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!