25 Lessons from A Week in the Life of a Corporate Communications Leader

One of the best things about working in Corporate Communications is the dynamic nature of the field.

It's not a static world – it's a constantly evolving landscape.

This dynamism allows us to actively shape the narrative of an organization and its people, every single day.

That's what I find most fulfilling about my job.

I'm nearing the one-year mark of handling 360-degree communications at a leading global ESG and climate risk advisory firm. And it feels like the perfect time to reflect on my experiences managing global strategic corporate communications.

While every week brings something new, some core aspects remain constant.

Here's a glimpse into what a typical week looks like for me, along with some key lessons I've learned.

An important point to note: a significant portion of my calendar is intentionally left free. This allows me to accommodate unexpected issues and urgent matters that inevitably arise.

Monday - All about landscape view

Monday, to me, is more than just the start of the week—it's an opportunity to shape the days ahead. I always arrive early to work, eager to set the tone and tackle the week's challenges head-on. Beginning with a structured to-do list and a review of both national and global news, I lay the groundwork for a productive day.

A highlight of Mondays is the in-depth meetings I have with my team, including my reportee and reporting Vice President. Together, we establish priorities and ensure everyone is aligned for the week ahead. I particularly value my one-on-one session with the Founder and MD, where we engage in what I fondly call "connecting the dots." Her unique perspectives often challenge me to see things from new angles, enriching my understanding and approach.

The remainder of the day is dedicated to deep dives into data analysis, performance reviews, and strategic planning. Urgent tasks, such as monitoring communication channels and addressing emerging issues, also demand attention. I spend significant time absorbing reports, seeking insights for content creation, and staying vigilant with news alerts to anticipate any potential challenges.

Lessons:

#1 - Be adaptable to each leader's style and strengths: Adapting to each leader's style and strengths is crucial. I maintain a learner's mindset, actively listening and noting key details during interactions with the Founder and senior management. This approach aids in understanding their communication preferences, strengths, and weaknesses. For instance, I learned from the Founder's suggestion to integrate Indian festivals with climate finance in social media content. This method informs research and helps tailor communication to align with their vision. It's in these dynamic exchanges that strategic thinking thrives, enriching our approach to effective communication.

#2 - Divergent Thinking - Diving into divergent thinking is a big part of my routine. Especially during Monday and Tuesday meetings with my reporting manager and reportee, we hash out challenges and roadblocks. That's when my mind kicks into gear, exploring all sorts of solutions through divergent thinking. It's a natural process for me, always simmering in the background, ready to spark innovative ideas.

#3 - Collective brainstorming - Collective brainstorming is another highlight, especially within our Corporate Communications team and across departments when tackling client issues. It's thrilling to step beyond our usual boundaries and support other teams. Plus, it's a tremendous learning experience for everyone involved.

#4 - Early warning and monitoring - Being caught off guard is never ideal. That's why I prioritize dedicating time to thoroughly reviewing every news alert using Google Alerts. This proactive approach ensures I stay vigilant and well-informed about any developments in the news landscape. Not only does it help detect misinformation, but it also safeguards the online reputation of our organization.

#5 - Landscape View - Taking a step back to see the bigger picture is key for me every Monday. Whether I'm chatting with my manager, catching up with the Founder and CEO, or checking in with the team, I'm constantly gathering insights and updates. This panoramic view helps me anticipate what's coming and mentally gear up for the week ahead. It's like having a compass amidst a sea of information, guiding me to creatively shape and effectively communicate our message across channels.

Tuesday - All about attention to detail

Tuesdays are all about external communications for me. I start the day by focusing on addressing non-urgent but important emails that require detailed responses. A big part of my time is spent coordinating with external stakeholders, ensuring that the right information is communicated effectively. In our organization, we prioritize thought leadership, so there are always events and initiatives to manage. This involves coordinating with external parties to ensure everything aligns perfectly – from the positioning of our logo to maintaining consistency in communication. It's all about paying attention to the smallest details, especially since we can't directly control external partners.

