Gwyneth Paltrow is Astronomer’s ‘temporary spokesperson’ in new video
The Washington Post
My LinkedIn inbox is under siege…
I’ve returned from a much-needed break to find my LinkedIn inbox under siege. Not by actual opportunities, but by a relentless army of snake oil salesmen promising to “scale my biz to £5m” through something called “story-led AI-integrated brand intimacy.”
Just click the link. Book a call. It’s digital panhandling dressed up in jargon.
“I help visionary founders become scalable, story-led category kings.” Of course you do, mate.
Take five minutes to scroll through LinkedIn profiles. It’s like tumbling down a rabbit hole into a parallel universe where everyone’s a guru, a sherpa, or a bloody Jedi. My feed has become a game of Buzzword Bingo, but nothing meaningful ever emerges from the noise.
Once upon a time, personal branding meant simply not being the person who photocopied their arse at the office Christmas party. Standards were refreshingly low.
Now? It’s apparently about building a “multi-channel visibility architecture powered by storytelling and neuro-linguistic positioning.” Christ.
We used to worry about getting too emotional over lunch with a journalist or nodding off during client meetings while some account executive from Leo Burnett told us how gravy granules possessed a deep emotion and needed space to “speak its truth.”
Those concerns seem quaint now. Today’s professional anxiety centres on “curating your narrative ecosystem” across LinkedIn, Substack, and your upcoming soft-launch on Discord.
The modern workplace has been sanitised within an inch of its life. No photocopiers. No sneaky Gordon’s gin hidden in desk drawers. No one’s pushing Paul from accounts down the corridor in a Herman Miller Aeron chair during a post-deadline celebration.
HR has rewritten the entire playbook. Everyone’s at the gym, sipping mushroom tea, and “optimising their emotional intelligence stack.”
Every job title now sounds like a rejected name from Black Mirror. “Cultural Futurist.” “Brand Evangelist.” “Head of Special Situations.” When someone introduces themselves as a “Storytelling Architect,” I genuinely reach for the sick bucket.
Here’s the brutal irony: we’re in a gold rush for attention, but most people are digging with bloody spoons.
Everyone’s “building pipelines,” but the pipes are clogged with jargon and SEO mulch. Meanwhile, the few who cut through the noise are the ones saying something unexpected. Human. Specific. Maybe even a bit weird.
That’s always been the gig in this business: creativity over conformity. Theatre over templates. The willingness to take risks, to be genuinely surprising, to make people think or laugh or feel something real. So here’s my modest proposal: let’s bring back fun. Bring back the chaos that creates genuine perspective. Bring back ideas with an actual pulse.
And yes, bring back the office party. The real connections. The unscripted moments where something interesting might actually happen.
Just don’t bring back the photocopier incident.
We’ve moved on from that. (Mostly.)
From Jeff Bezos to MAGA: The strange politicisation of Sydney Sweeney’s boobs
The Standard
“It’s absolutely a tactic,” says celebrity PR expert Mark Borkowski, “because as soon as you disclose that in the age of culture wars, you are cannon fodder.”
Borkowski and Gamble both compare this apolitical side of Sweeney to Taylor Swift, who famously took a long time to disclose her political stance around the 2016 election, despite incessant pleas from her fans to denounce Donald Trump. At the time, PRs and critics claimed it was due to Swift wanting to capitalise on her fandom being split between both camps, and not wanting to lose half her audience.
Eventually, in a post to Instagram, Swift admitted how she had been “reluctant” to publicly voice her political opinions in the past, “but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now.” She went on to reveal that she was voting for a Democrat, and encouraged her fans to educate themselves and “make your vote count.” PR wise, Swift’s image didn’t take much of a hit: she’s now more famous than ever.
https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/celebrity/sydney-sweeney-boobs-maga-jeff-bezos-b1152516.html
Tom Cruise and sport: an intriguing Hollywood romance
The Telegraph
Britain holds a particular pull for Cruise. He has lived in the country for long periods and filmed much of his recent output in the UK. Events like Wimbledon are especially appealing. “Americans, particularly Hollywood folk, who buy into British culture love the great sporting events,” says PR expert Mark Borkowski. “Everybody’s a star in Hollywood, here he stands out
“There’s an enjoyment of the British summer season and the glamour of the Royal Box. Other places offer that, like the Long Room at Lord’s, but who understands cricket in America?”
Divorce? Spice Girls reunion? What’s next for Geri Halliwell after her husband’s fall from grace?
