"Conversations with CEOs: Communication Leadership in Modern Organizations"
Podcast Series in partnership with the IABC Research Foundation   
 

This podcast series study focuses on the role of communication in organizational success as seen through the eyes of CEOs. You’ll hear about the skills CEOs want in their communications, the communication needs of different organizations, and the skills leaders see as key to their job as head of the organization.

• 
  
  

  Interview # 1: Brian Dunn, CEO of Best Buy

  Brian Dunn, CEO of Best Buy, talks about doing business in an era of radical transparency, and offers advice to leaders about using social media. You’ll hear how critical the communications team is to his (and the company’s) success, and how uses Facebook, Twitter and his blog, “Brian’s Whiteboard,” to stay informed, inspired and in touch with the constituencies that matter to Best Buy. (Listen... )



• 
  
  

  Interview #2: Eric Morrison, former CEO of The Canadian Press

  Eric Morrison, former CEO of The Canadian Press, shares his unique perspective on communication and how the overriding principles of integrity, truth and transparency are as essential to the day-to-day operations of Canada's multimedia news agency as they are to the success of a CEO. You'll hear how the skills of a good communicator are dependent on clarity of message and intent, and why it's important for communications teams to be strategic instead of mechanistic. (Listen… )



• 
  
  

  Interview #3: Barry Griswell, former Chairman and CEO of Principal Financial Group

  Barry Griswell, former Chairman and CEO of Principal Financial Group, explains why communication competency is fundamental to the role of CEO. He talks about why it's impossible to "over-communicate" to internal and external audiences, and why consistency of message is critical for any leader, both in good times and bad. Griswell talks about how he worked hand-in-hand with his CMO to ensure that every piece of Principal's communication plan was sound and solid, and was created with an audience in mind. (Listen… )

• 
  
  

  Interview #4: Phillip Barton, CEO, De Beers Consolidated Mines

  Phillip Barton, CEO, De Beers Consolidated Mines, discusses why it’s so important that a CEO not become overly dependent on technology as a means for internal and external communication, and explains that despite the ability to connect via email, virtual town halls and even the telephone, face-to-face communication is essential. Barton also speaks about the importance of listening, and says it’s critical to remember that communication is multi-directional, not a one way blast of messages from the CEO’s office. (Listen… )

• 
  
  

  Interview #5: Mark Price, Managing Director, Waitrose Supermarkets

  Mark Price, Managing Director of Waitrose Supermarkets says the keys to good communication are clarity, consistency and repetition. There are heavy demands on executives to be able to set and maintain their company’s position with an ever-fragmenting audience who is hungry for news and information 24/7. Price explains that his communication is so effective because they are rooted in corporate messaging, goals and vision, and at the same time, tuned in and responsive to all stakeholders. (Listen… )

• 
  
  

  Interview #6: Christie Hefner, former Chairman and CEO of Playboy Enterprises

  Christie Hefner, former Chairman and CEO of Playboy Enterprises, says that in any company, openness and proactive engagement start at the top. It’s the CEO’s responsibility, she explains, to set the tone of engagement and to ensure that it resonates with shareholders, employees and customers. Ms. Hefner explains why the communications department must not be seen as a “cost centre” that should be squeezed and restricted in order to improve the company’s financial margins, but instead be considered a necessary ingredient in a sound corporate strategy. (Listen… )

• 
  
  

  Interview #7: Kate Paul, President and CEO at Delta Dental of Colorado

  Kate Paul, President and CEO at Delta Dental of Colorado shares insight into what she believes are the key ingredients for good, effective communication: Understanding your audience, having specific objectives, and tailoring your content and delivery style to your audience so it meets their needs and expectations. Ms. Paul is a strong advocate for corporate communicators having a "seat at the table" when it comes to establishing and executing organizational strategy, and talks about her success with a data-driven, straightforward communication style. (Listen… )

• 
  
  

  Interview #8: Ann Buller, President and CEO, Centennial College

  Ann Buller, President and CEO of Centennial College discusses the CEO’s role as storyteller, and explains why communication is not just about relaying the facts; it’s about connecting the dots, providing context and making sense of the issues facing the organization and its stakeholders. The ability to distill highly complex, challenging issues and put them into plain and relatable language is key, and Ms. Buller suggests that despite a social media-saturated world in which we can talk to anyone, anywhere, at any time, face-to-face communication and personal relationships are more important than ever before. (Listen… )