Lessons:

#1 - Strategic Thinking: Every day, I focus on how every action contributes to our organization's overarching narrative. Whether it's aligning CEO talks with our internal updates or finding fresh angles for our Founder's articles, I believe corporate communication is more than just social media. And when it comes to event planning, I'm all in – planning every detail but keeping Plan B, C, and D in my back pocket for good measure.

#2 - Applying unconscious thinking - When it comes to decision-making, we often assume that careful analysis is the way to go. And sure, for straightforward choices, weighing pros and cons usually works fine. But for the tougher decisions, ones where there's no obvious right answer, I've learned to trust my gut. It might sound odd, but sometimes, taking a step back from overthinking and just letting my intuition take over is the way to go. I've found that my unconscious mind is pretty good at sifting through all the info floating around up there. So, on Tuesdays, I make it a point to take a breather, maybe stare out the window for a bit. It's like hitting the reset button on my brain, and more often than not, the answer I've been looking for pops up when I least expect it. It's been a game-changer for me in my career, for sure.

#3 - Calendar Check-ins: I'm a stickler for planning, but I also make sure to check in with my calendar twice a day. It helps me stay on top of things and make sure I'm not overloading myself with meetings. Balance is key, after all.

#4 - Networking and Learning: Daily, I aim to connect with two new professionals on LinkedIn or explore diverse organizations' communication strategies. By observing different approaches to design, data visualization, and leadership communication, I gather innovative ideas for future projects, maintaining a repository of inspiration for reference.

#5 - Always prepare in advance - I'm a firm believer in preparation, especially when it comes to our weekly Wednesday meetings. It's not just about sharing updates – it's about using that time to bounce ideas off my colleagues, get feedback, and maybe even test out some new initiatives. A little brainstorming session beforehand goes a long way!

Wednesday - All about getting people together

Wednesdays are all about teamwork and collaboration for me. I spend the day reviewing work and engaging with our partners. This week, for instance, I had a productive meeting with one of our partners to strategize how we'll communicate our latest thought leadership work across various channels for maximum impact. Wednesdays are perfect for external meetings because Mondays and Tuesdays are typically more tightly scheduled. It's also a great opportunity to review the work of my team members and colleagues. We have a weekly meeting where we showcase our projects, brainstorm ideas, and connect with colleagues from different locations. It's a time for enriching discussions and collaborative efforts, as everyone is relatively free to engage.

Lessons:

#1 - Telling Tales: So, during our weekly meetings, I'm all about storytelling. Whether it's sharing an interesting anecdote to break the ice or highlighting a challenge we've overcome, it's a chance to weave our experiences into our organization's larger story. Being in the loop with all the latest happenings helps me keep the narrative fresh and dynamic.

#2 - Framing Common Ground: These meetings are informal in nature which makes them perfect for hashing out challenges or discussing how we can collaborate better with other teams. It's all about finding that common ground and brainstorming ideas together. Plus, it's a great way to foster some team spirit.

#3 - Transmitting Values: I've found that stories are a powerful way to communicate our organization's values. Whether it's sharing a case study that illustrates our commitment to ethics or recounting an experience that highlights the importance of mutual respect, it's all about bringing those values to life.

#4 - Giving Others a Chance to Shine: In our weekly get-togethers, I make it a point to shine the spotlight on my colleagues. It's amazing what you can learn about people when you give them the floor. Plus, it's a nice way to show appreciation for everyone's hard work.

#5 - Active Listening: Listening is key, especially in corporate communications. I try to limit my interventions and keep my ears open during these meetings, soaking up as much insight as I can from my coworkers. It's amazing what you can learn when you take the time to listen.

Thursday - All about taking personal ownership

On the fourth day of the week, finally, I carve out some time for myself amidst the bustling schedule dominated by Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Those days are dedicated to the demands of bosses, organizational priorities, reports, and endless meetings. But Thursdays, oh, Thursdays are my sanctuary. They're reserved for deep dives into long-term projects like upcoming webinars, where I can immerse myself in uninterrupted focus.

