What is Executive Communications Consulting?

In today’s digital-first business landscape, executive communication has become a critical skill for leaders, especially those in the C-suite. From navigating crisis communications to establishing a compelling personal brand, Jennifer Maloney Adab of Triple A Media is an expert in helping leaders leverage their voice and strengthen their influence.

In this Q&A, Jennifer answers some common questions about her role as an executive communications consultant, providing insights into why this service is essential for today’s CEOs and how it’s transforming modern leadership.

Jennifer, what exactly does an executive communications consultant do? How is it different from traditional PR?

Jennifer: “Great question. At its core, executive communications consulting is about building and managing a leader’s reputation through tailored, strategic communication. This can include media relations, internal messaging, social media strategies, and even public appearances. While traditional PR focuses more broadly on a company’s brand and products, executive communications zooms in on the leader’s role as a spokesperson and visionary. This is crucial because in today’s digital world, a CEO’s voice can significantly impact their brand’s perception, trustworthiness, and even stock performance.”

Why do CEOs need specialized communication support?

Jennifer: “CEOs and executives are increasingly in the spotlight, and their words carry a lot of weight. For a CEO, communication goes beyond just sharing company updates—it’s about connecting with employees, investors, and the public. A good executive communications consultant knows how to balance authenticity with strategic messaging, helping leaders stay relatable while also positioning them as authorities in their field. My role is to make sure the CEO’s voice is clear, confident, and aligned with the company’s values.”

What specific skills and experiences are essential for someone in your role?

Jennifer: “An effective executive communications consultant combines skills from various fields. For me, my journalism background was essential because it taught me to get to the core of a story quickly and think critically about the impact of each message. In this role, you also need to be an excellent strategist—understanding how each communication piece fits into the broader goals of the CEO and the company. Lastly, empathy is critical; understanding a leader’s challenges and goals lets me craft messages that are genuine and impactful​​.”

How does an executive communications consultant help CEOs become thought leaders?

Jennifer: “Helping a CEO establish thought leadership is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. It starts by defining a clear narrative that aligns with their expertise and values. From there, we create a content strategy, which could involve writing articles, speaking at events and podcasts and engaging on social media. A big part of this is being proactive with content that resonates with their audience, and capitalizing on timely issues. For example, when the pandemic hit, many leaders wanted to speak on resilience, adaptability, and innovation because that’s what was top of mind for their stakeholders​

Can you share an example of where executive communication made a significant impact?

Jennifer: “Absolutely. A few years ago, I worked with a CEO during a sensitive corporate restructuring. Through consistent, empathetic messaging, we were able to keep employees informed, reassure investors, and even gain media coverage that highlighted the company’s commitment to its workforce. By focusing on transparency and connecting the changes to a long-term vision, we were able to turn a potentially negative story into a narrative about growth and resilience.”

What are some of the main challenges you see CEOs face in communications?

Jennifer: “One big challenge is balancing transparency with discretion, especially during high-stakes situations like mergers or crises. Another is understanding the importance of empathy in their messaging. Leaders can sometimes underestimate how much their tone and choice of words can influence internal morale or public perception. This is where techniques like ‘bridging’ and ‘flagging’ are essential, helping leaders stay on message while also addressing concerns or questions from the media

How do you use technology in your work, particularly tools like ChatGPT?

Jennifer: “AI tools like ChatGPT are invaluable. I create a knowledge base for each client, which includes their previous statements, messaging guides, and relevant articles. This helps us quickly pull insights for new pieces, keep messaging consistent, and generate content ideas tailored to their tone and voice. ChatGPT has been a game-changer, especially for efficiency in generating ideas and maintaining consistency across various platforms.

What advice would you give to leaders looking to improve their executive communications?

Jennifer: “First, invest in a strategy that reflects who you genuinely are. Today’s audiences are incredibly savvy and value authenticity, so leaders who can balance expertise with a bit of vulnerability tend to be more relatable. Second, be intentional about consistency. Whether it’s through quarterly media interviews, LinkedIn updates, or company-wide emails, regular touchpoints help reinforce your voice. Finally, don’t hesitate to get guidance. Even seasoned leaders benefit from having a communications advisor who can offer perspective and polish, ensuring their words leave the right impression.

How can an executive communications consultant help protect a CEO’s reputation during a crisis?

Jennifer: “In a crisis, speed and clarity are crucial. One of my priorities is to make sure the CEO has three clear messages ready to communicate, which we prepare in advance. We also use tactics like pre-interview briefings, so they feel confident and know how to redirect or clarify questions effectively. Keeping lines of communication open with both the media and internal teams can help minimize the fallout, while also maintaining trust.

What common mistakes do you see CEOs make in their public messaging?

Jennifer: “A common misstep is leaving potential thought leadership opportunities on the table. Some CEOs think it’s enough to show up for an interview and answer questions, but there’s so much more they can do. I encourage my clients to see each interview as a stepping stone for future content, whether it’s an op-ed, a LinkedIn post, or a video update. It’s about seeing every piece of communication as an opportunity to further define and reinforce their unique voice.