Evan Nierman

Founder & CEO, Red Banyan PR | Author of Top-Rated Newsletter on Communications Best Practices

I'm the Founder and CEO of Red Banyan, an international public relations and crisis management firm that exists to press the truth and deliver results. My team and I specialize in high-stakes PR, cancel culture response, litigation communications, and complex reputational challenges that require creative thinking, strategic clarity, and unshakable judgment.

For more than two decades, I’ve helped CEOs, public figures, law firms, and global brands navigate their most difficult moments. Whether it’s a viral controversy, a legal dispute, or a reputational crisis, I bring deep media experience and a relentless commitment to exceeding expectations.

I’m also the author of The Cancel Culture Curse and Crisis Averted, and I frequently appear on major news outlets like Fox News, CNN, BBC, and Newsmax to share insights on cancel culture, media strategy, and crisis communications.

🔹 Founder & CEO of Red Banyan
🔹 Author of The Cancel Culture Curse and Crisis Averted
🔹 Regular media commentator on PR and reputation issues
🔹 Trusted advisor to executives, attorneys, and public figures
🔹 Featured in Newsweek, PRWeek, The Washington Post, and Forbes

My mission is simple: help people and organizations tell their stories truthfully, strategically, and powerfully—especially when the stakes are highest.

📩 Learn more at www.redbanyan.com

Founder and CEO

Red Banyan Group is a strategic communications firm specializing in public relations, crisis management and marketing.  Red Banyan Group combines creative thinking, steady judgment shaped by experience and a relentless commitment to achieving results for its clients.  Red Banyan offers a wide array of services, including: media relations, crisis management, marketing, corporate communications, litigation support, social and digital media, copywriting and editing and media training.

Reputations don’t fall apart during press conferences. They fall apart in private conversations with your team.

Before the statement. 

Before the lawyers finalize language. 

Before the media calls.

Crisis exposure starts internally.

When pressure rises, executives often shift into control mode. 

Tighter messaging. Fewer voices. More distance.

It feels strategic.

But inside the organization, people are listening for something else.

Ownership. Clarity. Steadiness.

The leaders who protect reputation long term don’t default to defensiveness.

They say:

“I was wrong.” “What’s your take?” 

“I trust you.” “We’ll figure this out.”

Those words do more than motivate.

They lower internal panic. 

They align legal and communications before tension escalates. 

They prevent small issues from turning into cultural fractures.

External reputation is a reflection of internal leadership.

If your language fractures trust behind closed doors, no press strategy will repair it.

Leadership under pressure is measured in tone, not talking points.

Every leader faces a defining moment. Preparation starts here.

Follow for weekly insights on crisis PR and reputation management.

Kindness isn’t soft leadership.
It’s reputation management.

Many leaders assume reputation is built through visibility.

Press coverage. Big announcements. Strong quarterly results.

But reputation inside an organization forms somewhere much quieter.

In daily interactions.

How a leader speaks to people when things go wrong. 

Who gets credit when things go right. 

Who gets defended when they’re not in the room.

Employees remember these moments.

And when pressure arrives, those memories matter.

Because in a crisis, reputation is rarely protected by messaging alone.

It’s protected by people.

People who trust your leadership. 

People who believe you treated them fairly. 

People who are willing to stand behind you when scrutiny begins.

That loyalty isn’t built during the crisis.

It’s built long before it.

Follow for weekly insights on crisis PR & reputation management.

Jeffrey Epstein is dead. The reputational risk tied to his name isn’t. In most crises, I advise clients to engage and push back. This is one of the rare exceptions. 

Watch for my take on why. #cisisPR #reputationmanagement #mediastrategy #epstein

The Prince Andrew arrest, tied to the Epstein scandal, is another blow to the already fragile reputation of the British monarchy. 

This ongoing controversy is a prime example of how reputations can unravel with each new revelation. 

Watch my take on why this situation requires a strategic shift in crisis communication.

#PrinceAndrew #Epstein #BritishMonarchy #CrisisPR #ReputationManagement #CrisisCommunication

Sydney Sweeney shared a makeup-free photo and faced immediate online criticism. It’s a sad reminder of how far some people will go to bring others down for showing authenticity.

The real strength lies in staying true to yourself, regardless of the noise.

#SydneySweeney #OnlineTrolling #Authenticity #SocialMedia

It was an honor to speak at the Chief Outsiders National Meeting yesterday on “The PR Imperative in an AI World.”

As AI reshapes industries, PR plays a critical role in driving growth and powering reputation. 

