Industry Insights
Navigating the World of Communications: Insights from Fintech Leader Sarah Kemp
15 May 2024 by Max Forsyth
As the host of the Comms Coffee Club podcast and founder of Comms Search & Selection Specialist, Max Forsyth has the privilege of engaging with some of the most innovative minds in the communications industry. In a recent episode, Max sat down with Sarah Kemp, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Marketing at the fintech startup Moove. We delved into her impressive career and the evolving landscape of corporate communications.
From News Junkie to Communications Pro
Sarah’s journey into PR and communications began with a deep-rooted fascination with news and journalism. Her career has spanned various roles within the industry, each offering unique challenges and opportunities to hone her skills. During our conversation, Sarah reflected on her tenure at Page Group, where she spearheaded campaigns aimed at raising awareness of disability in the workplace. It was here that she learned the power of authentic storytelling and the critical role of building relationships with journalists.
The Art of Storytelling and Relationship Building
Sarah emphasised the importance of data-driven narratives in crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. She shared her experiences with successful campaigns and the intricate balance of working in public affairs and government relations. The key takeaway? Genuine connections are the cornerstone of effective communications.
Embracing Diversity and Strategic Thinking in Hiring
Our discussion naturally progressed to the topic of hiring practices within the communications field. Sarah and I agreed on the necessity of bringing in individuals who not only think differently but also possess robust communication skills. Creativity and the ability to think outside the box are attributes that Sarah values highly. We both stressed that communications professionals should have a seat at the strategic table, not just serve as message distributors.
The Struggle for Recognition and the Power of Direct Communication
One recurring challenge we touched upon was the struggle to get business leaders to recognise the value of communications professionals. Sarah shared her insights on the impact of having direct lines of communication with senior executives and the satisfaction derived from building strong internal and external relationships.
The Evolving Role of Communications in Business Strategy
We explored the role of communications as a strategic partner in business. The conversation highlighted the need for communications to transcend its traditional role and be integrated into the very fabric of business strategy.
Adapting to Remote Work and Fostering Company Culture
The shift to remote work has brought its own set of challenges, particularly in maintaining a cohesive company culture. Sarah and I discussed the importance of internal communications in a fragmented world and how it is more crucial than ever in a hybrid working environment.
The Future of Communications: AI and Beyond
Looking ahead, we discussed the potential impact of AI tools on the communications industry. From copywriting to content analysis, the integration of AI is poised to revolutionise the way we approach communications.
Communicating ROI and the Quest for Advanced Analytics
A significant challenge that Sarah highlighted was the difficulty in communicating the return on investment in communications to the executive committee. While acknowledging the long-standing presence of companies like Signal in the communication analytics space, Sarah expressed a need for more advanced tools to provide groundbreaking solutions.