When reflecting on 2024, everyone from the Free Press to CNN were quick to note that McDonald’s was everywhere. Chris Arnade coined it: “the year of McDonald’s.” But managing the moments that led to this—from a food safety issue; to constant invocations on the campaign trails and a now infamous campaign stop; to reports of menu prices rising too high—takes far more than a reactive approach. Michael Gonda, McDonald’s Corporation’s Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer for North America, sits down for a live interview about the work he and his team led to ensuring the brand would emerge stronger.

The role for communications and public affairs in helping businesses manage risk and deliver value has never been more important. This comes at a critical time when CEOs and other C-suite leaders are concerned about managing extreme volatility outside of their control. That uncertainty extends to the confidence they have in their communications and public affairs teams. According to recent research from Weber Shandwick, less than 20% of business leaders feel their communications and public affairs functions are “well equipped” to keep pace with rapid economic, geopolitical and cultural change. This session will feature expert voices and explore what CCOs and communications leaders can do to meet the moment, build confidence in their teams, and deliver tangible value and results in an increasingly volatile world.