Trust, Influence and the Changing Role of the CCO with Tabita Andersson

Corporate communications has moved from a service function to a place at the leadership table. But what does it take to become a trusted adviser to the C-suite? How should communications leaders prepare for crises they cannot predict, prove their value when prevention is invisible, and use AI for more than producing content?

In this episode of Just Curious, hosts Nicky Regazzoni and George Blizzard speak to global communications leader and author Tabita Andersson about her book, Chief Communications Officers at Work, which draws on conversations with practitioners from different organisations across sectors and countries.

Tabita explains why critical thinking, commercial understanding and comfort with ambiguity have become essential CCO capabilities. She explores the importance of challenging constructively, presenting reputational risks clearly and building trusted relationships long before a crisis strikes. Preparation matters, she argues, but so do agility, decision-making and a ‘follow the sun’ approach to monitoring global issues.

Tabita shares practical career advice for aspiring CCOs, from gaining broad experience to developing emotional intelligence, stakeholder mapping and the ability to influence without control. She also considers AI as a strategic partner for identifying gaps, testing scenarios and tailoring messages, and asks whether conventional metrics capture the full value of communications.