The Rules Have Changed. Have You?
In today’s noisy, cynical, cancel-happy world, authenticity isn’t optional—it’s everything. Welcome to Authentic PR, the groundbreaking new book by Michael Levine, America’s most trusted media expert and best-selling author of Guerrilla PR.
For decades, Levine has helped shape the public image of cultural giants—from Hollywood icons to global brands to political leaders. But now, with trust at historic lows and public skepticism at all-time highs, the old playbook is dead.
THIS IS THE NEW PLAYBOOK. THE HONEST ONE. THE REAL ONE.
LEADERS ON AUTHENTICITY:
“…people respect you when you are genuine and authentic, and that you are confident enough to be
yourself.” – Tim Cook
“A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well.” – Jeff Bezos
“Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are.” – Lady Gaga
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – Steve Jobs
“I’ll say what I want to say, and if the consequence of that is losing money, so be it.” – Elon Musk
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde
“You become what you believe.” – Oprah Winfrey
“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” – Brené Brown
“Authentic brands don’t emerge from marketing cubicles or advertising agencies. They emanate from everything the company does.” – Howard Schultz
“Be authentic and organic. It can’t be forced or it won’t work. And most importantly, have fun.” – Richard Branson
“Authenticity is not about saying whatever you think. It’s about being true to your values.” – Adam Grant
“And what really matters is a pretty short list: intent, authenticity, passion, patience, speed, work, and attention.” – Gary Vaynerchuk
“Be passionate and bold. Always keep learning.” – Satya Nadella
“I think Instagram at its best is where you feel like you’re getting the most authentic version of the person on the other side of the camera.” – Kevin Systrom
“The strongest brands are built when actions align with values.” – Rose Marcario
The Rules Have Changed. Have You?
According to a landmark study by Edelman Trust Barometer (2024), only 39% of Americans trust traditional media—and fewer than 1 in 3 believe company communications are honest.
A 2023 Harvard Business Review report showed that brands demonstrating transparency and humility saw a 33% increase in consumer loyalty and were 48% more likely to weather public backlash.
A 2022 Stanford University analysis found that PR campaigns anchored in truthful storytelling were twice as likely to go viral on social media—not because they were flashy, but because they were real.
Michael Levine’s Message:
“If you fake it, you break it. Authentic PR isn’t about spin – it’s about connection. It’s about earning trust, not renting attention.”
Who Needs This Book?
CEOs WHO ARE TIRED OF CHASING CLOUT AND READY TO BUILD TRUST.
ENTREPRENEURS WHO WANT TO GROW WITHOUT SELLING THEIR SOULS.
ARTISTS, ATHLETES, AND ACTIVISTS WHO WANT TO SPEAK FROM THE HEART – AND BE HEARD.
AGENCIES AND CONSULTANTS WHO KNOW THE OLD TRICKS NO LONGER WORK.
What You’ll Learn:
✔️ How to tell the unvarnished truth—strategically and effectively
✔️ Why vulnerability and humility are now superpowers in branding
✔️ Real-world case studies of authentic PR wins (and tragic fails)
✔️ A step-by-step guide to building credibility in a credibility-starved world
It’s Not About Being Perfect.
It’s About Being Real.
Authentic PR is not a lecture – it’s a movement. One rooted in the belief that the only thing more powerful than perception… is integrity.
READ IT. LIVE IT. LEAD WITH IT.
“This book is the new North Star for anyone who wants to stand out, be trusted, and be remembered.”
– The Media Book Review
