Communications Business Advisor

Tara McDonagh
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The Communications Business Advisor Podcast addresses the misunderstood and oversimplified field of communications in the corporate world, and elevates the reputation of the field and the people in it as Critical Business Advisors, never order takers. Hosted by Tara McDonagh, a Corporate Communications expert with 25 years of experience for some of the biggest brands around, the Communications Business Advisor podcast is a place to share our vision for the field, discuss the challenges we face, and approaches to elevate our field and ourselves as critical advisors. Episode topics include everything from teaching executives how to treat us, to measurement that matters, building a business case for budget, and gender bias impacting our field and the people in it. Join Tara McDonagh in the movement to prove that our value as a business area is not only helpful, it’s imperative to a company's success. Find more at www.taramcdonagh.com or follow Tara on LinkedIn where she writes about Communications topics for our field five days a week at: www.linkedin.com/in/taramurraymcdonagh

  1. Episode 31: The Path to CCO+ with Judy Rader

    SEP 22

    Episode 31: The Path to CCO+ with Judy Rader

    Welcome to the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with host Tara McDonagh. In this episode, Tara sits down with Judy Rader, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer at Constellation, the nation’s largest producer of clean energy.  Judy shares what it takes to lead a 60-person corporate affairs function at a Fortune 200 company, why she holds both the CCO and SVP of Corporate Affairs titles, and how her team secured and maintains its critical seat at the executive table.  For anyone aspiring to a leadership role in communications, this conversation is packed with actionable advice on building business acumen, developing your team, and proving your value as a strategic business advisor. In this podcast episode, Tara and Judy cover:  The rise of the Corporate Affairs Officer  What B2C Comms. can learn from B2B  The model for Communications and Corporate Affairs at Constellation  The team size, structure, reporting structure and approach to filling gaps needed in the team (hint: a review of the current structure and design is needed) The three critical skills required for a CCO (beyond knowing Comms).  Training and development approaches for advancing comms. as advisors  Navigating today’s changing environment as a Communications and Corporate Affairs leader  Visit taramcdonagh.com to learn more about working with Tara or sign up for her newsletter, Level Up: Be Extra. This episode is sponsored by Raise the Tide™, a program designed for women in communications in corporate, healthcare, and higher education—helping them advance their careers through mentorship, professional development, and community. If you found this episode valuable, please rate and review—it helps elevate our field and ensures more communicators have a voice at the table. Meet Judy Rader: Judy Rader is the senior vice president of Corporate Affairs and chief communications officer, leading integrated marketing communications strategy, planning and execution for Constellation and managing the company’s brand and reputation. She serves on the Constellation Executive Committee, which sets strategy and direction for the company. Rader’s team of about 60 professionals has expertise across a wide range of corporate affairs disciplines, including: reputation and brand management, advertising, customer marketing, employee communications, media relations, public affairs and advocacy, issues/crisis management, digital/social media, community relations, charitable giving and foundation management. Under her leadership, the team is responsible for enhancing and protecting Constellation’s reputation with all internal and external stakeholders, strengthening Constellation’s brand awareness and favorability, fostering employee trust and engagement, and advancing the company’s policy and business objectives through compelling communications, marketing and community support. As part of her role, she oversees Constellation’s philanthropic activities, including more than $18 million in annual company, employee and foundation giving and the volunteer efforts of the company’s nearly 14,000 employees. She also serves as executive director of the Constellation Energy Foundation. A Fortune 200 company based in Baltimore, Md., Constellation is the nation’s largest producer of clean, emissions-free energy and a leading supplier of energy products and services. The publicly traded company produces about 10 percent of America’s clean energy, making it a leader in the clean energy transition. Community Work Rader is a member of the Board of Directors and chair of the marketing committee for the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, and a member of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, PAC 7 Committee on Radiation Education, Risk Communication and Outreach. Educational Background Rader has a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She earned bachelor’s degrees in journalism and English from the University of Maryland.

