Dezenhall Resources, Ltd

Since the 1980s, we’ve been behind the scenes, shaking up countless industries and guiding numerous organizations through challenges both big and small. With our unique, people-first approach to strategic communication, crisis management, and public affairs, and a powerful arsenal of data-driven tactics, Dezenhall is prepared to take on any challenge. Watch the video and then check out our new website! https://lnkd.in/dQj9a7zk

From our team to yours, Merry Crisis!

A few weeks back, Michael Bova explored the potential for private equity firms to invest their dollars in NFL teams. Fast forward to this week, and it’s happening: NFL teams are officially approving bids from firms for the first time. 🏈 Read Mike’s updated take: “Well, that didn't take long. For the first time in NFL history, private equity firms will be in the NFL owner’s box. The Eagles, Dolphins, Bills, and Raiders all voted to approve bids from Ares Management and Arctos Partners at a special league meeting. In August, NFL owners voted to allow private equity funds to purchase up to a 10 percent stake in a franchise. At least a 30 percent stake is required to be a controlling owner of a franchise, so there won’t be a situation where a private equity firm runs an NFL team. Private equity funds that buy into teams have to hold their shares for at least six years, so we won’t be seeing any quick flips of these ownership positions. These deals illustrate the meteoric rise in the value of anything associated with sports. For example, over the more than three decades that Jeffrey Lurie has owned the Eagles, the team’s value increased 13.2 percent annually, outpacing the S&P 500 at 8.9 percent annually.” https://lnkd.in/dgfAnTVS 

As we approach a new year and a new presidency, significant policy and regulatory shifts in Washington are on the horizon. Stay up to date with Our Take, Dezenhall’s monthly newsletter. Get our team’s insights on the latest crises, trends, best practices, and lessons in crisis PR – all in one place. Don’t miss out, subscribe here ⬇️  https://lnkd.in/df84kHPX 

Online scammers are getting craftier, using our names – or even the names of friends, family, and colleagues – to launch phishing attacks and disrupt our daily lives. Anne Marie Malecha shares her thoughts on British mobile company O2’s innovative solution: AI Granny, a digital bot designed to keep scammers at bay. 🤖 “A few months ago, a spoofed version of me sent emails from a fake, but deceivingly real-looking email account asking colleagues to run a quick errand or buy gift cards. I was mortified, but I know I am not the only one. Phishing attempts, spoof texts and calls, and digital scams are rampant.   So much so that the British mobile company, O2, created Daisy, a chatty granny who talks to scammers and keeps them away from real people. With retorts about her cat, Fluffy, and having all the time in the world, Daisy can occupy scammers for up to 40 minutes per call. A few defeated scammers have shared their thoughts: “It’s nearly been an hour! For the love of [bleep],” and “I think your profession is bothering people, right?” It is, and Granny Daisy is proud of it. Cheers to O2 and Daisy for working to beat the bad guys at their own game.” https://lnkd.in/dtS72JRq 

Musical theatre adaptations haven’t had the easiest run at the box office over the last couple of years – but the latest film rendition of Wicked is breaking the mold, transforming the beloved musical into a $360M+ blockbuster sensation. Dez’s digital resident Annie M. gives her take on the film’s success: “I tend to attract musical theater people. Not kidding. My first friend in college? Musical theater. My now best friend I randomly met at a charity event? Musical theater. My old hairdresser? He’s literally on a Broadway tour right now. So despite my own lack of knowledge, I’ve come to appreciate a good musical and understand what it takes to make it in that industry. Seeing Wicked live in London last Christmas and then watching the new film adaptation last week has me reflecting on what it takes to successfully turn a beloved show, play, or film into a musical movie. Mean Girls… flopped. The Joker musical with Lady Gaga… only made $20 million opening weekend. This article does a great job of explaining why the marketing for Wicked was genius, but really what I think it all boils down to is leaning into your roots, letting people know that it is, in fact, a musical, and innovating enough that you can attract new audiences without alienating OG fans. If you haven’t seen Wicked yet, it’s definitely worth the 2.5 hours and $20 to go see it in theaters.” https://lnkd.in/epAC33UX

As the busy year comes to an end, it’s refreshing to have the entire team together for our final quarterly in-person strategy session of 2024. 💡 Team Dez is dedicated to finding innovative ways to tackle our clients’ toughest challenges, and our quarterly in-person sessions provide the perfect opportunity to collaborate, brainstorm, and develop bold, out-of-the-box solutions, especially ahead of what’s bound to be a huge year of regulatory and policy fights. Here’s to our clients, a successful 2024, and our incredible team of crisis management rockstars – cheers to 2025! 🥂🌟

Mark your calendars! Our founder Eric Dezenhall’s latest book, Wiseguys and the White House, hits the shelves on January 14th, 2025. The book delves into the history of presidential ties to organized crime, spanning from the FDR era to present-day. It’s a captivating read exploring two quintessential American topics: politics and the mob. Read the latest review on Eric’s upcoming book in KirKus Reviews⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eS2eFPCN

Looking for the perfect fireside read? 📚 Last week’s edition of Dez Reads has something for everyone. Annie M. explores the ubiquitousness of Wicked, David Manitsky dives into the rise of Little League Baseball, Nathaniel Beach uncovers the ultimate stocking stuffer for your loved ones, and more. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/eGrMdukw

Twitter creator Jack Dorsey is back with a new venture called Bluesky Social, a decentralized social media platform that has skyrocketed in popularity. Could Dorsey’s new platform reshape the digital landscape? Maybe. Nathaniel Beach takes a closer look into the Bluesky’s explosive growth and what it could mean for the future of social media. ⬇️ ““You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” This defining quote from Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight could capture the ironic journey of Twitter creator Jack Dorsey, whose fledgling platform seeks to be the “Twitter Killer.” Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform, has skyrocketed to 20 million users in record time in the aftermath of the 2024 US presidential election. As Bluesky’s growth surged, comparisons to Dorsey’s former app, now Elon Musk-owned and rebranded as ‘X,’ became inevitable. Musk’s controversial leadership, polarizing rhetoric, and changes to the platform pushed left-leaning users toward Bluesky, creating a growing exodus from ‘X.’ With Musk’s takeover leading to calls for it being a “conservative echo chamber,” Bluesky’s emergence in the market raises questions about the future of social media. I fear that one of two results could develop. In one scenario, big tech continues to entrench users in tailored algorithms and partisan echo chambers that will lead to extremism and segregate users by ideology. In another, Bluesky’s decentralized model fosters interoperability, breaking social media silos and allowing free-flowing, diverse discussions. Obviously, I hope for the latter to come true, and Bluesky is scratching the surface of making that a reality. Democratized communication could, and should, rebuke big tech’s control over dialogue, paving the way for a more open, interconnected digital future.” https://lnkd.in/e3mbyPSe