22 PM
In this week's newsletter, The We Show the Salary activist campaign aims to address the inequality that arises in the UK job market from salary secrecy. It's an issue that is acute in the public relations industry.
wadds.substack.com/p/a-call-to-...
wadds.substack.com/p/a-call-to-...
Reposted by Stephen Waddington
“You’re bringing a critical perspective. You’re not there to just rubber stamp through [but] to work with your knowledge and critically appraise what’s in front of you.”
@wadds.bsky.social on how to be an effective part of a boardroom in Ep. 19 of our Engage podcast.
Listen now: bit.ly/3FBOKHy
@wadds.bsky.social on how to be an effective part of a boardroom in Ep. 19 of our Engage podcast.
Listen now: bit.ly/3FBOKHy
April 3, 2025 at 11:01 AM
“You’re bringing a critical perspective. You’re not there to just rubber stamp through [but] to work with your knowledge and critically appraise what’s in front of you.”
@wadds.bsky.social on how to be an effective part of a boardroom in Ep. 19 of our Engage podcast.
Listen now: bit.ly/3FBOKHy
@wadds.bsky.social on how to be an effective part of a boardroom in Ep. 19 of our Engage podcast.
Listen now: bit.ly/3FBOKHy
Peripheries in Podcasting by Claudia Sarmento and Plinio Fraga is a powerful case study of what happens when traditional media norms are upended by raw emotion, lived experience and a deep connection with marginalised communities.
✅ How a podcast has disrupted media and influence as a platform for marginalised voices
Podcasting isn’t just disrupting media. It’s redefining who gets to speak, how stories are told and the nature of journalism itself.
wadds.substack.com
March 27, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Peripheries in Podcasting by Claudia Sarmento and Plinio Fraga is a powerful case study of what happens when traditional media norms are upended by raw emotion, lived experience and a deep connection with marginalised communities.
Three stories from this week's newsletter.
- How corporate comms teams are managing the US Federal Government DEI reversal
- AI opyright challenges for creators and publishers
- A Demos report calls on the UK Government to use public relations expertise to achieve its missions
A busy week ahead.
- How corporate comms teams are managing the US Federal Government DEI reversal
- AI opyright challenges for creators and publishers
- A Demos report calls on the UK Government to use public relations expertise to achieve its missions
A busy week ahead.
✅ How corporate comms teams are managing the US Federal Government DEI policy reversal
The issue cuts across the relationship management perspective of government affairs, the media and employee relations
open.substack.com
March 24, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Three stories from this week's newsletter.
- How corporate comms teams are managing the US Federal Government DEI reversal
- AI opyright challenges for creators and publishers
- A Demos report calls on the UK Government to use public relations expertise to achieve its missions
A busy week ahead.
- How corporate comms teams are managing the US Federal Government DEI reversal
- AI opyright challenges for creators and publishers
- A Demos report calls on the UK Government to use public relations expertise to achieve its missions
A busy week ahead.
The corporate communications function faces the task of repositioning company DEI policies while balancing regulatory compliance, stakeholder expectations and organisational values.
How corporate comms teams are managing Federal Government DEI policy reversal — Wadds Inc. | Professional advisor to agencies & comms teams
The corporate communications function faces the task of repositioning company DEI policies while balancing regulatory compliance, stakeholder expectations and organisational values.
wadds.co.uk
March 22, 2025 at 5:06 PM
The corporate communications function faces the task of repositioning company DEI policies while balancing regulatory compliance, stakeholder expectations and organisational values.
A new public relations planning model suggests that there are 14 types of media, organised by message control versus amplification and moderation.
✅ Addressing the limitations of the PESO model
A new public relations planning model suggests that there are 14 types of media, organised by message control versus amplification and moderation
wadds.substack.com
March 20, 2025 at 8:11 AM
A new public relations planning model suggests that there are 14 types of media, organised by message control versus amplification and moderation.
Reposted by Stephen Waddington
CCGroup owners Richard Fogg and Paul Nolan become co-MD of the combined tech agency; the deal trebles the size of Lou Hoffman’s firm in the UK.
