Welcome to Beyond the Message
From storytelling and brand strategy to crisis management and everything in between, this space celebrates the power of curiosity that’s rooted in solid messaging that can weather any storm.
I’m opening with few messaging standouts, and I invite you to share the moments that made you lean in, ask “what if,” and craft a story worth telling, and more importantly – got people listening.
History in the Making
Pitching a never-before-told story to NPR’s Planet Money about the history and innovative business model of a $6.5B international supply chain company. The idea captured the editors’ interest and resulted in a 17-minute feature segment on national radio, bringing unprecedented visibility to the company and highlighting its role as a global leader in supply chain solutions. This initiative demonstrates my ability to identify unique, media-worthy stories, craft compelling narratives, and secure high-impact coverage that positions organizations as thought leaders in their industries.
I led the development of a first-of-its-kind story for a major consumer credit company, highlighting how credit scores and credit reports have shaped consumers’ lives over the generations. Collaborating closely with the data and analytics team, legal and compliance, and multiple business units, I ensured the story was accurate, compelling, and aligned with corporate guidelines. Partnering directly with a reporter, we translated complex data into a narrative that resonated with audiences, elevating the company’s thought leadership and bringing unprecedented visibility to its consumer impact initiatives. This project demonstrates my ability to navigate cross-functional teams, distill intricate information into engaging stories, and secure high-profile, strategic media coverage.
No Story? No Problem
During Financial Literacy Month, when the company had no existing stories, I launched an annual Financial Literacy survey to assess consumer knowledge about credit. The initiative created a steady drumbeat of content throughout April, generated interest from mainstream media, and positioned the company as a thought leader in financial education. The award-winning survey earned front-page coverage in USA Today, demonstrating how a strategic, data-driven communications initiative can elevate brand visibility, engage audiences, and drive meaningful conversation around consumer credit and financial wellness.
When Returning to Office Isn’t Easy
As companies navigated the complex shift back to in-person work, I designed and executed a comprehensive return-to-office communications plan that balanced transparency, empathy, and clarity. Partnering with HR and business unit leaders, I developed a phased strategy with key messages, executive talking points, and multi-channel campaigns, including email, intranet, and town halls. The plan addressed employee concerns, reinforced and built trust through consistent, two-way communication, including an in-depth, comprehensive employee resource FAQ guide. The result was a smooth transition that minimized confusion, and strengthened company culture during a sensitive moment of change.
Communicating Cybersecurity with Clarity at the Highest Level
For a Fortune 5 healthcare leader, I developed the first Cybersecurity Incident Notification & Escalation Playbook to guide how the Board of Directors would be briefed on non-critical cybersecurity events, ensuring clarity and consistency for complex technical issues. I was also part of the team that planned and led the Board’s first cybersecurity tabletop exercise, strengthening preparedness and decision-making at the highest level. In addition, I worked with the CISO and Global CTO to create and communicate a recurring metrics reporting framework, translating technical cybersecurity data into clear, actionable insights for board members, senior executives, and business unit information security officers. This initiative elevated governance, transparency, and confidence in the company’s cybersecurity posture.
Have a marketing or communications success that sparks curiosity? Submit your name, email, along with a brief description of the story behind it. If it fits, I’ll feature it here so others can learn, and be inspired, by your work.
Thank you for sending in your submission!
ABC Marketing & Communications 