In this inaugural episode of our "Five Questions With..." video series, communications leaders and PR experts share insights on strategy, leadership and life beyond the office.
Our first guest is Janice Kapner, CEO and Founder of Kapner Perspectives Group. Drawing on years of experience, including her former role as Chief Communications and Corporate Responsibility Officer at T-Mobile, Kapner discusses how to build trust and navigate change in today's fast-paced environment.
Key Topics Covered:
The Power of Agility: Kapner emphasizes that CEOs must be agile and "think on their feet" because the news cycle and social media can shift an entire narrative in less than a day.
Front-Footed Communications: It is the responsibility of communications teams to keep management informed and prepared for potential questions from both employees and the media.
Radical Transparency: To maintain employee trust and productivity during difficult economic climates or major company changes, leaders should prioritize honesty and context.
Consistency is Critical: Ensuring that the entire management team is aligned on the same message prevents confusion and internal dissatisfaction.
Managing Sudden Shifts: Kapner explains why companies must clearly communicate the "why" behind sudden strategy shifts to avoid being labeled as hypocrites on social media.
Personal Insights: Janice shares a bit about her professional journey from Silicon Valley to Microsoft and T-Mobile, as well as her favorite "all-time" comfort food.
Nicole Schuman is Managing Editor at PRNEWS.