The Hoffman Agency Acquires UK Tech Specialist CCGroup
CCGroup owners Richard Fogg and Paul Nolan become co-MD of the combined tech agency; the deal trebles the size of Lou Hoffman’s firm in the UK.
www.provokemedia.com
March 18, 2025 at 7:02 AM
CCGroup owners Richard Fogg and Paul Nolan become co-MD of the combined tech agency; the deal trebles the size of Lou Hoffman’s firm in the UK.
Reposted by Stephen Waddington
Join over 180 other organisations and take part in the biggest UK survey of public sector comms.
For those in council, police, fire, NHS trust, ICB or RSL comms. Please do it NOW survey closing soon. #communications #publicrelations #localgov
www.surveymonkey.com/r/PSC2025Blu...
For those in council, police, fire, NHS trust, ICB or RSL comms. Please do it NOW survey closing soon. #communications #publicrelations #localgov
www.surveymonkey.com/r/PSC2025Blu...
March 16, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Join over 180 other organisations and take part in the biggest UK survey of public sector comms.
For those in council, police, fire, NHS trust, ICB or RSL comms. Please do it NOW survey closing soon. #communications #publicrelations #localgov
www.surveymonkey.com/r/PSC2025Blu...
For those in council, police, fire, NHS trust, ICB or RSL comms. Please do it NOW survey closing soon. #communications #publicrelations #localgov
www.surveymonkey.com/r/PSC2025Blu...
Almost at the end of an eight hour train journey from the Pyrenees to London. Spent the time auditing my literature and reference management. Managed to complete around 50 of 500+ references. No one warns you the PhD process is so mind numbingly tedious and dull.
March 16, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Almost at the end of an eight hour train journey from the Pyrenees to London. Spent the time auditing my literature and reference management. Managed to complete around 50 of 500+ references. No one warns you the PhD process is so mind numbingly tedious and dull.
I’ve read A Philosophy of Walking by Frédéric Gros over the weekend. Aside from the physical and wellbeing benefits of moving in the outdoors and travelling from A to B, walking creates the space to reflect, think and be creative. A pilgrimage for ideas, if you like. amzn.to/3XUBS5z
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amzn.to
March 16, 2025 at 9:36 AM
I’ve read A Philosophy of Walking by Frédéric Gros over the weekend. Aside from the physical and wellbeing benefits of moving in the outdoors and travelling from A to B, walking creates the space to reflect, think and be creative. A pilgrimage for ideas, if you like. amzn.to/3XUBS5z
A slighted protagonist calling for a book to be banned is a brilliant marketing strategy for author and publisher. I’ve ordered Careless People due for delivery 25 March assuming Meta doesn’t manage to get it pulped first. amzn.to/4ixBz8Z
Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism
Buy Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism by Wynn-Williams, Sarah (ISBN: 9781250391230) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.
amzn.to
March 15, 2025 at 8:45 AM
A slighted protagonist calling for a book to be banned is a brilliant marketing strategy for author and publisher. I’ve ordered Careless People due for delivery 25 March assuming Meta doesn’t manage to get it pulped first. amzn.to/4ixBz8Z
Research briefing - A review of studies about AI for PR identifies five challenges and opportunities wadds.substack.com/p/five-emerg...
✅ Five AI themes reshaping the future of public relations practice
A review of studies about AI for PR identifies five challenges and opportunities
wadds.substack.com
March 14, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Research briefing - A review of studies about AI for PR identifies five challenges and opportunities wadds.substack.com/p/five-emerg...
Reposted by Stephen Waddington
The @cipr.co.uk hosted a powerful panel on Missing Women—why so many female PR practitioners leave before reaching senior roles.
Important report by @wadds.bsky.social
🔗
newsroom.cipr.co.uk/new-study-re...
Important report by @wadds.bsky.social
🔗
newsroom.cipr.co.uk/new-study-re...
March 7, 2025 at 11:36 PM
The @cipr.co.uk hosted a powerful panel on Missing Women—why so many female PR practitioners leave before reaching senior roles.
Important report by @wadds.bsky.social
🔗
newsroom.cipr.co.uk/new-study-re...
Important report by @wadds.bsky.social
🔗
newsroom.cipr.co.uk/new-study-re...
This week's research newsletter looks at the conditions that lead to high performance and excellence in public relations and management. It's the root to elevating the corporate communications and public relations function within management.
