Under Embargo Podcast

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✨ The Real Power of Strategic Comms: Chris Willis on "Under Embargo"

The latest episode of Under Embargo was packed with gold. Chris Willis, CMO of Axios HQ, joined hosts Perry and Becca to talk about how strategic communications isn’t just a "nice-to-have"—it’s a business driver. Forget the corporate fluff. They dive into the real, actionable ways comms can push business objectives forward and make a measurable impact.

🎉 Busting Comms Myths

Chris didn’t hold back. He took on the outdated notion that corporate communications is just a support function—the team that pretties up messages and "chops off pinkies" (his words!) when execs get a little too rogue. Instead, he laid out why comms is a critical function for guiding corporate strategy and navigating complexity.

💬 Beyond Newsletters and Press Releases

Chris has a fascinating career trajectory—starting in marketing, then seeing firsthand how powerful strategic communications is for aligning business objectives. His take? Comms is way more than broadcasting messages. It’s about shaping internal alignment, driving productivity, and influencing external market perception. It’s not a background function—it’s a business engine.

🚨 Crisis Comms: A Make-or-Break Moment

The conversation also delves into the role of crisis comms. Axios HQ’s data shows that how a company handles a crisis doesn’t just affect that moment—it reshapes brand trust and long-term strategy. A strong comms team doesn’t just put out fires; they use crises as a catalyst for transformation.

🌟 Communicating Value: Internally and Externally

Chris breaks down how effective comms can move the needle on everything from employee retention to project execution. And yes, they even get into AI—Chris is a firm believer that AI should enhance human creativity, not replace it.

🔍 The Takeaway: Comms Is a Business Imperative

If this episode reinforces anything, it’s that communications isn’t "just" comms. It’s strategy. It’s influence. It’s business impact. Chris makes it clear—companies that treat comms as a business function (not a PR afterthought) will always have a competitive edge.

Don’t miss this episode of Under Embargo with Becca and Perry. And if your comms team isn’t in the boardroom yet, it’s time to fix that.

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### The Birth of "Under Embargo" Podcast: Cracking Through Industry NormsIn the inaugural episode of the "Under Embargo" podcast, hosts Becca and Parry explore their motives and expectations in launching a platform that promises to dissect, analyze, and potentially disrupt the communications industry. Their dialogue unfolds as a candid exploration of their personal and professional backgrounds, providing listeners with a rich context behind their viewpoints and visions for the podcast. ### A Joint Venture Rooted in AuthenticityThe podcast kicks off with Parry and Becca outlining the purpose behind their collaborative project. They aim to cut through pervasive industry jargon and superfluous tactics, focusing instead on elevating professionals to boardroom levels without resorting to deceit. Their banter quickly reveals a dynamic partnership where Parry’s experiences in tech PR complement Becca’s corporate communication insights, suggesting that listeners can expect a holistic take on industry issues.### Reshaping Communication NarrativesBoth hosts emphasize their desire to reshape how communication roles are perceived and carried out within the industry. Becca and Parry discuss their non-traditional paths into their careers, highlighting challenges like navigating educational disruptions and leveraging unconventional strengths. These personal anecdotes serve as a foreground to their broader ambition of fostering a communications landscape that values authenticity, strategic thinking, and substantive contributions over titular positions.### The Power of Authentic NarrativesCentral to the episode is a theme of leveraging one’s unique experiences and background to bring authenticity to the communication field. Parry shares his compelling journey from a challenging childhood to establishing his own PR agency, emphasizing the value of genuine narratives in business success. Similarly, Becca reflects on her experience of transforming perceived academic weaknesses into a distinctive career advantage, advocating for a recognition of diverse cognitive approaches within professional settings.### Vision for Future EpisodesThe dialogue ends with a forward-looking discussion on the evolution of the podcast. With plans to include diverse voices from the industry and explore varied facets of communication and PR, Becca and Parry invite listeners to contribute ideas and participate in upcoming discussions. Their vision for "Under Embargo" is clearly set on challenging norms and encouraging a more inclusive and empathetic approach to professional communication.As the episode wraps up, listeners are left with a clear sense of the podcast’s direction – one that promises to interweave personal insights with professional foresight, potentially setting a new bar for industry discussions.