The Changing Expectations of the Chief Communications Officer: Key Takeaways from the Recent Page India Conversation

The Page Community in India recently convened for a virtual event on the transforming expectations for CCOs. Nandini Chatterjee, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at PwC India, and Aedhmar Hynes, Outside Board Member and former CEO of Text100, spoke to Page members and guests, in the first India-specific Page event in nearly four years. Madan Bahal, co-founder and managing director of AdFactors PR and India Country Chair for Page, introduced the call. The participants and attendees discussed new trends and technologies that are driving communications forward, and how communicators’ skill sets are gaining value at the executive and board levels. 

Below are three key takeaways from the call

1. Generative AI in Communications

The discussion explored  the two-fold impact of Generative AI. Internally, communication teams are exploring its use to expedite content development, but success hinges on the quality of data it learns from. Externally, caution must be exercised when using AI-generated content that could erode trust or have legal ramifications. The need for communication professionals to build a deep understanding of technology has never been more evident.

2. The Intersection of Personal Views and Professional Profile

A valuable insight shared was the importance of building a professional profile that balances personal views with professional offerings. The panel emphasized that people hire people, not just capabilities and experience. Being an interesting person with a unique perspective can make all the difference. This can be particularly hard for communications professionals, who are often used to being the “person behind the person”, as Aedhmar described it.

3. Why Communicators Make Great Board Members

Aedhmar shed light on the specific and clear role that board members, especially in corporate boards, must follow. She highlighted how, in her own experience, getting her first invitation to serve on a board was the most difficult; traditionally, organizations want people with experience in legal or financial for their board, and do not immediately realize how valuable experienced communicators are for the role. Once she was in the door as a board member, her deep understanding of stakeholder management became her differentiator, despite not being a traditional qualification for board members.

Watch the full replay below:

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