 |
The Industry CosignAuthor: BIG CED
BIG CED started The Industry Cosign over 20 years ago by featuring entrepreneurs, celebrities, and entertainment executives, and other endearing people he may come across who have interesting backgrounds and stories. Language: en Genres: Music, Music Interviews Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
From Temple to W&W: Aaliyah Crawford on 35 Years of Entertainment PR, Building Legendary Brands & Breaking Barriers: My Friends Are Better Than Yours
Episode 5
Friday, 13 February, 2026
From Temple to W&W: Aaliyah Crawford on 35 Years of Entertainment PR, Building Legendary Brands & Breaking BarriersJoin BIG CED of The Industry Cosign as he sits down with Aaliyah Crawford, Senior Vice President at W&W Public Relations and newly elected Vice President of the Recording Academy's Philadelphia Chapter. In this candid conversation, Aaliyah shares her journey from Temple University film student to representing icons like Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, and Patti LaBelle.Discover the realities of entertainment PR, from managing client expectations to navigating social media's double-edged sword. Aaliyah opens up about the legacy of W&W founder Patti Webster, the importance of authentic brand building, and what it takes to succeed in an industry where rejection is constant. She also discusses launching her new podcast, "Team AC with Aaliyah Crawford," and becoming the first professional member to serve as VP in her Recording Academy chapter.Whether you're an aspiring publicist, entrepreneur, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes in entertainment, this episode offers invaluable insights from someone who's been doing the work for decades.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction & Welcome1:03 - Aaliyah Crawford Introduces Herself2:26 - How Aaliyah Got Into Publicity3:11 - Early Interest in Entertainment & Education at Temple University4:49 - Entry into W&W Public Relations6:02 - The Legacy of W&W (Founded 1991)6:49 - Remembering Patti Webster8:02 - Patti's Impact on Industry Relationships10:04 - The Importance of Professional Courtesy in PR11:39 - Managing Inbox Overload & Following Up13:04 - Dealing with Rejection as a Publicist14:43 - Creating Effective PR Strategies15:29 - Managing Client Expectations20:11 - W&W's Impressive Client Roster22:15 - What Makes a Good Client Fit24:00 - Different PR Specialties & Finding Your Wheelhouse26:03 - When Artists Aren't Ready for PR28:15 - Average Campaign Length & Timeline30:03 - What Makes a Successful Brand31:39 - Navigating Social Media as a PR Tool32:43 - Social Media: Gift and Curse34:39 - Social Media vs. Traditional PR36:47 - Recording Academy Vice President Announcement37:08 - Breaking Barriers: First Professional Member VP40:09 - Launching "Team AC with Aaliyah Crawford" Podcast41:02 - The Creator Economy & Podcast Opportunities43:01 - Going Viral: The Sign to Start Podcasting45:46 - Authenticity in Content Creation47:08 - The Importance of Public-Facing Business Leaders48:48 - Minority & Female-Owned Business Representation49:18 - Connect with Aaliyah & W&W50:55 - Closing RemarksConnect with Aaliyah Crawford:Instagram: @aaliyahcrawfordW&W PR Instagram: @wwrelationsWebsite: w-wpr.comPodcast: Team AC with Aaliyah Crawford (YouTube)Connect with BIG CED: https://www.youtube.com/@bigced328?sub_confirmation=1https://www.instagram.com/bigced328/ https://www.facebook.com/bigced328 https://x.com/bigced https://bsky.app/profile/bigced328.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigced/ https://www.twitch.tv/bigced328 https://open.spotify.com/show/35yBW0BTd4c7HvCnh9dVXz?si=HvZeE8RfTJGH6YjvHBiYzg&nd=1&dlsi=a147a471e6ab4c5c https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-cosign/id1638654676 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-industry-cosign-105171601/https://theindustrycosign.com/
