Edith Wilson goes On the Record…Online with host Eric Schwartzman to discuss the integration of new media at the World Bank and how the organization has responded to recent controversial issues.
This podcast was recorded at the 2007 Public Relations Society of America International Conference in Philadelphia.
NOTE: This is not a political podcast. We are interested in how technology is changing the way organizations communicate, and the way people consume media and information. This interview focuses on getting at the lessons Wilson has learned as a communications professional. We take no position on the issues or policies of the World Bank.
World Bank Originally uploaded by blahmni.
Edith Wilson is Senior Advisor on Corporate Communications in the External Relations office of the World Bank, where she has worked since 1998. She assists the Director on special projects and policy documents, and lends technical assistance and training to Bank projects on strategic communications issues. As a project manager at the World Bank in 2002-2004, she led a team integrating public affairs and communications components in World Bank Loans and projects, providing technical assistance and designing strategic communications and opinion research programs for client countries. Prior to joining the World Bank, Ms. Wilson served as Senior Fellow and Director at the Progressive Policy Institute, and as Chief of Staff for Senator Carol Moseley-Braun (D-IL.). Before working in government, she was Senior Vice President of International Affairs at the public affairs firm Burson-Marstellar, working on NAFTA implementation and environmental issues.
Show Notes:
3:38 – Wilson on why the World Bank is seen by some as a controversial organization.
4:26 – Wilson reflects on her track to Senior Advisor of External Relations at the World Bank.
6:54 – Wilson on protest that have occurred at the World Bank Meetings.
10:45 – Wilson on the challenges she faces as a communicator for the World Bank.
12:37 – Wilson reveals the lessons her team learned as communicators during Paul Wolfowitz’s controversial resignation as World Bank President.
16:02 – Wilson on the World Bank’s position concerning leveraging the internet to increase transparency of the organization.
17:52 – Wison discusses common what she believes are common misperceptions of the World Bank.
20:02 – Wilson on the World Bank’s relevancy at a time when countries can get loans from other financial institutions and the fight against poverty has proven to be a difficult task.
22:43 – End
