Podcast

Tony talks with Andrew about the business of think tanks and reaching audiences beyond the Beltway

In this episode

Smiling headshot of a man wearing prescription glasses. He has a light brown goatee and mustache. Wearing dark blue blazer with blue and white checkered button up and a red tie

Andrew Kolb, Director of Communications at the German Marshall Fund of the United States

Andrew Kolb is a storyteller and strategist, leading communications for the German Marshall Fund of the United States. AT GMF, Andrew stewards GMF’s brand and messaging, helping transatlantic policy thinkers connect their ideas with policymakers and publics while elevating the visibility of the organization’s civil society and leadership development work. Prior to GMF, Andrew led communications for Conservation International, including for the launch of the Cannes Golden Lion-winning Nature Is Speaking campaign.

Our Discussion

Organizations of all sizes have struggled to find an engaging replacement for in person events since the pandemic. Andrew Kolb of the German Marshall Fund discusses how his organization adapted digital and online communications to conduct virtual events for community building. Andrew also shares strategies for audience self-selection that can improve how your team navigates multiple audiences.

Tony and Andrew also dive into the business of think tanks, what role policy organizations can play to increase access to informed thought on complex ideas and issues that can reach global scales but that impact everyday life. They also contemplate if major news media outlets like the New York Times or World Convening Events like the World Economic Forum are taking over the space once occupied by think tanks.

This episode was recorded in February of 2022, preceding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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