I cherish Thursdays for their solitude, devoid of coordination calls or endless meetings. It's a day where I can cultivate a state of flow, allowing creativity to flourish as I craft concept notes and delve into long-form content like articles and reports. My afternoons are blocked off for intimate 1:1 sessions with my reporters, inviting them into my thought process and fostering a collaborative environment.

Lessons:

#1 - Managing Up and Down: Finding the balance between managing upwards and downwards has been a journey. But by keeping the communication lines open with both my superiors and subordinates, I've found a rhythm that works. Sharing updates with my seniors and helping my team grasp the 'why' behind our organization's actions has made everything smoother.

#2 - Prioritize Value over Volume: In a world overflowing with information, it's crucial to focus on quality over quantity. Instead of waiting for orders, I actively seek out valuable insights and save them for quick reference. Prioritizing value helps me cut through the noise and stay focused on what matters.

#3 - Feed Your Brain Diversity: Exposing myself to a diverse range of information sources has been key to sparking creativity and critical thinking. The more I expose my brain to different ideas, the better equipped I am to come up with innovative solutions.

#4: Embrace Extreme Ownership: Some might call me a control freak, but I see it as taking full ownership of my projects. I plan meticulously and pour myself into every task, putting the organization's mission above everything else. It's about setting aside ego and doing what's best for the team.

#5: Facilitate, Don't Manage: True leadership isn't about micromanaging—it's about facilitating growth and collaboration. Whether it's with my team or my superiors, I believe in open, personalized communication to tackle challenges together.

Friday - All about letting my mind wander

Ah, Fridays—the day when I give my mind the freedom to wander. With less pressure and more breathing room, I relish the opportunity to connect with my colleagues over lunch, sharing laughs and forging deeper emotional bonds. It's a day for letting creativity flow and thinking outside the box.

In between these moments of connection, I tackle internal and external meetings, providing updates and diving into projects. I use the quiet of Fridays to craft persuasive internal communications, enticing my colleagues to join upcoming learning and development sessions. And as the day winds down, I find solace in organizing my thoughts and laying the groundwork for the week ahead.

Lessons

#1 - Zoom In and Zoom Out: While Mondays and Tuesdays are about zooming out to see the big picture, and Wednesdays and Thursdays are about diving deep into tasks, Fridays are my time to zoom in and out. It's a chance for self-reflection, allowing me to form my own views and find a balance between the micro and macro perspectives.

#2 - Capture Good Ideas: My trusty notepad has been my savior in capturing fleeting moments of inspiration. Whether it's a passing conversation with the CEO or a chat with a colleague, jotting down ideas helps me relax knowing they're safely stored for later exploration.

#3 - Organize Your Devices: Taking the time to declutter my phone and laptop is more than just tidying up—it's a form of mental organization. By naming folders and streamlining information, I clear mental space for creativity to flourish.

#4 - Say More Thank You: Expressing gratitude has become a habit for me. Whether it's acknowledging a colleague's contribution or simply thanking someone for their kindness, spreading positivity fosters a supportive work environment.

#5 - Be Grateful: As I leave the office, I take a moment to express gratitude for the day's blessings. It's a simple practice that fills me with appreciation and enriches my life.

Final thoughts:

Every Sunday, I make it a habit to reflect on the week gone by. It's like finding my footing in the ever-changing landscape of corporate communications.

Some weeks are smooth sailing, while others feel like a rollercoaster ride.

It's a dynamic, ever-evolving role that demands constant adaptation, prioritization, and seamless context switching.

But no matter what, I always come out with valuable insights and I am glad to share my lessons.

Amid this frenetic pace, one lesson stands out: the importance of preparation and mindfulness in communication. Amidst the hustle, it's crucial to remain grounded and focused, keeping the organization's reputation at the forefront of every interaction.

For me, this role is not merely a job—it's a personal commitment to uphold the integrity of the organization I serve. Each day presents an opportunity to reaffirm that trust, to demonstrate unwavering dedication to our collective mission. It's a responsibility I carry with gravitas, knowing that the path ahead demands nothing less than utmost diligence and excellence.