Think of what really matters in business and government: the people, projects, policies, outcomes and perceptions. Just about everything you care about.
How can you ensure all works out as planned? If you stack your dominoes end-to-end you may think you’re in control but there is no room for error. You’ll be okay as long as everything goes as planned. But if one piece tips over, they all fall down. The answer is to engage stakeholders early on, prepare for foreseeable and unforeseeable events, communicate clearly and build reputations. That keeps the dominoes from falling.
The convergence of AI, hyper-connectedness and data analytics is also profound. Tapping into the automated analysis of published content, speeches (incl. language patterns and tone), presentations and media appearances is a smart way of accelerating the delivery of real outcomes and improving perceptions.
Areas of Specialization
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Corporate Communications
- Strategy review & development
- Positioning, messaging & narrative development
- Campaign design & integration
- Media & presentation skills training
Public Affairs
- Stakeholder & public engagement strategies for government, think tanks, non-profits, institutions
- Strategic counsel, representation & advocacy
- Content creation
Reputation Management
- Reputation research & analysis
- Crisis preparedness & communications
- Thought leadership & CEO reputation
Click here for an overview of Oliver's clients.
Launches, Crises, Events and Big Stories
Middle East, China and Southeast Asia
CHINA | MALAYSIA
Bringing the Olympic Games to Beijing
Team lead Malaysia for Beijing’s New York-led Olympics bid campaign incl. local & regional media relations, sports marketing, opinion-leader endorsements, strategic & crisis counsel, message development, media monitoring, online consulting, and translation services.
Following Beijing’s successful bid, Mr. Stelling was appointed China lead for O5 (McCann World Group's Olympics marketing specialist comprised of 5 IPG agencies: Weber Shandwick, Momentum, FutureBrand, MRM Partners and McCann-Erickson) liaising with the Beijing Organizing Committee BOCOG. In 2008, China hosted what was widely regarded the best Games ever.
Background Reading:
Beijing Facts & Figures - International Olympic Committee (IOC)
MALAYSIA
Navigating the Asian Financial Crisis
Strategic counsel, crisis preparedness, coaching and media relations services to a newly established national asset management company during the Asian financial crisis.
The country emerged from the crisis relatively unscathed and the work received an Asian PR Award for 'Best Financial Campaign'.
Background Reading:
Cleaning Up Malaysia's Bad Debts - The New York Times
MALAYSIA
Managing a Central Bank's Reputation
Conceptualizing and conducting a reputation research and management program for a highly regarded Asian central bank at the height of the Asian financial crisis.
The bank cemented its status as a competent and independent adviser to the Government.
Background Reading:
Malaysia Hurries Bank Mergers, Raising Controversy About Plan - The Wall Street JournalQATAR
Putting a Nation on the Map
Development and international coordination of an extensive 16-months communications campaign for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006, spanning 29 markets in Asia and the Middle East.
With over 36,000 positive news reports achieved globally, the phased campaign was a massive success, creating a lasting legacy for the host country, paving the way to Qatar's successful FIFA World Cup bid.
Background Reading:
Asian Games Close in Spectacular Arabian Fantasy - China Daily (via Reuters)
UAE
Introducing a New State Holding Co.
International coordination of all PR activities around the first two high-profile property acquisitions in Europe by a newly created state holding company, overseeing the activities of over 30 portfolio companies.
At times of increasing economic uncertainty, the closely watched acquisitions were well received and established the holding company internationally as a responsible player and a reliable source of economic information.
QATAR | GLOBAL
Developing a PR Road Map for a Global Energy Organization
Drafting a comprehensive global communications strategy and road map for an intergovernmental organization representing the producers and exporters of a particular fossil fuel.
The strategy was presented to and approved by all member states at ministerial level.
CHINA | GERMANY
Explaining the Road to Sustainability
Conceptualization, content development and design of a bilingual paper on “Environment Protection & Energy Management” for a German Government organization assisting in sustainable development worldwide and in this case, China.
The publication served as a reference point for the client's engagement in China and was widely distributed among Chambers of Commerce, embassies and consulates, as well as other government entities.
QATAR
Rewriting the Story of a Property Developer
Strategic review of all internal & external communications by Qatar's leading real estate group.
The 3-months exercise with the executive board led to a repositioning of the group and an overhaul of its stakeholder engagement strategy.
Background Reading:
Qatar Property Firms Struggle Amid Construction Boom - Reuters
MENA
Helping Prevent a Public Health Crisis
Planning and implementation of a multiple day media training exercise for dozens of distinguished Gulf and North African healthcare professionals and opinion leaders charged with public education on the risks and dangers caused by Hepatitis C.
The training was a success and the team was invited to speak at a health congress in Cairo.
Background Reading:
Global Health: A Uniquely Egyptian Epidemic - Nature Middle East
KSA
Preparing for Saudi Arabia's Transformation
Strategic communications counsel to analysts and consultants tasked with the restructuring and rebranding of Saudi public and private sector companies in line with the Kingdom’s National Transformation Program 2020 and the wider Saudi Arabia Vision 2030.
The sessions helped structuring new client-side assignments and led to several follow-up engagements and referrals.
Background Reading:
Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 - Government Website
SOUTH KOREA | GCC
Connecting an Asian Consumer Brand w/ Arab Media Influencers
Market research and media intel for an Asian beauty & wellness brand preparing to boost its presence in the Arab world.
The tactical advice helped paving the way for the successful expansion of the company's footprint in the region.
Background Reading:
Middle East and Africa Cosmetics Products Market – Market Trends and Forecasts (2015 - 2020) - Mordor Intelligence
IRAQ
Gearing Up for a National Election
Development of the messaging platform for the election campaign of a former interim Prime Minister in the run-up to the country's second post-war national election.
The client beat out the incumbent by two seats. However, after several months of brinkmanship and bargaining the opponent managed to form a coalition bloc, securing his re-election.
Background Reading:
Iraq's Last Patriot - The New York Times
Connectivity, Communications and Asia's Rise
