WPNT has helped its varied clients seize vital business opportunities and weather potential adversity through effective communications training. During the quarter we trained clients in the U.S. and Europe in a variety of formats, from one-on-one sessions with senior executives to workshops with large groups. Below are some highlights:
- The management committee of one of Europe's largest gas trading companies participated in WPNT's Executive Speaker Training. The training, conducted in two languages, helped executives present the company and address issues to local, financial, political and NGO audiences.
- Toward the end of the quarter WPNT traveled to Munich and Brussels to provide training to two separate European clients. The training was attended by EMEA managers and executive and included Executive Speech Coaching, Basic and Advanced Media Training, and Crisis Communications.
- WPNT also partners with other specialized training firms as clients demand. WPNT partnered with Pur*Sue, an executive presence firm to provide Etiquette Training for a Midwest-headquartered, worldwide equipment maker. The firm's top 75 leaders from the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia participated in a reception and sit down dinner to receive counsel on the finer points of international dining etiquette.
- Climate change, immigration, human sexuality and the Middle East conflict were some of the topics addressed at WPNT's Media & Issues Management Training for leadership of a worldwide Protestant denomination church. Newly elected bishops, disaster relief and public policy staff members from the 4.6 million member church participated in the day long program near Chicago.
- For the third consecutive year, MBA candidates from Harvard, Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago and Haas School of Business at the University of California at Berkeley underwent WPNT Executive Media Training as part of their on-boarding experience at this international science & technology company in the Great Lakes region. The MBAs have been tasked with three-month projects to uncover business opportunities for their sponsors. They are being prepped by WPNT throughout the summer to present their findings to leadership.
- One of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world called on WPNT to coach its team of global asset leaders in a Leadership Development program to sharpen their ability to communicate strategically with key stakeholder audiences in a variety of situations. Alison Gregory Pope and Scott Pope kicked off the 6 month program in New York City in early June.
- Patients who are living with HIV are some of the most powerful speakers and important advocates for newly diagnosed patients. WPNT provided a full-day Presentation training program in early May in San Francisco for a team of HIV Patient Speakers who conduct programs on behalf of a leading biotech company.
- A leader in windows and doors, Pella Corporation continues its sound business practice of revising and drilling its Crisis Communication Plan. During a two-day Media & Crisis Communication session, participants learned how new media impacts crisis communication strategy and diligence. The program, led by Wixted and Thompson, culminated with a crisis communication exercise.
- Against the backdrop of an expanding nuclear industry, several leading plants are calling on our Nuclear Training Team to prep and train their emergency teams. Participating in drills, evaluated exercises, and full-day Crisis Boot Camps in Illinois, Washington, and Iowa are helping to ensure communication excellence in the face of operational challenges.
- Empathy and relevance are two words important to all audiences. They are also the cornerstone of the Presentation Programs conducted on behalf of a leading health organization based in Alaska. During the on-camera sessions, participants learned how to use the 90-second Opening Statement, how to increase their energy, and the art of Q & A.
- Research analysts and statisticians of this worldwide, post secondary education provider participated in a WPNT Executive Presentation Training program. The analysts are improving their skills in anticipation of on-going presentations to senior leadership. The company enrolls more than 100,000 students both at its 90 physical and on-line campuses around the globe. The program was conducted near Chicago.
- In preparation for an industry symposium, WPNT assisted a Fortune 500 client with Executive Media Training. The interview was aired on the web for an automotive aftermarket publication. For the same client, WPNT provided media relations and placement support during a military job recruitment fair in Houston. A well-known racing figure, who represents the company was on hand to talk about franchise opportunities.
- As an executive in residence at Northwestern University, Stephanie Nora White lectured to graduate students of the Integrated Marketing Communications program. The module focused on the importance of identifying business goals and audience analysis as a starting point for any presentation or meeting. Students are a developing a major project to be delivered to leadership of a worldwide relief agency.
- In late May, WPNT principals Ray Thompson and Eileen Wixted provided a two-day, intensive Crisis Communications Training to eight executives of a major building supplies manufacturer in the Midwest. The training included simulated radio, television, print and social media interviews and a customized, tabletop scenario. Effective communications in a crisis can reduce losses and accelerate business recovery.
- A large energy utility looking to improve its employees' presentation skills enrolled 11 senior employees in WPNT's Executive Presentation Skills training program. The training enhanced their public speaking and PowerPoint presentation skills with key customers, employees and senior management.
- Members of a Society of Association Executives participated in an Effective Communications training course at a recent meeting in Des Moines conducted by WPNT's Alison Gregory Pope and Scott Pope. Participants learned the keys to engaging audiences early and often. They practiced and received coaching on those techniques during the session.
- WPNT's Alison Gregory Pope worked one-on-one with a senior executive of a leading pharmaceutical/biotech company to prepare for an important investor conference in Chicago. Alison provided coaching on the Corporate Presentation as well as Q&A preparation.
- Up and coming Leaders of a State Trucking Association participated in a day long program on strategic communication and presentation training in Des Moines in April. The training focused on their role as spokespersons for their companies as well as the trucking industry.
- Medical Scientists who represent and support treatments for heart disease and infectious disease participated in two programs conducted by WPNT during a recent meeting in San Francisco. A Moderator Skills program focused on facilitating important Advisory Board meetings and a Presentation Skills program focused on delivery of data presentations to key physicians and their staff.
- A leading Midwest health care insurer tapped Eileen Wixted and Jim Hibbs to provide Communication Training for their top 200 leaders. The changing regulatory and competitive landscape means leaders must be able to articulate the company's position and advantage. Participants gained insight into the editorial process and how social media has changed how the media work.
- A world leader in mining called upon Eileen Wixted to enhance communication skills of some of its top performers. The skill-building program focused on sharing unwelcome information to internal and external audiences. Multiple on-camera exercises were utilized to help participants develop, hone, and refine their skills.
- Following a major restructuring and in preparation for a company speech, the vice president of sales for this diversified healthcare company participated in a private, Executive Communications Coaching program conducted outside Chicago.
- The subsidiary of a major energy company contracted WPNT to give Advanced Media Training to four upper-level executives prior to the rollout of a major media story. WPNT's advanced program teaches best practices when addressing a skeptical press.
- Three upper-level managers for a large chemical company attended a combined Executive Communications Coaching and Advanced Media Training course. The program was specially designed to prepare the client for press and media interviews to be done at an international tradeshow. WPNT can help maximize your tradeshow participation.
- WPNT provided Executive Presentation Skills training to more than 60 employees of a large engineering and construction firm to help prepare for a proposal submission on a $1.6 billion dollar project. Polished presentation skills can help win contracts and bids.