In the wake of the pandemic, communicators have evolved from being just a messenger to a pivotal strategic advisor. However, securing and maintaining this influential position requires more than just being heard; it demands demonstrating undeniable value to the organization. Many high-profile comms initiatives such as DE&I, ESG and even wellness programs have been dialed back. In this panel, we’ll discuss how you can attain — and maintain — a secure seat by providing strategic value at the highest level while helping your organization respond to public issues, employee priorities and business imperatives that matter. You’ll learn:
- Strategic thinking: Transition from being a mere conveyor of messages to an advisor who shapes them by aligning your communication strategies with the organization's goals – and learn how to craft DE&I messages that resonate with both leadership and the broader employee base.
- Business fluency: The concepts and tools you need to understand, analyze and act on financial statements – plus how this knowledge can guide your communication strategies, and how to develop and manage your own budget.
- Metrics and dashboards: How to quantify and showcase the impact of internal comms programs using engagement, retention, reputation and financial KPIs.
- Safeguarding culture: Learn to embed quantifiable DE&I and ESG results into business reporting, annual reports and internal comms – plus case study examples of how companies like Coca-Cola have integrated the impact of their sustainability initiatives on their bottom line.
- Issues management: How and when to advocate and communicate purpose-driven initiatives that matter most to employees — even amid political and online blowback.
- Winning ways: How other comms departments are elevating their stature — and budgets — amid rollbacks and cuts.
