Founder’s note — September 2025

Welcome to my September 2025 founder’s note.

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When I established Strategic during the Covid-19 pandemic in April 2020, remote working was the only option. Since then, it has been a remote-first organization. What does this mean for Strategic?

I met Mike Klein, our editor-in-chief, who I’ve known for over five years, in-person for the first time this month! I’m really proud of what we are building together, and our different locations – in Ireland and Iceland – not only enhance it, but are the ideal foundation for a remote, global organization.

In addition, there are over 50 members of our global columnist network based across the world.

Together, we reach an international audience.

While Strategic is remote-first, that doesn’t mean that I underestimate the value in-person connection brings to building and strengthening our relationships.

We had our first and sold-out Communication Leadership Summit in Brussels on 19 September. Over 70 communication leaders from 30 countries gathered to reflect, discuss, and collaborate on some of the toughest questions in our profession. The “unconference” was an enlightening experience, and meeting some of our partners, columnists and industry experts in-person deepened our existing connections and created new ones.

I am proud that Strategic was the media partner for the PRCA UK | PA Conference 2025: Fit for the Future on 17 September. The conference brought together the brightest minds in communication, politics, and business to debate the issues shaping our future from AI and tech disruption to political reform, ethics, inclusion, and leadership. One of our columnists Lateefah Jean-Baptiste represented Strategic, and captured key discussion points, highlights and insights from six sessions on the day.

Currently, Mike and I are focused on our strategy and looking ahead to 2026. We will continue to deliver a platform, for our growing community, that empowers communication leaders to connect, learn, and shape the future of the profession globally.

Whether you are a columnist, contributor, partner, reader, or another stakeholder of Strategic’s, I hope it resonates with you.

If you haven’t already registered (for free) to Strategic, you can do so at: www.strategic.global/register

— Orla Clancy, founder and director, Strategic

Written by: Editor