Communications Business Advisor

Welcome to the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with host Tara McDonagh. In this episode, Tara sits down with Judy Rader, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer at Constellation, the nation’s largest producer of clean energy.  Judy shares what it takes to lead a 60-person corporate affairs function at a Fortune 200 company, why she holds both the CCO and SVP of Corporate Affairs titles, and how her team secured and maintains its critical seat at the executive table.  For anyone aspiring to a leadership role in communications, this conversation is packed with actionable advice on building business acumen, developing your team, and proving your value as a strategic business advisor. In this podcast episode, Tara and Judy cover:  The rise of the Corporate Affairs Officer  What B2C Comms. can learn from B2B  The model for Communications and Corporate Affairs at Constellation  The team size, structure, reporting structure and approach to filling gaps needed in the team (hint: a review of the current structure and design is needed) The three critical skills required for a CCO (beyond knowing Comms).  Training and development approaches for advancing comms. as advisors  Navigating today’s changing environment as a Communications and Corporate Affairs leader  Visit taramcdonagh.com to learn more about working with Tara or sign up for her newsletter, Level Up: Be Extra. This episode is sponsored by Raise the Tide™, a program designed for women in communications in corporate, healthcare, and higher education—helping them advance their careers through mentorship, professional development, and community. If you found this episode valuable, please rate and review—it helps elevate our field and ensures more communicators have a voice at the table. Meet Judy Rader: Judy Rader is the senior vice president of Corporate Affairs and chief communications officer, leading integrated marketing communications strategy, planning and execution for Constellation and managing the company’s brand and reputation. She serves on the Constellation Executive Committee, which sets strategy and direction for the company. Rader’s team of about 60 professionals has expertise across a wide range of corporate affairs disciplines, including: reputation and brand management, advertising, customer marketing, employee communications, media relations, public affairs and advocacy, issues/crisis management, digital/social media, community relations, charitable giving and foundation management. Under her leadership, the team is responsible for enhancing and protecting Constellation’s reputation with all internal and external stakeholders, strengthening Constellation’s brand awareness and favorability, fostering employee trust and engagement, and advancing the company’s policy and business objectives through compelling communications, marketing and community support. As part of her role, she oversees Constellation’s philanthropic activities, including more than $18 million in annual company, employee and foundation giving and the volunteer efforts of the company’s nearly 14,000 employees. She also serves as executive director of the Constellation Energy Foundation. A Fortune 200 company based in Baltimore, Md., Constellation is the nation’s largest producer of clean, emissions-free energy and a leading supplier of energy products and services. The publicly traded company produces about 10 percent of America’s clean energy, making it a leader in the clean energy transition. Community Work Rader is a member of the Board of Directors and chair of the marketing committee for the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, and a member of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, PAC 7 Committee on Radiation Education, Risk Communication and Outreach. Educational Background Rader has a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She earned bachelor’s degrees in journalism and English from the University of Maryland.  

Welcome to the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with host Tara McDonagh. In this episode, Tara kicks off a new season by tackling one of the most pressing questions for senior communications professionals: what does a clear career path look like in a field that often feels misunderstood, oversimplified, and muddy? The Reality of Q4 for Comms Teams Tara opens with a candid look at the fall and winter season—when benefit enrollments, IT security pushes, engagement surveys, and town halls collide with corporate restructuring, financial reporting, and external events. It’s a whirlwind that leaves communications leaders carrying the weight of competing priorities while fighting to remind colleagues of the real purpose of the function: advancing business goals and protecting company reputation. It can feel impossible to think of something as long-term as career path advocacy when it’s so busy all the time.  Why Career Pathing Feels Elusive Communications pros - especially around that director level - often find themselves forging their own paths. Tara highlights the isolation many feel when they’re the highest-level communicator in their organization, expected to act as both strategic advisor and often, execution arm too. She acknowledges the frustration of being underestimated, but reminds listeners that communicators consistently shine when given even a crack in the door to demonstrate their value. The Path to the CCO (and Beyond) This season, Tara is launching a series of conversations with Chief Communications Officers and SVPs in our field across industries. They’ll share the skills, experiences, and hard truths that shaped their journeys. Listeners will hear what it’s like in the CCo seat, the skills required to get there, and help communicators chart a more visible career path in communications leadership … as we normalize the CCO position everywhere.  Visit taramcdonagh.com to learn more about working with Tara or sign up for her newsletter, Level Up: Be Extra. This episode is sponsored by Raise the Tide™, a program designed for women in communications in corporate, healthcare, and higher education—helping them advance their careers through mentorship, professional development, and community. Tara is hosting a Raise the Tide Open House on Sept 19. Click here to pre-register. If you found this episode valuable, please rate and review—it helps elevate our field and ensures more communicators have a voice at the table.  

