Ideas change the world. Well-articulated ideas change the world even faster. The best way to achieve your ends? We are experienced writers and information people with a deft and agile touch for rendering complex ideas into simple, compelling text and strategy – a formula that earned founder Tom Squitieri three White House Correspondents Association and three Overseas Press Club awards.
WASHINGTON-LONDON-BELGRADE
CONTACT
Tom Squitieri
tom@tsnavigations.com
+1.202.257.7984
- Overview
- Biography
- The Latest
- Associates
- Photos
Overview
TS Navigations LLC is a multi-faceted consortium of proven, highly-experienced
and collaborative professionals—founded and led by Tom Squitieri—specializing
in perceptive writing, engaging research and investigations, deft media training, commanding crisis communications, and overseas office creation. We passionately help clarify an organization’s mission and goals – and then construct razor-sharp,
in-depth strategies to successfully achieve objectives. We are extremely detail oriented. The goal is a message focused on sustained benefits with clear, concise, and compelling content built on bullet-proof logic and, when needed, an appealing
visual style with all the appropriate collateral material.
My colleagues and I have always believed that everyone, and every business,
has a great story or two (or three or four) to tell. It is knowing what to listen for,
how to ask the questions that keeps the conversation flowing and that triggers
those memories and examples -- and then taking all that great material and communicating that story in a way that connects with people.
Having thrived in a variety of challenging situations enables us to see patterns in
the noise and connect the dots before anyone else. All of this is done with agile, cunning strategy and real, in depth technical content.
TS Navigations LLC can help you build a foundation that works – a plan that can
be adapted quickly, is believable and becomes the path to other goals. In a crisis communication situation, we work to immediately end the negative while building toward a pro-active platform. As a reporter who often covered those who were
reeling from hostile circumstances, I, along with my colleagues, know how the
media works and how to deflate those balloons. In a positive branding opportunity, connecting with those desired targets is primary and instinctive for us as a result of decades in the field producing award-winning journalism.
The world may see bruised tomatoes. We are the chefs who make them into
marinara that is irresistible.
Tom Squitieri's Biography
After 34 years as an awarded-winning journalist, Tom Squitieri joined the wider
world of communications and turned his talents his talents into capturing client
ideas and crafting them into prose that is smart, creative, unique, seductive and compelling, to say what the clients want to say and connect them to those the
clients seek.
Tom’s passion to use communication, writing and training to give structure and
voice to the important work and thoughts of others comes from being a superb
policy writer with an uncanny knack for rendering complex ideas into simple
compelling text; those skills have resulted in three Overseas Press Club Awards
and three White House Correspondent Association awards as a journalist and,
in less than two years in the public relations arena, a winner of a 2007
Communicator Award of Distinction.
Tom writes in ways to engage, stimulate and connect with all kinds of people. He brings a special emphasis on working with clients to create focused and intelligent strategies and messages that support successful media campaigns, from simple announcements to super-charged issues. In addition to media counsel, his writing skills help clients communicate with maximum credibility and impact.
In academics, Tom was invited to create and then teach a unique college course
that combines journalism, public affairs, ethics, philosophy, current affairs and war zone survival skills into a practical application to broaden thinking and day-to-day success. That course teaches students how to ask questions that cannot be
dodged, provide answers that are detailed and on-point, and unleash the ability
to think on one’s feet and use all of one’s senses. It also teaches the merits of
when to be silent and how to write creatively and clearly.
Tom has been on all seven continents - and in dozens of places he intends to
keep secret.
The Latest
Is it the idea, or the need, or the vision or something else -- something where the words only can be seen as the idea is crafted? It is all of those and more, our
story of thought, of research and innovation, of development and of success. It
makes people nod in appreciation, bask in awe and wonder how it is done again
and again and again, and done so well.
So we need to tell them. We need to show them. We need to seduce them and
enlist them, make them believers as we all are already.