The Telegraph
“It was definitely a performance,” says publicist Mark Borkowski. But the fact that Halliwell was willing to endure such humiliation and put on a show is telling, he thinks. “I’m pretty sure she’ll stick with him. She’s very resourceful and strong – she’s been through the ups and downs of toxic fame, so she knows how to handle it. Someone who hasn’t had that experience might struggle.”
Will that support continue? It really depends on what exactly happened at Red Bull, notes Borkowski. “If more details have emerged about what led to his sacking that she finds intolerable, then she’ll have a big decision.” The Telegraph contacted Halliwell’s representation for comment.
There were also rumours of a Halliwell-centred reality show, following the mammoth success of the Beckhams’ Netflix documentary, though Borkowski reckons that’s now highly unlikely. “If she and Horner do stay together, I don’t think they’d take the gamble. They’ll need a period of stability while the eyes of the world are on them and their relationship. That’s a hell of a pressure.”
But if Halliwell did decide to separate from Horner, a documentary could be an opportunity to take back control of the story and tell it on her terms. “She’s an independent woman – she wouldn’t be frightened of striking out alone and leaving everything behind,” says Borkowski. “Plus she’s already proved she’s the queen of reinvention.”
What about the oft-rumoured Spice Girls reunion to mark the 30th anniversary of the band’s breakout hit Wannabe in 2026? If Halliwell did agree to it, that would increase the level of press scrutiny, which might put her off. But Borkowski suggests a potentially considerable motivation. “We’ve seen in the past that reunions can happen when men have big legal bills to pay after a divorce!”
INSTASCAM Harry Potter star targeted by fake social media accounts as fans warned ‘don’t be fooled’
Scottish Sun
PR consultant Mark Borkowski warned the young actor’s team should jump into action and protect him.
He said: “The issue is that, particularly when you get thrust into the public arena these days, you become public property very quickly.
“The younger you are, obviously there’s rules and regulations, but the badlands of the internet don’t sort of grip the same principles.
“There’s a huge Harry Potter fan base, as we know, and there’s been a lot of expectation for this latest version of it.
“It will all come down to protecting him because of his age and allowing him to grow up against a backdrop of a huge amount of attention on him, both on and offline. And that is incredibly difficult to manage.”
https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/15038635/social-media-scammers-harry-potter-stars/
SABRINA TEENAGE SWITCH How Sabrina Carpenter shed her Disney image to become world’s most controversial star… from sex shock to A-list affairs
The US Sun
“She’s killed off her innocent image, just as Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and all the others had to,” says PR guru Mark Borkowski.
“The young people who grew up watching her have also grown up, and kids today are growing up faster – some would say too fast. So she is giving her audience what they want, or at least what she thinks they want.”
“I see her as a featherweight genius,” says Mark Borkowski, who admits he questions her longevity.
“Like a lot of pop stars now, she has a really profound digital social literacy. She’s brilliant at creating the type of content that gets shared and becomes clickbait.
“She’s found a way of getting the fame machine to work for her – with all the algorithms and the viral clips. She’s the perfect pop star for the algorithm age,” he adds.
Kanye West ‘paid wife Bianca Censori $250k to wear edible lingerie’… only for her to EAT the pricey panties
Daily Mail Online
PR Guru Mark Borkowski told MailOnline last year that the couple have a ‘game plan’ when it comes to Bianca’s outfits.
‘Kanye understands outrage and is trying to break the Internet. I think a lot of people are starting to feel rather uncomfortable, despite everything he’s said, about that he feels he can do whatever he wants with his partner.’
He added, ‘There is a line here drawn between those who believe this is control and those who believe that this woman is complicit and fully involved with this freak show.
‘But it is a weird freak show that everybody is engaging with and some are enjoying these quite explicit photos.’
Borkowski continued, ‘I think we’ll be looking back at this if a rift appears between them as something that is something exploitative. Some of the dresses are built for craving for publicity.’
Brad Pitt looks more loved-up than ever with glamorous girlfriend Ines de Ramon as she sweetly fixes his scarf on the red carpet at F1: The Movie premiere in London
Mail on Sunday
Borkowski PR found Mark Borkowski opined to Us Weekly that the actor’s fame, charm and enduring attractiveness may have helped him weather the storm.
‘When you’re that genetically gifted, the scandal has to work twice as hard to stick,’ he said.
Meghan Markle shows ‘lack of confidence’ in own brand products – expert
The Express
Leading PR consultant, Mark Borkowski, told Newsweek, the situation that unfolded shows low confidence in the brand. He said: “Nobody wants to be left with a load of stock you can’t shift. So it shows to a certain extent a lack of confidence in their own product because if they believed in it, they would go into overproduction or a greater production line.”