    36 min
  2. Episode 30: The Path to CCO

    SEP 8

    Episode 30: The Path to CCO

    Welcome to the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with host Tara McDonagh. In this episode, Tara kicks off a new season by tackling one of the most pressing questions for senior communications professionals: what does a clear career path look like in a field that often feels misunderstood, oversimplified, and muddy? The Reality of Q4 for Comms Teams Tara opens with a candid look at the fall and winter season—when benefit enrollments, IT security pushes, engagement surveys, and town halls collide with corporate restructuring, financial reporting, and external events. It’s a whirlwind that leaves communications leaders carrying the weight of competing priorities while fighting to remind colleagues of the real purpose of the function: advancing business goals and protecting company reputation. It can feel impossible to think of something as long-term as career path advocacy when it’s so busy all the time.  Why Career Pathing Feels Elusive Communications pros - especially around that director level - often find themselves forging their own paths. Tara highlights the isolation many feel when they’re the highest-level communicator in their organization, expected to act as both strategic advisor and often, execution arm too. She acknowledges the frustration of being underestimated, but reminds listeners that communicators consistently shine when given even a crack in the door to demonstrate their value. The Path to the CCO (and Beyond) This season, Tara is launching a series of conversations with Chief Communications Officers and SVPs in our field across industries. They’ll share the skills, experiences, and hard truths that shaped their journeys. Listeners will hear what it’s like in the CCo seat, the skills required to get there, and help communicators chart a more visible career path in communications leadership … as we normalize the CCO position everywhere.  Visit taramcdonagh.com to learn more about working with Tara or sign up for her newsletter, Level Up: Be Extra. This episode is sponsored by Raise the Tide™, a program designed for women in communications in corporate, healthcare, and higher education—helping them advance their careers through mentorship, professional development, and community. Tara is hosting a Raise the Tide Open House on Sept 19. Click here to pre-register. If you found this episode valuable, please rate and review—it helps elevate our field and ensures more communicators have a voice at the table.

    14 min
  3. Episode 29: Raise the Tide – The Women Communications Leadership Community and More

    MAY 19

    Episode 29: Raise the Tide – The Women Communications Leadership Community and More

    Episode 29 of the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with host, Tara McDonagh, dives into Raise the Tide™, a program for women leaders and emerging leaders in the communications field working in a corporate (or related) environment. Tara unpacks exactly what Raise the Tide™ is, why it was created, and how it works.  Raise the Tide™ is a complete program for women in the Communications field that involves community, coaching, mentorship, counsel, and professional development specifically for women in corporate communications roles. Unlike other programs,, Raise the Tide™is created specifically for women in this field working in corporate and does not seek to change women, but rather creates space for them to grow.  Built on Tara’s vast experience in communications and her academic study of gender differences, this program is uniquely equipped to address the challenges and celebrate the strengths of women communicators. Crew members are placed in small groups where they engage in monthly meetings, stay connected through active group messaging, and benefit from one-on-one coaching sessions for personalized goal setting and progress. From strategic mentorship matches to a curated retreat experience, Raise the Tide™ offers everything women need to advance their careers with confidence, clarity, and camaraderie. Visit RaiseTheTide.com to learn more and fill out the interest form. Many participants get company sponsorships for the program while others invest in the program themselves. Both options can lead to a highly rewarding and in some cases “life changing” experience (as stated by some women).  If today’s insights resonated with you, please rate and review this episode—it helps spread the message and supports the growth of our profession.

    29 min
  4. Episode 28: How Can You Even Plan Right Now?

    MAY 5

    Episode 28: How Can You Even Plan Right Now?

    Welcome to Episode 28 of the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with Tara McDonagh. Today, Tara tackles a big question for communications leaders: how do you create a long-term plan in uncertain, volatile times like right now? She shares practical strategies to help Communications Leaders make it happen, even during chaos. Start from the (Ever-Changing) Business Strategy Tara explains how to align communications plans with  business plans even as they evolve to adjust to the current environment. She shares how to identify key business goals and develop or adapt long-term communications plans, using examples like shifting from international to domestic growth or a new focus on acquisitions vs organic growth.  Start with what’s certain—your organization’s core product and/or service remains. The “what” remains consistent, it's “how” that may change. Tara discusses how to pivot in these wild times with specific examples.  From Overwhelm to Action  Leading through uncertainty, balancing short-term demands (and commands), crisis issues and/or incident management, team management, and uphill advocacy are all massively taxing right now. Tara encourages leaders to seek help, whether through strategic planning partners, execution-focused support, or both.  Instead of only considering the option of hiring extra hands, she highlights the value of working with experienced advisors who bring clarity and help implement impactful strategies as an option.  Tara reframes seeking help as a smart investment in success. She urges Comms. leaders to rethink resourcing in alignment with today’s new commands.  This episode is sponsored by Raise the Tide™, a program for women in communications focused on mentorship and leadership growth.  For more insights, visit taramcdonagh.com/levelup to sign up for the Level Up: Be Extra newsletter. Don’t forget to share this episode and leave a review—it helps spread the message and elevate the communications field. Until next time, keep advising, my friends!