To move forward, there must be two broad media elements: the mechanical and
the spiritual. The mechanical is the nuts-and-bolts elements – developing press
lists, writing news releases, spokeswomen and men, guiding on interacting with reporters, and so forth. The spiritual is the development of the message, the
support for others to add veracity and soul to that message, the implementation
of that message in the field, in the media and in many other places, the “why”
that convince others that what YOU do does matters.
The story is the words but so much more. It is a slice of life.
Some recent highlights:
Associates | Have Passport will Travel
- Aleksandra
- Oggie
- Kelly
- Fiona
Resources Development Specialist. She holds an MBA in Comparative linguistics and literature of South Slavic
languages and graduate degree in journalism.
As an accomplished linguist and creative, determined,
media and communications coordinator and specialist,
Segec has a broad insiders’ knowledge of the world’s most influential media
as well as international organizations (UNICEF, OSCE, UNDP), where she
worked as communication and program officer. She has worked for sixteen
years in the international media, advocacy, marketing and relief world on four continents.
Human resource development and corporate culture issues in business
(Agro-economics, FMCG and services) have been central areas of core
creativeness – including engaging employees to drive business success,
improvement in employee commitment and performance while introducing
quality as overall high business priority. She is based in Belgrade, Serbia.
and Literature at the Faculty of Philosophy in Sarajevo. He
broke into public relations and communication in 1992,
serving as a translator, fixer and media coordinator for various humanitarian organizations. His focus on connecting individuals with the larger world, born out of the conflict the former Yugoslavia, has continued through today.
Radosavljevic is based in London, where he runs his property company Derrybank Ltd. UK. In the 1990’s he worked as a foreign news assistant editor at the Yutel TV channel in Sarajevo. Since then he has managed a number of profit and non-profit projects for a variety of companies and organizations including Monaco’s Zepter International, UNICEF, International Rescue Committee, and International Medical Corps. He has lived and worked in Australia, USA, United Kingdom, Iraq, Chad, Bosnia and Serbia.
experience including art direction, design, project
management and production. Detail oriented, motivated,
creative self-starter and team player, Kelly is able to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines in a fast paced environment.
Her background includes more than two years as art director for
Geographic Magazine,
facilitate in-house art direction, design and mechanical production of marketing campaigns, advertorials, and promotional materials. Prior experience includes
more than 11 years at
positions.
Kelly was honored as recipient of The Washington Post Publisher’s Award for Outstanding Service 3rd Quarter 1997 and was selected as a judge for The
American Horse Publications 2000 Annual Awards Competition.
As a broadcast television producer/ director, Lloyd-Davies has worked extensively with the BBC, as well as working for Channel 4 Television (UK), Al Jazeera International and CNN. Her photographic work has been published in magazines and newspapers including the Guardian Newspaper and the Observer Magazine.
Based in London, Fiona’s specialties include foreign projects, working as a series producer, developing ideas, putting teams together, and overseeing a multi faceted production from conception through to delivery. Her work combines strong journalism with a creative visual flair and a passion for exposing injustice through exhaustive research and commitment – which has led to a stellar focus on human rights, developing world and humanitarian issues in spots (calm and trouble) all over the globe.
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Commencement address, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Louisiana, after Hurricane Katrina
A slice of peace, Eastern Turkey, 2003.
Gabriella's radio debut, WNJR, Washington, Pennsylvania
Baghdad press conference, 2004
Ayers Rock, Australia
Sarajevo airport, 1992
Eastern Thailand, 1986
On television news show
Kabul, Afghanistan, 2002
With the president of Uzbekistan, 2001
Profile
Hisaoka Communications debut gathering (with company president Wendy Gordon)
- Awards
- What People are Saying
- Audio and Visual
- Judging
- Case Studies
- Clients
Awards
Raymond Clapper Award,
Barnet Nover Award,
Raymond Clapper Award,
1986 reporting from Thailand.
