James S. Walker

This thoughtful piece by our CEO Lee Shavel, “Building Resilience: Why Connectivity Is Key to Navigating an Evolving Landscape,” highlights how connection—between data, people, and ideas—builds resilience in a complex world. As a communicator, that message resonates deeply: the stronger our connections and the clearer our shared understanding, the greater our collective impact. At Verisk, we see connectivity not just as a business advantage but as foundational to how we create value and earn trust. https://lnkd.in/eacG3KuU #Connectivity #Resilience #Leadership #Data

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As companies face transformation at scale, whether through tech disruption or shifting workforce expectations, how leaders bring teams along the journey is critical. In a recent AT&T internal memo, the CEO referenced a well-known quote from General Eric Shinseki: "If you dislike change, you're going to dislike irrelevance even more." It's a powerful reminder, but only part of the equation. However, transformation isn't about forcing people to keep up. It's about bringing them on the journey. When 1 in 5 colleagues raise concerns during change, it's a signal. A signal that they care. A signal that they want clarity on the "why" and ownership in shaping the "how." Leadership today is about creating strategic clarity and human connection, not issuing ultimatums. Admiral Grace Hopper offered a complementary perspective: "The most dangerous phrase in the language is: 'We've always done it this way.'" Her words aren't about dismissing tradition. They're about staying curious, and always asking: "Is there a better way?" That curiosity drives real transformation and a shared willingness to evolve. Culture doesn't change by decree. It changes when people believe they can shape what comes next. Real transformation starts with inclusion and ownership. Recognizing that people bring different perspectives to change. While you can't please everyone, you can ensure they feel heard and valued. When people see that their feedback is listened to, acknowledged, and, where possible, acted upon, alignment happens faster. Even when the direction is non-negotiable, creating space for dialogue builds trust. And trust is what sustains change when things get tough. I'd love to hear how others navigate this: How do you bring teams into a transformation journey, especially those concerned or skeptical, without alienating them? https://lnkd.in/eM5w6DZE #Leadership #OrganizationalCulture #Transformation #InternalCommunications #ChangeLeadership

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Communications is at an inflection point. And we cannot afford to miss it. Yesterday, I met with Katy Griggs from IABC Atlanta, and we talked about what’s been building for years… but is now undeniable. We already recognize that COVID didn’t just test communications. It elevated it. Organizations needed leaders who could interpret ambiguity, align stakeholders, manage misinformation, and protect trust under pressure. The perception of communications shifted from messenger to strategist. Now AEO and GEO have entrenched that shift. When AI-driven discovery prioritizes third-party validation, reputation signals, executive voice, and audience advocacy… much of that sits inside communications. This is enterprise infrastructure. Yet, many comms functions still report into marketing or HR. And most seem to be measured on reach and output rather than resonance or outcomes, which admittedly are not yet an exact science. But that’s the inflection point for our profession. We either step fully into enterprise leadership… Or we drift back downstream. This moment requires more than storytelling. It requires: 👉 Asking sharper business questions 👉 Connecting narrative to risk and revenue confidence 👉 Using data to inform decisions 👉 Convening stakeholders early 👉 Anticipating consequences across audiences If we want to maintain - and expand - our hard-earned seat at the table for the impact that communications can drive, we must show up as enterprise leaders. ...Business-fluent. ...Data-informed. ...Market-savvy. ...Audience-centric. ...Revenue-focused. ...Strategically courageous. ...Operationally disciplined. Like I've said about AI, this is a moment to be visionaries, not victims. Not stepping into this opportunity - and evolving how we show up and lead - will erode the ground we’ve gained. This isn’t just about individual career growth. It’s about leadership for our brands and for our profession. And inflection points reward the leaders who step into them.

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This is how executive communications should be done. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian's message announcing Glen Hauenstein’s retirement is a masterclass in clarity, tone, and leadership signaling. If you're in executive communications, there are several things to study here: 1. It leads with humanity, not logistics. Before any org-chart details, the message honors Hauenstein’s 20 years of leadership. It gives context, celebrates impact, and connects emotionally. Those are the hallmarks of great executive storytelling. 2. It explains why the change matters, not just what’s changing. This note doesn’t simply say Hauenstein is retiring. It articulates his strategic contributions, cultural impact, and legacy. That gives employees a reason to care and builds trust in the transition. 3. It pairs the departure with a clear path forward. Immediately introducing Joe Esposito and explaining why he’s the right choice removes ambiguity, a critical step in avoiding speculation or anxiety inside the organization. 4. It reinforces confidence in leadership stability. By listing reporting changes and reaffirming Delta’s “deep leadership bench,” the message signals strength and continuity, which employees need during senior transitions. 5. It ends with a unifying call to action. “Together, we will continue to Keep Climbing.” Short. Purposeful. On brand. This memo isn’t just an announcement. It's a strategic moment executed with clarity, respect, and intention. Executive comms pros: This is one worth saving. Link: https://lnkd.in/eZzSpZps

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Sally Susman has set the gold standard for communications leadership. She's trusted by CEOs and board rooms alike and approaches her work in a deeply human way. Her work during the pandemic was not only career-defining for her but the entire field of corporate affairs. However, Pfizer's decision to not replace the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer role and decentralize communications, investor relations, and public policy is concerning. It might look like "streamlining" but it risks dismantling the strategic alignment that comes from communications having a seat at the table. When communications is decentralized and downgraded, three things happen: - Strategic alignment across stakeholders fragments - The communications talent pipeline flattens - In times of crisis, companies scramble instead of lead Pfizer is one of the most visible companies in the world and operates in a highly complex and regulated industry. If they say corporate affairs doesn't need a C-suite champion, others may follow. This should concern every communications leader especially those of us who work in highly regulated, complex industries. Let's celebrate Sally's extraordinary run, but also discuss what this move means for the future of communications leadership. https://lnkd.in/gJRtH7JS

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Sharing my latest Forbes byline where I explore a key challenge for executive communicators: how can leaders build credibility without falling into the trap of being “always-on” with their comms, which often leads to overexposure and diluted messaging? With corporate leaders under constant pressure to stay visible, it’s easy to confuse frequency with impact. But we’ve found that when leadership messaging is timed thoughtfully and aligned to business and audience needs, it resonates far more powerfully, both internally and externally. Intentionality isn’t just about how often you speak, but what you choose to say. It is critical to look at each executive’s role and personal passions to determine who is best positioned to speak on a given issue in a way that truly connects. Grateful to contribute to this important conversation on executive voice and the evolving role of communications in building trust. https://lnkd.in/ebuzRdTW

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