In an era of deepfakes, digital blowups, and AI-generated confusion, communication has never been more high-stakes. A new eBook titled Command the Conversation: Next Level Communications Techniques, launched today, aims to equip leaders with the tools to rise above the noise and lead with clarity, confidence, and control.

Written by Richard Torrenzano, a veteran crisis and reputation strategist, the book distills decades of high-level experience into actionable tactics for executives navigating today's AI-powered, hyperconnected environment.

At a time when brand perception can swing in milliseconds and stakeholder trust is more fragile than ever, Command the Conversation delivers a blueprint for mastering digital-era communications—whether in the C-suite, in front of investors, or under the media spotlight.

More Than a Guide—A Playbook for Power Communicators

This is not your typical leadership book. Think of it as a communications survival kit for modern business leaders. Each chapter is adapted from previously published, bylined articles in Fortune, Directors & Boards, CCBJ, and NACD Directorship, giving readers a mix of real-world insights and proven approaches.

Topics include:

• Engaging AI-aware stakeholders with purpose and precision

• Avoiding common missteps in media interactions and digital PR

• Managing crisis communications during cybersecurity breaches

• Elevating personal and corporate brands under digital scrutiny

• Reclaiming the narrative in high-stakes moments

In a rare move for a leadership release, the book also includes "Tips for Success" after each section—succinct, practical advice tailored to today’s volatile business and media environment.

Grasso Sets the Stage

The foreword is written by Dick Grasso, former CEO and longest-serving chairman of the New York Stock Exchange. Grasso, a stalwart of corporate governance and strategic leadership, lends gravitas to the book’s central thesis: in a digital-first world, communication isn’t an accessory—it’s armor.

“Richard Torrenzano understands that leadership today isn’t just about decisions—it’s about delivering those decisions with impact,” Grasso writes. “This book is a timely and necessary resource for any executive serious about commanding trust in the age of AI.”

Authored by a Voice from the Front Lines

Torrenzano isn’t just theorizing—he’s battle-tested. As the former chief spokesman and member of both the Management and Executive Committees of the NYSE, he’s stood at the crossroads of media, money, and crisis. He now leads The Torrenzano Group, a firm known for steering organizations through reputation and brand turbulence.

With a sharp focus on cybersecurity, AI, brand integrity, and stakeholder trust, his latest work continues a trajectory shaped by his earlier co-authored best-seller Digital Assassination, a warning bell about online attacks published over a decade ago—long before cancel culture or viral takedowns entered the business lexicon.

Give Back While You Read

In a novel philanthropic twist, Command the Conversation invites readers to donate any amount they choose to one of two children’s charities—the Police Athletic League or the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots—in exchange for their copy of the book. The initiative blends leadership development with social impact, offering executives a way to grow while giving back.

A Must-Read for Today's Decision Makers

Whether you're a CEO managing shareholder trust in a volatile market, a CMO protecting brand equity in an era of misinformation, or a founder stepping into the spotlight for the first time, Command the Conversation is built to help you lead louder, smarter, and stronger.

In a world where AI-generated content is blurring truths and weaponizing narratives, the ability to “own the message” is no longer optional—it’s existential.

As Torrenzano puts it:

“If you’re not shaping the story, you’re probably being shaped by it.”

How to Access

Executives and professionals can download the eBook and make their charitable contribution through The Torrenzano Group’s official site or by searching Command the Conversation eBook.

Author

Richard Torrenzano is CEO of The Torrenzano Group, a leading reputation and crisis management consultancy. With experience spanning Wall Street, Washington, and the world stage, Torrenzano is a trusted advisor on AI, cyberattacks, financial markets, and corporate branding.

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LIMELIGHT, the growth communications agency known for serving legal, professional services, and B2B tech clients, just made a bold play for expansion—naming Amy Hanan as its new Chief Growth Officer. With decades of experience leading digital transformation at firms like LRN Corporation, ALM Media, and Reorg Research, Hanan steps in to supercharge LIMELIGHT’s marketing innovation and client growth services at a critical inflection point for the agency.

A Digital-First Vision for B2B Growth

As CGO, Hanan will helm the agency’s digital and growth marketing services—from strategic GTM execution to revenue acceleration—bringing both scale and sophistication to LIMELIGHT’s rapidly expanding client base. She also joins the agency’s fractional CMO practice, supporting clients who need executive-level marketing guidance without hiring full-time.

“Amy is a proven marketing leader who understands how to build modern, digitally fluent programs that move the needle,” said Kenny Gary, CEO and founding partner at LIMELIGHT. “She’s an ideal fit as we deepen our offering to meet the complex, evolving needs of today’s B2B brands.”

