In today's episode of the Smart in Public podcast, the Katies welcome Daniella Vallurupalli, VP and Head of Global Communications at Cloudflare, to demystify the role of communications professionals during the IPO process. 

Daniella shares the importance of preparing for an IPO well in advance (with some incredibly helpful tips on how to do that), how to get a S.E.A.T. at the table throughout the entire process, and the unique challenges faced by comms teams when trying to navigate a time at the company where it's likely it's everyone's first rodeo -- even your stakeholders. We cover key strategies for tracking media, maintaining transparency, identifying who your new best friends on the leadership team (looking at you IR and legal), and preparing executives and employees for messaging beyond IPO. 

Thank you so much Daniella for coming on the show!

Chapters

• 07:18 - The Importance of Communications in IPOs
• 12:23 - When to Start Preparing for an IPO
• 15:55 - Key Steps for Comms Professionals Pre-IPO
• 19:08 - Tracking Media and Conversations
• 22:40 - Maintaining Regular Announcements During Quiet Periods
• 24:01 - Understanding the S1 Document
• 27:28 - The Role of Comms During the IPO Process
• 30:25 - Cultural Shifts in Comms Pre and Post-IPO
• 33:18 - Balancing Transparency with Regulation
• 36:02 - Preparing Executives for Public Speaking
• 39:15 - Mock Earnings Calls and Their Importance
• 43:50 - Celebrating the IPO Day
• 46:17 - Final Thoughts and Advice for Comms Professionals

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