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The PIO Podcast

The PIO Podcast

Written by: Robert Tornabene
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About this listen

The PIO Podcast is a platform for Public Information Officers (PIO's) and Public Affairs Officers (PAO's) in public sector organizations, including Police, Fire, EMS, FEMA, state, local, and federal government organizations. The podcast aims to facilitate learning, growth, and discussion of issues that PIO's/PAO's may encounter within their profession. If you would like to support the podcast and connect with other PIO's/PAO's, please email us at thepiopodcast@gmail.com.


© 2026 The PIO Podcast
Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales Political Science Politics & Government Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • S6 - E2: Gaurav Gupta, Managing Director of R & D - Kotter
    Jan 21 2026

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    Episode Summary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Robert interviews Gaurav Gupta, head of R&D at Kotter, discussing the transformative role of AI in public information and communication. Gaurav shares insights on generative AI's impact on content creation, the importance of effective communication strategies, and the need for transparency in AI usage. They explore the challenges posed by misinformation, the need to reskill the workforce, and the importance of aligning AI tools with agency strategies. The conversation emphasizes that AI should be viewed as an enabler of change rather than a replacement for human roles, underscoring the importance of leadership and adaptability in navigating the evolving AI landscape.

    Gaurav's BIO: GAURAV GUPTA has been helping organizations and individuals unleash potential and maximize business outcomes for over 20 years. His expertise is in change leadership and strategy execution. By combining thinking from behavioral science, leadership development, and strategy implementation, he has advised leaders on their most important business initiatives across industries as diverse as finance, healthcare, extraction, oil and gas, and chemicals. Having worked in over 10 countries, Gaur3av draws on extensive global experience in collaborating with leaders to develop and implement new ways of working in their organizations. Gaurav is the head of R+D at Kotter and collaborates with Dr. John Kotter, the world-renowned expert on change and leadership, to develop the most successful approaches to create large-scale change and greater adaptability. Gaurav is the co-author of the book Change: How Organizations Achieve Hard-to-Imagine Results in Uncertain and Volatile Times. Gaurav represents Kotter through speaking engagements, consulting, and facilitated learning events. Gaurav also co-founded Ka Partners, a firm established to help growing startups perform better through greater employee engagement, more efficient resource utilization, and better decision-making. Gaurav has delivered keynote addresses for corporate clients and at various conferences. He has published numerous articles, including in HBR, MIT Sloan Review, and Forbes, and has been quoted in publications like The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and USA Today. He holds a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Cornell University and a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Middlebury College, where he graduated summa cum laude.



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    Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

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    43 mins
  • S6 - E1 Deana DiPaola - PIO Altamonte Springs, FL
    Jan 14 2026

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    Episode Summary: In this conversation, Deana DiPaola discusses her experiences in crisis management, particularly during her first weekend on call when national neo-Nazi groups came to her city, in addition to handling one of the largest 4th of July fireworks events in the state. She highlights the importance of understanding community safety, effective communication, and the challenges of leadership in such critical situations.

    Deana's BIo: I am a reliable, respectful, empathetic, and dependable individual. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated flexibility, versatility, and dedication to the organization. I am committed to the goals and objectives of the Police Department and work closely with our respected business partners in Central Florida as the current Public Information Officer.

    Deana's Email

    Support the show

    Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

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    28 mins
  • Countdown of the Top Ten Most Downloaded Episodes of 2025.
    Dec 17 2025

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    Host Robert Tornabene conducts a countdown of the 10 most downloaded episodes of 2025.

    Support the show

    Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

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    2 mins
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