Brandinc PR Founder to Moderate Featured Panel at PRSA Women of Impact Summit in Chicago

Brandi Sims will lead a national conversation on leadership in sports and entertainment communications during PRSA’s Women of Impact Summit on Aug. 6.

Brandinc PR is proud to announce that founder and principal publicist Dr. Brandi Sims, MBA, has been selected to moderate a featured panel during the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Women of Impact Summit, taking place Aug. 6 at the historic Union League Club of Chicago.

The featured general session, “Women Calling the Plays: Leading Communications in Sports and Entertainment,”will bring together accomplished communications leaders whose work is shaping some of the world’s most visible brands, organizations and cultural moments.

Hosted by the PRSA Entertainment & Sports Section, the panel will feature:

• Adrienne Allen, Founder, IPY Agency
• Tianna Robinson, Founder & CEO, Intertwined Agency and Founder, AI for PR
• Genna Goldberg Rosenberg, veteran storyteller and advisor at the intersection of toys, licensing and entertainment
• Sarah Schmidt, President, Interdependence

As moderator, Sims will guide a conversation focused on how women leaders navigate high-stakes communications, build influential brands, lead high-performing teams and create lasting impact across the sports and entertainment industries.

Why This Conversation Matters

The communications profession continues to evolve alongside rapidly changing technology, audience expectations and media consumption habits. Organizations today are looking for leaders who can communicate with confidence, adapt to change and build authentic relationships with stakeholders across multiple platforms.

This session will explore the leadership principles that help communications professionals thrive in today’s environment, including:

• Leading through high-pressure and high-visibility moments
• Building brands that earn trust and influence
• Developing resilient communications teams
• Navigating emerging technologies and industry change
• Creating meaningful impact across sports, entertainment and culture

These conversations extend beyond the sports and entertainment industries. The leadership lessons shared during the session offer valuable insights for agency professionals, corporate communicators, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs and students preparing for careers in public relations and strategic communications.

A Milestone for Brandinc PR

Being selected to moderate a featured session at PRSA’s Women of Impact Summit reflects Brandinc PR’s continued commitment to advancing the public relations profession through leadership, education and meaningful industry conversations.

Since founding Brandinc PR, Sims has worked with organizations ranging from startups and nonprofits to national brands, helping clients earn media coverage, strengthen their reputations and communicate with purpose. She has also remained actively involved in PRSA leadership, previously serving as Chair of the PRSA Entertainment & Sports Section and continuing to advocate for professional development opportunities that elevate the communications industry.

“One of the greatest opportunities in our profession is learning from one another,” Sims said. “I’m honored to moderate a conversation featuring accomplished women whose experiences can inspire current and future communications leaders while sharing practical insights that professionals can apply in their own organizations.”

About the PRSA Women of Impact Summit

The PRSA Women of Impact Summit brings together communications professionals from across the country for a day of leadership development, networking and recognition of women making significant contributions to the public relations profession.

The summit highlights leadership, innovation and the evolving role of women across communications disciplines while creating opportunities for professionals to learn from industry experts and build meaningful connections.

Brandinc PR looks forward to participating in this year’s event and sharing key insights following the panel discussion.

About Brandinc PR

Brandinc PR is a strategic public relations agency specializing in media relations, thought leadership and brand visibility. The agency partners with businesses, nonprofits, executives and entrepreneurs to develop communications strategies that build credibility, strengthen reputations and create lasting impact through earned media and strategic storytelling.

From the Ranch to the Newsroom: How Agricultural PR is Changing the Story of American Farming

Podcast: Brandinc PR Podcast | Guest: Carson Horn, APR | Episode Theme: Agricultural Communications, Ethical PR, Niche Industry Storytelling

What Does It Take to Change the Narrative Around American Farming?

For most people, public relations brings to mind celebrity brands, tech startups, or Fortune 500 companies. But what about the farmers, producers, and agricultural businesses that feed the country? Who’s telling their story — and how?

In this episode of the Brandinc PR Podcast, host Dr. Brandi Sims sits down with Carson Horn, APR, VP and Director of Public Relations at The Communications Group in Arkansas, to explore one of the most underrepresented and critically important areas in strategic communications: agricultural PR.

Who Is Carson Horn, APR?

