Ed Whitehead, Advisory Director - Corporate Reputation at Ipsos, joins Strategy, Story & Stakeholders to take us through the Ipsos Reputation Council 2025 Report: The Eye of the Storm.

We examine the changing nature of crisis communication, arguing that organisations must stop treating crises as one-off incidents and instead recognise them as a permanent fixture of modern business.

We explore how geopolitical instability and a widespread loss of faith in institutions are forcing communicators to rethink their approach. And our discussion also touches on the value of strategic silence, the complexities of ESG, and how AI is likely to reshape the industry.

Above all, we maintain that integrity and trust remain the only reliable anchors in such an unpredictable climate.

Sign up for more content, insights and connect with Comms Search & Selection, the team behind Strategy, Story & Stakeholders and your trusted adviser to build high-performing communications and investor relations teams at commssearch.com

Please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe to Strategy, Story and Stakeholders on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. It really helps others discover the show.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What separates a "good" communications director from a true strategic business partner in the C-suite?

According to Tabita Andersson, author of Chief Communications Officers at Work, the answer isn't creative flair or perfect copywriting—it's deep business acumen.

In this episode of Strategy, Story & Stakeholders, Max Forsyth sits down with Tabita to explore the evolution of the CCO role. Drawing on interviews with communications leaders from global giants like GE and A.P. Moller - Maersk, Tabita shares why the modern CCO must move beyond "polishing the message" to become the organization's strategic radar.

We discuss:

• From Output to Outcome: Why CCOs must stop measuring success by press clippings and start measuring by strategic impact.
• The Language of the Boardroom: Why understanding the P&L, balance sheet, and business model is the only way to gain influence with the CEO and CFO.
• Stakeholder Mapping: Moving from "broadcasting to the public" to surgical engagement with investors, regulators, and employees.
• AI in Communications: Why Artificial Intelligence won't replace the CCO—but will force them to double down on judgment, empathy, and strategy.
• Career Advice: Practical steps for aspiring leaders to build their internal network and strategic capability.

Guest: Tabita Andersson, Communications Leader & Author of Chief Communications Officers at Work.

Host: Max Forsyth, Founder & Managing Director, Comms Search & Selection.

Resources:

• Get the Book: Chief Communications Officers at Work is available on Amazon now.
• Visit our Website: commssearch.com
• Connect with Max: LinkedIn Profile

Sign up for more content, insights and connect with Comms Search & Selection, the team behind Strategy, Story & Stakeholders and your trusted adviser to build high-performing communications and investor relations teams at commssearch.com

Please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe to Strategy, Story and Stakeholders on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. It really helps others discover the show.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second episode of Strategy, Story & Stakeholders, we sit down with Rebecca Matts to explore the nuances of corporate affairs.

Rebecca shares her path from starting as a junior marketing executive at Clifford Chance to becoming a trusted communications and corporate affairs advisor at firms including HSBC, UBS, BlackRock. Nomura, SThree and Hines, revealing how she aligns communications strategies with business strategy. We discuss the role of authenticity and clarity in storytelling and offer practical insights for senior executive, Board or businesses looking to build trust and influence.

Whether you're new to the field, an experienced professional or in the C-Suite, Rebecca's perspective provides valuable takeaways for navigating the corporate landscape.

Sign up for more content, insights and connect with Comms Search & Selection, the team behind Strategy, Story & Stakeholders and your trusted adviser to build high-performing communications and investor relations teams at commssearch.com

Please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe to Strategy, Story and Stakeholders on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. It really helps others discover the show.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.