132: Internal Vs. External roles in the Creative Industries

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this ‘hands-on’ experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 14 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries.

Anna DiPasquale begins the podcast this week with her interview of Colleen Piechota, the Director of Human Resources at VEA Newport Beach, a stunning Marriott International resort and spa located right on the coast. Colleen shares her remarkable journey into the hospitality industry, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how she worked her way up to a leadership role in HR. Together, they discuss what a day in the life of an HR Director looks like—from shaping workplace culture and overseeing employee relations to handling training, hiring, and compliance in an ever-evolving industry. Colleen reflects on the skills and mindset needed to build strong, supportive teams and shares thoughtful insights on how the role of HR continues to evolve in today’s business landscape. They conclude the episode with Colleen’s take on the most underrated skills in HR and what truly defines great leadership.

In the second segment Lily Bradbury sits down with John Bradbury, Managing Director of Global Issues and Crisis Management at Ketchum Inc. in New York City, a PR & Marketing Communications Consulting firm. Together, they dive into John’s extensive experience in strategic communications and public relations, exploring how he helps corporate clients protect and enhance their reputations in high-pressure situations. John discusses the analytical and creative sides of crisis management, emphasizing how tailored communication strategies can engage diverse audiences while maintaining trust and transparency. John also reflects on his academic journey, beginning with his political science background, which gave him a strong foundation in stakeholder engagement and professional dialogue. He explains the differences between working with corporations versus individuals, highlighting his preference for the objectivity and collaboration found in corporate partnerships. Throughout the conversation, John offers valuable advice for students interested in communications and PR—stressing the importance of networking, internships, and the human connections that lie at the heart of the industry.