Carson Horn didn’t start in a corner office. He grew up on a cattle ranch and row-crop farm in Yukon, Oklahoma — and that origin story is exactly what makes his work so powerful.

Today, Carson is:

• VP & Director of PR at The Communications Group (Arkansas)
• Creator of the WIN: Women in Industry Podcast, featuring 74+ women in agriculture
• Developer of the PRESS POWER System, an executive media training program
• Author of the nationally recognized Ag Marketing Trends Report (5th edition)
• 2026 PRSA Arkansas Ethics Officer

His approach to communications isn’t about spin — it’s about truth-telling done strategically.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

1. Agricultural PR Is About Value, Not Commodity

One of the biggest shifts in modern ag communications is moving away from commodity messaging — price per bushel, yield per acre — and toward value-driven storytelling that connects consumers with the real people and practices behind their food.

Carson’s Field to Film series for Arkansas soybean producers is a prime example: using farmer and researcher voices to help everyday consumers understand the environmental and economic impact of soybeans in America.

2. Non-Traditional Tactics Can Have Massive Impact

When most PR pros are pitching press releases, Carson was pitching something entirely different: a public art mural to commemorate the Arkansas soybean industry’s centennial. He secured a national grant to make it happen.

The lesson? Sometimes the most powerful story isn’t in a press release. It’s on a wall.

3. Digital-First Is Now the Standard — But Most Ag Communicators Are Still Behind

According to Carson, over 85% of agriculture PR firms have shifted to digital-first approaches, with growing emphasis on authentic, sustainability-focused storytelling that proves environmental stewardship rather than just promising it. The gap between those leading the shift and those still catching up is widening — and it matters.

4. The Biggest Media Training Mistake Executives Make

Carson’s PRESS POWER System was built to fix one of the most common — and costly — errors executives make: losing authenticity the moment a camera turns on. Understanding how to communicate under pressure, with clarity and credibility, is a skill set that separates effective leaders from forgettable ones.

5. Ethical PR Is Non-Negotiable

As PRSA Arkansas’s 2026 Ethics Officer, Carson speaks directly to the growing ethical threats facing the communications industry. In an era of misinformation, AI-generated content, and reputational risk, ethical storytelling isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a competitive advantage.

Why Agricultural PR Matters Now More Than Ever

Consumers are increasingly skeptical about food production, corporate agriculture, and sustainability claims. Meanwhile, farmers and producers are working harder than ever to prove their environmental stewardship and community value.

Strategic agricultural communicators like Carson Horn are at the center of that tension — building bridges between rural producers and urban consumers, and making sure the full, honest story gets told.

For PR Professionals Breaking Into Niche Industries

Whether it’s agriculture, government, B2B, or another specialized sector, Carson’s advice for communicators looking to break into niche storytelling is clear: stop thinking like a generalist. The mindset shift required to succeed in niche PR isn’t about learning industry jargon — it’s about developing genuine respect and curiosity for the people whose stories you’re telling.

Listen to the Full Episode

🎙 Brandinc PR Podcast— From the Ranch to the Newsroom: How Agricultural PR is Changing the Story of American Farming

Available on:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube @BrandincPR

Connect with Carson Horn and The Communications Group, and find the WIN: Women in Industry Podcast wherever you stream.

About the Brandinc PR Podcast

Hosted by Dr. Brandi Sims, Ph.D., MBA — Founder & CEO of Brandinc PR, Forbes contributor, and PRSA Entertainment & Sports Section Chair — the Brandinc PR Podcast delivers bold, strategic conversations for communicators, founders, and brand builders ready to level up their visibility and impact.

New episodes drop weekly. Follow, rate, and review to stay in the loop.

Brandinc PR Secures FOX 7 Austin Interview for ABA Champions the Austin Bats

Brandinc PR secured a featured FOX 7 Austin interview for the Austin Bats celebrating the professional basketball team’s ABA championship victory.

The nearly six-minute interview aired on Good Day Austin and featured Austin Bats Head Coach Rommel Corro in conversation with FOX 7 Austin host Katie Jackson. During the segment, Corro discussed the team’s championship run, its ABA South Region title and what the victory means for Austin’s growing professional basketball community.

Expanding Visibility for the Austin Bats

The FOX 7 Austin interview was secured as part of the Austin Bats’ May–June 2026 public relations campaign with Brandinc PR.