Episode 29 of the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with host, Tara McDonagh, dives into Raise the Tide™, a program for women leaders and emerging leaders in the communications field working in a corporate (or related) environment. Tara unpacks exactly what Raise the Tide™ is, why it was created, and how it works.  Raise the Tide™ is a complete program for women in the Communications field that involves community, coaching, mentorship, counsel, and professional development specifically for women in corporate communications roles. Unlike other programs,, Raise the Tide™is created specifically for women in this field working in corporate and does not seek to change women, but rather creates space for them to grow.  Built on Tara’s vast experience in communications and her academic study of gender differences, this program is uniquely equipped to address the challenges and celebrate the strengths of women communicators. Crew members are placed in small groups where they engage in monthly meetings, stay connected through active group messaging, and benefit from one-on-one coaching sessions for personalized goal setting and progress. From strategic mentorship matches to a curated retreat experience, Raise the Tide™ offers everything women need to advance their careers with confidence, clarity, and camaraderie. Visit RaiseTheTide.com to learn more and fill out the interest form. Many participants get company sponsorships for the program while others invest in the program themselves. Both options can lead to a highly rewarding and in some cases “life changing” experience (as stated by some women).  If today’s insights resonated with you, please rate and review this episode—it helps spread the message and supports the growth of our profession.  

Welcome to Episode 28 of the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with Tara McDonagh. Today, Tara tackles a big question for communications leaders: how do you create a long-term plan in uncertain, volatile times like right now? She shares practical strategies to help Communications Leaders make it happen, even during chaos. Start from the (Ever-Changing) Business Strategy Tara explains how to align communications plans with  business plans even as they evolve to adjust to the current environment. She shares how to identify key business goals and develop or adapt long-term communications plans, using examples like shifting from international to domestic growth or a new focus on acquisitions vs organic growth.  Start with what’s certain—your organization’s core product and/or service remains. The “what” remains consistent, it's “how” that may change. Tara discusses how to pivot in these wild times with specific examples.  From Overwhelm to Action  Leading through uncertainty, balancing short-term demands (and commands), crisis issues and/or incident management, team management, and uphill advocacy are all massively taxing right now. Tara encourages leaders to seek help, whether through strategic planning partners, execution-focused support, or both.  Instead of only considering the option of hiring extra hands, she highlights the value of working with experienced advisors who bring clarity and help implement impactful strategies as an option.  Tara reframes seeking help as a smart investment in success. She urges Comms. leaders to rethink resourcing in alignment with today’s new commands.  This episode is sponsored by Raise the Tide™, a program for women in communications focused on mentorship and leadership growth.  For more insights, visit taramcdonagh.com/levelup to sign up for the Level Up: Be Extra newsletter. Don’t forget to share this episode and leave a review—it helps spread the message and elevate the communications field. Until next time, keep advising, my friends!