We explored how AI-driven communications can align sales, marketing, and leadership teams for sustained success.

Thanks to everyone who joined the session! 

Excited to see how AI continues to reshape PR and leadership strategies.

#PR #AI #Leadership #BrandReputation #StrategicCommunications

A live broadcast is never truly “live.” 
There are safeguards for a reason.

The BAFTA controversy raises a bigger question about responsibility, judgment, and where education ends and avoidable harm begins. 

Watch the video for my take.

#BAFTAAwards #CrisisPR #MediaStrategy #ReputationManagement #PublicPerception

Building a company is hard. Doing it alongside someone you trust completely is a gift.

Grateful today for Robbin Lubbehusen, MBA and the steady hand she’s been in building Red Banyan from the early days to where we are now. 

Trust is earned and she’s earned it every step of the way.

#Leadership #Teamwork #Gratitude #RedBanyan

A leader’s reputation is defined in the moments
when everyone else is losing control.

In a crisis, people rarely remember the smartest analysis.

They remember composure.

Panic spreads quickly inside organizations. So does calm.

The leaders who protect their reputations during difficult moments usually do three things well:

-They slow the room down. 
-They focus attention on facts instead of emotion. 
-They communicate clearly while everyone else reacts.

This isn’t about personality.

It’s about discipline.

Because when pressure rises, people look for signals.

If the leader appears controlled, the organization stabilizes.

If the leader appears uncertain, the chaos multiplies.

Crisis leadership isn’t about having all the answers.

It’s about becoming the calm others can follow.

Every leader faces a defining moment.

Preparation starts long before the chaos begins.

Follow for weekly insights on crisis PR & reputation management.

Crisis doesn't just test your strategy.
It tests your character.

And the leaders who rise aren't the ones with all the answers.

They're the ones who show up with clarity, courage, and composure when everything's falling apart.

Here's what the best leaders do differently under pressure:

1. They act quickly, even without all the answers.

Waiting for perfect information leads to paralysis.

The best leaders move fast, acknowledge what they don't know, and take decisive action anyway.

They adjust as they learn more. But they don't freeze.

Speed builds trust. Hesitation breeds doubt.

2. They stay visible.

Disappearing isn't an option.

The best leaders stay front and center—offering updates, answering questions, showing they're engaged.

Visibility signals commitment. Silence signals abandonment.

3. They lead with empathy, not just authority.

Decisions still need to be made. But people need to know you care.

The best leaders acknowledge the impact, show humanity, and connect before they command.

Empathy doesn't weaken authority. It strengthens trust.

4. They keep the message clear and consistent.

Mixed messages fuel confusion and distrust.

The best leaders repeat the same core message—simply, clearly, relentlessly.
Consistency creates clarity. And clarity calms chaos.

5. They take responsibility.

When things go wrong, they don't deflect. They don't blame. They don't hide.

They own it. They fix it. They lead through it.

Accountability isn't weakness. It's the foundation of trust.

Crisis leadership isn't about having all the answers.

It's about how you carry yourself when no one does.

The best leaders rise by staying composed, staying present, and staying human.

Because when everything's uncertain, people aren't looking for perfection.

They're looking for someone steady enough to follow.

Great content doesn’t just build authority.
It drives growth.

Many brands focus heavily on expert, authority-driven content. 

It’s smart. 

It builds credibility and signals depth.

But authority alone doesn’t expand reach.

Growth-oriented content plays a different role. 

It connects expertise to broader conversations and pulls new audiences in—without watering down the message.

The strongest brands balance both. 

Here’s how the most effective brands approach it:

1. Lead with insight, not jargon. Expertise lands better when it’s accessible.

2. Tie experience to real-world moments. Growth happens when people recognize themselves in the message.

3. Vary the packaging, not the principle. The message stays the same. The delivery adapts.

4. Meet people where they are. Authority earns trust. Reach earns attention. You need both.

Authority-driven content proves you know what you’re doing.

Growth-driven content ensures people actually see it.

When those two work together, credibility scales.

Visibility increases.

Reputation strengthens.

This isn’t about changing your message.

It’s about making sure it travels far enough to matter.

Had a great time connecting with Adriana Lynch from Chief Outsiders at their National Meeting in Dallas. Always valuable to share insights with leaders who are focused on helping CEOs scale quickly and strategically. Looking forward to what’s ahead with Chief Outsiders and CEO Coaching International!
#Leadership #CEO #GrowthStrategy

Great to see strong partners together in Dallas last week.

