Episodes
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IR is about more than just numbers–what turns an IR program from good to great is the ability to transform the numbers into narrative. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Tiffany Willis, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations at Starbucks, to discuss the art of storytelling in investor relations. Tiffany shares insights from her extensive experience in IR and offers advice to IROs looking to build their storytelling abilities, successfully manage stakeholders, and become the bridge between corporates and The Street.
Listen to the full episode to learn more about:
Developing storytelling skillsCrafting a compelling narrative in IRAligning with executivesConsistency in messagingBalancing proactive and reactive communicationOwning your narrativeAdvice to aspiring IROsWinning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
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Retail investors are on the rise–both in volume and in assets, so how should IR teams approach their retail investor strategy? And should all public companies engage and mobilize their retail audience? In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Jeff Lambert, CEO and Founder of TiiCKER, an innovative software company that enables companies to engage, verify, and reward consumer shareholders. They discuss the importance of developing a well-thought-out retail investor strategy and the benefits it can bring, such as increased shareholder loyalty and consumer engagement.
Listen to the full episode to learn more about:
What shareholder loyalty programs areThe importance of retail investor engagementStrategies for small-cap vs large-cap companiesMisconceptions about retail investorsMeasuring the impact of shareholder loyalty programsBest practices and common mistakesPractical steps for IROs to start loyalty programsSecuring budget for retail engagementAbout our guestJeff Lambert is the Founder & CEO of TiiCKER, an intelligent software platform that engages, verifies, and rewards individual investors through integrated content, shareholder rewards, and zero-commission training. Jeff is also the CEO of Lambert, a national public relations, investor relations, and marketing services firm based in Michigan.
Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
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Missing episodes?
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We see a lot of discussions and questions about how to build an IR program from the ground up–especially one that is adaptive and built for long-term success. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Samantha Hilson Sandler, Head of Investor Relations at SpringWorks Therapeutics, about her experience building an IR program from the ground up. Samantha shares insights from her diverse background in healthcare and corporate investment banking and offers practical advice for new IROs on prioritization, investor targeting, and adapting strategies through the company’s transition from clinical to commercial stage.
Listen to the full episode to learn more about:
Aligning the IR program with corporate strategyBuilding an IR program from scratchEngaging with leadership and stakeholdersDefining IR strategy and objectivesEffective communication and market insightsLeveraging tools and technologiesInvestor targeting and prioritizing investor outreachTransitioning from clinical to commercial stageWinning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
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Few industries experience the volume of existential events, personal biases, and complexities as the airline industry. Shifting bias, transforming the narrative, and thinking creatively for investor relations in these industries is paramount to successful IR. In today’s episode of Winning IR, Mark sits down with Andrew Storm, Managing Director of Investor Relations at Delta to discuss the challenges of navigating investor bias, using storytelling to reshape perceptions, and building strong and engaging relationships.
Listen to the full episode to learn more about:
Unpacking the challenges and biases against airlinesStrategies for changing investor perceptionsCreative targeting and outreach strategies in a biased industryNavigating investor styles and engagementEnhancing relationships with shareholders and analystsWinning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
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With the ever-changing landscape of investor relations, having a mission-led corporate culture can drive more innovative and successful investor relations programs. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Deborah Belevan to discuss how the company’s dynamic and mission-driven culture has impacted its award-winning investor relations program. From earnings calls to shareholder letters, Deborah shares her best advice and experience for thinking differently and building stronger relationships.
The unique dynamics of IR at DuolingoEmbracing long-term strategy over short-term goalsEngaging investors with a vision for the futureFocusing on sustainable growth and educational impactDuolingo’s approach to video earnings calls and how they manage their earnings processHow a quarterly shareholder letter strengthens analyst & investor relationshipsHow company culture impacts your ability to innovate
Listen to the full episode to learn more about:Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
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For IROs, it is more important than ever to understand strategic trajectory, market position, and risk management for their companies. In today’s episode, Mark Fasken sits down with Mark Hayes, Partner and Head of Capital Markets Advisory at Breakwater Strategy, to discuss the evolving role of the elevated IRO, the significance of collaboration across functions for effective IR. and how IR can use impact intelligence to customize approaches and gather relevant insights for decision-making and valuation.
Defining the Elevated IROThe six essential skills of an Elevated IROIdentifying skill gaps and opportunitiesAn introduction to impact intelligence and it’s impact and use casesNext steps for Elevated IROs
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With shareholder activism rates continuing to rise and defense strategies becoming more complex, how can IR and management teams be better prepared for activist situations? In this episode of Winning IR, Kiley Rawlins, Vice President - Investor Relations at Ulta Beauty, draws on her 25 years of experience in IR and shares insights on activism readiness and how investor relations officers should prepare for and approach potential activist campaigns.
Activism readiness: understanding the key issues and vulnerabilities that drive shareholder activismCommunication strategies with your board and management teamPreparing for potential activist campaignsMonitoring performance and comparisons with peer groupsThe importance of your advisor team and scenario planningEngaging with activists and shareholdersBalancing threats and opportunities from activism
Listen to the full episode to learn more about:Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
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While the content of your message has a large impact on how well your company is understood by investors and analysts, how you deliver your message can carry equal weight. In this week’s episode of Winning IR, Mark sits down with David Calusdian, President at Sharon Merrill Advisors. They discuss how developing your presence and communication skills can benefit IROs and Executives alike.
