EP07: Leadership Communication: A View from the C-Suite

Jenn Chase, CMO at SAS, trades the ice rink for the boardroom as she opens up to Karin Reed on the Speaker Dynamics podcast about her unique path to leadership. Their discussion dives into the critical connection between leadership and communication, shedding light on how a leader’s message resonates within the confines of their team and echoes throughout the broader business landscape.

 

Jenn talks about SAS's leading role in data and AI, stressing the key role communication plays in linking the company's past achievements with its current projects and future goals. She discusses her twin responsibilities: boosting morale among her team and defining the company's image to the outside world.

 

Reflecting on her time as a competitive figure skater, Jenn explains how lessons in performance, practice, and handling feedback have shaped her approach to communication. She highlights that thorough preparation for presentations is her strategy against feeling like an imposter.

 

In their conversation, Karin and Jenn touch on the challenge of breaking down complex ideas for diverse audiences and ensuring messages are accessible and engaging across different cultures. Jenn talks about the importance of feedback in creating an environment where honest critique is valued and used to improve communication skills.

 

The episode is particularly insightful for leaders who are reluctant to step into the spotlight. Jenn encourages them to see speaking opportunities as chances to share their unique insights and stories. She points out that being well-prepared is key to speaking confidently and effectively, offering practical advice for anyone looking to leave a mark through their communication.

 

Quotes

• "Preparation is an antidote to imposter syndrome." (06:28 | Jenn Chase)
• "To lead is to communicate. You can't take those two things apart. If you're going to be a leader, you have to be prepared to communicate." (08:33 | Jenn Chase)
• "The higher up you get, the more information is curated before it gets to you. And people might be afraid to give you feedback. And so I have worked really hard to cultivate an environment where people are comfortable giving me feedback." (18:18 | Jenn Chase) 
• "You have to remember as a leader, whether you're a leader today or aspiring to be a leader, you have a perspective and people want to hear it. So you can make a difference by communicating and sharing your perspective." (23:10 | Jenn Chase)
• "Success is where preparation and opportunity meet, and you can create both of those. And you have to prepare." (24:34 | Jenn Chase)

 

Links

Connect with Jenn Chase:

Website: sas.com

 

Connect with Karin Reed:

Website: www.speakerdynamics.com

Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/

Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/

Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/

 

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm