Summit Stories: How Smart Comms Leaders Prepare for Chaos
It's hard to believe a single tweet can trigger reputational fallout, and misinformation moves faster than fact-checking. The speed and complexity of today’s media environment leave little room for improvisation. It’s no longer just about managing reputational risk—it’s about building systemic resilience into the way brands communicate. That means rethinking everything from employee engagement to AI integration. Crisis communication is now a core leadership function.
Ahead of the upcoming Financial Narrative Summit in NYC on April 29, we asked a few of our speakers, panelists, and attendees how they’re preparing for these challenges—and what strategies they believe will define reputation leadership in the year ahead.
For Jaclyn Rothenberg, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer at Avoq, mis- and disinformation aren’t abstract risks—they’re inevitable events that demand preparation. “Brands need to develop rapid response protocols and train for these moments,” she says. “Having a plan in place and a clear decision framework can mean the difference between fueling the fire and shutting it down.” Rothenberg also highlights the growing power of influencer-led news, encouraging brands to meet audiences on the platforms where stories are now breaking.
Maya Dillon Head of Communications for HSBC USA, believes the foundation for brand resilience starts internally. “Your most powerful brand advocates are already on your team and in your client base,” she says. Empowered employees and loyal partners don’t just echo the brand—they embody and defend it. Dillon’s view is that clarity of purpose allows a brand to adapt confidently, without compromising its integrity.
Shann Biglione at Signal AI thinks AI is transforming how organizations detect and navigate emerging risks. “AI separates signal from noise—and does it in seconds,” he explains. Used well, it enables comms leaders to act faster, smarter, and with greater confidence—without replacing the human instincts that still define standout brand communication.
Get fresh insights from these leaders and more at the Financial Narrative Summit in NYC this April 29