The importance of structured messagingThe Communication Pyramid ModelCommon mistakes that prevent effective communicationThe role of body language Improving executive communicationThe importance of effective communication in investor relations
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The Small-Mid-Cap landscape has changed drastically in recent years, and targeting is a key concern for companies looking to reduce stock volatility, build new relationships, and grow their company.
Common objectives in investor outreachIncreasing institutional shareholder baseTargeting hedge funds and family officesIncreasing liquidity by targeting hedge funds and family officesThe importance of clear communicationTargeting strategies for small-mid-cap companiesIncorporating existing data into engagement strategiesThe role of social media in IRCrafting the perfect investor outreach emailAnd more
In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Jonathan Paterson to discuss how mid-cap companies can build effective targeting and outreach strategies.
Listen to the full episode to learn more about:Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
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Over the last few years, IR teams are increasingly becoming more proactive with buy-side engagement due to regulatory requirements and an evolution in standard practices in corporate access. During this evolution, it's become clear that there is some mystery surrounding buy-side corporate access and how IRO’s can begin to leverage these teams to benefit their outreach and relationships. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken and Elizabeth Librizzi, Chief Administrative Officer for Equities at AllianceBernstein, sit down to discuss how buy-side corporate access can help corporates build long-term sustainable relationships.
Listen to the full episode to learn more about:
Buy-side corporate access, and how it differs from sell-side corporate accessHow IR teams should engage with buy-side corporate access teamsThe benefits of working directly with buy-side corporate accessWhat you need to know about buy-side conferencesThe biggest surprise for Elizabeth going from sell-side to buy-side corporate accessThe biggest misconception about buy-side corporate accessWinning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
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Managing an IPO is, without a doubt, a career-making transaction for an IRO. On this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken and Catherine Buan, Investor Relations at Asana, discuss what IR practitioners who find or want to find themselves in the seat to lead a company through their go-public transition.
Catherine is an industry veteran and has managed IPOs for some of the biggest tech companies in the market, and she shares some really insightful advice from her years of experience.
Listen to the full episode to learn more about:
Setting the stage for an IPOAssembling the internal and external teamThe IPO timeline for IRHow to ensure your management team is set up for successWhat to look out for during the IPO processWhat you need to know to ensure success post-IPOAdvice for IROs who are interested in taking companies publicWinning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
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In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken and Patricia Cruz, Senior Manager, Investor Relations at Etsy, Inc, talk about her experience transitioning into an in-house role from a previous consulting career, and what it takes to be a next-generation IRO. Patricia shares her best advice for finding the path that will bring you the most success in your IR career, getting exposure and building your network, and ensuring you build the right skills to be successful in the long-term.
Listen to the full episode to learn more about:
In-house vs. consulting - what’s the difference, and how to make the transition.What you should know before getting into IRThe best networking resources for a new IROPatricia’s best advice for finding success early in your careerWinning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
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IR is a busy and sometimes chaotic role at any public company. IR teams carry the weight of relationships that can impact a company's performance in the public markets, and managing, maintaining, and growing those relationships requires constant care. The role becomes even more critical when a company dominates the headlines.
In today’s episode, Mark Fasken sits down with Andrea Daley, Vice President of Investor Relations at Dentsply Sirona. In 2022, just one year into Andrea’s tenure in her first IR role, the company faced numerous executive transitions and challenging situations in the markets and the press. Andrea and Mark discuss her experience leading IR through that time, her best advice to IROs finding themselves in a similar situation, and how facing those challenges built a stronger and more resilient IR function.
Listen to the full episode to learn more about:
Communicating executive departuresWhich partners and internal groups to leverage for supportWorking with an interim executive team and how to transition the new executive team into the company.Managing relationships with the investment communityThe power of the IR community during challenging timesHow tough times build stronger teamsWinning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
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One of the topics we often hear within the IR community is how to earn a seat at the strategic table. On this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken and Adam Borgatti, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations at Aecon Group, talk about what it takes to expand your scope of responsibility as an IRO, and how to take your leadership to the next level.
Adam has held multiple senior leadership positions in the finance industry. He is currently responsible for leading Aecon’s Investor Relations, Sustainability, Corporate Affairs, Corporate Communications and Marketing functions, as well as supporting the leadership team at Aecon with developing long-term business plans, evaluating strategic initiatives, and leading the assessment and execution of Aecon’s acquisition opportunities. Given his breadth of responsibilities, Adam knows a thing or two about deeply growing your skills to become a multi-disciplinary leader.
Listen to the full episode to learn more about:
The natural areas to expand your scope of responsibility as an IROScaling a team while managing to escalate responsibilitiesUnderstanding team strengths and opportunities for improvementUsing rotational programs to build diverse skillsetsWhy delegating the responsibilities that set you apart helps you to growHow to get a seat at the tableWinning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
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The earnings cycle can sometimes force a focus on communicating short-term results and strategies with the investment community. This can sometimes prevent issuers from sharing their companies' long-term vision and strategy effectively. So how can you ensure that your vision is understood?
