Weathering the Storm: Rebuilding the Narrative through Resiliency 

Our industry is in a constant state of flux. New technologies emerge daily, platforms shift, audience behaviors evolve, consumption habits change, and the very definition of “communication” expands with every passing year. We stand at a fascinating juncture, constantly evolving, adapting, and innovating.  

But today, my thoughts are drawn to two specific anniversaries that, while seemingly distant from our daily professional lives in bustling New York City and the Tri-State area, offer profound lessons in resilience, the human spirit, and ultimately, how we can navigate the ever-changing landscape of communications. 

Twenty years ago, Hurricane Katrina unleashed an unprecedented fury on the Gulf Coast, particularly on New Orleans. And 16 years later, to the day, Hurricane Ida reminded us again of Mother Nature’s raw power and the ongoing journey of recovery. 

As a New Orleans native and survivor, these anniversaries hit different. The fear for my family, the uncertainty, the aching helplessness. It’s a feeling that never truly leaves you. 

So, what do these powerful narratives of survival and resilience in the face of natural disaster have to teach us, as women leading and shaping the communications industry? A tremendous amount, I believe. 

Think about the seismic shifts we’ve witnessed even in the last five years alone – the rise of AI, the explosion of new social media channels, the imperative for authentic storytelling, purpose-driven messaging. This dynamic environment can feel like navigating a perpetual storm. 

These factors challenge our traditional methods, push us out of our comfort zones, and demand a similar level of adaptability and strategic thinking that survivors of natural disasters exhibit. 

Just as the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast demonstrated the capacity to adapt, to innovate their recovery efforts, and to find new ways to connect and rebuild, so too must we in communications embrace this spirit. 

• Resilience in our careers means not being afraid to pivot when a strategy no longer serves its purpose. It means continuous learning, embracing new tools, and understanding that what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. It’s about having the courage to experiment, to fail fast, and to learn even faster. 

• The human spirit in our work speaks to the power of authentic connection. In an increasingly automated world, the human touch, empathy, and genuine storytelling become even more critical. It’s about crafting messages that resonate deeply, that build bridges, and that foster true understanding – just as shared stories helped rebuild communities after the storms. 

• Adaptability is our compass. Just as survivors learned to navigate new landscapes and rebuild from scratch, we must be agile in our thinking and our execution. The communicators who will thrive are those who see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity to innovate, to refine, and to lead with fresh perspectives. 

As we commemorate these anniversaries, let us embrace change, innovate fearlessly, and to continue shaping the future of communication with strength, compassion, and unwavering determination. 

Brandi Boatner
2025 NYWICI President and Global Influencer Marketing, IBM Corporate Affairs