Pearson briefed National Press Foundation fellows in January 2022: .
Bob Pearson is Chair of The Next Practices Group, a network of nine founder-driven consulting firms that work together to advance innovation and develop the “next practice” in their respective fields to create an advantage for their clients. The Collective has five pillars – analytics/data science, digital media, technology/software services, security and social purpose. Within the firm, its R&D center is referred to as “X Labs”, which creates new models that create advantages for clients.
Bob also serves as CEO of The Bliss Group, a leading communications firm and Chair of Next Solutions Group, a firm focused on cybersecurity and public affairs, both part of the Group.
He has played a key role in building two media firms that are ranked in the top 50 worldwide (GCI Health and Real Chemistry), he led the creation of the Fortune 500’s first global social media function at Dell and he has served as a global leader in communications at Rhone-Poulenc Rorer (now Sanofi) and Novartis, as well as Dell.
He has written four books based on his experience in the public and private sectors. Two relate to digital media innovation (PreCommerce and Storytizing), one focuses on how to build powerful narratives (Crafting Persuasion) and the fourth reflects on how to combat bad actors (Countering Hate). Bob is currently building a new book and curriculum titled “The Future of Security” with experts from the public and private sectors.
Since teaching is often the best way to learn what’s next and reinforce what works today, Bob designs and teaches new classes as an adjunct professor at The University of Texas McCombs School (new digital media models, persuasive selling) and as a lecturer for the U.S. Government with a focus on combating disinformation and extremism.
He is an investor and advisor for media software companies that are reinventing how we advertise, how we reach our audience and how we unlock the content. Social Purpose is also a big part of Bob’s life, ranging from serving on the Board of the MedicAlert Foundation to creating a new company, Games for Good, that modifies games to introduce narratives important to society.
Bob resides in Austin, Texas with his wife, Donna.
