Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:53 — 28.5MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS

In today’s highly charged sociopolitical environment, corporate leaders can feel the impulse to take a stand just like any of us. They’re only human, after all.

As communicators, it’s our job to help them understand when and how to speak out on issues that live outside the business realm. What are the expectations around CEO activism? What are the ramifications of taking a stand on a highly charged issue? Which CEOs are doing it right?

In this episode of EE Voice, we’ll explore this sensitive topic and the critical role internal communications teams play in keeping their leaders on point, on brand and on a path toward making a truly positive impact.

Tune in as we talk about why internal comms teams need to come together as a united front when corporate leaders take on challenging societal topics. You’ll learn:

• Where people stand on CEO activism, both internally and externally
• Why preparation is the holy grail for outspoken CEOs
• How to minimize fallout (hint: align your marketing and comms teams)
• How to engage employees in your communications plan

As culture wars and polarization intensify, this is must-listen stuff for every internal comms professional. We hope you’ll join us.

About Sharon McIntosh

Sharon is president of And Then Communications. With more than two decades of communications experience, she has a passion for creating and executing new ideas to drive employee engagement at companies both large and small. Most recently Sharon served as PepsiCo’s vice president of Global Internal Communications, overseeing the company’s efforts to connect with its more than 274,000 employees worldwide.

About Sharon Phillips

Sharon Phillips is principal of Sharon Phillips Communications, which focuses on employee engagement and corporate communications strategy and support. Prior to relaunching her consultancy in 2014, she served as director of Global Internal Communications at PepsiCo.