![Women in Strategic Comms: Navigating Crises with Resilience [Promoted content] | INFBusiness.com](/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/b7df5807d76b4cdb22b57f35c01911cc.png "Women in strategic communications play a pivotal role in navigating the complex terrain of business, political, and economic crises. Negotiating the pathways to success requires remarkable resilience combined with keen strategic insights and interpersonal skills.")
Women in strategic communications play a pivotal role in navigating the complex terrain of business, political, and economic crises. Negotiating the pathways to success requires remarkable resilience combined with keen strategic insights and interpersonal skills.
As co-sponsors of this year’s EACD Summit with a focus on the theme of resilience, we at Savion Ray are spotlighting the experiences of several remarkable women in a panel discussion entitled Women in Strategic Comms: Narratives of Resilience. In sharing their stories, we’re also illuminating a potential roadmap other women can follow towards future successes.
Why the gender leadership gap must be closed
While many companies have instated DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies, the overwhelming majority of executives are still men. Institutional barriers and biases affect women striving for leadership positions, regardless of industry — hence the gender leadership gap in senior management.
In light of the recent crises cascading across the world, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the need for diverse leadership has rarely been more pressing. Women, with the resilience and adaptability they’ve had to cultivate throughout their careers, are vital for effective crisis management.
Why we need more women in strategic comms
Crises require measured thinking and insightful handling, and in these situations, resilience goes a long way. Strategic comms professionals must maintain strict focus and awareness while navigating a wide range of potentially conflicting stakeholder interests.
The struggles women face throughout their careers empower them with the resilience needed to thrive in high-stress communications positions. As they ascend the ladder of seniority, women must constantly convince others of the validity of both their ideas and their experience.
This repetitive process of coalition-building with male colleagues to finally sway the opinion of the key decision-maker proves to be an invaluable asset in crisis control. Women are seasoned veterans when it comes to putting their egos aside to focus on achieving optimal outcomes.
By advocating for inclusivity, crafting persuasive narratives, and promoting dialogue, strategic communicators can mitigate the negative effects of political crises while engendering trust and understanding between diverse stakeholders.
Narratives of resilience
As part of the EACD Summit 2023’s theme of resilience, the Women in Strategic Comms: Narratives of Resilience panel features three groundbreaking comms professionals. Moderated by Savion Ray’s Director of Strategy and Public Affairs Jeta Bejtullahu, the panel will highlight how women in high-level comms roles can effectively steward their organisations through times of crisis.
Throughout their respective careers, the featured speakers have proven their ability to analyze complex situations, identify opportunities for growth, and implement innovative strategies.
Oana Lungescu, NATO Spokesperson
Oana Lungescu’s passion for security affairs was sparked over the course of her career as an investigative journalist covering the aftermath of war and the costs paid by those subjected to oppressive regimes. As NATO’s principal spokesperson, Ms. Lungescu coordinates NATO’s 24/7 media operations while planning and directing the media aspects of all major NATO events.
Both the first woman and the first journalist to hold this role, Ms. Lungescu was named by Politico as one of 2016’s most influential women in Brussels. Her time at NATO comes after a long career in radio, television, and online journalism with the BBC.
Cristina Falcone, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, UPS Europe
Cristina Falcone is proof that when organisations provide space for women to succeed, everyone wins. Acknowledging the role her mentors played in her career, Ms. Falcone now works to support other women in their own journeys towards greater successes.
Ms. Falcone leads UPS Europe’s strategy and execution for public affairs, communications, community relations, and sustainability. She also serves as policy chair and board member for the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union, steering committee member for the Brussels Women in Trade Network, and advisory board chair of the Rise and Lead Women Network.
Erzsébet Fitori, Group Head of EU Affairs and Relations, Vodafone
Every day, Erzsébet Fitori demonstrates the possibility of building a career in an industry with a considerable gender leadership gap. Her experiences transcends a range of strategic positions overseeing policy and regulatory change.
Heading Vodafone’s Brussels office and representing Vodafone as board director in various industry organizations, Ms. Fitori leads the company’s engagement with EU institutions and key stakeholders. Ms. Fitori previously served as director general of the FTTH Council Europe and director of the European Competitive Telecommunications Association.
Driving collective success in strategic comms
By fighting to close the gender leadership gap, supporting professional growth, and championing DEI, we can create an environment that supports women as thriving leaders in strategic communications. As the talent pool widens and the diversity of perspectives increases, this fundamental, systemic change will ultimately be to everyone’s mutual benefit.
The narratives of resilience you’ll explore in the upcoming EACD Summit panel serve to inspire transformative change in the field of strategic communications — and ideally one day, women won’t be made to cultivate this extra degree of resilience in the workplace after all.
Source: euractiv.com