Welcome to this week’s episode of the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with Tara McDonagh. Today, Tara dives into one of the most critical challenges communication leaders face in uncertain times—advocating for more resources, influence, and investment when the natural reaction right now is to contract. If you’ve been questioning how to maintain your role as an advisor and resist slipping into order-taking in the face of budget cuts and chaos, this episode provides the insights and strategies you need to thrive.  Escaping the Scarcity Mindset  Tara invites listeners to reframe their thinking by stepping out of a scarcity mindset and moving toward abundance. Instead of retreating during times of uncertainty, she emphasizes the unique value that communications leaders bring—from managing reputations to creating calm within chaos. Tara highlights the critical role communications plays in business success, underscoring the function’s ability to protect and advance company reputation when it matters most.  Making the Case for More  Tara provides actionable advice on how to position Corporate Communications as a necessary investment rather than an area for cuts. From reading the room strategically to building strong internal relationships, Tara gives listeners the tools to make a compelling business case for why their team deserves more resources—even in difficult financial climates. This is about leadership, courage, and stepping into your role as a true strategic advisor.  To take the next step, visit taramcdonagh.com/levelup to sign up for Tara’s “Level Up: Be Extra” email series. This exclusive content dives deeper into the topics explored on the podcast and equips you with actionable insights for your career and team.  This episode is sponsored by Raise the Tide™, a program tailored to support women in communications, healthcare, and higher education on their path to leadership success.  If you found this episode valuable, please rate and review Communications Business Advisor™ to help spread the word and elevate the profession.

Welcome to the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with Tara McDonagh. This week, Tara dives into a timely and scary issue—corporate communications is at risk of losing ground after years of progress. From earning a seat at the table to influencing decisions, these gains of being heard and respected are now under threat in today’s economic and corporate environment. What can we do to maintain (and grow) in our gains, defend out space and NOT slip backwards? Listen in. Risks Facing Communications Professionals Today  Internal Communications at Risk: Respect for roles in internal, executive, and functional communications are at risk as leaders revert to pre-pandemic practices of making decisions then telling communicators to figure out how to message it rather than engaging us in the decisions and TRULY listening to our counsel.  Return-to-Office Challenges: Tara explores how return-to-office mandates is a bellwether example of Comms professionals being sidelined as respected advisors and instead being treated as order-takers. Communicators then must handle the fallout amid unrealistic expectations of maintaining positive employee engagement scores while also delivering news that will most certainly negatively impact those scores.   Economic Pressures: Threats (and realities) of tariffs, tight budgets, and scarcity all round in corporations makes it infinitely harder to advocate for resources or staff. Tara discusses how THIS is the new biggest challenge for Communicators throughout organizations everywhere - not what or how to communicate tough challenges, but to do it without being yes men or women and maintaining our influence and boundaries as respected advisors.  Strategic Advice for Communications Leaders  Advocate, even when it’s scary: Tara emphasizes advocating for yourself, your team, and the wider field, or risk losing self-respect and all the gained ground you’ve achieved for yourself, your team, and your field. Set the tone for your role: Teach senior leaders how to treat you AND what to expect from you - that you will call out risks even when it’s unpopular and scary. It will bring you respect and showcase your leadership.  Focus on Outcomes: Push for metrics tied to organizational goals. For example, if return-to-office policies aim to boost collaboration, ensure results are measured in relation to collaboration - not simply whether bodies show up in the office or retention numbers.  Consider Corporate Comms. Consolidation: Crisis comms and incident preparedness is having a moment - out of necessity. If you don’t already have a consolidated corp. comms. function with Internal Communications, Public Relations, Crisis Communications, Public Affairs, Event Planning, Executive Communications and business functional communications in the same area - now may be the ideal time to make the case to consolidate. It’s not only good for the organization, but also good for the department because they can go in on it together. Together they can ensure that all who need to be engaged in decisions are weighing in. That there is a voice at the table in important discussions because the sum of the parts (or individual comms. functions) are looking at the whole … more on this soon.  If you’ve enjoyed the Communications Business Advisor Podcast™ so far, please take a moment to share this episode with someone, drop a rating, or leave a review. We can ignite a movement when we share the message. Visit taramcdonagh.com to learn more about how to work with Tara. Or follow her content on LinkedIn at: Tara McDonagh, where she posts five days a week on comms.-focused topics.   The Communications Business Advisor Podcast™ is brought to you by Raise the Tide™, the unique coaching, community and professional development program that elevates corporate women communications leaders and emerging leaders in the communications field.   

