Communication is the cornerstone of effective leadership. However, often, in the lineup of CEO responsibilities, communication can become an afterthought. Making communication a priority will pay dividends in trust and performance by driving engagement and loyalty of both partners and employees.   A clear strategy provides the roadmap, and these five guiding principles inform an effective narrative: Clarity is Key Effective communication begins with clarity. CEOs must articulate their vision, goals, and strategies in a manner that everyone within the firm easily understands. Ambiguity bre ..read more

Whether rolling out cultural imperatives, engaging team members, or driving organizational change, strategic communication plays a pivotal role in achieving alignment. Before crafting a communications strategy, a crucial step often gets overlooked: the communications audit. In this blog post, we'll explore why a communications audit is not just important but, indeed, the most critical step in creating an effective communications strategy. Setting the Stage: What is a Communications Audit? First, let’s define what a communications audit entails. A communications audit is a systematic assessment ..read more

M&A can be messy, and the process can feel chaotic. For team members, integration can be fraught with uncertainties. From organizational restructuring to cultural differences, navigating these transitions requires careful planning and execution. In such times of change, creating alignment across the organization becomes paramount to mitigate risks and disruption. Minimizing Disruption One of the primary goals during M&A is to minimize disruption to operations. By building alignment, organizations can streamline processes, avoid duplication of efforts, and maintain continuity in service ..read more

As I sat down to pen a blog post in honor of International Women's Day, I reflected on my professional journey and the invaluable support I've received along the way. These mentors have shaped not only my career trajectory but also my leadership style and outlook on life. Here are some lessons I've learned along the way: Embracing change is essential for growth: Just before his retirement, Ken shared this valuable lesson with me: Always be prepared to reinvent yourself. The world is constantly evolving, and so should you. This advice has provided solace, reassuring me that embracing change is ..read more

Have you recently completed work on a strategic plan?  Whew, the hard work is done.  Or is it? The real challenge lies in executing your plan effectively. One of the key pillars in operationalizing your strategic plan is through a robust communications strategy. Effective communication ensures that leaders, partners, and team members clearly understand your vision, goals, and objectives, aligning everyone towards a common purpose. Here are three communications tactics to operationalize your strategic plan: Build a Powerful Narrative through Employee Advocacy Employees are not just th ..read more

Just in time for Valentine's Day- I bring you a few helpful tactics to celebrate the heart side (emotional) of change management: Navigating change can be a tumultuous journey filled with emotional highs and lows. As a communications consultant specializing in change management, I've come to understand the crucial role that emotions play in the process of change. Often overlooked is the emotional side of change.  We are laser-focused on the nuts and bolts and forget that the emotional side of our brain also needs motivation.  Tapping into the "heart" can lead to successful outcomes ..read more

As we embark on Black History Month, I want to take a moment to pay homage to the incredible individuals who have not only shaped history but also mastered the art of communication. Their words, speeches, and writings have left a mark on society, challenging norms, inspiring change, and paving the way for future generations. This blog post highlights remarkable black historical figures whose eloquence and passion made them masterful communicators. Frederick Douglass - The Voice of Freedom: Frederick Douglass, an escaped enslaved person turned abolitionist, was a powerful orator and writer. His ..read more

I’ll admit it…I’m not a Swiftie, but my nine-year-old is! I was not even sure I could name a hit song until a few months ago when my daughter declared we could ONLY listen to Tay Tay. But I’ve leaned in and embraced the phenomenon that she is. Along the way, I’ve observed her masterful communication style. Her ability to connect with audiences truly goes beyond catchy tunes. Here are three observations regarding her communications prowess: Lyricism as a Narrative Tool: As a songwriter, Swift is unparalleled, and her lyrics often read like captivating stories. Her ability to craft narratives ..read more

Effective change management is a cornerstone for success. The agh change communications process delivers three strategic steps, each playing a pivotal role in ensuring a seamless transition and long-term success through robust communications. Step 1: Activate - Strategic Design The change management journey begins with ACTIVATE, a phase dedicated to laying the groundwork for transformation. This phase is marked by creating a detailed roadmap that outlines the course of action for upcoming stages. Launch sets the tone for the initiative by aligning organizational goals with a well-defined visio ..read more

As we navigate the dynamic landscape taking shape for 2024, it's evident that culture and employee experience are undergoing a transformative journey. Here's my take on the evolving trends: Communication for Alignment: Satisfaction ➡ Engagement ➡ Alignment. The evolution of how we measure success in the workplace is crucial. Strategic practice management, rooted in clear cultural imperatives, will dominate. Mission, Vision, and Values will guide firms, aligning every team member's efforts with overarching goals. Performance evaluations will reflect a sophisticated alignment with the firm's str ..read more