SPEAK LIKE A CEO 303 How to Speak as a CEO So People Actually Listen. David Shelley
Nov 6, 2025
Join David Shelley, CEO of Hachette Book Group and a visionary in publishing, as he dives into the art of authentic leadership communication. He shares insights on modernizing company culture through open communication and feedback. David discusses the importance of inclusivity and diversity in reaching wider audiences. He also emphasizes crafting personal messages to build trust, while balancing transparency with necessary confidentiality. Tune in for his predictions on the future of publishing and advice for aspiring authors!
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CEO Works In An Open Office
- David Shelley sits in an open-plan workspace to model transparency and improve communication with staff.
- He says the proximity to colleagues and assistants energizes him and enhances everyday access to senior leaders.
Create Personal Feedback Rituals
- Encourage personal feedback channels like AMAs, lunches, and direct emails instead of relying only on pulse surveys.
- Solicit stories of success and failure to surface honest, often painful, but valuable feedback.
Tough Feedback Led To Change
- Staff told David that the company did not feel diverse or inclusive, which he found painful but true.
- He responded with personnel, process, and system changes to address those specific concerns.