Welcome to the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with Tara McDonagh, your go-to platform for corporate communications professionals who elevate their work, build influence, and solidify their role as critical advisors at the decision-making table. In this episode, we continue our discussion on Moms in Comms, and we tackle it a bit differently this time.  We hear YOUR voices … YOUR stories … many of them.  We start with an interview with a Communications leader in the Corporate environment working at a billions-of-dollars, known brand in North America and we end with sharing several perspectives from many women from the Senior Manager to Senior Vice President level at Corporations - all in Communications functions (PR, Internal Comms, Executive Comms, Public Affairs, and Crisis Comms).  We purposefully kept full names and companies out of this episode so we could encourage candid conversations. And here’s what we tackle:  Motherhood bias Motherhood biases still impact women in the workplace, from doubts about leadership capabilities to unfair societal expectations. From navigating fertility treatments, announcing pregnancies at work, and being “typecast” as a working mom. This episode challenges the “mom vs. child-free” divide, emphasizing that structural change is the key to advancing our field and the women in it.  Child-free women perspective and Male allies Tara speaks with her guest, Andrea, about what it was like for them both before they became parents and what biases they remember from that time, as well as the systems set up to divide us rather than unite us. Related to this, we discuss men’s role in being active advocates and allies in this mission of inclusion and growth for women in our field.  Challenging Workplace Norms From outdated maternity leave policies to rigid return-to-office mandates, corporate systems can keep Moms from elevating in their careers. Tara and her guests encourage leaders to push for inclusivity, remote or hybrid solutions, and even innovative ideas to continue the growth path for women. Success stories showcase women securing promotions, negotiating confidently, and driving change within their industries. This episode is sponsored by Raise the Tide™, a program for women communications leaders working in the corporate environment. Visit taramcdonagh.com to learn more about how to work with Tara. Or follow her content on LinkedIn at: Tara McDonagh where she posts five days a week on comms.-focused topics.   Share your thoughts by rating and reviewing! For more insights, subscribe to Level Up: Be Extra and elevate your Communications leadership game.  

Welcome to the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with Tara McDonagh. This week, we kick off a two-part series on navigating communications leadership through the lens of motherhood, bias, and systemic challenges. Tara shares her personal experiences navigating being in this field both as a mom - and as a child free woman for quite a long period of her career. And she ties it all to why we deal with it and what to do about it. In this episode of the Communication Business Advisor Podcast, Tara McDonagh explains: The Motherhood Penalty & Gender Bias – Women face pay gaps, earning less than men for the same roles. The numbers reduce even worse when you become a mother - the motherhood penalty. Tara shares her own experience navigating workplace bias when she was a child-free woman, challenges in the workplace on the path to motherhood including fertility treatments, and the reality that she was unsupported in a system that made her choose between being a present parent or taking a role truly worthy of her expertise and leadership - but one would need to be sacrificed. Bridging the Mom vs. Non-Mom Divide – Workplace structures often pit mothers and non-mothers against each other. Tara highlights shared struggles and calls for collective action to create supportive, equitable environments. Fixing the System, Not Ourselves – Citing Nobel Prize-winning research, Tara advocates for systemic reforms like flexible policies and remote work, emphasizing that workplaces—not women—must adapt. Tune in next week for Part 2, featuring candid insights from women in communications. This episode is sponsored by Raise the Tide™, a program for women in corporate, healthcare, and higher education communications. Visit taramcdonagh.com to learn more about how to work with Tara. Or follow her content on LinkedIn at: Tara McDonagh where she posts five days a week on comms.-focused topics.   Share your thoughts by rating and reviewing! For more insights, subscribe to Level Up: Be Extra and elevate your Communications leadership game.