What People are Saying
- Testimonials
- Additional Testimonials
- Other Wise Thoughts
Davidoff Super Slims. It was a GREAT night with over 350 guests, all top
Middle East distributors for Imperial Tobacco attended, in addition to our corporate regional director. I delivered what everyone said a superb speech
and I was relaxed. So it WORKED…. And thanks again for helping me train
for such an important event. I feel much more confidant, and the earlier
nightmare speech experience I had is past tense to me. Once again big
thank you”
—Muhannad Jabi, Imperial Tobacco Limited and Group Companies
for your time in judging the annual U.S. Air Force Media contest. Your expertise
in communication and print was critical to our contest”
—Major General Darren W. McDew, USAF, director of public affairs
individual such as Tom. He easily thinks out of the box for new and creative mechanisms to achieve objectives. He is a master composer of the written word
and lets no detail go undetected. I highly recommend him on all counts — ethics, professionalism, integrity, congenial and high standards”
—Carol Fleming, International Affairs Specialist
media training programs for our clients, and we never had a single trainee who was less than thrilled with the results. Tom's ability to easily adapt to the various fields, media backgrounds and personalities of the trainees is outstanding”
—Jennifer Goodman Horowitz , Assistant Vice President, Dittus Communications
in the most dangerous and difficult locations. He brought a positive attitude
and a strong work ethic to his reporting in Iraq and other countries. I'm sure
he offers the same strengths in his current position”
—Elisa Tinsley, World Editor,
–Aileen Pincus, president, The Pincus Group
members of the Colorado Motor Carriers Association at our Annual Convention.
I was approached by many of our members with great complements about the session. I have enjoyed working with you and if you are ever in Denver, stop by
and see us”
–Gregory Fulton, president, and Tracy Sakaguchi, event coordinator, CMCA
“If you think you have one more thing to say, don’t say it”
“You trust your mother. But you cut the cards anyway”
“A little eye contact goes a long, long way. Just be careful of where it is you
want to go”
“There is a lot to say in her favor, but the other is more interesting” —
“Birds are entangled by their feet, men by their tongues”
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”
“In the animal kingdom, the rule is eat or be eaten; in the human kingdom
define or be defined”
“One of the things women claim is most important in a man is a sense of humor.
I have learned that they are usually referring to the humor of guys like Brad Pitt,
Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe. Apparently those guys are hilarious”
“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug”
“Everything before the
“With the number of publicists we have down here, you would think we would
have a better image”
Audio and Visual
Gabriella Squitieri, WNJR radio spot, April 2009, Washington, Pennsylvania
Listen (mp3)
Newseum War Stories, Tom Squitieri
Listen
Newseum War Stories, Central America, Tom Squitieri and others
Listen
Judging
Case Studies
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Baldrige award winning efficiency and creativity program – the best program very
few people have heard about. Now they are hearing about it, through speeches, brochures, websites, visits, news articles, books and a total infusion of awareness
of how this program that does good for whoever embraces its methods and successes. The canvas was bare when our work began; now it is brimming with
colors and stories,
in a journey that is designed not to end – but only get better.
publicized project failed to gain much publicity. Conducted a communication
audit and media analysis for the project and recommended immediate steps
to be implemented – with immediate positive results of significantly increase
story placements and response. The project was broadened to develop similar
media strategies for the rest of the year. The emphasis on infrastructure and
urban areas had a direct impact in the commitments made by the Democratic presidential candidates.
guidance to help craft a draft press freedom legislation that was used in the
final KRG law of October 2008 that removes criminal proceedings against
journalists and establishes for the first time in any part of Iraq, freedoms of
expression, communication and assembly. Conduct research and collect material
on the democratic parallels between Iraqi Kurdistan and the United States’
democratic evolutions. Collect and draft materials for consideration by the KRG
for use by their public relations operations in speeches, op-eds, brochures and
other written materials. Help connect the KRG to needed professionals in the
wider communications community including such as but not limited to sign and
banner makers, professional framers, event planners, and book binders. Help
research current affairs and issues and identify possible media representatives
that may be of interest to the KRG.
plan for media awareness, coverage and cultivation for this environmental-based/spiritual organization with a prime focus on care of the Chesapeake Bay.
