Post by Erin Miser

Today is my birthday. My birthday always falls on International Women’s Day. Over the years, that coincidence has given me an extra reason to pause and reflect. Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to lead in communications right now. It’s an interesting moment for the profession. The issues are complex, the environment moves quickly, and the expectations on organizations — and their leaders — are high. What I’ve come to appreciate over time is that this work isn’t really about messaging. It’s about judgment. Good communications leaders help organizations slow down long enough to see clearly. To understand what’s really happening. To make decisions that hold up over time — not just in the moment. At its best, the role is about stewardship: of trust, of reputation, and of the responsibility organizations have to the people who depend on them. I’m especially grateful for the many thoughtful, strong women I’ve learned from and worked alongside throughout my career. Their leadership — and their example — has shaped how I show up in this profession. Lynda Michielutti, Gwendoline Ornigg, Lisa Ingemansen, Lecia Grossman, PCC, MA, CPCC, HSDP, Kelly Perrier, Brady Fritz, Lauri Stuber, Jessica Bellin, Annie Steinle, Sophie Nelson, Margreet Van Altena, Emily Webster, Molly Jaye Barber, Jackie Renner, Donna Lin Niles, Sara Deleebeeck, Kate Banks, Ana Paula Borges de Oliveira, Priscilla Teo, Brooke Maggiotto, Cristy Tran, Madison Burke, Rhoda Banks, Kim L., Megan Fairchild Anderson, MBC, Jeana Hultquist, Alina Boey, Christine Nicolay, Mariette Verbruggen, Jennifer Patel, Natasha Orlova, Jill Seiler, Katie Fernando, Madison Neuhaus, Kristy Stevens, Katie Cantrell, Anne P., Khalilah Iraheta, JD, Leah Pollock, Alicia Sanchez, Mimi Basic Feeling thankful today — for the work, for the people, and for another year to keep learning. Onward. #InternationalWomensDay