This one was first released last year and listening to it again, I was struck by how relevant it still is. If you’re a woman in this field, or just interested in learning more about the unique challenges women in this field face … maybe you manage them or are managed by one, or collaborate with them … this is the episode for you. Listen in and let me know what you think.  Women dominate the Communications field in numbers, but not in leadership roles. Why? Couple gender bias together with our misunderstood and oversimplified field and we have a fight on our hands.  In this episode of the Communication Business Advisor Podcast, Tara McDonagh explains: Equal Pay Day and International Women’s Day - and why companies will recognize one while ignoring the other (or maybe they’ll ignore both in 2025). Gender bias in the workplace and its impact on women’s careers - and how and why that shows up even more for women in Communications.  How second-generation bias, the just world hypothesis and the double-bind impact women at work.  What to do about this challenge.  Where to follow more content on women in communications: www.linkedin.com/company/raise-the-tide-for-women  If you’ve enjoyed the Communications Business Advisor Podcast so far, please take a moment to share this episode with someone, drop a rating, or leave a review. We can ignite a movement when we share the message. Visit taramcdonagh.com to learn more about how to work with Tara. Or follow her content on LinkedIn at: Tara McDonagh where she posts five days a week on comms.-focused topics.  The Communications Business Advisor Podcast is brought to you by Raise the Tide, the unique coaching, community and professional development program that elevates corporate women communications leaders and emerging leaders in the communications field.

Welcome to Episode 22 of the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with your host, Tara McDonagh. This week, Tara explores the love and frustration many communications professionals feel for their field. She candidly discusses challenges like small teams, underfunded departments, and underappreciation, while also talking about the emotional highs of getting that seat at the decision-making table as an underdog and knowing we made a difference. The Trials and Triumphs of Communications Leadership  Tara dives into how ambitious overachievers are drawn to this field.  Not because it’s easy. But because it’s hard.  She addresses the frustrations of limited resources, paired with the satisfaction of being the underdog who positions communications as a key advisory function - and delivers.  Tara challenges professionals to stop seeing leadership opportunities as a privilege and start treating them as the norm.  Listeners will leave inspired to advocate for their teams and reframe their mindset around their role as an essential business leader.  Explore more at taramcdonagh.com and sign up for the “Level Up: Be Extra” newsletter for exclusive career resources.  This episode is proudly sponsored by the Raise the Tide™ program, elevating the Communications field and the women in it. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the podcast—your support helps elevate these conversations and the communications profession!  

Welcome back to the Communications Business Advisor Podcast! This episode dives into a fundamental question every communications leader should ask: "How Important Is It?" Tara McDonagh shares insights from a recent strategic planning session with a comms team, where the question revealed surprising opportunities for efficiency, clarity, and advocacy. If you're a communications leader juggling endless priorities, struggling with resource constraints, or looking for ways to focus on what truly matters, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Rethinking Prioritization as a Gift Tara challenges the notion of prioritization as a "dirty word," reframing it as a tool to unlock more—more resources, clarity, and focus. A Fresh Approach to the Prioritization Process Discover how Tara’s simple yet strategic framework evaluates tasks based on risk, business importance, and communication expertise required. Learn why adding a “people-pleasing bucket” can help identify work that distracts from critical goals. Empowering Others Through Toolkits and Processes Why letting go of low-risk, low-value tasks isn’t just about delegation—it’s about empowering colleagues and preserving your team’s capacity for impactful work. How to Advocate for Resources While Holding the Line Tara offers practical advice on navigating conversations with executives who may not understand the nuances of communications. From socializing strategic plans to using advocacy questions, she provides actionable steps for negotiating effectively. Keep advising, my friends. Keep advising. If you’re ready to partner with Tara for a workshop, speaker engagement, or ongoing counsel, reach out soon—spots for 2025 are filling up fast. Visit www.taramcdonagh.com for more details. Raise the Tide™ proudly sponsors this episode, supporting communications leaders as they navigate their careers, connect across industries, and redefine success. Learn more at www.raisethetide.net.