It’s a timely move. As B2B companies face pressure to deliver measurable impact in tough markets, they’re leaning into outsourced growth strategy, brand storytelling, and marketing operations that blend creativity with analytics.

Battle-Tested Experience in Complex Markets

Before joining LIMELIGHT, Hanan was Chief Marketing Officer at LRN, a global compliance and ethics SaaS platform serving over 3,000 organizations. There, she led a full-scale brand modernization initiative, helping position LRN as a strategic player in an increasingly crowded category.

Her earlier roles at ALM Media, Baretz+Brunelle, and Octus (formerly Reorg Research) further cemented her credentials in content-led growth, audience development, and digital marketing. Across all these roles, a common theme emerges: translating complex value propositions into high-performing customer journeys.

“Amy’s depth of experience in content, digital strategy, and brand storytelling aligns perfectly with LIMELIGHT’s mission,” said Erin Harrison, CCO and founding partner. “She shares our passion for elevating clients at the intersection of innovation, influence, and impact.”

More Than Growth—A Strategic Evolution

Hanan’s appointment signals more than a title change—it’s a strategic elevation of the agency’s growth engine. With her guidance, LIMELIGHT is expected to:

• Expand digital marketing service offerings

• Enhance performance-led content strategies

• Deepen CMO-level advisory support for clients

• Establish new strategic partnerships

• Grow its geographic and sectoral footprint

“The agency has built a stellar reputation helping clients lead in complex markets,” said Hanan. “I’m excited to bring fresh strategies and a digital mindset to help those brands unlock new growth possibilities.”

The Bigger Picture: Growth-as-a-Service

Hanan’s hire reflects a growing trend in growth-as-a-service models—a hybrid of strategic advisory and hands-on marketing execution tailored for specialized B2B sectors like legal, fintech, and compliance tech. With marketing increasingly accountable for business results, LIMELIGHT’s integrated model appeals to firms that need more than brand polish—they need pipeline.

And as AI reshapes martech stacks, privacy tightens targeting options, and buyers demand authenticity, agencies like LIMELIGHT that blend communications savvy with performance marketing are well-positioned to lead.

About LIMELIGHT

LIMELIGHT is a growth communications and marketing agency focused on professional services, legal services, B2B technology, and innovation-driven industries. The agency helps brands build influence, drive demand, and achieve measurable impact through PR, content strategy, brand development, and digital marketing.

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Gray Media, Inc. has appointed Shalayna Valencia as the new General Manager and Director of Sales for KOSA-TV, its CBS affiliate in Odessa, Texas—a move that reflects the company’s continued focus on cultivating proven local leadership amid an evolving media landscape.

With over two decades of experience in broadcast and digital advertising, Valencia’s appointment signals a push toward stronger cross-platform strategies for Gray’s West Texas properties, where local storytelling and market familiarity remain essential.

“Shalayna is a dynamic and accomplished leader with deep roots in West Texas and an exceptional track record across broadcast and digital sales,” said a company spokesperson. “Her strategic mindset and people-first leadership style are a perfect match for KOSA’s next chapter.”

A Career Built on Community and Cross-Channel Growth

A native of Levelland, Texas, Valencia is no stranger to the Permian Basin media scene. She began her career as an Account Executive at KWES in Midland/Odessa before rising through leadership roles at Townsquare Media, where she served as Market President, and more recently at Hearst, where she led as Digital Sales Director.

Valencia has been widely recognized for her ability to drive results while cultivating high-performing, community-centric teams. Her arrival at KOSA comes at a time when local broadcasters are navigating the increasing intersection of traditional TV and digital engagement—with stations expected to deliver not just viewership, but integrated audience experiences across web, social, mobile, and OTT.

“I’ve always believed in the power of local media to uplift communities and inform citizens,” Valencia shared in a prepared statement. “This opportunity to return home and lead one of the most trusted local brands in the region is both humbling and exciting.”

The Broader Play: Gray Media’s Hyperlocal Focus

Valencia’s appointment aligns with Gray Media’s national strategy of empowering local stations with autonomy, innovation, and accountability. As the largest owner of top-rated local television stations in the U.S., Gray serves 113 markets—and in 78 of those, it owns the #1-rated TV station.

This hyperlocal dominance is bolstered by a robust portfolio that includes:

• Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency

• Leading Spanish-language affiliates, with the largest Telemundo group in the country

• Production arms like Raycom Sports and Tupelo Media Group

• Studio facilities including Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios

While national media brands chase scale through programmatic and streaming, Gray’s model is about deepening its local advantage—and that means investing in the right leaders for the right markets.

