​Hello, everyone! It's Max Forsyth here, MD and Founder of Comms Search & Selection. In this Comms Coffee Club podcast episode, host Max Forsyth chats with communications expert Natasha Moore. Natasha shares her journey from political communications to asset management communications, offering insights into the importance of CEOs' communications skills, the impact of geopolitical risks, and the art of building trust with fund managers. With a background in the Conservative Party press office, she discusses the challenges of the 24-hour news cycle and the need for clear messaging. The episode concludes with thoughts on positioning industry leaders as thought leaders and the value of networking for comms professionals.

The Art of Communication in Leadership

One of the primary topics we discussed was the critical role of communication skills for CEOs. Natasha drew parallels between corporate leaders and political figures, emphasising the necessity for both to convey clear and simple messages across various platforms. The ability to communicate effectively is not just a soft skill; it's a strategic tool that can make or break a leader's success.

Building Trust with Fund Managers

Natasha's experience coaching fund managers revealed the delicate balance between being informative and maintaining trust. She stressed the need for fund managers to effectively communicate their investment strategies and opinions, enhancing their reputation and building credibility in the media. When it comes to building campaigns and communication strategies in the financial services industry, relevance, authenticity, and interest are key. Natasha emphasised the importance of crafting stories and campaigns that resonate with stakeholders, fostering relationships that bolster credibility and transparency.

Geopolitical Risks and Asset Management Communications

We also explored the impact of geopolitical risks on asset management communications. In a world where market conditions can shift rapidly due to political events, it's crucial for communication professionals to be adept at responding to these changes. Natasha highlighted the importance of planning and using communication grids to anticipate and align messaging across an organisation.

The Lighthouse Effect

We discussed the essential skills for effective communication, such as emotional intelligence and the ability to perform across different formats. Natasha likened the role of a communications professional to that of a lighthouse, guiding the focus onto expert views and helping to navigate through the fog of information overload.

Final Thoughts

As we wrapped up the episode, I reflected on the wealth of knowledge Natasha shared. Her insights on positioning fund managers and CEOs as thought leaders, navigating the 24-hour news cycle, and the intricacies of dealing with journalists were particularly fascinating. I hope you found this blog post as informative and engaging as I found our conversation.

If you enjoyed this deep dive into the world of communications, don't forget to like and subscribe to the Comms Coffee Club podcast. Stay tuned for more episodes where we explore the ever-evolving landscape of communication strategies and practices.

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Comms Search & Selection specialises in executive search and recruitment for the in-house communications industry, serving clients in the UK and the USA. We expertly fill roles from Manager to C-Suite in corporate communications, public relations, internal communications, digital transformation, investor relations, and content strategy. Catering to diverse sectors, including Fortune 500 and FTSE 250 companies and financial and professional services firms, we're the go-to search and recruitment agency for seeking top communications talent. Contact us to secure the industry's best.