Welcome back to the Communications Business Advisor Podcast! It’s 2025, and with a new year comes the chance to adopt a new mindset - because mindset can change everything.  Today, Tara McDonagh challenges communications leaders to rethink the way they prioritize their time and energy in their organizations. If you’ve ever struggled with justifying your workload, advocating for resources, or redefining your leadership role, this episode is for you. Why “Because I Get Paid Too Much” Matters: Tara challenges the misconception that strategic leaders recognizing their value is arrogance, reframing it as essential business thinking. By aligning task complexity with expertise, leaders enhance their presence while safeguarding company resources.  The “Must Do” Exercise for Work and Life:  Tara presents a simple yet powerful exercise to categorize responsibilities into “Must Do” (tasks only you can handle) and “Someone Must Do” (tasks that can be delegated). By adopting a mindset of strategic delegation, leaders can create space for high-value work while achieving better personal balance.  Building the Case (and Mindset) for Resources:  Tara highlights the importance of mindset, urging communications leaders to recognize their value as a foundation for advocating for resources. She shares how building a business case for resources doesn’t start with writing or research but rather mindset - even if people think they have that part covered. It likely still needs some work before an impact can be made. Want support in navigating this journey? Swing by www.taramcdonagh.com. And be sure to sign up for Level Up: Be Extra emails for even more exclusive insights.  Raise the Tide™ is proud to sponsor this episode, empowering women in communications to amplify their careers, connect across industries, and redefine leadership on their terms. For more, visit www.raisethetide.net.

Welcome to the final episode in 2024 of the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with your host, Tara McDonagh. In this episode, Tara addresses a specific challenge faced by communications leaders looking to elevate their strategic role in corporate environments. In this episode, we explore… No: the professional communicators’ word of 2024 was “no.” And it raised some eyebrows and also some shouts of enthusiasm. In this episode we talk about all things saying no. From how to navigate getting to ‘no’ with co-workers, executives and even within your own team. Boundaries - not just setting them, but keeping them - is critical for sanity and impact.  Partner:  Tara emphasizes the shift from being seen as a service department to becoming true partners with business areas, working together to achieve shared business goals. This word is less of a lightning rod, but just as critical as we proceed to elevate our function. That’s why ‘partner’ is the word of 2025.  To explore more insights from Tara McDonagh Communications and sign up for our newsletter, visit Level Up: Be Extra. Want some help so you’re no longer alone in navigating all of this? Swing by www.taramcdonagh.com   Shoutout to our sponsor, Raise the Tide™, for helping women in communications working in a corporate environment reach new career heights.

Welcome to Episode 18 of the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast, your go-to for advancing in corporate communications as a strategic business advisor. Today, we’re diving into that all-too-familiar feeling—wondering if you're losing your mind from handling off-the-wall requests, lazy requests, and “I don’t want to admit I don’t know how to do this” requests.  We often question these requests because they’re shared with such confidence by the requestor that we begin to wonder, ‘Am I supposed to do this? Is this a thing my peers do in other organizations?’  So let me tell you if you haven’t heard it before: You’re (probably) not crazy.  In this episode, we address  Navigating Random Requests: Ever feel like you're stuck fielding requests about tasks that have nothing to do with Comms.? Like making a bathroom sign or fixing a voicemail system? Let's clear the air about what we’re really here to do and listen to some advice about how to handle the inbound random stuff without losing your mind.  The Lazy Request Dilemma: Sometimes we get stuck with 'lazy requests'—the stuff anyone could handle but somehow lands on our plate. Think about those PowerPoints intended for an audience of 12 or email edits for a departmental email. You don’t have to do these - yes, even when the request comes from someone more senior.  The “I Haven’t made a Business Decision” (but won’t say that out loud) Requests: We get pulled in to communicate something and quickly realize when asking some basic questions that a business decision hasn’t been made. We can’t communicate without knowing WHAT we’re communicating. While frustrating, this is an area where we make the most significant impact and can elevate ourselves as critical business advisors. Listen in for more.  Want some help so you’re no longer alone in navigating all of this? Swing by www.taramcdonagh.com   And be sure to sign up for my Level Up: Be Extra emails for even more exclusive insights.  Shoutout to our sponsor, Raise the Tide™, for helping women in communications working in a corporate environment reach new career heights.

