Katie Simpson’s Post

What can we learn from Southern Water's turnaround plan? What does the future hold for Utilities comms, and what is the changing role of the CCO in 2024? Our own Katie Simpson recently sat down with George Eykyn, Corporate Affairs Director at Southern Water, to talk navigating water scarcity, building resilient reputations, and why the CCO will always deserve a seat at the Exec table. Read the full interview below. ⬇️ #CorporateAffairs #Utilities #Leadership #Communications

A little bit of research here from Hedley May on the role of the Chief Communications Officer (CCO). Nice line here that sums up the state of play for comms leadership roles "so long as the business landscape remains as challenging as it is – and there are few reasons to believe it will become any easier any time soon – then the importance of managing a company’s public image and ensuring effective communication with stakeholders, is only going to grow." Take a read ⬇ https://lnkd.in/e7rk2Kz4

Two Roles, One Vision: Insights From A VP Of Global Communications And Chief Of Staff LINK: https://lnkd.in/eBvf9fK5 #ConsultingIssues #TheDailyConsultant #Strategy #Innovation #Leadership #Management #Business #Operations #Advisory #Finance #Project #Policy #Process #Technology

Two Roles, One Vision: Insights From A VP Of Global Communications And Chief Of Staff LINK: https://lnkd.in/eUbRH96G #ConsultingIssues #TheDailyConsultant #Strategy #Innovation #Leadership #Management #Business #Operations #Advisory #Finance #Project #Policy #Process #Technology

This #crisiscommunications article points out several items to consider before you respond to a perceived crisis affecting your organization. The author lists two questions we should ask ourselves before we respond to an external audience. In a world where #socialmedia is often considered a reliable media source, these questions are more relevant than ever. The article also includes three checklists every #communications professional should use. Lastly, no matter what response actions you choose, I always share our response, or reason for not responding, with the organization’s employees. Honesty and clear communication with the members of your firm will go a long way when the employees share the same responses (or lack of response) as corporate leadership.

The Chief Communications Officer in Focus The importance of bringing greater definition to the role The relationship between businesses and their stakeholders is more complex than ever. Corporates are now expected to take positions on a wide variety of issues such as AI, climate change, DEI, geopolitics and a myriad of societal questions, all of which are invariably polarising and difficult to navigate. As a result, the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders is an essential element of most businesses’ licence to operate, and it carries great risk, as well as great opportunity. The role of the Chief Communications Officer however, remains the most amorphous of functions, with widely varying remits. Sometimes on the Executive Committee (ExCo) but more often not, and typically reporting to the CEO but not always. So, what are the factors that enable the most effective CCOs to successfully help steer their organisations through this complexity? Drawing on our deep expertise in appointing CCOs, as well as recent interviews with leading CCOs, we have identified the key elements that elevate a great individual in this role and the risk businesses face if they fail to define it. Please click here to read the full report: https://lnkd.in/eXdsjHF2 #ExecutiveSearch #Leadership #PR #Communications #Comms

Redefining Public Relations on a Global Stage https://buff.ly/3XPT4sn via Maxim Behar, FPRCA of M3Bulgaria on Thinkers360 #InternationalRelations #Leadership #PublicRelations

In modern business, corporate communications often stands as the unsung hero, playing a crucial role in navigating the complexities of reputation management. Yet, all too often, this vital function is relegated to the background, only to be summoned in times of crisis. The image of "The Fixer” - Olivia Pope from the hit TV series, who swoops in to mend the tarnished reputations of business men and often the “President” paints a vivid picture of the reactive approach many organizations take. But what if we shifted our perspective? What if corporate communications had a permanent seat at the high table, driving proactive reputation management and strategic positioning? Corporate communications is not merely a fire-fighting unit; it is a strategic partner that can shape, enhance, and protect an organization's reputation long before any crisis hits. By integrating communications into the core decision-making process, businesses can ensure that their narrative is consistently aligned with their values and objectives. This alignment is crucial in building trust with stakeholders, from customers and employees to investors and the broader community. The value of proactive reputation management cannot be overstated. Here are several ways in which a robust corporate communications strategy can benefit your business: 1. Building Trust and Credibility: Trust is the bedrock of a positive reputation, and consistent communication helps build and maintain it. 2. Crisis Prevention: By actively monitoring and managing potential risks, corporate communications can identify and address issues before they escalate into full-blown crises. This proactive stance not only mitigates potential damage but also demonstrates the company's commitment to integrity and accountability. 3. Enhancing Brand Loyalty: Effective communication strategies that highlight the company's achievements, values, and community involvement can strengthen brand loyalty. 4. Supporting Business Growth: When corporate communications is involved in strategic planning, it can help position the company in ways that enhance its attractiveness to potential collaborators and investors including talent. 5. Reputation Recovery: The reality is that crises can and do occur. Having corporate communications at the table ensures that there is a well-prepared team ready to manage and mitigate the impact of any reputational damage. The "Olivia Pope" approach should not be the default but rather the last line of defense. Giving corporate communications a seat at the high table is not just a strategic choice; it is a necessity in today's fast-paced, information-driven world. By valuing and integrating this function into the heart of the business, you can build a resilient reputation that stands the test of time, ensuring that they are not just surviving but thriving. The proactive management of reputation is not a luxury—it is a fundamental component of long-term business success.

There have long been complaints that other corporate functions “encroach” (an academic term) on the communication function. But this report says chief communications officers are now taking on other functions roles called CCO-plus. It’s an interesting trend for the communications profession.

🌟 Communication Breakdown: The Issue of the Day 🌟 Effective communication has never been more crucial—or more challenging. Whether it's navigating remote work dynamics, addressing PR crises, or ensuring transparency in corporate messaging, the stakes are high. Varnum Street Strategies is dedicated to helping organizations master the art of clear, impactful communication. 💡 Struggling with a communication issue? Let's talk. 📞 Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you navigate your toughest communication challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth and success. https://lnkd.in/eh8hJBHQ #Communication #PublicRelations #CorporateMessaging #RemoteWork #VarnumStreetStrategies #Leadership #Growth