    17 min
  5. Episode 27: More in a Time of Less

    APR 21

    Episode 27: More in a Time of Less

    Welcome to this week’s episode of the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with Tara McDonagh. Today, Tara dives into one of the most critical challenges communication leaders face in uncertain times—advocating for more resources, influence, and investment when the natural reaction right now is to contract. If you’ve been questioning how to maintain your role as an advisor and resist slipping into order-taking in the face of budget cuts and chaos, this episode provides the insights and strategies you need to thrive.  Escaping the Scarcity Mindset  Tara invites listeners to reframe their thinking by stepping out of a scarcity mindset and moving toward abundance. Instead of retreating during times of uncertainty, she emphasizes the unique value that communications leaders bring—from managing reputations to creating calm within chaos. Tara highlights the critical role communications plays in business success, underscoring the function’s ability to protect and advance company reputation when it matters most.  Making the Case for More  Tara provides actionable advice on how to position Corporate Communications as a necessary investment rather than an area for cuts. From reading the room strategically to building strong internal relationships, Tara gives listeners the tools to make a compelling business case for why their team deserves more resources—even in difficult financial climates. This is about leadership, courage, and stepping into your role as a true strategic advisor.  To take the next step, visit taramcdonagh.com/levelup to sign up for Tara’s “Level Up: Be Extra” email series. This exclusive content dives deeper into the topics explored on the podcast and equips you with actionable insights for your career and team.  This episode is sponsored by Raise the Tide™, a program tailored to support women in communications, healthcare, and higher education on their path to leadership success.  If you found this episode valuable, please rate and review Communications Business Advisor™ to help spread the word and elevate the profession.

    16 min
  6. Episode 26: Risk Alert!: Our Field Could Slip Backwards

    APR 7

    Episode 26: Risk Alert!: Our Field Could Slip Backwards

    Welcome to the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with Tara McDonagh. This week, Tara dives into a timely and scary issue—corporate communications is at risk of losing ground after years of progress. From earning a seat at the table to influencing decisions, these gains of being heard and respected are now under threat in today’s economic and corporate environment. What can we do to maintain (and grow) in our gains, defend out space and NOT slip backwards? Listen in. Risks Facing Communications Professionals Today  Internal Communications at Risk: Respect for roles in internal, executive, and functional communications are at risk as leaders revert to pre-pandemic practices of making decisions then telling communicators to figure out how to message it rather than engaging us in the decisions and TRULY listening to our counsel.  Return-to-Office Challenges: Tara explores how return-to-office mandates is a bellwether example of Comms professionals being sidelined as respected advisors and instead being treated as order-takers. Communicators then must handle the fallout amid unrealistic expectations of maintaining positive employee engagement scores while also delivering news that will most certainly negatively impact those scores.   Economic Pressures: Threats (and realities) of tariffs, tight budgets, and scarcity all round in corporations makes it infinitely harder to advocate for resources or staff. Tara discusses how THIS is the new biggest challenge for Communicators throughout organizations everywhere - not what or how to communicate tough challenges, but to do it without being yes men or women and maintaining our influence and boundaries as respected advisors.  Strategic Advice for Communications Leaders  Advocate, even when it’s scary: Tara emphasizes advocating for yourself, your team, and the wider field, or risk losing self-respect and all the gained ground you’ve achieved for yourself, your team, and your field. Set the tone for your role: Teach senior leaders how to treat you AND what to expect from you - that you will call out risks even when it’s unpopular and scary. It will bring you respect and showcase your leadership.  Focus on Outcomes: Push for metrics tied to organizational goals. For example, if return-to-office policies aim to boost collaboration, ensure results are measured in relation to collaboration - not simply whether bodies show up in the office or retention numbers.  Consider Corporate Comms. Consolidation: Crisis comms and incident preparedness is having a moment - out of necessity. If you don’t already have a consolidated corp. comms. function with Internal Communications, Public Relations, Crisis Communications, Public Affairs, Event Planning, Executive Communications and business functional communications in the same area - now may be the ideal time to make the case to consolidate. It’s not only good for the organization, but also good for the department because they can go in on it together. Together they can ensure that all who need to be engaged in decisions are weighing in. That there is a voice at the table in important discussions because the sum of the parts (or individual comms. functions) are looking at the whole … more on this soon.  If you’ve enjoyed the Communications Business Advisor Podcast™ so far, please take a moment to share this episode with someone, drop a rating, or leave a review. We can ignite a movement when we share the message. Visit taramcdonagh.com to learn more about how to work with Tara. Or follow her content on LinkedIn at: Tara McDonagh, where she posts five days a week on comms.-focused topics.   The Communications Business Advisor Podcast™ is brought to you by Raise the Tide™, the unique coaching, community and professional development program that elevates corporate women communications leaders and emerging leaders in the communications field.