In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken and Moira Conlon, Founder, and CEO of Financial Profiles, talk about balancing short-term success and reporting with creating and communicating a long-term, value-driven company story.
Listen to the full episode to learn more about:
Balancing short-term reporting and selling the long-term strategy of your companyHow to know if investors understand the long-term strategyWhat to do when the investment company doesn’t see the long-term visionThe components of a long-term approach to investor communicationsWhere to find examples of companies who are doing it wellCommunicating long-term vision in a volatile marketWinning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
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A foundational component to your success as an IRO is your ability to effectively build relationships and engage the C-Suite. This is no small task, as senior stakeholders tend to have varying priorities, appetites for information, and bandwidth. In today’s episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken and Kendra Brown sit down to discuss her twenty-four-year career at FactSet, what she brought to IR from her nearly two decades of experience in product management, and how to best become a trusted strategic resource to the C-Suite.
Listen to the full episode to learn more about:
Lessons from Kendra’s career journey that spans product management, chief of staff, to the head of IR at FactSetHow to build a regular cadence of feedback and information sharing with your management teamAdvice for IROs looking to build stronger internal relationships and company contextHow IROs can get a seat at the company’s strategic tableHow to effectively measure your IR program and how to leverage unique channels or data sources to drive leadership decision makingHow better data and intelligence leads to more effective investor relationsDon’t miss your chance to explore the powerful partnership between Irwin and FactSet. For more information on how this software integration can benefit your IR program today, head to our website: www.getirwin.com.
Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts.
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ESG remains high on the priority list for investor relations, but what does that mean to your everyday workflows? In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken and Jordyn Eskijian, Program Manager, Investor Relations & ESG at H&R Block, sit down to talk about aligning purpose and performance through ESG to add shareholder value and create positive impact..
Listen to the full episode to learn more about:
What motivated H&R Block to implement an ESG strategyThe platforms and frameworks to prioritizeAdapting your ESG strategy to respond to evolutions in the spaceThe biggest obstacles in managing an ESG strategyBuilding relationships with the rating agenciesHow ESG adds shareholder valueHow ESG impacts investor targeting performanceHow to measure your ESG progressAbout our guest
Jordyn Eskijian is currently the Program Manager, Investor Relations & ESG at H&R Block. Prior to her current role, Jordyn held various financial, accounting, and data science roles within the company. Jordyn was recently named to NIRI’s Rising Leaders Under 40 list, and is the Programs Chair of the Kansas City Chapter Board.
Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
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Starting a new role is stressful for any professional. It’s been proven that making a career change is one of your life’s most stressful events. With IR being such a critical function within a company, and with limited resources and increasing responsibility, the pressure to succeed and provide value early on is paramount.
In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken and Luke Wyse, Senior Vice President, Finance & Investor Relations at Triumph Financial, talk about the essential activities and strategies an IRO should focus on in their first 90 days in a new IR role.
Listen to the episode to learn more about:
What a new IRO should be doing in the first 90 days to set themselves up for successWhen a new IRO should start to make changes to the department or strategyHow to get a deep understanding of the company story, and how to validate your understanding of the storyHow much time to spend with other leaders in the business, and what you should try to learn from other stakeholdersHow to know when you’re prepared to take investor meetingsHow to ensure that you’re adding valueSetting and managing the IR budgetWinning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
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The sometimes adversarial nature between Corporate IR and the Sell-Side can result in some unknowns when it comes to building strong and mutually beneficial relationships between IROs and sell-side analysts. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Megan McGrath, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations at Cushman & Wakefield. Megan's insights are incredibly valuable for Investor Relations Officers who want to enhance their sell-side coverage. As someone who has worked in the sell-side industry, Megan's advice comes from a place of deep understanding. Having held key positions as an analyst and Director of Research at top firms like The Buckingham Research Group, MKM Partners, Barclays Capital, and Lehman Brothers, Megan's expertise is unparalleled.
Listen to the episode to learn more about:
The transition from the sell-side into IRThe biggest misconceptions about the sell-sideWhat IROs can do to better engage the sell-sideHow to work more proactively with the sell-sideTips for getting the sell-side to initiate coverageHow to better work with your covering analystsBuilding An Efficient Partnership Between The Sell-Side, Your Company, And Your Management TeamWinning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
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In today’s episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Alex Jorgensen, Managing Director and Head of IR at Prosek Partners to talk all things IPO.
Navigating an initial public offering is no small feat, with many moving pieces and requirements to successfully launch a company into the public markets. Alex has advised on over 35 go-to-market transactions and shares his experience, best practices, and things to avoid.
Listen to the full episode to learn more about
The team you need to go public, and their importance throughout the processThe importance of positioning and narrativeBuilding your prospectusThe difference between public and private market investorsCrafting a story around the IPOWhere companies under-invest during the IPO processThe most common challenges that come up during an IPOGoing public in a tough marketWinning IR is brought to you by Irwin.
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