Welcome to another episode of the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with your host, Tara McDonagh. In this episode, Tara delves into the ways Communications leaders and their teams in Corporate environments work with her and her company, Tara McDonagh Communications (TMC). TMC Consulting Tara provides a glimpse into the consulting suite, focusing first on the Total Communication Strategic Planning program using the TMC framework - including an audit, strategic plan creation, and a year of consulting partnership to help make those plans operational. Discover how TMC achieves alignment with executives, helps with team empowerment, and often helps clients secure more budget and resources - even when they’ve been told no in the past.  Communication Business Advisor Counsel Program  Explore the wildly popular Communication Business Advisor™, or "Bat Phone" program, an advisory service for Communications leaders that ensures you’re never alone. Because at some point you become the highest-level person at your company in your field. Yet, you can get stuck wondering if you’re approaching something the right way, or even get stuck not knowing what to do next. Imagine having someone else who’s also skilled and experienced at that high-level and can see things you can’t - because you can’t see the label when you’re inside the jar.  You get this with the Communications Business Advisor program. Whether you need counsel on major company or communications initiatives, verifying components of your strategy or team structure, or support with ideas on how to navigate your leadership team - this program ensures you always have another smart and skilled communications voice to help you make a difference within your company. Community and Coaching On the community and coaching side, Tara discusses helping people with career progression through three coaching programs but she spends the most time sharing more details about the in-demand Raise the Tide™ program. Raise the Tide is a program for women leaders and emerging leaders working in the Communications field in a corporate, healthcare or higher education setting. The program offers professional development., mentorship, support to reach career goals, and a tight-knit small group community. Women network and progress in their careers differently than men.  Raise the Tide answers that unique need through a total program approach that makes all the difference in women’s careers. Proven - over and over again.  If you’re ready to launch a transformative partnership with Tara McDonagh Communications, visit taramcdonagh.com.

Welcome to another episode of the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with your host, Tara McDonagh. This episode is all about taking that shiny new Communications Strategy off the shelf and turning it into something operational. You’ve finally crafted that amazing Communications Strategic Plan. Congratulations! What do you do next? Tara shares her expertise to ensure your strategy doesn’t gather dust. She walks listeners through: Engaging Your Team: Whether you created the plan solo or with a small team, it’s time to bring everyone on board on next steps. Learn how to involve your team to operationalize the strategy and make it part of your everyday work. Integrate it into all you do.  Executive Alignment: Align your Communications Strategy with business areas’ goals looking for the common denominators that connect the priorities together. Reset leaders’ expectations of you and your team. Set those expectations higher. Tara explains why roadshows don’t work in this process and what to do instead.  Open Dialogue: Understand the importance of being open to feedback and adjustments, emphasizing that buy-in requires a willingness to adapt your strategy to fit the needs of the business. Note: this does not mean throwing the plan in the trash and starting over because an executive doesn’t like hearing about new ways of doing things! The TMC process: Hear some of the components of the Tara McDonagh Communications (TMC) framework for creating, getting buy-in and operationalizing a Communications Strategic Plan - proven to work time and again.  Your Communications Strategy isn’t just a thoughtful document—it’s a tool for achieving business goals. Ensure it resonates with everyone, from your team to executives. Make it a core part of your decision-making and operational processes.  For those of you who want even more insight on Communications Business Advising, sign up for the Level Up: Be Extra emails. Visit taramcdonagh.com/levelup to sign up.  The Communications Business Advisor™ Podcast is brought to you by Raise the Tide™, the program that elevates our field and the women in it. For more info. Visit raisethetide.net. If you enjoyed this episode, please share a rating or review. We can ignite a movement when we share a message.  

