Thrive PR & Communications has relaunched its media and presentation training services, with seasoned business technology journalist, Brad Howarth, at the helm.

The services have been expanded to include a half-day program specifically designed to prepare executives to manage communications related to cybersecurity incidents and crisis situations.

With over 25 years of experience in journalism and communications, Howarth will head up the training as Senior Advisor, with support from Thrive’s specialist facilitators and trainers for specific sector requirements.

Thrive's training offering encompasses a series or curated courses aimed at enhancing participants' media proficiency and presentation delivery. The courses cover various aspects including honing messages, mastering interview techniques, managing crisis communications, and understanding media dynamics.

"We aim to help clients gain the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate media interactions with confidence and finesse," said Howarth. “The cyber response training service is designed specifically for organisations that are keen to test their ability to manage communications in a crisis. With cyber incidents now an unfortunate reality for all organisations, many business leaders are realising that poor communications can be a significant contributor to reputational damage and loss of customer trust."

Thrive's training services also include tailored training programs, interactive workshops, real-world simulation, ongoing support, and cyber crisis response training. The agency's team, made up of in-house media, creative and digital specialists, operates across five locations in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Auckland, with partners in Perth.

"Beyond these offerings, we have also developed courses that are designed to improve executives’ storytelling and public presentation capabilities, including group training seminars as well as one-on-one coaching sessions. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has access to the training they need to become more polished presenters,” Howarth added.

Thrive CEO Leilani Abels said the agency's real-scenario training would deal with audiences beyond media, including stakeholders and staff.

"Company spokespeople are managing an entire organisation’s brand reputation and their own professional brand, all of which are on record forever. We hear regularly that PR, marketing, and HR teams are hesitant to put their executives on camera when critical content is needed for compelling business storytelling, yet when equipped with practical skills and knowledge the spokesperson can act as a powerful tool to attract and retain great talent or positively navigate a major issue such as a cyber attack,” she said.