Salon M: Communications as a management instrument: leadership in navigating complexity
Communications as the central management instrument for navigating complexity and the role of leadership in communication were the core topics of the 8th Salon M. More than 60 guests followed the invitation to the discussion with Barbara Schädler (Head of Group Communications, Member of the Corporate Executive Committee, Roche) and Nadine Schian (Head of Global Corporate Communications, Member of the Global Leadership Team, BSH Home Appliance Group). The evening was moderated by Franz Rumstadt (CEO Communications, Volkswagen Group and Porsche).
Munich, September 18th, 2024 – The importance of communications in companies is constantly increasing. Communications managers are becoming more involved in business decisions. Simultaneously, the demands on communication continue to rise. In what ways can communication contribute to transformation? How can communication support the shaping of corporate character and trust?
Barbara Schädler, Head of Group Communications, Roche: "In a fast changing world full of half-baked facts and overcooked opinions, strategic communications is the compass that navigates organisations, leaders, and their teams through uncertainty. As communicators, our role is to cut through the noise, reduce complexity, and create clarity from ambiguity. This way, we make room for a shared vision that resonates with our different audiences. Communication is the leadership tool #1 to build trust by translating strategy into a compelling and coherent narrative, opening the door for meaningful dialogue between all key stakeholders.”
Nadine Schian, Head of Global Corporate Communications, BSH Home Appliance Group: “In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving business world, communication is more than just a tool – it's a powerful management instrument that enables leaders to navigate complexity with confidence! It's not just a soft skill – it's a game-changer! It gives leaders the power to manage uncertainty, unite diverse teams and foster transparency. Mastering clear and purposeful communication bridges the gap between strategy and operations, driving informed decision-making, inspiring action, fostering collaboration and alignment with the company’s vision. In an era of constant change, communication is the leadership skill that unlocks agility and resilience!”
In order to master the changing technological and cultural requirements, communication organisations must be adapted to the updated requirements. This was emphasized by host Markus Kirchschlager, Managing Director, Pantarhei Advisors: "Communication is the central management tool in change. Communication organisations need the right conditions to be able to tell their organisations’ story of change and facilitate transformation. To do this, they are required to radically adjust and build future-proof operating models, with the according governance, processes, skills and tools – and enable their teams globally."
About the Salon M
Salon M is the leading platform for change, communication and public affairs managers and takes place once a quarter at the DesignWerkschau at Alter Fruchthof in Munich. It is hosted by the communications consultancy Pantarhei Advisors with offices in Munich, Vienna and Brussels. Under the topic "Communications as a management tool in times of global change and artificial intelligence", a top-class panel discusses a current topic. Previous guests have included Dr. Michael Preuss (Head of Communications, Bayer), Florian Martens (Chief Communications Officer, Infineon), Prof. Dr. Christof Ehrhart (Executive Vice President Corporate Communications & Governmental Affairs at Bosch), Byung-Hun Park (Vice President Corporate Communications & Communicator of the Year 2023, Viessmann), Birgit Dengel (Director Communications, Telefónica Germany), Andreas Bartels (Senior Vice President, Head of Corporate Communications, Lufthansa Group), Alexander Bilgeri (Vice President Communications, BMW Group) and Ines Schurin (Group Director Corporate Communications, REWE Group). Around 60 executives, professionals and high potentials from the communications and marketing industry frequently accept the invitation to Salon M.