The campaign focused on increasing awareness of the Austin Bats throughout Austin and Central Texas while positioning the organization as an important part of the city’s expanding sports landscape.

This interview gave the team an opportunity to share its championship story directly with local viewers while highlighting its leadership, accomplishments and vision for professional basketball in Austin.

From Local Television to National Digital Distribution

In addition to airing locally on FOX 7 Austin, the interview received expanded digital distribution through FOX and Yahoo.

The additional online pickups extended the life and potential reach of the original television interview, making the Austin Bats’ championship story available to audiences beyond the initial Good Day Austin broadcast.

The coverage can be viewed on:

• FOX 7 Austin
• FOX
• Yahoo

Building Momentum for the Next Season

The FOX 7 Austin feature provides a strong conclusion to the Austin Bats’ initial campaign with Brandinc PR—and a foundation for the organization’s next phase of media visibility.

As the Austin Bats prepare for the upcoming basketball season, Brandinc PR will continue helping the organization transform its accomplishments into stories that strengthen credibility, attract attention and build lasting connections with fans, community partners and potential sponsors.

Who Secured the Austin Bats’ FOX 7 Austin Interview?

Brandinc PR, a public relations agency serving sports, entertainment and lifestyle brands, secured the Austin Bats’ Good Day Austin interview. The segment originally aired through FOX 7 Austin and was subsequently distributed through FOX and Yahoo.

Brandinc PR helps sports organizations, athletes and growing brands earn meaningful media coverage, communicate their value and reach the audiences who matter most.

Looking for a sports PR agency to help tell your organization’s story? Contact Brandinc PR to discuss your next campaign.

Influence Without Infrastructure Is Just Noise: What Executives and PR Pros Need to Know About Building Real Visibility

Quick Answer: According to executive brand strategist Chanel Rae Pettaway, influence built without strategic infrastructure behind it is unsustainable. For founders, executives, and public figures, real visibility is rooted in cultural intelligence, consistent positioning, and brand ecosystems designed for long-term commercial outcomes — not viral moments.

In the latest episode of the Brandinc PR Podcast, host Dr. Brandi Sims sits down with Chanel Rae Pettaway — also known as “The Culture Princess” — Co-Founder of The Legion Media Group, EVP of Executive Brand & Visibility, and one of the most sought-after brand strategists working at the intersection of culture, media, and business.

Chanel has spent over a decade advising C-suite leaders, founders, showrunners, media owners, and public figures including organizations such as WWE, SiriusXM/Pandora, Hot 97, Revolt, Jimmy Jazz, and the NBA. Most recently, she led strategic PR and media execution for Newark, NJ Mayor Ras J. Baraka’s gubernatorial campaign. Her work has been recognized by Black Enterprise, XXL, AllHipHop, Urban Magazine, and the NAACP.

This episode is a masterclass in what it actually means to build influence with intention — and why the executives and founders who will win in 2026 are not the loudest ones. They are the most strategically positioned.

Why Influence Without Infrastructure Fails

In a media landscape where anyone can go viral overnight, the temptation for executives and founders is to chase the moment. But Chanel Rae Pettaway has spent her career building what comes after the moment — and she’s clear on the distinction.

Visibility is not the same as authority. Reach is not the same as revenue. And a viral post without a brand ecosystem behind it is, as Chanel puts it directly: just noise.

In 2026, visibility has become a performance metric — executives, founders, and high-growth brands are now expected not only to build and operate, but to communicate, influence, and lead their markets through narrative. Perception shapes opportunity. Credibility determines access. Authority drives demand. mexc

Chanel’s work at The Legion Media Group is built around exactly this principle: aligning cultural relevance with commercial objectives, and building brand ecosystems that generate measurable business outcomes — not just impressions.

Cultural Intelligence Is Now a Business Strategy

One of the most important frameworks Chanel brings to this episode is the concept of cultural intelligence as a business strategy — not a marketing tactic.

For too long, “culture” has been treated as a soft layer on top of a brand communications plan. Chanel’s approach flips that. For the executives, founders, and public figures she advises, cultural fluency is the foundation — the thing that determines whether a message lands, a partnership converts, or a campaign creates lasting equity.

