Episode Description
In communications, work often speaks for itself. But does it? Many women leaders in communications—especially those working behind the scenes—struggle with visibility. The key to earning credibility is simpler and more uncomfortable than most might think.
In this episode of Earning Your Seat, Natalie Moran, Founder of Comms Futurist and an experienced communications strategist, challenges the idea that the work will speak for itself. As a leader who works closely with executive teams, Natalie shares her experience advocating for visibility, leveraging personal wins, and connecting communications efforts to business outcomes.
Leadership in communications involves more than reporting metrics and crafting the perfect message. It’s about building trust in a world where audiences are skeptical of polished corporate messaging. Natalie discusses how leaders can balance humility with the need to self-promote, why authenticity is essential in leadership, and how to embrace AI without losing human connection.
In this episode, we celebrate the power of women who are breaking through the noise, advocating for their value, and leading with authenticity. This conversation is a must-listen for communications professionals who want to step out of the shadows, communicate their worth, and build trust in an increasingly skeptical era.
Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast.
Episode Highlights:
- (00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat
- (01:00) The Importance of Self-Promotion in Communications Leadership
- (03:07) Documenting Wins and Making Them Visible to Decision Makers
- (07:15) The Gendered Experience of Self-Promotion in Leadership
- (12:30) The Impact of AI on Communications and the Importance of Human Oversight
- (18:00) Building Trust in a World Skeptical of Corporate Messaging
- (24:00) Managing Burnout While Leading Communications Teams
- (28:00) Addressing the Challenges of Team Culture and Standards
Connect with Natalie:
- Natalie Moran on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliemoran
- Discover Comms Futurist: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comms-futurist/
Follow Earning Your Seat:
- Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/
- Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/
- Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/
- Subscribe to the Earning Your Seat Newsletter:
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Get in Touch With Us
If you have any questions about this interview, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com