When leaders communicate with care, courage, and clarity, they can also better lead through tumultuous times. It comes down to how we use the power we have.

Whether you’re an advertiser, a fundraiser, or a digital strategist, developing inclusive and equitable communications practices requires care, courage, and clarity—none of which can be achieved without some actual and authentic perspective first.

Find ways to get closer to the users of your content, and when you get there, listen carefully. That closer listen will always be worth it.

How we show up is more than the words we use or the snappy descriptions we print in our brand books. What we say and what we do need to match up. Over and over again. That's what it takes to build a trusted brand. So, can I trust you?

This book isn’t about me. It’s about the people who inspire me, and it is for you. I hope you appreciate its message.

The challenges you’re trying to “figure out” may be opportunities to chart a new or different course forward. Stay true to who you are and what you believe in, and the path you’re meant to take will open to you.

When it comes to mental health in the workplace, putting people first will always be a winning strategy. Just don’t forget to include yourself among those people.

Rather than saying nothing at all or rushing to say the first thing that feels right, focus your energy on being genuine in your words and approach. Listen carefully. Acknowledge issues. And commit to bravely speaking in service of your community rather than running away from the moments that may ultimately shape you most as a leader.

It's all too common for meaningful sayings to be altered or removed from their original context, making it hard to know who said what, and when. Focus on getting down to the roots of the words you choose to use, and when in doubt, stay grounded in the facts.

The best pitches come from the heart. And if you want people to come along with you, you’ll need to find ways to make them feel your passion, understand your creative solution, and remember your idea’s unique value.

In the fast-paced nature of time, where it’s all too easy to get caught up in what’s coming next (vs. what’s happening now), where we want to be (vs. where we are), and how we get there (vs. what we’ve accomplished to date), it’s good to pause and remember that life is fast, and it’s short. Wherever you are, may you find something wonderful worth holding onto in this present moment.

Effectively communicating, on camera or off, doesn’t mean you need to act like a robot or give the same answer repeatedly. Instead, use public communications opportunities and interviews as opportunities to deliver your core messages consistently, with your head and heart, knowing that the more you focus on what needs to be said and who needs to hear it, the more your audience will remember.

If you’re looking for an actual answer from Twitter about layoffs, declines in ad revenue, mounting lawsuits, or any other issue, you’ll need to keep waiting. As for your own press strategy, if you’re looking to build trust and credibility, set aside the emojis and autoresponders. Instead, focus on what you can say—and say it authentically. 

Losing a previously invested donor, partner, or team member is always challenging. But a loss without any related learning is the worst kind of loss. In losing, find ways to uncover essential insights and small wins that make the most of difficult situations.

Losing a previously invested donor, partner, or team member is always challenging. But a loss without any related learning is the worst kind of loss. In losing, find ways to uncover essential insights and small wins that make the most of difficult situations.

Making the choice between “White” and “white” is well beyond a matter of capitalization. And as with life, there is no simple answer to the “W/w” question. But examining and understanding our language choices matter, as we convey different messages based on our choices.

Just because a phrase is commonly used, does not mean it is inclusive to all members of our community. Let’s think, speak, and write with intention, knowing that the more inclusive our practices, the better we all become.

It often takes an outside perspective to help discover an unconscious bias. Make time at the start of your writing process for community input, and you’ll have a much better, more informed, and accurate article in the end.

 If you’re just starting out in your career or celebrating decades in your field, looking forward will always matter. Reflecting back to thank those who influenced you along the way matters just as much.

At best, AI tools like ChatGPT can spark fresh ideas or inspiration for your writing. At worst, they spread misinformation and reinforce bias, while reducing our human abilities to connect, learn and process information. It’s not a case to avoid the technology, but a reminder to use it wisely.