In this episode of the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast, Tara McDonagh explores the complexities of Communications (PR, Internal Comm. etc) reporting structures within organizations and answers the important question: Does it matter who Comms. reports to?  . Dive into the debate about where communications should fit within a company's hierarchy and the potential challenges and opportunities that arise from different reporting scenarios. Tara delves into: Why centralized communications structures may benefit some organizations more than others.  How reporting to different departments like HR, Marketing, or Finance can impact the success of being a “Communications Business Advisor”  The unique challenges faced by communications leaders in advocating for their role and resources when they report to different business areas.  How the undervaluation of Communications as a business function can sometimes lead to missed opportunities for strategic business counsel that makes a critical difference. Packed with Tara’s candid insights, this episode encourages communications leaders to advocate for their field despite the hurdles posed by misaligned reporting structures.  For more insights and tips on communications-related topics, sign up for Tara’s Level Up: Be Extra newsletter at taramcdonagh.com/levelup. The Communications Business Advisor™ Podcast is brought to you by Raise the Tide™, the unique coaching, community, and professional development program that elevates corporate women communications leaders and emerging leaders in the communications field. Learn more at raisethetide.net. If you enjoyed this episode, please share a rating or review. It helps others discover our podcast and join the movement to elevate the communications profession.  

In this episode of the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast, host Tara McDonagh delves into the evolution of communications professionals from what she calls "communications waitressing" to becoming strategic communications business advisors. Tara takes listeners through the career journey—from starting with tactical tasks to eventually becoming proactive, strategic leaders within organizations. Listeners will hear Tara discuss: The early stages of a communications career, where you focus on "doing the stuff"—the tactics that win people over. How transitioning from a manager to a director shifts the focus from tactical work to proactive strategy. The pitfalls of holding onto tactical tasks when it's time to step into a leadership role. How staying too comfortable in tactical work can harm your team's growth, your leadership potential, and the reputation of the communications field. Why hiring strategic help isn't a weakness but a critical step in advancing your career.   Tara also offers practical advice on how communications leaders can stop doing it all and embrace their advisory roles, guiding their teams to success and earning the trust of fellow executives. This episode is packed with actionable insights for communications professionals ready to level up their careers and take their place at the decision-making table. For more exclusive tips and insights, sign up for Tara’s Level Up: Be Extra newsletter at taramcdonagh.com/levelup. The Communications Business Advisor™ Podcast is brought to you by Raise the Tide™, the unique coaching, community, and professional development program that elevates corporate women communications leaders and emerging leaders in the communications field.Learn more at raisethetide.net.

In this episode of The Communication Business Advisor Podcast, host Tara McDonagh discusses the challenges internal communicators face with Rachel Miller, founder of All Things IC, and author of Internal Communication Strategy. Listeners will hear Tara and Rachel discuss: Challenges in creating an internal communications strategy and maintaining its relevance.  Confidence as a critical piece of the puzzle when advising.  Using a third-party to help you thrive vs steal your shine. AI’s impact on internal comms. To get your hands on a copy of Rachel’s book Internal Communication Strategy: design, develop, and transform your organizational communication. Visit https://www.koganpage.com. Use code: RAISING THE TIDE to get 20% off your copy.  Hot top: Tara’s insight is included as an expert in the book. Check out the index for where. Links & Resources: www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmiller01 allthingsic.com The Communications Business Advisor Podcast is brought to you by Raise the Tide, the intimate coaching, community and professional development program that elevates corporate women communications leaders and emerging leaders in the communications field.

In this episode of the Communications Business Advisor Podcast, Tara McDonagh explores the concept of the "shadow communicator"—individuals hired within specific business areas to handle communications tasks independently of the central communications team.  Listeners will hear about:  The challenges these shadow communicators pose, such as undermining established communication efforts and spreading irrelevant messaging.  How to prevent shadow communicators from showing up in your organization. Why you don't hate the shadow communicator (Really, you don't).  What to do if YOU are the shadow communicator.  Tune in for practical advice on preventing and managing shadow communicators.  Get even more exclusive insights, advice, and inspiration on this topic, and level up your inbox at: taramcdonagh.com/levelup. The Communications Business Advisor Podcast is brought to you by Raise the Tide, the unique coaching, community, and professional development program that elevates corporate women communications leaders and emerging leaders in the communications field.