On this episode of Water We Talking About, we are joined by James Adduci. He breaks down the strategy behind building meaningful industry relationships and the specific ways storytelling can influence stakeholders and lead to better project outcomes. James proves that while the water industry is built on engineering, it truly runs on human connection. 

Visibility is a form of currency in the water sector. This week, we sit down with Suzan Marie Chin-Taylor to discuss the strategic importance of PR. From managing public perception to the "nuts and bolts" of media outreach, Suzan provides a roadmap for professionals looking to influence the influencers. Learn the exact tactics needed to win over editors and ensure your message is acted upon. 

Water is at the heart of the climate conversation, but how do we share that message effectively? We’re sitting down with Sheldon Young and Jason Moreau (hosts of the No Footprints podcast) to talk about the intersection of water technology and storytelling. From innovative waste management to energy efficiency, learn how these Alfa Laval experts are highlighting the people and tech driving the industry toward a net-zero future.

Noemi Kis is a founder, speaker, and entrepreneur known for building and scaling multiple businesses — including a 7-figure industrial water treatment supply company — while emphasizing freedom, systems, and value creation over conventional “hustle” narratives. She’s active as a personal brand on LinkedIn (150k+ followers), writes and teaches on entrepreneurship, automation, and mindset, and works with founders on building lean, profitable businesses. 

David LaFrance is the president of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). He's spent decades in the water industry as a utility leader (former CFO of Denver Water) and shares compelling ways to tell water's story. 

Ralph Exton is the Executive Director of the Water Environment Federation (WEF). His decades of experience in the water industry as a CMO (GE Water, SUEZ, Veoila, Grundfos), salesperson, and now non-profit director make this conversation a compelling one!

Brian Sheng is the Co-Founder & CEO of Aquaria, an atmospheric water generation company changing the way our water is delivered. He talks about how the business model of water will change, likening it to Starlink, Solar, and lots of storytelling.

Kelsey McWilliams is the Founder & CEO of Point of Shift, a boutique consultancy focused on toilet design, access, and much more. She tells incredible stories about sanitation around the world and how we can be more inclusive as a water industry.

Dani is a former sports journalist who's now Cleveland Water's Manager of Communications. She discusses key tips for communicating to the public from a sportscasting point of view, and ways to keep cool under pressure (think boil advisories!).  

Haley Falconer is the Deputy Public Works Director for the City of Boise, Idaho. She shares incredible stories about the work the City of Boise and their Water team are doing from a communications perspective - and brings up great points about how engineers should think about communicating their work to the public.

Steve Werblow is an accomplished agricultural journalist based in Ashland, Oregon, just north of the California border. He holds a degree from Cornell University's College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, graduating in 1988. Since 1995, Steve has been a freelance writer, covering agriculture on six continents for various magazines. ​

Steve's work has been recognized with multiple awards from the American Agricultural Editors Association/Ag Communicators Network and the Livestock Publications Council. He has been named AAEA/ACN Writer of the Year five times and has earned the organization's Master Writer, Master Photographer, and Fellow honors. ​

In addition to his writing, Steve serves as the current president of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ), a role he assumed in 2024. His involvement with IFAJ has provided him with opportunities to bring stories from around the world to readers of The Furrow. ​