Dawn Carrington

13/05/2026

Here's a recent panel I took part in at the Jones Risk Journal Summit where I spoke about recovering from a communications crisis.

I argued that in 2026 the real damage rarely comes from the incident alone, but from leaders being unprepared about how to respond and what to say: the first holding statement, the internal message, the unempathetic interview quote that doesn't land well with stakeholders.

I help CEOs, compliance and risk leaders plan and respond to crises through expert crisis communications - so that a serious issue doesn’t turn into a full‑blown reputational crisis.

If you are a CEO or risk leader and would like to stress‑test your current readiness for a crisis, I’m offering a limited number of 30‑minute crisis communications risk audits.

In the session we’ll identify your top three crisis‑comms vulnerabilities, where places your current plans, statements or internal processes are most likely to inflame a situation, and I’ll suggest a few practical fixes you can implement immediately. At no cost to you!

If that would be useful for you or your team, send me a message with “COMMS RISK”.

https://vimeo.com/1190571456/5b24c6306d

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

07/05/2026

Today I’m speaking at the Dow Jones Risk Journal Summit to C-suite risk, compliance and legal leaders in London.

I’ll be talking about converging risks - from regulatory scrutiny to stakeholder backlash.

I’ve spent my career in rooms like this from the other side:- advising a prime minister, royals and FTSE 100 execs on everything from political to media crises.

Now I work with founders and boards on reputational issues such as the fallout from investigations, leaks and scandals
- translating messy, events into clear strategies leaders can execute.

At the summit, I’m tasking part in the closing conversation on what resilient organisations can do to repair after a crisis, before the next crisis hits.

If you’re attending, what’s the one question you’d most like answered about crisis, resilience or reputation today?

06/05/2026

Tomorrow I’ll be speaking at the Dow Jones Risk Journal Summit in London, held at The News Building - home of The Wall Street Journal and The Times.

This is Dow Jones’ flagship, invitation‑only gathering for senior risk, legal and compliance leaders, focused on how organisations navigate an increasingly volatile regulatory and geopolitical environment.

I’ll be part of the closing session on corporate resilience and post‑crisis recovery, discussing what really happens in the most difficult weeks of an organisation’s life - regulatory investigations, political scrutiny, cyber incidents, public backlash and internal scandals - and what it truly takes for leadership teams to protect trust and move forward.

If you work at the intersection of risk, compliance, legal and reputation and would like an external perspective on where you stand, DM me for a complimentary 30‑minute risk audit.

07/06/2024

🎤 What can businesses learn from Madonna's PR Playbook?
↪ I break it down in my new article in Forbes magazine.

Few brands have as much influence and longevity as the Queen of Pop.

Among a crowd of 1.6 million people singing "Like A Prayer" to the Superstar at her record-breaking concert on Copacabana beach, I started to reflect on how she's stayed at the top this long.

Whether you're a fan or not, there are some surprising lessons in Madonna's PR.

>>>> Read on! 👇👇👇👇👇

06/06/2024

How to get blocked by a journalist from a former BBC journo:

1. Send pitches unrelated to their beat.
2. Attach huge media files.
3. Blast out generic pitches
(extra points for MailMergers starting 'Dear [NAME]'
4. Chase them incessantly.

Have questions about liaising with the media? Pop them below and I may cover them in my next video.

17/12/2023

Your brand can be destroyed by saying the wrong thing to the media.

Here's one of Lady Michelle Mone's quotes from her BBC interview about the PPE contracts scandal, after admitting she lied to the press and public.

Whatever you think of the situation, it demonstrates how effective communication is essential in the heat of a crisis.

Here's how to prepare for a crisis that's thrown your way...

Choose Silence Over Harmful Words:
↪ When emotions are high, silence can sometimes be golden.
↪ Giving media interviews without a solid strategy can worsen the situation.
↪ Ensure your response is well planned out.

Apologise with Empathy:
↪ If public trust is eroded, an apology is essential.
↪ Craft messages with empathy and your audience in mind
↪ Always express regret! Find a way to express regret; you don't necessarily have to admit guilt (unless you're guilty - then you need to say sorry!).

Hone Messages to Your Audience:
↪Tailor messages with the audience in mind.
↪ Understand their concerns, address their questions, and genuinely commit to resolving the issue.
↪ A response that resonates with the public fosters understanding and rebuilds trust.

Personal Protection vs Misleading the Public:
↪ Balance personal considerations with public accountability.
↪ Acknowledge the importance of protecting loved ones over a public issue whilst respecting the need for transparency.

The media can either be your biggest asset or biggest liability depending on how you harness its power.

When you have a great communications strategy in place your brand and reputation are taken care of naturally.

▶ What do you think of Lady Mone's below response to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg?
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I am an award-winning Public Relations Strategist and Coach with 25+years experience. I help mission-based organisations to build credibility and skyrocket their followers by getting featured in the media.

DM me to book a call 👆👆

24/10/2023

My latest article on The Good Men Project where I share my press coverage secrets that every entrepreneur and leader needs to know.

12/10/2023

Media Coverage Mistakes:

1. Ignoring Storytelling.
Every brand needs a compelling story for journalists to bite - learn how to tell yours.

2. Lack of Personalization.
Generic pitches go to journalist's trash folders. Tailor them to the journalist's beat and preferences!

3. No Relationship Building.
Media connections are vital - nurture them by responding quickly, being reliable, always being polite and engaging with their content.

4. Ignoring Timing.
If your news isn't timely, it won't impress the press. The media prefers to hear about things that happened recently - .

5. Poor Headlines.
Grab attention and make journalists curious. Stick to 6-8 words.

6. No Visuals.
Provide eye-catching visuals, such as video of your spokesperson talking, infographics or a photograph of your event.

7. Being Too Self-Promotional.
Focus on the story and value you bring. You can include information about your spokesperson / company at the end.

8. Neglecting Follow-Ups.
Don't get lost in the inbox - follow up after 5 days.

9. Misunderstanding Your Audience.
Research your target audiences inside out.

P.S. If you'd like my Top Media Hacks, please type Guide in the comments.

28/03/2019

It was incredible to receive this Testimonial from a Mayor. I’ve worked with many government figures and VIPs in my 20 year career, and it’s great to get this kind of recognition when all the hard work pays off.