Evan Nierman of Red Banyan and Adriana Lynch of Chief Outsiders connected at our National Meeting while leaders across our network gathered to share ideas and sharpen strategies for the CEOs we serve.

Appreciate the partnership with CEO Coaching International and the shared focus on helping leadership teams move faster and grow with clarity.

The brands people love? They're not the loudest. They're the most consistent.


In my latest article for Entrepreneurs'​ Organization, I break down why brand consistency isn't just a marketing tactic, but the foundation of long-term trust and recognition.

Read the full piece here: https://lnkd.in/eJ3eTj9c
#BrandBuilding #Consistency #ReputationManagement

Open article: The Role of Consistency in Building a Recognizable Brand by eonetwork.org

A woman listens to a speaker at a learning event.

The Role of Consistency in Building a Recognizable Brand

Success brings attention—and scrutiny. One dismissive comment can create controversy that distracts from everything you’re doing right.

Here’s a take on Timothée Chalamet’s remarks about opera and ballet and the reputation lesson behind them.

#TimothéeChalamet #ReputationManagement #CrisisPR #MediaStrategy

Honored to appear as a speaker at this event!  Thank you to Jeffrey Bast, Brett M. Amron and the outstanding team at BAST AMRON LLP.

📣 BAST AMRON LLP‘s 8th Annual Business Advantage Forum is coming up on April 22, 2026!

Our SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT today is on Evan Nierman, Founder & CEO of Red Banyan. Evan is a crisis PR expert and best-selling author who leads Red Banyan, an award-winning strategic communications firm. With 25 years of experience in crisis and reputation management, Evan has guided top executives, public figures, global brands, and political leaders through complex, high-stakes challenges.

His expertise spans reputational risk, public scrutiny, and crisis response, and his insights are regularly sought by major media outlets covering today’s most pressing communications issues. Evan’s work focuses on helping leaders navigate difficult moments with clarity, strategy, and confidence.

For more information and to register and get your tickets, please visit https://lnkd.in/eUEFQRDe

FLORIDA BAR CLE CREDITS PENDING APPROVAL

You do not want to miss out on this great event!

#BastAmron
#BAForum2026
#BAInTheCommunity

ICE-related issues don’t just impact operations, they can shift public perception quickly. Leaders need to stay composed and act swiftly to control the narrative. Read our latest blog to learn how to prepare before the situation intensifies. #CrisisPR #ReputationManagement #ImmigrationEnforcement #RedBanyan

Immigration enforcement can put businesses in a tough spot fast.

If ICE-related activity touches a workplace, a deal, or sparks employee concern, leaders need to stay calm and coordinated: align with legal, communicate clearly internally, and stick to what is verified.

Our latest blog lays out a practical way to prepare ahead of time and respond responsibly if things escalate:
https://lnkd.in/e4B-nGk4

Open article: How Businesses Should Handle ICE-Related PR Risk by redbanyan.com

How Businesses Should Handle ICE-Related PR Risk

From City Guide Magazine (September 2022): Goddess Matula, Maître D'

"Goddess has been the backbone of America's number one grossing restaurant for over a decade. She has booked more reservations, parties and had a greater impact on tourism than anyone else in New York City, at her position."

Goddess Matula

“I’ve missed over 9,000 shots… That‘s why I succeed”
—Michael Jordan 

One of the perks to living in New York City is there’s always something going on, especially in Manhattan… 

…Just before reaching my building’s entrance doors, I noticed a camera crew filming. 🎥

Curious, I strolled across the street. 💁‍♀️

As fate would have it during a mini-break in the action, the director and I locked eyes. 👀 

“Fortune favors the bold,” I said in my head. 

So I went for it. 💪

“Hola la la…” I said while waving at him. “I’m Goddess Matula. I bet you could use a cute blonde for an extra in this scene, huh?” I said jokingly. 😇

Surprisingly the director’s eyes lit up. 😍

After laughing for a few seconds, he said, “Soooo, you’re the ballsy one, eh? I like that. Sure… why not?” 🤔

After briefly chatting with one of the guys holding a camera, Scott (director) told me to walk casually in the background and pretend I’m talking on my phone. 

“As for the extra release form, you can sign that later…” he said. 🤝

“Action!” 🎬

Just like that... Abracadabra! I landed a part as an extra, dahling. This leads to my takeaway insight… 

…The longer I live, the more I realize this: 

➡️ the fear of a failure is a huge liability. 

In short, Wayne Gretzky said it best, 

💡 “We miss 100 percent of the shots we don’t take.” 