✅ Creating the conditions for high performance in management and public relations
Corporate communications, public relations, media and management insight
wadds.substack.com
March 7, 2025 at 9:09 AM
This week's research newsletter looks at the conditions that lead to high performance and excellence in public relations and management. It's the root to elevating the corporate communications and public relations function within management.
Reposted by Stephen Waddington
On International Women’s Day #IWD2025 a big shout out to all my talented PR women colleagues and do read about The Missing Women Study led by @wadds.bsky.social and supported by @cipr.co.uk
newsroom.cipr.co.uk/new-study-reve…
newsroom.cipr.co.uk/new-study-reve…
March 7, 2025 at 7:52 AM
On International Women’s Day #IWD2025 a big shout out to all my talented PR women colleagues and do read about The Missing Women Study led by @wadds.bsky.social and supported by @cipr.co.uk
newsroom.cipr.co.uk/new-study-reve…
newsroom.cipr.co.uk/new-study-reve…
Reposted by Stephen Waddington
"This groundbreaking research should be a wake-up call to industry leaders to ask what they are going to do to change the experience of women working in public relations for the better."
@advitapatel.bsky.social on the launch of the new 'Missing Women' study.
Find out more: bit.ly/4hbY9CR
@advitapatel.bsky.social on the launch of the new 'Missing Women' study.
Find out more: bit.ly/4hbY9CR
March 6, 2025 at 12:31 PM
"This groundbreaking research should be a wake-up call to industry leaders to ask what they are going to do to change the experience of women working in public relations for the better."
@advitapatel.bsky.social on the launch of the new 'Missing Women' study.
Find out more: bit.ly/4hbY9CR
@advitapatel.bsky.social on the launch of the new 'Missing Women' study.
Find out more: bit.ly/4hbY9CR
Reposted by Stephen Waddington
"We identified a culture within [public relations] practice that exhausts women through constant pressure to prove their worth, manage impossible expectations and navigate gendered double standards."
@wadds.bsky.social on the launch of the Missing Women Study.
Learn more: bit.ly/4hbY9CR
@wadds.bsky.social on the launch of the Missing Women Study.
Learn more: bit.ly/4hbY9CR
March 5, 2025 at 1:45 PM
"We identified a culture within [public relations] practice that exhausts women through constant pressure to prove their worth, manage impossible expectations and navigate gendered double standards."
@wadds.bsky.social on the launch of the Missing Women Study.
Learn more: bit.ly/4hbY9CR
@wadds.bsky.social on the launch of the Missing Women Study.
Learn more: bit.ly/4hbY9CR
New blog - A new report highlights how political shifts, stakeholder activism and accelerating news cycles are transforming the top management communications role.
wadds.co.uk/blog/how-the...
wadds.co.uk/blog/how-the...
How the CCO has become the most dynamic role within management — Wadds Inc. | Professional advisor to agencies & comms teams
A new report highlights how political shifts, stakeholder activism and accelerating news cycles are transforming the top management communications role.
wadds.co.uk
March 1, 2025 at 9:37 AM
New blog - A new report highlights how political shifts, stakeholder activism and accelerating news cycles are transforming the top management communications role.
wadds.co.uk/blog/how-the...
wadds.co.uk/blog/how-the...
Lovely to be back in the river on such a gorgeous evening
February 25, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Lovely to be back in the river on such a gorgeous evening
Reposted by Stephen Waddington
“Scientists noticed that X stopped being an effective tool for communication soon after the platform was purchased by Elon Musk in 2022. Harassment policies were rolled back, disinformation became more prevalent, and algorithms were manipulated…”
www.dailyuw.com/science/scie...
www.dailyuw.com/science/scie...
Scientists move to Bluesky, transitioning away from X and Meta platforms
A photograph of a short-eared owl mid-flight was the last Instagram post biology professor Carl Bergstrom shared before announcing his departure from the platform Jan. 10.
www.dailyuw.com
February 24, 2025 at 4:05 AM
“Scientists noticed that X stopped being an effective tool for communication soon after the platform was purchased by Elon Musk in 2022. Harassment policies were rolled back, disinformation became more prevalent, and algorithms were manipulated…”
www.dailyuw.com/science/scie...
www.dailyuw.com/science/scie...