In this powerful episode, host Michael Peres sits down with Tonya McKenzie — founder of Sand & Shores, public relations expert, international speaker, and chair of the Los Angeles County Commission on Alcohol and Other Drugs. From her early days running PR campaigns at Cal State Northridge to leading high-impact communication strategies for organizations and athletes, Tonya shares her journey of building trust, influence, and reputation through authentic storytelling.
Together, they dive deep into:
• The real difference between PR and marketing — and why authenticity wins every time.
• How to stay intellectually curious and avoid complacency in your career.
• Why embracing AI is no longer optional in the communications world.
• Balancing human connection with technology — and using AI to enhance, not replace, creativity.