The successfully implemented plan resulted in wide coverage of a three-day
event in October, repeated stories in the Washington media regarding the
different challenges facing the Bay, and garnering attention from the White
House (President Bush declaring concern for two species of Bay fish).
membership brochure for the organization. Conducted multiple-level media
training through the United State on behalf of the PMTA for its affiliate
organizations. Contributed key aspects to message development in ongoing
state and national transportation issue campaigns.
produce exclusive political copy for the magazine and website.
to develop allies in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House for consideration of a
new foreign policy platform.
boosting membership and corporate sponsors, and establishing itself as a go-to source of expert commentators and thought leaders.
Charter and Current Clients
ARDEC-Picatinny
Brookings Institution
Wholeness for Humanity
Kurdistan Regional Government
Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association
NewsMax
BizNow
Institute for Public Dialogue
The Pincus Group
Eno Transportation
Washington and Jefferson College
Colorado Motor Carriers Association
Peace X Peace
- Creative
- Classroom
- Overseas Assistance
- Media and Presentation Training
Creative
More than 35 years of award-winning writing performance and experience is put to
use in capturing your ideas and crafting them into prose that is smart, creative,
unique, seductive and compelling. We will define your message and make sure it connects effectively and compellingly to your clients, the media, and your staff as
it outshines your competitors.
One of our passions is using writing to give structure and voice to the important
work and thoughts of others. We start at the beginning, drafting new material, or modifying existing concepts. The scope of work can extend from basic word-in/
word-out line editing and rewriting to larger-scale restructuring. Years of working around the country and the world have made us conversant and creative in many areas; of course we also delight in being quick studied in new fields.
The world’s perception of you and your organization is almost always colored by
the quality of your printed material. Let’s make it the best.
- Writing Capabilities
- Strategic Planning
- Research and Interviews
• Corporate and annual reports
• Brochures
• Op-eds and letters to the editor
• Speeches
• Testimony
• Message development
• Training manuals
• Booklets and coffee table books
• Ghost writing and editing
• Advertising text and marketing collateral
• Media analysis/communication audits
• Crisis Communication; maintaining control under challenging situations
• In-sync coordination with government relations and other teams
• Determining media attitudes, needs and requirements
• Seductive branding
• Media assessments and communication audits
• Skilled interviewing
• Dexterous and strategic probes and background reviews
• Enhanced multi-faceted research
• Competitive intelligence and opposition profiling
Classroom
Developed and teach a course melding ethical questions of life with using the
skills of seasoned reporters and war correspondents to succeed and contribute positively to the world. Various emphasis included analysis of daily news events
and coverage, construction of solutions of current social problems, recognizing
truth in its various forms and development of situational awareness, asking good questions, demanding good answers and be able to think on one’s feet. The
running, sold-out course – “Your 15 Minutes: Fame or Shame” – includes
transferable elements to communications opportunities and challenges.
Lectures and technique demonstrations on the “Care and Feeding of Reporters,”
fair and unfair reporting, journalistic perspectives of the “importance” of different
stories in different parts of the world, and the secrets of political reporting.
Overseas Assistance
dropped into foreign locations, usually on our own, to begin reporting or
other duties.
To do so I had to find living quarters, establish contacts in the government, hire translators, drivers and other staff – and, of course, produce exclusive material.
(Part of my successes in these far-flung locals is my ability to find just the right ingredients then whip them into mouth-watering meals.) I have been on all seven continents and can help you take the steps you need to get started or to grow – whether through strategy sessions in your home office or accompanying you in
the field.
We have passports and will travel. We are at home anywhere in the world.
Media and Presentation Training
Speeches and elevator conversation, cocktail chatter and congressional testimony. They are among the ways in which you’re likely to be asked: “What are you up to?
