In case you haven’t noticed, people are angry. And not just at politics, but at corporations. It’s an anger that runs deep, based on a strong perception and a primal feeling of unfairness. As a result, the rules of engagement have changed, and what worked yesterday may not work today. In this episode of Hearsay, CEO of OPRG, Chris Foster, joins Michael Maslansky and Lee Carter to share highlights from important new maslansky + partners research that looks at the state of the world and how people think about business today. They provide actionable insights on how to connect with audiences in this volatile environment… and reveal what language and strategies will resonate in this critical moment.

In this episode of Hearsay, Lee Carter is joined by partners Keith Yazmir and Katie Cronen to unpack why communicating effectively—especially in industries like pharma—is harder than ever. In a world fueled by mistrust, audiences are no longer asking, “Are you doing good?” but rather, “Are you being fair?” The team explores how fairness, not goodness, is now the key to resonating with audiences, especially when discussing sensitive topics like drug pricing, health equity, and scientific trust. They offer practical strategies for corporate communicators to respond with transparency, empathy, and clarity—avoiding jargon and embracing straight talk in a time where silence speaks louder than words.

In this episode, Michael Maslansky, Lee Carter, and special guest Michelle Mahony from Daggerwing, dive into the evolving role of language in business, with a special focus on internal communications and DEI. As companies face external pressures and shifting political climates, how do they navigate the tension between staying true to their values and adjusting their language? They explore the real-world challenges internal comms and HR teams face when words like “diversity” and “equity” come under scrutiny—and what happens when companies change course, stay firm, or try to find middle ground.