“When you combine Shalayna’s West Texas roots with her expertise in digital and broadcast growth, you get a leader uniquely capable of connecting with both audiences and advertisers in a meaningful way,” the company added.

Why It Matters

With linear television viewership continuing to evolve, and digital-first consumers increasingly fragmented across platforms, local stations face rising pressure to do more than broadcast news. They must deliver integrated marketing solutions that work across Google, Meta, CTV, and traditional channels. Valencia’s mix of small-market insight and digital acumen positions her to build revenue while preserving editorial integrity—a delicate but essential balance in local journalism.

Her leadership also represents an important signal that Gray is doubling down on trusted talent to lead in a time of massive industry transformation—where AI tools, first-party data, and omnichannel reach will decide who survives and who fades.

Gray Media, Inc.

Gray Media, Inc. (NYSE: GTN) is the largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the United States, serving 113 television markets and reaching approximately 37% of U.S. households. The company operates leading Spanish-language and English-language broadcast brands, along with a growing portfolio of digital and video production businesses. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Gray is committed to empowering communities through journalism, innovation, and local leadership.

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Benson Integrated Marketing Solutions, a leader in centralized marketing for the multifamily industry, has entered a new partnership with Entryway, a national nonprofit tackling situational homelessness through career pathways and stable housing.

The partnership centers around donated career apparel for Entryway participants—a tangible step to help individuals facing homelessness enter the workforce with confidence and dignity. But this initiative goes beyond clothing: it's about signaling a fresh start and a professional identity.

“Entryway’s impact extends far beyond job placement,” said Brian Benson, Founder of Benson. “By fostering stability and self-worth, they empower individuals to rebuild their lives with purpose and pride. We’re honored to support their mission.”

More Than a Suit: Strategic Community Investment

Benson will contribute high-quality career wear to Entryway’s participants as they begin roles in the multifamily housing industry—an area where the company already holds deep expertise. The collaboration also includes executive leadership engagement: Eric Clark, VP of Business Development at Benson, has joined Entryway’s Atlanta Advisory Board, further reinforcing Benson’s investment in long-term community change.

“Benson’s commitment to this new apparel program helps remove real barriers our participants face,” said Kristen Poteet, Senior Vice President, External Affairs at Entryway. “Their generosity helps our clients start meaningful careers and feel seen, supported, and empowered.”

A Mission Aligned with Market Values

This partnership arrives at a time when corporate social responsibility and employer branding are increasingly intertwined. In industries like multifamily housing—where property managers face recruiting challenges and brand trust plays a critical role—meaningful partnerships like this can amplify internal culture and external goodwill.

For Benson, a company known for its Centralized Marketing Platform, the initiative aligns naturally with its mission to streamline brand execution while investing in people-first solutions.

Entryway

Entryway is a national nonprofit focused on transitioning individuals and families from homelessness to economic self-sufficiency. By partnering with real estate companies, Entryway provides career training, job placement, and housing solutions in markets across the U.S. To date, they’ve helped over 1,000 individuals and families secure housing and jobs, with thousands more receiving career coaching and employment services.

Active in metro areas like Atlanta, Houston, Denver, and Central Florida, Entryway works at the intersection of housing, employment, and dignity—all key to addressing situational homelessness with lasting impact.

Benson

Founded in 1992 and based in Alpharetta, Georgia, Benson Integrated Marketing Solutions is the multifamily industry’s leading Centralized Marketing Platform. The company offers an end-to-end suite of services, including design, print, signage, promotional items, and branded apparel. Benson helps property owners and operators achieve brand consistency, procurement efficiency, and operational excellence through a unified digital and logistics infrastructure.

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As grocers compete for attention in a crowded digital marketplace, Market 32 and Price Chopper, divisions of Northeast Grocery, Inc., are rolling out a dynamic omnichannel loyalty initiative aimed at turning summer shopping into a high-reward experience. The “Summer Shines Here” campaign runs through Labor Day and is designed to blend digital engagement with in-store activation, increasing basket sizes and strengthening brand loyalty.

At the heart of the campaign: the Summer Doubler, an enhanced AdvantEdge Rewards feature built with Konekt.io, a leader in embedded finance and retail loyalty tech. The new offering doesn’t just double down on rewards—it gamifies the experience.

Gamification Meets Grocery Rewards

The Summer Doubler gives AdvantEdge Rewards members double points on qualifying purchases and features a carnival-style digital spin wheel—playable twice during the summer—to win 100 to 500 bonus points. It’s a simple but powerful tactic: reward participation, personalize engagement, and spark repeat visits.

