Author Archives: Michael Maslansky

About Michael Maslansky

CEO maslansky + partners

Talking Tariffs: How Companies Can Communicate Effectively in a No-Win Situation 

June 3, 2025

As the Trump administration fights over the future of its tariffs in the courts, companies are anxiously considering how to deal with this massive shift in U.S. trade policy. Tariffs have already increased costs for many businesses, and they threaten the ability of some companies to survive. Many companies are asking: what’s the right language and framing to talk about tariffs in a way that protects our business without antagonizing Washington? Michael Maslansky offers some sound advice for how to respond while mitigating the risk.

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Companies are Afraid to Talk About Climate Action. They Shouldn’t Be.

April 16, 2025

Sustainability leaders at some of the world’s largest companies are scared. They feel there’s no safe way to communicate about climate and environmental issues in today’s supercharged political environment. Michael Maslansky argues otherwise in this provocative piece. Instead of avoiding the issue, retreating from past positions, or scaling back communications, he believes there’s a real opportunity right now for companies to be environmentally responsible—if they get their message right.

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The language of DEI is failing

April 30, 2024

If companies want to be inclusive, they need language that is inclusive. Today’s DEI is confusing and ineffective, at best, and polarizing and antagonizing, at worst. Check out this piece by CEO Michael Maslansky as he shares some key tips for changing your diversity language to be more successful with your programs.

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ESG is dead, long live… ESG?

July 24, 2023

The battle over ESG is in full view and is the center of the latest culture war, with many companies caught in the middle. But does the public really oppose the substance of ESG? Or is this just a case of mistaken identity? And can companies find a way forward without risking the wrath of the newly emboldened right?

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