B2B vs. B2C marketing, internal vs. external communications, public affairs vs. business communications – these are typical examples of the binaries that have long dominated the communications landscape. 

As the industry evolves, many professionals are recognizing that these binaries contribute to siloed organizations – and less effective communications across a complex array of external and internal stakeholders. To propel organizations forward during uncertain and challenging times, we must focus on building our skills around more matrixed and fully integrated approaches to communications.

In today’s episode, we are joined by Peter Gudritz, Global Director, Business & Marketing Communications, Global Public Affairs at Dow. With a distinguished career in public affairs and communications, particularly focused on sustainability – including work at the Wildlife Conservation Society and other NGOs – Peter shares the skill sets (and mindsets!) required for communications leaders to adopt a holistic approach that helps build matrixed, resilient organizations, This includes embracing nuance and learning to act as integrators. 

We also discuss:

• How integrating policy insights with robust internal communications can support employees in their role as brand ambassadors and key stakeholders
• The critical role of resilience, adaptability, and strategic communications in aligning a vast, matrixed organization around sustainable innovation as a message and a mission
• The necessity of multi-stakeholder engagement in solving complex challenges such as in the areas of energy, climate or waste reduction
• Balancing qualitative and quantitative metrics to measure communication effectiveness
• Brands that currently have “gravity” for Peter including a book and podcast recommendation: The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, by Jonathan Haid, and Hard Fork Podcast by The New York Times.