Industry research supports this: relevance beats reach when culture is the currency. Audiences want leaders who add value, not volume. The leaders who will thrive in 2026 won’t be the loudest — they’ll be the most culturally intelligent, operating with fluency and sensitivity while making business decisions with an understanding that multicultural America is the mainstream. Qwoted

This is the work Chanel does every day. And in this episode, she breaks down how any executive, founder, or PR professional can start applying it.

5 Key Takeaways From This Episode

1. Influence built without infrastructure doesn’t convert. Viral moments fade. Brand ecosystems compound. Chanel explains the difference and how to build the latter.
2. Cultural intelligence is a business discipline. Understanding culture isn’t a creative luxury — it’s how executives stay relevant, build trust, and create commercial outcomes in a fragmented media landscape.
3. Authority and recognition are not the same thing. Being known and being trusted are two different positions. Chanel breaks down how to move from one to the other.
4. Reputational risk management starts before the crisis. For executives operating at a high level of visibility, proactive brand architecture is the best crisis communications strategy.
5. PR professionals need to evolve into brand architects. The communicators who will be most valuable in 2026 are those who understand executive brand strategy, not just media relations.

What This Means for PR and Communications Professionals

This episode is essential listening not just for executives and founders — but for the PR professionals and communications strategists who advise them.

Research shows that executives with strong personal brands close deals 60% faster, attract three times more qualified candidates, and create measurable business value averaging $2–5 million annually through enhanced credibility, network access, and market positioning. As a communications professional, understanding how to build and protect that value is one of the most powerful services you can offer. Envisionit

Chanel’s career — spanning entertainment, fashion, technology, government, and media — is a masterclass in how to translate cultural relevance into commercial strategy across industries. The frameworks she shares in this episode apply whether you’re advising a Fortune 500 executive, a founder-led startup, or a public figure navigating a brand pivot.

About Chanel Rae Pettaway

Chanel Rae Pettaway is Co-Founder of The Legion Media Group, a New York City-based PR and brand strategy firm, and EVP of Executive Brand & Visibility. She has advised senior leaders across music, media, fashion, technology, entertainment, and government — including organizations such as WWE, SiriusXM/Pandora, Hot 97, Revolt, Jimmy Jazz, and the NBA. She is a contributor to Mirren, co-host of Our First Time: A MommyCast, and has been recognized by Black Enterprise, XXL, AllHipHop, Urban Magazine, and the NAACP.

Listen to the Full Episode

🎙️ https://open.spotify.com/show/5jpQvtyiJm1vqbfGtAgau6?si=8Gp6r4YgSam0H0SDzL11Rw

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Search Brandinc PR Podcast wherever you listen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is executive brand strategy and why does it matter in 2026? Executive brand strategy is the deliberate process of positioning a leader’s identity, expertise, and public presence to support both personal and business objectives. In 2026, it matters because digital-first impressions, AI-driven discovery, and cultural fragmentation mean that leaders who don’t actively shape their narrative risk having it shaped for them.

What is the difference between personal branding and executive brand strategy? Personal branding typically focuses on an individual’s content, social presence, and online visibility. Executive brand strategy goes deeper — it encompasses brand architecture, reputation management, cultural positioning, revenue strategy, and long-term brand ecosystem development designed to drive commercial outcomes.

How do executives build influence before they go viral? According to Chanel Rae Pettaway, building influence before a viral moment requires establishing clear brand identity, consistent cultural positioning, strategic media relationships, and a brand ecosystem that can absorb and convert attention when it arrives. Influence built on infrastructure compounds over time. Influence built on a single moment fades.

What is cultural intelligence in brand strategy? Cultural intelligence in brand strategy is the ability to understand, navigate, and leverage cultural dynamics to position a brand or leader in ways that resonate authentically with target audiences. It goes beyond demographic targeting to include a deep understanding of values, community, narrative, and how culture shapes consumer behavior and media reception.

What should PR professionals know about executive visibility strategy? PR professionals advising executives in 2026 need to understand that visibility strategy is not just about media placement. It encompasses brand architecture, narrative consistency across platforms, reputational risk management, and the alignment of a leader’s public presence with the commercial objectives of their organization.

The Brandinc PR Podcast is hosted by Dr. Brandi Sims, Founder & CEO of Brandinc PR, Forbes contributor, and strategic communications expert with 15+ years of experience in PR, entertainment, and brand strategy. New episodes drop weekly.

Connect with Brandinc PR: brandincpr.com