Eleanor Hawkins

Washington, D.C.

Author at Axios Communicators

@Axios Communicators [email protected]

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Articles

How a Steve Madden podcast interview went viral — and paid off

1 week ago | axios.com | Eleanor Hawkins

Data: Financial Modeling Prep; Chart: Axios VisualsSteve Madden has gone viral for his recent, no-holds-barred interview on "The Cutting Room Floor" podcast — and in the days following, the footwear company's stock price has also gotten a bump. Why it matters: Long-form interviews can be a risky public relations move, but when done right, they can attract new customers and generate business.
Companies that kept DEI commitments saw higher reputation scores in 2025

1 week ago | axios.com | Eleanor Hawkins

Data: Axios Harris Poll 100; Chart: Axios VisualsCompanies that maintained their commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion saw reputation scores rise in this year's Axios Harris Poll 100 reputation rankings. Why it matters: Unclear corporate values or a lack of conviction — most recently seen through mass DEI walk-backs — can hinder reputation. By the numbers: Across all 100 companies, corporate reputation declined by an average of 2.34 points in 2025.
Companies that kept DEI commitments saw higher reputation scores in 2025

1 week ago | flipboard.com | Eleanor Hawkins

17 hours agoYou may be familiar with POTUS (President of the United States), MAGA (Make America Great Again), and GOP (Grand Old Party), but there’s a new acronym that President Donald Trump isn’t a fan of. Short for “Trump Always Chickens Out,” Financial Times columnist Robert Armstrong coined the phrase …
Exclusive: Bennett Richardson departs Semafor for the National Association of Realtors

1 week ago | axios.com | Eleanor Hawkins |Sami Sparber

Bennett Richardson at the Semafor 2025 World Economy Summit. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty ImagesBennett Richardson is departing Semafor to take the top communications and marketing job at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Axios first learned. Why it matters: Richardson will be joined by former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development official Raffi Williams as NAR beefs up its communications operation.
How CEO transitions impact corporate reputation

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Eleanor Hawkins

Data: Axios Harris Poll 100; Chart: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosA record number of CEOs exited in 2024, with most executive transitions taking place when corporate reputation is in free fall, according to trend data from the Axios Harris Poll 100 reputation rankings. Why it matters: This highlights the direct link between a CEO's performance and the company's reputation.
Companies see steep reputation declines tied to politics, scandals

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Eleanor Hawkins

Data: Axios/Harris Poll; Chart: Thomas Oide/AxiosThe reputations of companies that stumbled into politics or the culture wars have been hit hardest since 2019, when the Axios Harris Poll 100 first launched the rankings. Why it matters: Most of the biggest decliners have consistently made headlines for polarizing acts or operational failures.
Rising costs rip into business reputation

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Eleanor Hawkins

Illustration: Aïda Amer/AxiosBusiness reputation is eroding due to consumer concerns about rising costs, according to this year's Axios Harris Poll 100, which assigns reputation scores based on seven categories like trust, products and services, vision and culture. Why it matters: Companies that have kept costs low while standing firm on their corporate values rank highest on this year's list.
Companies back away from sponsoring Pride, but not in Boston

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Eleanor Hawkins |Mike Deehan

Illustration: Brendan Lynch/AxiosAs part of diversity, equity, and inclusion walk-backs, many companies said they would no longer participate in "external events" or pledges, namely Pride parades that will take place across the country next month. Why it matters: This is a major pivot for the once proud corporate America. Zoom in: In Boston, organizers last week announced "Here to Stay" as the theme behind this year's Pride parade and celebration.
From Costco to Hinge, corporate storytelling is heading back to print

3 weeks ago | axios.com | Eleanor Hawkins

Table of contents from the first edition of Microsoft's magazine Signal. Photo: Courtesy of Microsoft Major U.S. companies and brands are investing in printed publications but not in the way you might think. Microsoft, Hinge and Costco have created their own print magazines to tell their corporate stories, enhance their reputation and engage with hard-to-reach audiences. Why it matters: It's part marketing and part strategic storytelling, communication executives from these companies told Axios.
Trump's agenda meets broad resistance from American institutions

3 weeks ago | axios.com | Eleanor Hawkins

Photo illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesEducational institutions, law firms, broadcasters, nonprofits and corporate shareholders are all currently fighting or rejecting the Trump administration's policies and executive orders. Why it matters: Widespread pushback against President Trump's agenda is starting to take shape.