Diane Schwartz: To Speak or Not to Speak
In times of crisis, communicators are the calm in the storm. In this episode of Womenheard: Changemakers, host Georgia Galanoudis speaks with Diane Schwartz of Ragan Communications, the leading training and networking community for communicators worldwide. As the first female CEO in Ragan’s 57-year history, Schwartz has led the organization to unparalleled growth for the past five consecutive years. Here’s a look at some of the discussion as Schwartz reflects on the power of voice—knowing when to use it, and just as importantly, when to hold it back.
The Communicator’s Choice
Communicators constantly face the decision: to speak or not to speak. Many shareholders and stakeholders care deeply about what companies choose to say or not say. That’s why Schwartz encourages communicators to align “what they’re doing right now, and the decisions they need to make, with a business strategy that has the mission of the company front and center: the North Star.” Only then can you craft a message that resonates with your audience’s values.
Your North Star as Strategy
Tethering communication strategy to your organization’s mission enables you to take an active role in shaping its direction. You as the communicator are the last line of defense in determining if the company’s output aligns with its mission. If the narrative doesn’t match the data or vice versa, it’s your responsibility to ask tough questions, initiate course corrections, and restore clarity amid the chaos.
When Clarity Isn’t Clear
There will be moments when even your North Star feels clouded. That’s okay. “Ask for help,” Schwartz advises. “It’s one thing to ask questions, but it’s another to ask for help.” Be prepared to ask the right questions and decipher the best answer. Bouncing ideas off your peers—and yes, that includes your competitors—may even open doors you never imagined for yourself. In fact, Schwartz found herself in the C-Suite because a former competitor championed her skills behind closed doors and offered her a seat at the table.
Thank you to Diane Schwartz for joining us! For the full interview, listen to NYWICI’s WomenHeard podcast.
