How Michael Kempner (MWW) Is Rebuilding Trust in a Crisis-Driven World (With AI & Purpose)
July 26, 2025
In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Kempner, Founder & CEO of MikeWorldWide (MWW) — one of the world’s most respected independent PR agencies. With over 38 years at the helm, Michael shares timeless lessons on building trust, managing reputational risk, and staying culturally relevant in a world of “permacrisis.”
We discuss how MWW blends AI innovation with human storytelling, their crisis simulation strategies, and what it really takes to lead a people-first agency at scale. Michael also shares his thoughts on creator partnerships, risk mitigation, and the role of empathy and authenticity in modern PR.
🎯 Key Topics Discussed:
1. Building trust through authenticity in PR & creator marketing
2. How MWW integrates AI to mitigate brand risk
3. The concept of “permacrisis” & reputation management
4. Crisis simulation: how brands pressure-test their response systems
5. How to future-proof your agency culture with innovation
6. The role of social listening in cultural relevance
7. Lessons from 30+ years of client retention and leadership
7. Why peace of mind is a learned leadership skill
🎙️ Welcome to S3E018 of IMpulse, the Influencer Marketing Podcast — brought to you by Phyllo.
👀 See what you can build with Phyllo: https://www.getphyllo.com/?utm_source...
🔗 Secure your Brand with Phyllo: https://www.getphyllo.com/social-scre...
In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Kempner, Founder & CEO of MikeWorldWide (MWW) — one of the world’s most respected independent PR agencies. With over 38 years at the helm, Michael shares timeless lessons on building trust, managing reputational risk, and staying culturally relevant in a world of “permacrisis.”
We discuss how MWW blends AI innovation with human storytelling, their crisis simulation strategies, and what it really takes to lead a people-first agency at scale. Michael also shares his thoughts on creator partnerships, risk mitigation, and the role of empathy and authenticity in modern PR.
🎯 Key Topics Discussed:
1. Building trust through authenticity in PR & creator marketing
2. How MWW integrates AI to mitigate brand risk
3. The concept of “permacrisis” & reputation management
4. Crisis simulation: how brands pressure-test their response systems
5. How to future-proof your agency culture with innovation
6. The role of social listening in cultural relevance
7. Lessons from 30+ years of client retention and leadership
7. Why peace of mind is a learned leadership skill
👀 See what you can build with Phyllo: https://www.getphyllo.com/?utm_source...
🔗 Secure your Brand with Phyllo: https://www.getphyllo.com/social-scre...
In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Kempner, Founder & CEO of MikeWorldWide (MWW) — one of the world’s most respected independent PR agencies. With over 38 years at the helm, Michael shares timeless lessons on building trust, managing reputational risk, and staying culturally relevant in a world of “permacrisis.”
We discuss how MWW blends AI innovation with human storytelling, their crisis simulation strategies, and what it really takes to lead a people-first agency at scale. Michael also shares his thoughts on creator partnerships, risk mitigation, and the role of empathy and authenticity in modern PR.
🎯 Key Topics Discussed:
1. Building trust through authenticity in PR & creator marketing
2. How MWW integrates AI to mitigate brand risk
3. The concept of “permacrisis” & reputation management
4. Crisis simulation: how brands pressure-test their response systems
5. How to future-proof your agency culture with innovation
6. The role of social listening in cultural relevance
7. Lessons from 30+ years of client retention and leadership
7. Why peace of mind is a learned leadership skill
Check out the three most downloaded episodes:
If you are interested in being a guest on IMpulse: The Influencer Marketing Podcast, please complete this form: fame.so/phl-guest
Connect with us on a deeper level here: https://beacons.ai/getphyllo
Check out what you can do with Phyllo here: https://www.getphyllo.com
Want to get in touch with Phyllo?
contact@getphyllo.com
Connect with us on a deeper level here: https://beacons.ai/getphyllo
Check out what you can do with Phyllo here: https://www.getphyllo.com
Want to get in touch with Phyllo?
contact@getphyllo.com