How to Advance Your Career in Communications Leadership?

Welcome back to EMR's Marketing and Communications Leader Series podcast, where we dive deep into the journeys of exceptional senior marketing and communications practitioners. Join us as we explore their paths to success, from their early steps in the marketing and communications world to the strategies that brought them to the forefront of their industries. In this episode, EMR's MD Tom Brockton interviews Dominic Elliott, former Head of Communications, Asset Management and ESG at Credit Suisse (currently Group Head of External Relations at Holcim). With an impressive career at the Winton Group, BlackRock and his leadership position at Credit Suisse, we're excited to hear Dominic's insights into the industry. Get actionable advice and learn how you can excel in your career in communications and be successful in a leadership position.

How to embrace a non-linear career path into communications? 

Navigating a successful career in marketing and communications often involves embracing non-linear career paths. Don't shy away from unconventional work opportunities that might not directly align with your specialism. Diverse experiences will offer valuable insights and skills that shape effective leadership.

Dominic started his career in journalism before venturing into international development and equity derivatives brokering, and he eventually found his passion in communications.

Why do you need to build strong connections with the people you work with? 

Building strong networks is essential for success in any industry. It’s important to understand the company culture and individual dynamics. 

Transitioning into roles at large multinational companies posed challenges for Dominic, emphasising the importance of investing time and effort in building robust networks to navigate organisational dynamics effectively.

You need to put in that legwork early on because until you have understood how people operate at the company, whether that's the culture, but also what the individuals are like and what makes them tick and so on, it's hard to really make a lot of headway. 

How to stay up to date with new marketing and communication trends?

Keeping up with emerging trends and technologies is crucial for staying ahead in the marketing and communications industry. By remaining informed and adaptable, you can position yourself as a forward-thinker and innovator in your field.

Dominic stresses the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. You can leverage LinkedIn and other social media platforms to follow industry leaders and influencers who share valuable insights and expertise in your field. 

I think you've just got to stay hungry to learn. You've got to keep reading, keep looking at things, keep sort of going back to people that you find, who are interesting. 

How to communicate the value of your work to non-communication stakeholders?

Leverage data and metrics is essential for demonstrating the impact of your work and your communications efforts. 

It’s important to present clear, measurable results to gain support and recognition for your initiatives. By leveraging data-driven insights, you can effectively communicate with non-marketing and non-communications stakeholders, showcasing the tangible results of your work and how it contributed to the organisation’s success.

What are the top tips for success in a communications leadership role?