“We’re excited to add this new twist to one of our flagship marketing promotions,” said Sam Trimboli, Director of Shopper Experience at Market 32 and Price Chopper. “It’s a great example of how we use data and behavior insights to create meaningful value aligned with how our customers want to shop and engage.”

Digital Engagement Drives Loyalty and Sales

Digital loyalty remains a core focus for NGI, with the AdvantEdge Rewards platform enabling customers to earn and redeem points for both food and fuel rewards. The gamified elements of the Summer Doubler were developed in partnership with Konekt.io, which brings to the table a suite of AI-driven, real-time loyalty and payments infrastructure.

“This isn’t just a seasonal promo—it’s a strategic digital engagement lever,” said Blaine Bringhurst, President of Market 32 and Price Chopper. “Our most engaged digital users are also our top spenders, so we continue to evolve the rewards experience to deepen value and build frequency.”

Konekt.io Scales Retail Loyalty Across Channels

With more than $3 billion in annual digital payment volume and partnerships across 150,000 stores globally, Konekt.io is helping grocers like Market 32 and Price Chopper move from points-based programs to personalized loyalty ecosystems.

“We’re thrilled to partner on this gamified rollout,” said Ashmit Bhattacharya, CEO of Konekt.io. “It’s a great example of how retailers can use embedded loyalty technology to create fun, sticky experiences that also deliver measurable ROI.”

How Shoppers Participate

AdvantEdge Rewards members can activate the Summer Doubler starting May 25, 2025, by registering via the Market 32 or Price Chopper app or website. Once enrolled, members receive double points and the opportunity to spin the wheel for bonus points twice during the campaign window.

The campaign runs through Labor Day, integrating across owned and paid digital channels, email, app notifications, in-store signage, and point-of-sale promotions.

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MoEngage, a leading insights-led customer engagement platform, has been named a “Customers’ Choice” in the Gartner Peer Insights™ Voice of the Customer: Multichannel Marketing Hubs report for 2025. The recognition highlights MoEngage’s strong performance in user satisfaction, adoption, and customer experience—further cementing its reputation among marketing technology leaders.

This marks the second consecutive inclusion for MoEngage in the Voice of the Customer report. With 92% of customers saying they would recommend MoEngage (based on 36 verified reviews as of January 2025), the company is one of only two vendors to receive the “Customers’ Choice” badge this year.

“At MoEngage, customers are at the center of everything we do,” said Raviteja Dodda, CEO & Co-founder. “From seamless onboarding to transparent contracting and a product roadmap aligned with our clients’ evolving needs, we strive to deliver long-term value. Just last year, over 90 brands switched to MoEngage for their multichannel marketing requirements.”

Inside the Gartner Peer Insights™ Methodology

The Gartner Peer Insights “Voice of the Customer” aggregates direct customer feedback based on user interest, product adoption, and overall satisfaction. Vendors recognized as a “Customers’ Choice” must meet or exceed the market average for these metrics.

While Gartner does not endorse any specific vendor, its Peer Insights content serves as a vital tool for enterprise decision-makers navigating complex martech evaluations.

MoEngage’s Momentum and Market Differentiation

Trusted by 1,350+ brands across 60+ countries, MoEngage continues to grow its presence in the customer engagement space, supporting enterprises with:

• Multichannel campaign orchestration

• AI-driven personalization

• Real-time analytics and automation

• Mobile-first and omnichannel messaging

MoEngage’s clients span industries from retail and banking to telecom, media, and travel. With a presence in 15 countries and backing from investors including Goldman Sachs Asset Management, B Capital, and Steadview Capital, the company is doubling down on innovation and scale.

MoEngage

MoEngage is a customer engagement platform built to help consumer brands personalize experiences across web, mobile, email, SMS, and messaging apps. The platform delivers insights-led engagement strategies that improve retention, conversion, and brand loyalty.

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In a move that underscores the growing convergence of wellness trends and pet care, top-ranked communications firm 5WPR has been named the agency of record for PetAg®, a legacy brand in pet wellness and nutrition. The partnership is aimed at amplifying PetAg’s voice in a crowded market through a hybrid approach of media outreach, influencer engagement, and event marketing.

Founded in 1930, PetAg is no stranger to innovation—its Esbilac formula was the first commercially available puppy milk replacer. Today, it’s the dominant name in newborn kitten and puppy nutrition and continues to lead with a science-driven portfolio of supplements, grooming solutions, and wellness products.

