Why Business-Savvy Communicators Can Lead in the Age of AI - with David Albritton

What do corporate communications leaders know about the businesses they serve? Chances are they know quite a lot. They know the stories, the narratives, and the CEO's various points of view; they know the strategies, the values, and the culture; they know the audiences and stakeholders and (should) how to calm them in times of crisis; sometimes they know where all the bodies are buried and which closets hold the most skeletons. Their job is, fundamentally, to know things. But do they understand The Business? Do they understand balance sheets? Do they speak the language of financial performance? Do they grasp everything in the Annual Report? Some do, but many still don't. How can they become the trusted advisors their companies and clients need, especially in these challenging and changing times?

In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle reconnects with David Albritton, the former Naval Public Affairs officer who built a stunning career in Communications before becoming an executive coach and strategic advisor. Currently Managing Director at CRA, David may be the only person to have made the leap from PR flack to global CEO (at least according to Dan), giving him a unique perspective on the need for communicators to develop business acumen and leadership skills to build thriving careers. Even in the age of AI.

As the world grapples with the implications of AI, misinformation, and shifting workplace dynamics, David shares his perspective on what it means to be a communicator today. He emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships, understanding the business beyond the communications function, and the critical role of communicators as strategic advisors.

David also discusses his journey to becoming a board member at Embecta and the unique skills communicators can bring to the table in these roles. He highlights the necessity for communicators to be business partners first, leveraging their unique position to influence and drive organizational success.

He and Dan spend some time on the impact of AI on personal and professional development, revealing insights into how communicators can use these tools to enhance their understanding of business operations and improve their strategic influence. 

Whether you're a seasoned communications professional or just starting your career, this episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, the evolving role of communications, and the skills needed to thrive in today's fast-paced environment. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in strategic communications.

Listen in and hear about...

• The evolving role of communications professionals in the face of AI, misinformation, and declining institutional trust.
• Insights into the unique challenges and opportunities for communicators seeking board positions.
• The importance of building authentic relationships in hybrid and remote work environments.
• Strategies for communicators to become trusted business partners and influence organizational success.
• How generative AI can enhance personal career growth and understanding of business operations.
• The enduring qualities of effective leadership amidst technological and societal changes.

Notable Quotes

• "COVID changed the world in terms of what we accept in terms of how we engage with people. It all really comes down to relationships—who knows you, who do you know, do they trust you, do they have confidence in your abilities?" - David Albritton [10:34]

• "If we only think about our value proposition through the lens of communications, we are failing the organization and ourselves. We need to become business partners who by the way, do communications." - David Albritton [16:26]

• "If you aspire for greatness going forward, then how are you sharing your voice in that room when you have the opportunity? That's a critical skill for communicators that we don't develop." - David Albritton [21:05]

• "I've been that person who comes into the room and is reluctant to offer an opinion or advice because they're talking about finance now, and I don't want to get over my skis." - Dan Nestle [22:01]

• "The preparation you put in before you get to the meeting is going to make all the difference in the world because now you're educated, now you're confident, now you can raise your hand and ask a smart question." - David Albritton [28:29]

• "Managing what people are saying about you when you're not in the room is hugely important for career growth." - David Albritton [41:54]

• "I believe that corporate structure itself is obsolete and doesn't know it yet." - Dan Nestle [47:12]

🎙️ Introduction and Background (00:00 - 06:46)

• Daniel Nestle introduces David Albritton as a guest
• David's background: Naval Academy graduate, former naval officer, communications career
• David's current roles: Managing Director at CRA, independent board director at Embecta

🏢 Corporate Structure and Communication (07:55 - 20:22)

• Discussion on the changing nature of work and communication
• Importance of building authentic relationships in remote/hybrid work environments
• Communicators need to be business partners first, communicators second
• Importance of understanding company financials and business operations

📊 Business Acumen for Communicators (21:29 - 32:15)

• Need for communicators to understand business basics
• Recommendation to develop relationships with Investor Relations
• Importance of preparation before meetings
• Discussion on using AI tools for learning and preparation

🤖 AI in Communication and Leadership (32:21 - 44:38)

• Potential of AI tools in enhancing communication and leadership skills
• Importance of human interpretation and nuance in communication
• Discussion on the changing expectations for communicators in companies

👥 Leadership Qualities and Relationships (44:38 - 54:27)

• Core leadership qualities remain unchanged despite technological advancements
• Importance of adaptability, accountability, and relationship-building in leadership
• Discussion on the challenges of building relationships in remote work environments

🔍 Leadership Behaviors and AI Coaching (55:35 - 01:06:27)

• Introduction of Alex, an AI-driven leadership coaching tool
• Based on study of 15,000 admired leaders over 40 years
• Focuses on 100 leadership behaviors across various areas
• Designed for personalized, situation-specific coaching

🔗 Closing Remarks and Resources (01:07:29 - 01:11:22)

• Importance of developing leadership skills for communicators
• Information on how to access David's newsletter and the Alex tool
• Emphasis on sharing valuable content to foster relationships

(Notes co-created by Human Dan and a variety of AI helpers, including Fireflies.ai and Flowsend.ai)