Inside the Strategy Room

238. How leading CEOs excel at stakeholder engagement

Feb 13, 2025

Join Julia McClatchy, a McKinsey partner and growth strategist, Blair Epstein, leader in CEO excellence, and Eric Sherman, communications guru. They discuss how CEOs can master the art of stakeholder engagement through authentic communication. Discover the EDGE framework for storytelling, the need for a cohesive narrative, and the role of collaboration in effective communication. They also share insights on navigating crises and how successful leaders adapt their strategies to foster deeper connections, driving organizational success.

46:37

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Episode guests

Eric Sherman

Blair Epstein

Julia McClatchy

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

CEOs must master impactful communication strategies tailored to diverse stakeholders to effectively drive organizational success and engagement.

Utilizing the EDGE framework enables CEOs to cultivate clear, consistent messaging that resonates with internal and external audiences.

Deep dives

The Communication Challenge for CEOs

Effective communication is crucial for CEOs, as their ability to articulate strategies directly influences organizational performance. CEOs must navigate a diverse stakeholder landscape, including employees, investors, and customers, each with their own interests and priorities. For instance, a CEO's engagement strategy will differ significantly when communicating with a young leader compared to a union head or a major supplier. The importance of authentic, proactive communication cannot be overstated, especially in an era where information spreads rapidly, making it essential for leaders to meet stakeholders on their terms.

Intro

2min

The CEO's Communication Challenge

4min

Navigating Stakeholder Engagement with the EDGE Framework

2min

Strategic Stakeholder Engagement for CEOs

19min

Building Effective Communication in Organizations

13min

Strategies for CEO Crisis Management and Resilience

3min

Mastering Communication for CEO Success

3min

The best leaders are masterful communicators. They advance the aspirations of their companies with compelling, singular narratives that inspire a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. In this episode, we’re joined by three CEO and stakeholder relations experts who share their research into how CEOs can foster deeper dialogues and more meaningful connections with their wide range of stakeholders. Blair Epstein is a partner in our Bay Area office and a leader in our CEO Excellence Practice. Julia McClatchy is a partner in our Philadelphia office and a leader in our Growth, Marketing, and Sales Practice, and Eric Sherman is an expert based in our New York office who co-leads our CEO communications work.

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CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinquish the Best Leaders from the Rest

The Journey of Leadership: How CEOs Learn to Lead From the Inside Out

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