Insights from Page European Member Engagements

During the last two weeks of March, I had the privilege of meeting with Page members across Europe—listening, learning, and reflecting on the challenges they’re facing as senior communication leaders in today’s complex global environment. While many common themes emerged that span geographic boundaries, including AI adoption and evolving stakeholder expectations, I was particularly struck by the deeper concerns about geopolitical fragmentation and the personal pressures CCOs now carry as they help their organizations lead with clarity and character in a rapidly changing global landscape.

As a membership organization that values diversity of perspective, we offer brave spaces where peers can share experiences and concerns. Page remains nonpartisan as an organization, and therefore, these insights are not presented as conclusions but as reflections gathered from thoughtful, at times difficult, conversations. They offer a window into how business leaders abroad view the shifting global landscape—and the critical role CCOs must play in navigating it.

The Enduring Value of Corporate Character

Regardless of geopolitical tensions, one thing remained constant: the importance of anchoring communication—and leadership—in corporate character. It was encouraging to hear how many of our members are using their company’s purpose and values not only to guide communication, but to shape difficult decisions at the highest levels. Establishing a clear identity and set of values that guide organizational behavior consistently across markets has never been more essential.

Communication leaders are continuing to fulfill their crucial role as strategic counselors to the C-suite, advising executive leadership on navigating complex stakeholder expectations that may vary significantly across regions. The ability to navigate sometimes competing interests of employees, customers, regulators, and communities in multiple jurisdictions represents one of the most valuable skills a CCO can bring to their organization.

Successful global enterprise communication requires nuanced, country-specific approaches. CCOs are uniquely positioned to help organizations maintain a consistent corporate character while respecting local contexts, ensuring that the company's values and commitments are appropriately expressed within different cultural and regulatory environments.

Navigating Evolving Security and Privacy Concerns

Communication leaders are increasingly advising their organizations on new operational considerations when conducting business across borders. One insight that stayed with me: some global leaders are now advising their teams to take heightened digital security precautions when traveling to the U.S.—a shift that reflects growing concerns around privacy, surveillance, and data protection in international business contexts. For CCOs, it’s another layer of complexity in managing cross-border risk and stakeholder trust. These measures reflect a growing awareness of varying digital security landscapes around the world.

Privacy considerations are also receiving heightened attention, with communication leaders reporting growing focus on divergent privacy regulations and expectations across regions. Organizations are working to navigate these complex requirements while maintaining operational effectiveness.

Many entities are updating their documentation and compliance policies to ensure proper adherence to evolving international requirements. These operational changes require communication leaders to collaborate closely with legal, IT, and security teams to develop coherent policies that protect organizational interests while enabling business continuity.

Economic Uncertainty and Strategic Planning

The global business environment faces several sources of uncertainty that communication leaders must help their organizations navigate. Evolving trade relationships, shifting patterns in international commerce, and potential policy changes require scenario planning and thoughtful stakeholder management. Many communication leaders shared how they’re increasingly being called upon to help explain these shifts with nuance and empathy to diverse stakeholder groups.

Regional self-sufficiency initiatives are emerging in various parts of the world, with implications for global supply chains and business operations. Organizations with international footprints are assessing how these developments might affect their business models and stakeholder relationships.

Technology diversification has become a strategic priority for many organizations as they assess their dependencies and consider more distributed approaches. Communication leaders play a vital role in helping organizations communicate strategy amidst uncertainty while maintaining stakeholder confidence across different markets and regions.

The CCO as Cultural Bridge

One of the roles that resonated the most strongly with me during these conversations is that of the CCO as a cultural translator. Today CCOs are serving as a cultural bridge between regions, helping organizations understand and respect different perspectives. Communication leaders frequently find themselves interpreting regional contexts for their executives, helping organizational leadership understand the historical and cultural factors that shape stakeholder expectations in different regions.

Many CCOs are establishing forums where divergent perspectives can be shared constructively, facilitating cross-cultural dialogue that builds understanding rather than division. This work extends to fostering understanding and collaboration across geographic boundaries, building a global community that transcends national differences while respecting local contexts.

Value Alignment in a Fragmented World

In one conversation, a member shared how their company celebrates LGBTQIA+ identity in Europe but avoids mention in markets where such expression may pose personal risk to employees. These tensions aren’t theoretical—they’re lived daily by communication leaders trying to do what’s right, and what’s safe.

A recurring theme in our discussions was the challenge of maintaining organizational values in contexts where societal values differ significantly. Communication leaders are constantly assessing when and how to adapt corporate positions to local contexts, balancing global consistency with local relevance.

Managing increasingly diverse employee perspectives on social and political issues has become more complex as workforces become more globally distributed and as employees expect their organizations to take positions on issues that may be viewed differently across regions. Building stakeholder trust across multiple markets with different expectations for corporate behavior requires sophisticated communication strategies and deep cultural sensitivity.

The Path Forward for Communication Leaders

As I reflect on these conversations, I’m reminded that the challenges we face as global communication leaders are not just operational—they’re deeply human.  At Page, we’re committed to continuing these dialogues, sharing real stories from members, and offering guidance rooted in lived experience.

Page will continue strengthening our global community by building connections between communication leaders across regions to share insights and best practices. We remain committed to elevating diverse perspectives, ensuring our thought leadership reflects a truly global viewpoint rather than any single regional perspective.

Page will develop resources that help communication leaders advise their organizations on cross-border challenges, providing practical guidance grounded in the real experiences of our members. We will create safe spaces for communication leaders to discuss sensitive topics and learn from each other, fostering dialogue that builds understanding and capability.

As our profession navigates this complex global landscape, Page remains committed to helping members connect with peers, gain insights, and develop the capabilities needed to lead effectively in a changing world.