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Bio
Before founding Wainger Group in 2000, Liz held a senior communications positions with Morino Institute and Venture Philanthropy Partners, The National Trust for Historic Preservation and The American Institute of Architects. She was a reporter at The Washington Post on the Metro and Style desks. As a Certified Professional Facilitator, she is part of an elite group of professionals, highly educated and certified to be skilled at creating workshops and group processes that get to the heart of the matter, foster alignment, build consensus, and derive solutions to complex challenges.
A prolific writer, she is the author of 2018 book, Prism of Value®: Connect, Convince and Influence When It Matters Most. She has blogged for Huffington Post and her work and has appeared in the Washington Post, Washington Business Journal, and numerous professional and digital publications. She currently serves on the boards of School for Ethics and Global Learning, Jubilee Housing, and the Steering Committee of the ULI DC’s Women’s Leadership Initiative. In 2015, she was named by the Washington Business Journal to the distinguished cadre of Women Who Mean Business in Washington, D.C.
Show Notes
- Starting Wainger Group (00:04:35)
- Liz describes founding her communications consulting company and its evolution over the years.
- Early Career Journey (00:07:40)
- Liz discusses her childhood interest in communication and language, influenced by her parents’ love for books and learning.
- Interest in Interpretation (00:08:30)
- Liz recalls being inspired by an interpreter at a young age and her fascination with language and communication.
- Educational and Corporate Experience (00:14:00)
- Liz discusses her decision to work in a hospital, her experience at Mass General Hospital, and her transition to journalism.
- Difference Between Translation and Interpretation (00:17:15)
- Liz explains the difference between interpretation and translation, emphasizing her interest in bridging gaps of understanding.
- Transition to PR (00:24:30)
- Liz shares her transition from journalism to public relations, driven by her desire to help others tell their stories.
- Leaving Journalism (00:25:40)
- Liz reflects on her decision to leave journalism, citing the emotional challenges of reporting on sensitive topics.
- Interest in Architecture (00:26:30)
- Liz discusses her passion for architecture and her transition to working with the American Institute of Architects.
- Experience at AIA (00:27:20)
- Liz describes her role at the AIA, from writing newsletters to eventually leading the PR department.
- Like Buildings and Architecture (00:28:45)
- Liz discusses her early experiences in the PR department and interacting with architects.
- Understanding the Business of Architecture (00:30:45)
- Liz explains how her role involved learning about the business side of architecture and the importance of understanding it.
- Transition to National Trust for Historic Preservation (00:33:00)
- Liz discusses her move to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the evolving focus of the organization.
- Engaging Younger Audiences (00:34:35)
- Liz talks about her efforts to engage younger audiences through the Internet and partnerships with media.
- Transition to Morino Institute (00:40:10)
- Liz explains her transition to the Morino Institute and the learning experience she gained in the technology world.
- Starting The Wainger Group (00:44:15)
- Liz discusses her decision to start her own consulting company and the support she received from Mario Morino.
- Effective Communication and Understanding the Audience (00:48:50)
- Liz emphasizes the importance of communicating through the prism of value and understanding the emotional drivers behind people’s wants.
- The Power of Storytelling (00:52:30)
- Liz discusses the significance of storytelling and the need for authenticity and meaning in communication.
- Storytelling in Pitching (00:53:45)
- Using stories to connect with clients and win business.
- Client Participation in Podcast (00:56:50)
- Encouraging clients to participate in the podcast for brand enhancement and interview practice.
- Evolution of Real Estate Industry (00:58:30)
- Discussion on the increasing disciplines and communication challenges in the real estate industry.
- Challenges in Real Estate Communication (01:01:45)
- Identifying the gap in real estate communication and the industry’s historical communication challenges.
- Personalized Communication Approach (01:02:45)
- Emphasizing the importance of tailored communication solutions and client alignment.
- Anatomy of Good Explanation (01:05:00)
- Exploring the elements of a good explanation and their relevance to effective communication.
- Optimistic Communication in Stressful Times (01:11:20)
- Balancing optimism and realism in communication during challenging times in the real estate industry.
- Leadership Styles in Communication (01:15:00)
- Counseling clients on when to employ different leadership approaches and maintaining team morale.
- The pandemic’s impact on communication (01:20:10)
- Discussion on adapting to the new hybrid work environment and the challenges it presents.
- Effective communication in a virtual environment (01:21:30)
- The importance of intentional and precise communication in a virtual work setting.
- Establishing communication norms in organizations (01:22:45)
- Setting thresholds, preferred communication channels, and response expectations within an organization.
- Building an open communication culture (01:23:47)
- Emphasizing the importance of open communication and setting clear expectations for response times.
- Networking and mentorship advice (01:30:30)
- Guidance on approaching experts, showing genuine interest, and being a good mentee in networking.
- Handling uncomfortable communication scenarios (01:34:30)
- Strategies for dealing with difficult situations, including deceit, bad news, and client dissatisfaction.
- Building a strong communication program (01:39:30)
- Overview of The Wainger Group’s mission to help clients clarify their purpose, simplify their message, and amplify their presence.
- Client examples and impact of effective communication (01:40:45)
- Examples of how effective communication strategies have influenced client organizations including a large design firm’s business plan realization.
- Communications Strategy (01:44:45)
- Discussion on the strategy and value that communications firms can provide to businesses.
- Boutique Firm Philosophy (01:45:30)
- Liz’s decision to maintain a boutique firm and her selective client approach.
- Client Engagement and Strategy (01:46:30)
- The importance of asking the right questions and guiding clients through strategic decision-making.
- Client Relationship and Change (01:47:45)
- The role of consultants is to help clients navigate change and achieve their desired outcomes.
- Big Project Win (01:52:00)
- Liz’s successful bid for a large national foundation project and the unexpected positive outcome.
- Work-Life Harmony (01:53:40)
- Liz’s approach to balancing work, personal life, and giving back to the community.
- Community Involvement (01:54:45)
- Liz’s involvement in boards and volunteer work focuses on ethics education and housing initiatives.
- Advice to Younger Self (01:56:41)
- Liz’s advice to her 25-year-old self about not worrying too much and having confidence in the future.
- Billboard Statement (01:57:18)
- Liz’s message about focusing on what can be controlled and reducing worry.
