This free online Colloquium explores how strategic communicators can thrive in an era of uncertainty by leveraging volatility as an opportunity rather than a threat.

In Part I, Mike Daily unpacks the evolving nature of the information environment, highlighting the challenges of media fragmentation, information overload, and declining trust in traditional sources. He illustrates how volatility breeds attention and influence, demonstrating through real-world case studies how organizations have successfully shaped narratives amid crises. The session delves into agile messaging strategies, controlled ambiguity, and real-time audience feedback loops-emphasizing the importance of adaptive communication frameworks.

Part II, led by Mark McGrath, introduces the OODA Loop as a powerful tool for strategic communicators, applying John Boyd’s military decision-making model to modern PR and branding challenges. McGrath reveals how speed, asymmetry, and orientation shape the perception battlefield, offering tactical insights on breaking competitors’ cohesion, exploiting disruption, and maintaining credibility in uncertain environments. Through compelling examples and strategic foresight, this colloquium equips professionals with the mindset and tools necessary to master decision dominance, ensuring their narratives stay resilient and persuasive in a rapidly shifting landscape.

BONUS: All attendees will be eligible for a random drawing during the event to win one free course from any of our Rutgers Continuing and Professional Studies certificate programs (valued at up to $1,095).

Presenters include: 

• Michael Cherenson, APR - A 33-year veteran of the public relations industry, Michael Cherenson has counseled hundreds of organizations, helping them navigate and thrive in complex environments. The author of three studies on the impact of reputation, Cherenson is Accredited in Public Relations (APR) by the Universal Accreditation Board and Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and is a member of the latter’s prestigious College of Fellows.  
• Michael N. Daily, APR - Mike, co-founder and CEO of Communication Metrics, Inc., has 28+ years of experience in communications in both the public and private sectors. A subject matter expert in brand strategy, stakeholder engagement, communication measurement and strategic communications, he has authored numerous professional works and leads workshops. He holds APR and AMEC-ICME designations, degrees from USC and National University, and instructs APR candidates. A 1976 USNA graduate, he also trained at the DoD Information School.
• Julie Johnson, Ed.D. - Julie has 30+ years of professional development and continuing education experience within higher education, international non-profit organizations, and public education. She is currently the Director of Continuing and Professional Studies (CPS) and participates in the campus and university continuing education and micro-credentials bodies. As the Director of CPS, Johnson leads all continuing education, non-degree, micro-credentialing programming, and educational outreach of the Rutgers School of Communication and Information.
• Mark McGrath - Mark McGrath is the Chief Learning Officer at AGLX, an adaptive strategy consultancy that empowers leaders and teams to thrive in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in asset management, the military, and strategy consulting, Mark specializes in teaching and advising on decisionmaking, strategy, and the application of John Boyd’s theories to business, entrepreneurship, and athletics. As the co-host and co-creator of the podcast No Way Out, and the creator of the Substack The Whirl of Reorientation, Mark provides thought leadership on thriving in complexity. His content helps clients navigate disruption through innovative decision-making frameworks and strategic insights. Mark served six years as a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps, where he honed his leadership skills and worked closely with allied foreign military personnel across Southeast Asia. Following his military service, he spent nearly two decades in asset management, holding senior positions at firms such as Lazard Asset Management, SEI Investments, and RiverSource Investments. Mark holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Bachelor’s degree in History from Marquette University. Raised in Pittsburgh and residing in Manhattan, he maintains his passion for athletics by participating in Masters Swimming alongside his four children, all of whom are competitive swimmers.