Cheers to making all your dreams come true! 🥂

#socialnetworking #motivation #personaldevelopment

“A genius sees what everybody else sees yet thinks what nobody else thinks…” 

André, a friend of mine, once told me he visits the MoMA once a month. 

“For several minutes…” he said, “I stare deeply into paintings by Picasso, Van Gogh, Basquiat…” 🖼

“What for, dahling?” I asked him. 🤔

Without blinking, André said something I’ll never forget: 

➡️ “Goddess, never miss the chance to experience genius… in any form.” 

With that being said, I was too young to have witnessed Michael Jordan play live… 

…And I don’t understand physics well enough to truly appreciate the genius of Einstein or Marie Curie. 👩🏻‍🔬

But as Fate would have it, I find myself managing Genius Turner — a real-life “polymath.” ∞

“Reading the work of Genius Turner feels like reading the Da Vinci Code,” Tim Denning once wrote. 

Dahling, given that Tim is one of the best writers in the world — that’s high praise indeed. ✍️ 🌟

In response to Turner’s “Heaven on Earth Code,” Dr. Cornel West remarked: “He [Turner] has a gift for saying complex things in a simple way.” 

Dr. Xepapadeas (mathematician, logician) was so blown away by Turner’s “Pure Mathematics Code” that he translated it into Greek. Ω

As for Turner’s screenplay “The Last People,” one notable filmmaker described it like this: 

➡️ “This spec [screenplay] is so radical and off the scale that I’m unsure if Hollywood is ready for it.” 

I responded by quoting the art critic Rene Ricard, who once said the following about the art world's potential neglect of Jean-Michel Basquiat (another Black genius with dreadlocks): 

💡 "No one wants to be part of a generation that ignores another Van Gogh…” 

I agree.

In short, I’m proud to call Genius Turner the premier artist signed to my talent company (Genius-Level Talent (GLT). 🎬 🌟

Cheers to making all your dreams come true! 🥂

#innovation #management #genius #creativity

“Sometimes you gotta fight to win, but make no mistake  —  you were born to win…”
—  Carla Harris

By Genius Turner

Bonnie Marcus once wrote in Forbes, “Carla Harris was raised to be a winner.” 🏆

And so, when my talent manager (Goddess Matula) asked me if I wanted to attend Mrs. Harris’ benefit concert for students, I was delighted. 🙌

It’s not every day you get a chance to see a living legend perform at Carnegie Hall, after all…

…As for how Mrs. Harris has officially ascended to legendary status, chew on this: 

🎯 She’s arguably the greatest mix of a Wall Street executive and entertainer the world has ever seen. 

As a businesswoman, she holds the following distinctions: 

🥇 Named to Fortune’s list of “The 50 Most Powerful Black Executives in Corporate America” 

🥇 American Banker’s “Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Finance”
 
🥇 Black Enterprise’s “Top 75 Most Powerful Women in Business” 

🥇 “Top 75 African Americans on Wall Street” 

🥇 Ebony’s “Power 100” and “15 Corporate Women at the Top”

Yet her success on Wall Street only tells half the story... After all, seconds after she sang the final note for “Born to Win” at her concert, the gentleman seated to my left leaned over…

…He then pointed to the stage. After a pregnant pause, he said something I’ll never forget:

➡️ Young man, you’ve just witnessed a performance from someone blessed with Joseph Searles’ mind and Mahalia Jackson’s soul. 

I paused for reflection… taking it all in.

Unlike back in the day when most artists painted for the living, nowadays most artists paint for a living. Yet Mrs. Harris is one of those rare souls gifted enough to see financial reports with 3rd eye while hearing the Muse in her 3rd ear. 

In short, by leveraging her business relationships and combining them with her creativity, both as a singer and author, she’s raised millions of dollars for scholarships. 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓 💰 

If ever you want to see a great soul, said the Nazarene to his disciples, just remember this: “the greatest among you must be your servant.” 🙏

After the show, Mrs. Harris and Goddess chatted briefly. A portrait of Dr. Maya Angelou  —  hanging on Carnegie Hall’s storied wall  —  caught my eye…

…While Dr. Angelou’s Medusa-like gaze held me frozen in an eternity for a second, I glimpsed Mrs. Harris. And then, I heard Dr. Angelou’s voice in my head whispering this:

💡 “Genius… behold: Carla Ann Harris is what I call a Phenomenal Woman.”

I agree. 🙏

#greatness #motivation #personaldevelopment

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The Battle

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