From Bottle to Brand Voice

5WPR’s new role will include a broad communications strategy to elevate PetAg’s entire product lineup, which ranges from market leaders like KMR® and Dyne® to grooming staples like Fresh 'n Clean®. The agency will focus on securing media coverage, activating pet-centric influencers, and supporting the brand’s presence at major trade events like SUPERZOO.

“Our team is eager to elevate PetAg’s innovative products through comprehensive pet product marketing strategies,” said Leigh Ann Ambrosi, EVP at 5WPR. “This is about more than awareness—it’s about creating long-term emotional connections between pets, their people, and the products that support their health.”

That’s a significant goal in a category that continues to boom. U.S. pet industry expenditures topped $147 billion in 2023, with wellness-focused products accounting for a major share. As pet parents increasingly seek science-backed solutions, brands like PetAg are poised to resonate with a more informed, proactive audience.

Building on Sector Strength

For 5WPR, this isn’t uncharted territory. The agency has built a reputation in the consumer lifestyle and pet care sectors, crafting campaigns that span from traditional PR to digital storytelling. The PetAg account further deepens that expertise and showcases 5W’s ability to position heritage brands within a modern marketing landscape.

Notably, the partnership comes amid a wave of brand reinvention across pet care. Startups are flooding the market with DTC products, while legacy players are investing in holistic wellness and personalized nutrition. PetAg’s long-standing credibility, coupled with fresh communications horsepower, may offer a competitive edge.

The Bigger Picture

This alignment is more than a PR win—it’s a strategic move to future-proof a brand that has served generations of pet owners. As health-conscious trends continue to reshape consumer behavior, pets are increasingly viewed as family—and treated as such. For PetAg, the challenge is no longer about just being trusted; it’s about staying visible, relevant, and top-of-mind.

And with 5WPR behind the messaging wheel, PetAg looks set to not just bark—but lead the pack.

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Braze, the customer engagement powerhouse, is entering fiscal year 2026 with a sharp uptick in revenue, positive free cash flow, and a reinforced C-suite. The company reported a 19.6% year-over-year increase in quarterly revenue, hitting $162.1 million, driven by a healthy mix of new customers, renewals, and upsells. Non-GAAP profitability also made its debut this quarter, with $2.8 million in operating income.

Braze is also betting big on leadership and product evolution to sustain its momentum. The company will welcome Ed McDonnell in July as its new Chief Revenue Officer—an industry veteran with a track record of scaling SaaS revenue engines. And with the recent acquisition of AI decisioning platform OfferFit, Braze is signaling an aggressive push toward personalized, machine-driven customer journeys.

Financial Highlights: Growth Meets Discipline

• Total revenue: $162.1 million (up from $135.5 million YoY)

• Subscription revenue: $154.9 million

• Non-GAAP net income per share: $0.07

• Free cash flow: $22.9 million, nearly doubling from $11.4 million YoY

• Total customers: 2,342, with 262 generating over $500K in ARR

While GAAP net loss stood at $0.34 per share—reflecting $30.4 million in stock-based compensation—non-GAAP metrics showed a clear turnaround, with positive operating income and net income.

Dollar-based net retention, a key SaaS health metric, softened slightly to 109% (down from 117% YoY), and even more notably among large customers (ARR $500K+), which dropped to 112% from 119%. Still, overall customer count rose by 11% year-over-year.

Product & Platform: The OfferFit Advantage

Perhaps more telling than the financials is Braze's recent acquisition of OfferFit, a next-gen AI decisioning engine. This move reflects an industry-wide trend: automation and real-time personalization are no longer optional—they’re mission-critical. Integrating OfferFit allows Braze to expand beyond orchestration and messaging into machine learning-led decisioning, helping marketers optimize what, when, and how they communicate at scale.

Also fresh on the product front are new messaging capabilities, including RCS (Rich Communication Services), in-app Banners, and enhancements to its Canvas journey builder—all designed to help brands create more responsive and immersive experiences.

Sustainability and Staffing: Building for the Future

The company isn’t just investing in tech. Braze continues to build its bench with McDonnell joining to steer global revenue operations, a strategic addition aimed at accelerating go-to-market alignment. On the ESG side, Braze’s carbon emissions targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

Outlook: What’s Next

Braze projects Q2 revenue in the range of $171M to $172M and full-year revenue of up to $706M. Non-GAAP net income for FY2026 is forecasted between $17M and $21M.

That’s a bold outlook, but not without challenges. Economic headwinds, tightening marketing budgets, and increasing competition in the customer engagement space (think: Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Iterable, Twilio Segment) will test Braze’s ability to deliver. Still, with a solid product foundation, strategic AI plays, and financial discipline, Braze is clearly positioning itself to do more than keep pace—it’s aiming to lead.

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