Marian Salzman on this Tumultuous Week
Marian Salzman, SVP, Global Communications, Philip Morris International (PMI)Another tumultuous week in 2020—filled with uncertainty and angst, no matter which “side” you’re on. Why am I not surprised? What keeps popping into my head is that the presidential term begun in 2017 was supposed to be all about putting a CEO in the world’s highest seat of power—bringing a business ethos to Capitol Hill. And yet what we have been seeing in the United States these past four years is the antithesis of trends in business. Instead of a push for inclusion, we have seen a rise in identity politics and nationalism. Instead of an emphasis on long-term stability and sustainability, we have seen a focus on immediate gains, whatever their cost. Instead of transparency and collaboration, we see closed-door meetings, disrespect for facts, and adherence to the notion that there are no bridges to be built between “us” and “them.” An awful way to run a business, much less a government.
About: Marian Salzman, senior vice president, global communications at Philip Morris International (PMI), has been named one of the world’s top five trendspotters and is among the world’s most-awarded public relations executives. In recent years, she has been listed in PRWeek’s Global Power Book and as a PR News Top Woman in PR. She is also the recipient of the She Runs It 2017 Changing the Game Award, has been inducted into the PRWeek Hall of Femme and Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame, and was on the Holmes Report Top Innovators List and on Business Insider’s 25 Most Powerful PR People.
