Share
The Heidrick & Struggles Leadership Podcast
The evolving role of the chief communications officer: An interview with Maggie FitzPatrick, founder of FitzPatrick & Co
In this next episode of The Heidrick & Struggles Leadership Podcast, Heidrick & Struggles’ Ina Sood speaks to Maggie FitzPatrick, the founder of FitzPatrick & Co and former global chief communications officer and head of public affairs at Johnson & Johnson. FitzPatrick discusses how she has seen the chief communications officer role evolve, particularly given the higher societal expectations for corporations to take a stand on public issues in recent years as well as the growing range of contentious social and geopolitical issues. She shares the leadership capabilities that have been most important to her success navigating these complexities, highlighting the importance of being able to influence others and create followership. She also discusses the blurring of the lines between leadership roles in the communications, marketing, and digital functions, the benefits of having someone on a company board with a communications background, and what skill sets communications leaders should focus on if they are looking to join a board in the future.
More episodes
View all episodes
The generics mindset: A conversation with Richard Saynor, CEO of Sandoz
28:41|Richard Saynor reflects on what it takes for leaders to combine accountability, clear decision-making, and the humility to change course.Culture as a strategic advantage in times of change: A conversation with Ken Campbell, CEO of Play Group
20:00|Ken Campbell shares how a strong culture and fast adaptation keep people motivated through clarity, focus, and a challenger mindset.Tradition and transformation: A conversation with Riitta Savonlahti, executive vice president of human resources, UPM
20:51|Riitta Savonlahti outlines a practical playbook for aligning culture with long-term strategy through trust, clear accountability, matrix leadership.What great leaders learn from flawed leadership: A conversation with author Mita Mallick
16:18|Mita Mallick shares how experiences with poor leadership shaped her view on how great leaders can coach, not control, and lead with empathy and clarity.Leading Transformation in the Space Industry: A conversation with Kristina Wagner, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Digital Officer at OHB SE
17:12|Kristina Wagner discusses scaling change, growing next gen leaders, and bold career advice for women in STEM.Trust, talent, and transformation: A conversation with Char Doll, CHRO at Ansell
13:05|Char Doll shares how grit, growth mindset, and a focus on aligning people strategy with business goals have guided her in building on HR’s strengths to elevate leadership, enhance employee experience, and drive lasting impact.Stablecoins and the future of finance: A conversation with Marieke Flament, co-author of Euro Stable Watch, board member and advisor
23:12|Marieke Flament explores how stablecoins are reshaping global finance and what today’s leaders need to thrive in a decentralized financial system.Growth, Purpose, and People: A conversation with Dave Wessinger, Co-Founder and CEO of PointClickCare
26:50|Dave Wessinger reflects on scaling globally, balancing purpose with performance, and leading through growth and transformation.Future-ready leadership in action: A conversation with Nicole Pieterse, Head of HR of Swiss Re’s Property and Casualty Division
20:29|Nicole Pieterse discusses the evolving role of leaders in a hybrid world, the demands of digital transformation and AI, and the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and authentic connections.