Strategy, Story & Stakeholders: The Art of Executive Communications

Building Trust and Engagement as a Leader in a Crisis-Driven World

In the current turbulent geopolitical and challenging economic environment, where trust in leadership is low, the art of storytelling has become a vital tool. In the first episode of Strategy, Story & Stakeholders, Comms Search & Selection's Managing Director and Founder, Max Forsyth, speaks with Charlotte Otter, former head of executive communications at SAP, the global tech giant with 130,000 employees and now author of "We Need New Leaders," to discuss what makes a great executive communicator, how to use authenticity and storytelling to drive engagement and what leaders need to do today to stand out.

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Key Insights from Charlotte Otter

The Power of Storytelling:

Otter underscores the significance of storytelling over conventional messaging. She shares insights from SAP's "Autism at Work" programme, which effectively used storytelling to engage stakeholders and drive mission-focused initiatives.

Leadership Self-Awareness:

A central theme in Otter's discussion is the importance of self-awareness in leadership. She differentiates between single-loop leaders, who address problems, and double-loop leaders, who reflect on their role in creating those challenges.

Inclusive Communication:

Otter highlights the necessity of embedding inclusive communication practices within an organisation's culture, rather than isolating them as separate initiatives.

Balancing Internal and External Communication:

With the lines between internal and external communication increasingly blurred, Otter advises leaders to maintain consistent narratives across all platforms to build trust and credibility.

Courage in Communication:

Otter calls for communication leaders to exhibit courage in challenging the status quo and advocating for necessary changes within their organisations.

The Role of Executive Communications Professionals

At Comms Search & Selection, we recognise the critical role that executive communications professionals play in supporting CEOs and leaders. These experts are instrumental in crafting and delivering strategic messages that engage a wide array of stakeholders, from employees and investors to media, customers, and governments. Our expertise lies in building high-performing communications teams, ensuring organisations have the talent needed to effectively advance their strategies.

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As leaders navigate the complexities of today's world, the insights shared by Charlotte Otter provide valuable guidance on fostering trust, inclusivity, and effective communication. Her focus on storytelling, self-awareness, and courage offers a roadmap for leaders aiming to make a meaningful impact.

Subscribe now to "Strategy, Story, and Stakeholders" for more insights on leadership and communication.

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