Michael Evans, Madano’s Managing Partner, featured in PRWeek UK’s PowerBook 2023 – a definitive guide to the most influential PR professionals in Britain.
From Little Simz to Christiano Ronaldo, hear from Michael on the industry highs and lows, and his ambitions for the business.
Describe your 2022 in no more than five words.
I love my bloody job.
What has been your professional highlight of 2022?
Watching our team help grow the business through a turbulent political period and tough economic situation. It hasn’t been the easiest of times but we have collectively worked hard to do great work for our clients.
What has been your favourite proactive PR campaign of the past 12 months? (Not one that you or your organisation has been involved in.)
Women’s Aid’s smart campaign with ‘He’s Coming Home’ during the men’s football World Cup not only raised an important issue, but the messaging and creative execution meant that it was seen by many during the tournament.
Which organisation or individual has managed reputation most poorly in the past 12 months?
Cristiano Ronaldo. He may be adored by Manchester United fans forever but his approach to forcing a move out of the club and arguably damaging Portugal’s World Cup hopes in doing so has tarnished his legacy in the eyes of many.
Which organisation or individual has managed reputation most adeptly and proactively in the past 12 months? (Not one that you or your organisation has been involved in.)
Little Simz. Not only is her music captivating and original, but she’s also used her growing platform to speak out and empower people to not be held back by their backgrounds.
Has the ‘great resignation’ ended in PR?
Yes, I think so, but it was inevitable after COVID-19 that some people would rethink what they wanted to do, and with the current economic climate you can now see that more people might want to sit tight for the foreseeable.
Other than finding and retaining talent, what is your biggest challenge professionally going into 2023?
Madano grew by almost 25 per cent in the past 12 months, which has been amazing, but we now need to consolidate that growth as we head towards our next big milestone.
What are your biggest ambitions for 2023 – professional and personal?
Professionally – keep growing and driving Madano forwards. Personally, am recovering from a semi-serious injury that has prevented me from running and for the sake of all around me, the sooner I am back running the better.
Interview credit from PR Week.
About Madano
Madano is committed to building a better world through intelligent and creative communications supported by in-depth insights. We work with clients who are shaping the future through science, technology, and engineering, helping them tell their story, make the right connections, change attitudes, and influence behaviours. We use our insights and creative capabilities to deliver evidence-based strategies and compelling outcomes.
We enable individuals and organisations to make informed decisions on the issues that matter—adding value and driving businesses forward. Established in 2004, Madano is an AVENIR GLOBAL company.