Sorry not sorry: the corporate apology

How hard is it to say sorry? This week, The Little Questions podcast looks into the world of the corporate apology.

If we’ve done something wrong, or more relevant to our specific discussion, if the firm we represent has messed up, why can’t we just get them to say sorry and mean it; and then move on? This week, James Acheson-Gray joins Matt Young and Andrew Brown to tackle this tricky topic.

Are we all psychologically predisposed to find reasons to delay or avoid saying sorry? The embarrassment and shame of it. Or is it all the fault of the lawyers who hang the threat of litigation as a result of the apology becoming an admission of liability?

We’d love to hear what you think. Get in touch on social media or email [email protected]

This edition of The Little Questions podcast is presented by Andrew Brown, Matt Young and James Acheson-Gray.

Apella partner Andrew Brown is a former Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Ageas Insurance. He has more than ten years’ experience leading the corporate affairs functions for global firms across a range of regulated and unregulated sectors, developing considerable experience in issues, crisis and change management. Formerly Director of Communications at Drax Group plc and Group Corporate Affairs Director at Regus plc.

Matt Young is an Apella founder partner with 25 years of experience in corporate affairs. He was Corporate Affairs Director at Lloyds Banking Group, part of the senior team which rescued the bank and rebuilt its reputation following the financial crisis. Formerly communications director at Santander UK and board member of the BBA.

Returning to the podcast is Apella Founder Partner James Acheson-Gray, who has acted as a long-term advisor to senior decision makers on the value of harnessing reputation to enhance commercial objectives. James has over 20 years’ experience running successful PR/PA firms and major client programmes in Europe and Asia. He was managing director of APCO Worldwide from 2012-2019 and is a former Board Director of the Queen’s Club.

Find out more about Apella Advisors at www.apellaadvisors.com and you can get in touch by emailing [email protected]

This podcast was produced by the www.thepodcastcoach.co.uk