Strategy, Story & Stakeholders

In this conversation, Jenny Hall, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Royal Mail, discusses her role in leading corporate affairs and ESG initiatives within one of the UK's most scrutinised organisations.

She shares insights on the importance of communications strategy, stakeholder engagement, and the challenges of managing a large workforce while navigating public scrutiny. Jenny emphasises the need for a clear strategy in prioritising communications efforts, the integration of internal and external communications, and the significance of sustainability initiatives in shaping the future of Royal Mail.

Strategy, Story & Stakeholders is the podcast for senior leaders in communications, corporate affairs and investor relations. Hosted by Max Forsyth, Managing Director & Founder of Comms Search and Selection, he interviews a leading figure from the communications industry on how they have successfully communicated strategy and engaged stakeholders.

Join the Comms Search Community for Early Access to Episodes, Live Forums & Events: https://community.commssearch.com/checkout/founders-tier

Website: commssearch.com

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

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.

Strategy, Story & Stakeholders is the podcast for senior leaders in communications, corporate affairs and investor relations. Hosted by Max Forsyth, Managing Director & Founder of Comms Search and Selection, he interviews a leading figure from the communications industry on how they have successfully communicated strategy and engaged stakeholders.

Join the Comms Search Community for Early Access to Episodes, Live Forums & Events: https://community.commssearch.com/checkout/founders-tier

Website: commssearch.com

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

Strategy, Story & Stakeholders is the podcast for senior leaders in communications, corporate affairs and investor relations. Hosted by Max Forsyth, Managing Director & Founder of Comms Search and Selection, he interviews a leading figure from the communications industry on how they have successfully communicated strategy and engaged stakeholders.

Join the Comms Search Community for Early Access to Episodes, Live Forums & Events: https://community.commssearch.com/checkout/founders-tier

Website: commssearch.com

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.

Strategy, Story & Stakeholders is the podcast for senior leaders in communications, corporate affairs and investor relations. Hosted by Max Forsyth, Managing Director & Founder of Comms Search and Selection, he interviews a leading figure from the communications industry on how they have successfully communicated strategy and engaged stakeholders.

Join the Comms Search Community for Early Access to Episodes, Live Forums & Events: https://community.commssearch.com/checkout/founders-tier

Website: commssearch.com

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

In this episode of Strategy, Story and Stakeholders, host Max Forsyth speaks with Charlotte Otter, an expert in executive communications who previously led executive communications and internal communications for SAP, the global tech giant with 130,000 employees, and now author of 'We Need New Leaders.'

They discuss the evolving dynamics of leadership communication, the importance of self-awareness, and the power of storytelling in engaging stakeholders. Charlotte emphasises the need for leaders and CEOs to be authentic and courageous in their communication, especially in a time when trust is paramount. The conversation also touches on the challenges of engaging hard-to-reach audiences and the necessity of integrating inclusivity into corporate culture.

00:00 Introduction to Executive Communications

06:15 The Need for New Leadership

09:49 Self-Awareness in Leadership

11:37 The Power of Storytelling

14:21 Engaging Hard-to-Reach Stakeholders

16:23 Internal vs External Communication

20:10 Advice for New CEOs

Strategy, Story & Stakeholders is the podcast for senior leaders in communications, corporate affairs and investor relations. Hosted by Max Forsyth, Managing Director & Founder of Comms Search and Selection, he interviews a leading figure from the communications industry on how they have successfully communicated strategy and engaged stakeholders.

Join the Comms Search Community for Early Access to Episodes, Live Forums & Events: https://community.commssearch.com/checkout/founders-tier

Website: commssearch.com

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