Communication is Competitive Advantage with Jennifer Sertl

Strategy consultant Jennifer Sertl is an internationally recognized influencer in social media and the president and founder of Agility3R, a leadership development company. In 2010, she co-wrote a book: Strategy, Leadership, and the Soul: Resilience, responsiveness and reflection for a global economy.

Ahead of its time, the book set out the new era of digitized, hyperconnected globalisation and explored what this meant for leaders, business strategy and communication.      

In this illuminating conversation, Cat, Jen and Dom discuss the importance of authenticity in internal communication, not least in the age of generative AI. As we navigate continuous change and market ambiguity, Jennifer’s insights have lots to offer progressively-minded internal communicators.

Takeaways

• Authentic leadership involves understanding one's essence and values.
• Soulful communication is essential in the workplace.
• AI cannot replace the need for trust and human connection.
• Language and conversation have the power to shift perspectives and shape leadership.
• Creating a safe space for leaders to practice and learn is crucial. Authentic leadership requires curiosity, vulnerability, and the ability to listen and learn.
• Leaders need to trust themselves and create environments where others can trust themselves as well.
• The traditional MBA model and hierarchical structures may not be sustainable in the changing landscape of work.
• Internal communicators play a crucial role in understanding the business model, using language effectively, and humanising the audience.
• Effective leadership communication is about building community, asking great questions, and being true to oneself.

S10 E8 Communication is Competitive Advantage with Jennifer Sertl

About Jennifer Sertl

Strategy consultant Jennifer Sertl is an internationally recognized influencer in social media and the president and founder of Agility3R, a leadership development company. She is dedicated to strengthening strategic skills and helping leaders become more resilient, responsive, and reflective. Jennifer co-authored Strategy, Leadership, and the Soul and the Upstate Founders Playbook. Named one of the top 100 innovative thinkers by Hatch A Better World in 2013, she is also an alumni of Innotribe, SWIFT's innovation think tank. Currently, Jennifer serves as Director of Marketing for Circle Optics, Inc., creators of the only seamless 360 imaging system camera. She is also Chief Marketing Officer for Say Hii, an AI tool that increases productivity and wellbeing for market-leading organizations. Additionally, Jennifer is an Adjunct Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology, where she teaches Innovation.