“It shows they’re still unsure about the very thing that would seem to be quite successful. Anyone with a rudimentary understanding of supply and demand would think they are surprised by their success.”
https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/2072589/meghan-markle-brand-lacking-confidence
Meghan Markle’s Confidence Struggles Illuminate Challenges Behind the As Ever Lifestyle Brand
Newz9
Meghan Markle’s online store, As Ever, recently restocked its products only to sell out again within minutes. This reflects a growing popularity and consumer demand. Yet, some experts are questioning the strategy behind the quick sellouts.
PR expert Mark Borkowski suggested that the rapid sellouts indicate uncertainty about product demand. He noted that a successful business usually prepares for high demand with adequate inventory. “If they truly believed in their product, they would produce more,” he stated, hinting at a lack of confidence in their supply chain.
Meghan Markle’s Confidence Struggles Illuminate Challenges Behind the As Ever Lifestyle Brand
Meghan Markle’s ‘Lack of Confidence’ Shows in As Ever Lifestyle Brand
Newsweek
Mark Borkowski, a U.K.-based PR expert, told Newsweek it reflected a lack of confidence in her own ability to sell despite the success she has so far achieved.
“Nobody wants to be left with a load of stock you can’t shift,” he said. “So it shows to a certain extent a lack of confidence in their own product because if they believed in it, they would go into overproduction or a greater production line.
“It shows they’re still unsure about the very thing that would seem to be quite successful.
“Anyone with a rudimentary understanding of supply and demand would think they are surprised by their success.”
Borkowski said Meghan’s comments about not wanting to sell out in minutes days before she did just that showed “a certain amount of naivety,” though he also acknowledged increasing supply might not be as straightforward as it sounds.
“What is this business?” He said. “If this business is from her own land it will only have a limited amount of product to supply that global demand.
“So, therefore, if she was to get involved in another supply chain, would that supply chain have the same credentials?
“And would we be picking over it to say it’s another complete and utter farce and it becomes another stick to attack her with.”
https://www.newsweek.com/meghan-markle-lack-confidence-ever-lifestyle-brand-2089254
Kneecap rapper faces mixed messages before Glasto gig
The Observer
The band have embraced the controversy around the legal case. “It is always down to authenticity and to commitment when it comes to taking a political position,” says PR agent Mark Borkowski. “But then those are the artists who then get targeted by the music industry and by the state.”
https://observer.co.uk/news/national/article/kneecap-rapper-faces-mixed-messages-before-glasto-gig
Kneecap rapper faces mixed messages before Glasto gig
The band have embraced the controversy around the legal case. “It is always down to authenticity and to commitment when it comes to taking a political position,” says PR agent Mark Borkowski. “But then those are the artists who then get targeted by the music industry and by the state.”
Last night, Keir Starmer added his voice to calls for Glastonbury to drop the rappers from performing on Saturday. He said it is “not appropriate” for the group to appear. “I think we need to come down really clearly on this. I won’t say too much, because there’s a court case on, but I don’t think that’s appropriate,” he told The Sun on Sunday.
https://observer.co.uk/news/national/article/kneecap-rapper-faces-mixed-messages-before-glasto-gig
Hypocrite Meghan CAUGHT OUT playing major power game – she knows exactly what she’s doing
The Sun
Public Relations Consultant Mark Borkowski also agreed the image caught Meghan out for using the title for leverage.
He said: “It’s clearly social capital. I mean, I think that I’m sure her PA uses it to ensure that she gets that top table at a restaurant.”
He went on to add: “Of course it adds weight and she knows it adds weight. And it gives that sort of subliminal aura that she still has links with the British Royal Family, which is a very, very, very powerful brand globally, particularly in America.
“And the fact is, if you are disconnected from that, of course, you lose your social capital, you lose your weight in terms of sort of some of these deals that she’s trying to do.
“I’m sure she is using that, when it’s important, when she has to land something to remind the people the power that she possibly has.
“This is a power game. And no more than in America where that status is so important because without that status, she’s just another sort of B-lister in a continent absolutely populated with celebrities.”
https://www.thesun.co.uk/royals/35508067/truth-lies-meghan-markle-podcast-royal-family/
‘This presidency is a brand-franchise’: Trump has taken the commercialization of politics to a new level
The Guardian
“There was a lot of dialog when Trump returned to power that we would see in this term a particularly interesting residency in the White House about how much money would be made,” says marketing-PR guru Mark Borkowski, “and this is a typical Trump side-hustle playing off Maga patriotism.”
The blurred lines between business and politics, impacting how candidates are portrayed, policies are shaped and voters engage with the political process – commonly referred to as the commercialization of politics – may not be Trump’s to own exclusively, but he’s taken it to a new level.
“It is troubling, and more than in jest, that this is now a political economy and he’s actually saying this presidency is a brand-franchise,” says Borkowski. “There is no separation between power and profit. He’s redrawn the boundaries between commerce and the office of the president, and he’s accelerated the notion of post-ethical politics.”
But under Trump politics and business have become melded as never before.
“It’s a new hyper-reality that exists in America,” says Borkowski. “It’s about turning political fandom into money, and he’s laughing all the way to the bank. He’s doing exactly what was expected. Nobody in Trump’s heartland sees this as damaging – it’s what they expect a deal-maker to do. The absurdity of everything Trump does is the point.”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/21/trump-products-presidency-as-a-brand
Brad Pitt and girlfriend Ines de Ramon leave fans wincing over painfully awkward moment at F1 world premiere
Daily Mail Online
Borkowski PR found Mark Borkowski opined to Us Weekly that the actor’s fame, charm and enduring attractiveness may have helped him weather the storm.
‘When you’re that genetically gifted, the scandal has to work twice as hard to stick,’ he said.
Borkowski added that part of the reason the public hasn’t risen up against the star is ‘because he never comes across as smug and seems vaguely apologetic for being Brad.’
Borkowski noted that Brad departed from many celebrities who respond to accusations of wrongdoing by highlighting their alleged traumas and sharing with fans how they’re working to improve themselves.
Instead, Borkowski says the Tree Of Life star ‘kept quiet,’ which turned out to be ‘the one thing no one expects anymore.’
Brad Pitt Is Embracing ‘A Quiet Life’ After Settling His Divorce, Beating His Demons and Finding Love
US Weekly
Mark Borkowski, founder of Borkowski PR, tells Us Pitt’s Greek God looks do a lot of heavy lifting (“When you’re that genetically gifted, the scandal has to work twice as hard to stick,” he says), adding that the public forgives Pitt “because he never comes across as smug and seems vaguely apologetic for being Brad.” Indeed, Pitt took accountability for some of his behavior in a 2017 GQ story, saying he’d been “looking at my weaknesses and failures and owning my side of the street.” Says the first source: “The public has seen he’s someone who’s been able to be self-aware and self-reflective. Years ago, he acknowledged his mistakes and he’s worked to improve them.”
By and large, Pitt has kept his head down, only addressing Jolie’s allegations through his lawyers. “In the modern fame game, where celebrities rush to share their trauma in an Instagram carousel or recount their healing journey via podcast, Brad did the one thing no one expects anymore,” notes Borkowski. “He kept quiet.”
Brad Pitt Is ‘in a Good Place’ After Divorce, Heartbreak and Healing
Can the Beckham brand survive reports of family feud?
BBC News
He and Spice Girl wife Victoria created Brand Beckham – fusing fame, fashion and football to redefine modern stardom.
“Their brand has always been about control of narrative, image, and legacy,” says PR expert Mark Borkowski. “The media didn’t chase them. They gave it a trail to follow – blending scandal with strategy and high-end deals.”
Beckham “made metrosexuality mainstream”, he adds. “He showed working-class lads you could wear nail polish, model for Armani, champion grooming rituals – and still bend a free kick past the keeper at crunch time. All while embodying a very traditional ideal: devoted husband, hands-on dad, family first.”
Prince William and Prince Harry’s lives are worlds apart
Hello
PR and media consultant Mark Borkowski believes that the couple’s busy social-media strategy, including the unprecedented twerking video, is a way to keep themselves in the spotlight.
“I think that, particularly in America and with the way the media is consumed, it is about not being out of the headlines,” he tells us. “They know that if they can keep the spotlight, there’s always a business deal, because if you’re launching something, you need attention. They have to generate money; they have, undoubtedly, a very expensive lifestyle.
“Any noise that’s created around them gets eyeballs: that’s data, that’s clicks, that’s money. I think what Meghan and Harry have done is to unconsciously create a live 24/7 soap opera. It’s not far away from the Kardashian brand.
He adds: “The person who gets forgotten about is Harry: this is the Meghan show. Here is a man built for purpose and service and, in my eyes, there is a sense that he is a very different kind of spare now.”
https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/836943/prince-william-prince-harry-worlds-apart/