VVK’s May Newsletter | Why We Sometimes Say “No” in New Business
Over a 30-year career in public relations and marketing consulting, I’ve had my hand in more new business opportunities and written more proposals than I could ever count. However, joining VVK in early 2025 provided a fresh lens. Now more focused on business development, I’ve come to learn that some of the proposals I’d worked […]
VVK Podcast | Teaching People to Think, Not Just Work
At a time when higher education is increasingly focused on job training, what are we losing? In this conversation, Craig Fahle sits down with Roosevelt Montas and Rishi Jaitly to explore the enduring value of a liberal education—and why it may matter more than ever in the age of AI. They discuss what it means […]
AI Without the BS: The Hidden Cost of “Cheaper” Content
A lot of firms are looking at AI right now and are thinking the same things: Faster turnaround.Lower production costs.More content for less money. On paper, it looks like a win-win. And to be fair—there is a great opportunity for genuine efficiencies. But there’s a part of this conversation that’s getting skipped. Where the “Cost […]
VVK’s April Newsletter | Elevating Agency Work and the Clients We Serve
During introductory meetings, I often say, “I’ve been doing this work for over 30 years, but joining VVK slightly after its inception four years ago was my first experience on the agency side of the communications relationship.” My career has taken me through corporate communications, nonprofit leadership, and complex organizational change, yet stepping into agency […]
VVK Podcast | Attention Spans, Algorithms, and the Future of News
Local news fuels nearly every conversation we have, from politics to schools to the stories we share at work, yet the system that produces it is under real strain. In this episode, we sit down with Katy Locker of Bridge Michigan and BridgeDetroit, Annalise Frank of Axios Detroit, and Zoe Clark of Michigan Public to […]
VVK’s March Newsletter | Time Flies When You’re Having Fun
One year ago, VVK made a monumental decision—one that would shape the future of our agency and expand the impact we deliver for clients across the country: We acquired Stern Strategy Group’s PR division. But the heart of that decision wasn’t rooted in spreadsheets or valuations; it was grounded in something far more enduring: people over […]
What if the Mascot didn’t Show up for a Sponsorship… but Showed up for Work Instead?
There’s a template for sports sponsorships. You’ve probably seen this a thousand times – a suit standing next to a mascot, sport-related puns flying everywhere, everyone trying very hard to look like this is fun. It’s familiar. It’s safe. It’s also totally forgettable and, depending on what side of the monitor you’re on, totally embarrassing. […]
Using Mindset Mapping to Restore Trust and Optimism in Higher Ed
Data Proves the Value, but Emotion Restores the Belief For years, higher education has relied on the logic of prestige – rankings, endowment growth, and impressive research outputs. But as we navigate 2026, logic alone isn’t enough to bridge the growing divide between academia and the public. With the demographic cliff shrinking the pool of […]
How Thinking in Headlines Evolves Your Media Strategy
Your organization likely has an interesting story to tell. But the media may not easily see it. When trying to get your company’s name and leaders more visibility through the press, it’s important to think not as yourself – someone with a stake in what you have to say – but instead as a neutral […]
How Nonprofits Can Build Authentic Connection in 2026
Data tells us what is happening, but emotion tells us why it matters. For years, the non-profit sector has leaned heavily on the “logic of impact” – charts showing lives touched, dollars raised and programs launched. But as we move into 2026, logic alone isn’t enough. To truly resonate, messaging must move beyond the spreadsheet […]