Becoming a Successful Communication Leader

Erik Meyers:

I’ve had a varied career in communications across industries and disciplines and I wouldn’t change a thing. In fact, this variation gave me the opportunities and successes that I had. 

The industries I’ve worked in include publishing, technology, chemistry, construction, and medical. In terms of disciplines these have been customer communications, strategy analysis, executive communications (including many years as a CEO speechwriter for top global companies), digital communications, employee communications and PR.

To help those starting out in their career in communications, thinking about a career in communications or maybe even just thinking about a change, here are my tips for becoming a successful communications leader.

It’s all about standing out from the crowd, being unique and always being ready for a new challenge.

Different Industries

I’ve seen way too many communicators stick to one industry and just move around from company to company in that one industry. Your uniqueness will come from working in different industries as you never know where your next opportunity will appear and that broad industry experience will help. 

Different Disciplines

In the same grain, many communicators stick to one discipline, say PR. Your broader experience diving into executive communications, employee communications, digital communications and more will not only broaden your horizon but give you a more marketable and unique set of skills. In addition, the communications discipline is constantly evolving. While PR was the one and only say 20 or 30 years ago, the focus has shifted (even if particularly in Germany, PR experts still don’t get this, #rantover)

Get Your Hands Dirty

Your job is a leader is not just to lead. You need to stay in the game by keeping your skills sharp. Write texts, brainstorm ideas, keep up to date with what is going on in the world, in your industry, in your discipline. 

Network Network Network

One of the most important skills to build knowledge and success is networking. Coming down out of the ivory tower and meeting employees from across the organization, talking to leaders at all levels and also connecting to experts outside the organization will give you unique insights, help you to truly understand what is going on in your company and discipline and in the end will position you well within and outside the company for whatever comes your way.

Standing Out By Speaking Up

From my personal experience, saying out loud what others are thinking, telling executives what they need to hear and not what they want to hear, and being bold about what needs to change or improve is the ultimate way to stand out. I’ve identified ideas for improvement and parlayed those into new positions that would never have been created otherwise. I’ve gained the trust of very difficult senior executives by speaking my mind. I will never understand people who say, “the CEO wants it” and they do that even if they think it is the worst idea in the world from a communications perspective. Yes, you can’t win every battle but in my experience even senior executives often don’t speak up to the C-Suite. Don’t be that person. If you think something is wrong or needs to change, tell them. Even if you end up not changing everything you will feel better about your own expertise and gain their confidence by being one of the few people to speak their minds.

Fight the Hype

The shiny object syndrome is the bane of every communications leader. The CEO reads something somewhere about some new trend and demand immediate action on this, whether it makes sense or not. The latest is AI with companies rushing to be “AI first” or the like without having a clue about why they need AI, how can it help or even whether it makes sense for their company at that point in time. I’ve worked in and around digital for decades and am still amazed how people jump on the latest hype, driven by tech bros, without stepping back considering how it could help and how (anyone remember Second Life? There are so many examples) 

It’s like a company wanting to bring a new product to market with the only goal of getting the product to market ASAP. Whether the product makes sense, is actually ready or whether their customers actually want it is irrelevant. 

If you get approached by your C-Suite about something new for communications, push back and make sure you help them understand that the first step is an analysis and plan before moving forward. Otherwise, in most cases, it’s a huge waste of time and money. 

I’d love to hear your ideas and experience on how to be a successful communications leader

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About Erik Meyers:

“Originally from the U.S (Connecticut), I’m an author and communications leader who has lived abroad for years and years. My global perspective has shaped my career as a communications leader, where I bring 25 years of experience spanning multiple industries, company sizes, roles, and disciplines.”

“I’m also the proud author of five books (so far), such as my Sally Witherspoon cozy mystery series. The third book in the series, Death for Sale, was published in January 2026.”