Or “Why did you do THAT?” Working together, we can put you in charge and
secure that you’ll leave any audience nodding in agreement with your goals, strategies, choices and results.
You can never be too prepared for a media interview. Even the best professionals make mistakes because they don't take time to thoroughly prepare their message
and deliver it. Our training makes you savvy, articulate, aware and ready. We work
with you through training with real-life issues while preparing you for the tough questions reporters will ask about you and your business.
The primary goal is to make the most of every opportunity, every time. We work
with you on various interview modes, such as friendly questions versus hostile questions, and then move increasingly to specialized niche instruction. We also
help construct and deliver a clear, captivating message and give you and your
people the confidence to perform well in all media situations.
Before we even start there will be completed extensive, detailed and pleasantly surprising research so all materials are designed just for you. One more important point: We’ll also have fun. It is an integral part of any workshop. There is no wrong way; only different ways to deal with the media. A sense of accomplishment and confidence is part of the deal.
Reporters are paid skeptics. Getting your story told through a cynical reporter
requires skill, experience and a deft understanding of the rules of the game. The
goals include both understanding the message and giving you and your people
the confidence to perform well in all media situations. Bad publicity can be only a
click away n today’s 24-hour news world. We help be your personal trainer for
words and messages. We make the media work for you.
- Brochures
- Speeches
- Booklets and Books
- Advertisements
- Op-Eds
Brochures
Information Membership Brochure
Download PDF
United Nations exhibit commemorating the genocide, New York City
Download PDF
Brochure booklet on new U.S. headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Download PDF
Speeches
Qubad Talabani speech, April 16, 2008, Florida International Summit 2008,
University of Central Florida, Fairwinds Alumni Hall, Orlando, Florida
Download PDF
Remarks by Bill McDermott—Chief Executive Officer, SAP America, Inc.
“A Vision with Value: Helping People Make the Most of Their Abilities”
Accepting the “Humanitarian of the Year” Award from Triangle, Inc.
April 13, 2007 -- Boston, Massachusetts
Download PDF
Qubad Talabani speech, April 19, 2009
“The World’s Newest Democracy” (The Future of Democracy in Iraq)
National Press Club, Washington, D.C.
Download PDF
Indiana Univerity of Pennsylvania Graduation Speech
May 10, 2003, Indiana, Pennsylvania
Download PDF
Booklets and Books
The proud heralding of a green journey back to nature, January 2007
Download PDF
How one corner of America played an amazing part in U.S. History, November 2007
Download PDF
Advertisements
Democracy talks in many ways
Download PDF 1
Download PDF 2
The often unheard thanks of individuals to a company in the wake of a disaster
Download PDF
A New Birth of Freedom in America and Iraq
Download PDF
Op-Eds
Download PDF
Download PDF | View Online
Download PDF
- Learn to be the Boy, Not the Barber
- How to Approach a Checkpoint
- How to Ask Questions
- Before You Begin
- How to Avoid Being Conned
Learn to be the Boy, Not the Barber
A young boy, Tomaso, enters a barber shop and the barber whispers to his
customer, "This is the dumbest kid in the world. Watch while I prove it to you."
The barber puts a dollar bill in one hand and two quarters in the other, then
calls the boy over and asks, "Which do you want, son?" The boy takes the
quarters and leaves.
"What did I tell you?" said the barber. "That kid never learns!"
Later, when the customer leaves, he sees the young boy coming out of the
ice cream store. "Hey, son! May I ask you a question? Why did you take the
quarters instead of the dollar bill?"
Tomaso licked his cone and replied, "Because the day I take the dollar,
the game's over!"
How to Approach a Checkpoint
that way things will be revealed to you
Be
How to Ask Questions
Before You Begin
or presentation
Keep
The Four Traits of a Con Artist
here are ways for YOU to be aware and determine if someone is trying to con you:
They