    25 min
  7. Episode 25: Comms and Moms, Part 2

    MAR 24

    Episode 25: Comms and Moms, Part 2

    Welcome to the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with Tara McDonagh, your go-to platform for corporate communications professionals who elevate their work, build influence, and solidify their role as critical advisors at the decision-making table. In this episode, we continue our discussion on Moms in Comms, and we tackle it a bit differently this time.  We hear YOUR voices … YOUR stories … many of them.  We start with an interview with a Communications leader in the Corporate environment working at a billions-of-dollars, known brand in North America and we end with sharing several perspectives from many women from the Senior Manager to Senior Vice President level at Corporations - all in Communications functions (PR, Internal Comms, Executive Comms, Public Affairs, and Crisis Comms).  We purposefully kept full names and companies out of this episode so we could encourage candid conversations. And here’s what we tackle:  Motherhood bias Motherhood biases still impact women in the workplace, from doubts about leadership capabilities to unfair societal expectations. From navigating fertility treatments, announcing pregnancies at work, and being “typecast” as a working mom. This episode challenges the “mom vs. child-free” divide, emphasizing that structural change is the key to advancing our field and the women in it.  Child-free women perspective and Male allies Tara speaks with her guest, Andrea, about what it was like for them both before they became parents and what biases they remember from that time, as well as the systems set up to divide us rather than unite us. Related to this, we discuss men’s role in being active advocates and allies in this mission of inclusion and growth for women in our field.  Challenging Workplace Norms From outdated maternity leave policies to rigid return-to-office mandates, corporate systems can keep Moms from elevating in their careers. Tara and her guests encourage leaders to push for inclusivity, remote or hybrid solutions, and even innovative ideas to continue the growth path for women. Success stories showcase women securing promotions, negotiating confidently, and driving change within their industries. This episode is sponsored by Raise the Tide™, a program for women communications leaders working in the corporate environment. Visit taramcdonagh.com to learn more about how to work with Tara. Or follow her content on LinkedIn at: Tara McDonagh where she posts five days a week on comms.-focused topics.   Share your thoughts by rating and reviewing! For more insights, subscribe to Level Up: Be Extra and elevate your Communications leadership game.

    1h 12m
  8. Episode 24: Comms and Moms, Part 1

    MAR 10

    Episode 24: Comms and Moms, Part 1

    Welcome to the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with Tara McDonagh. This week, we kick off a two-part series on navigating communications leadership through the lens of motherhood, bias, and systemic challenges. Tara shares her personal experiences navigating being in this field both as a mom - and as a child free woman for quite a long period of her career. And she ties it all to why we deal with it and what to do about it. In this episode of the Communication Business Advisor Podcast, Tara McDonagh explains: The Motherhood Penalty & Gender Bias – Women face pay gaps, earning less than men for the same roles. The numbers reduce even worse when you become a mother - the motherhood penalty. Tara shares her own experience navigating workplace bias when she was a child-free woman, challenges in the workplace on the path to motherhood including fertility treatments, and the reality that she was unsupported in a system that made her choose between being a present parent or taking a role truly worthy of her expertise and leadership - but one would need to be sacrificed. Bridging the Mom vs. Non-Mom Divide – Workplace structures often pit mothers and non-mothers against each other. Tara highlights shared struggles and calls for collective action to create supportive, equitable environments. Fixing the System, Not Ourselves – Citing Nobel Prize-winning research, Tara advocates for systemic reforms like flexible policies and remote work, emphasizing that workplaces—not women—must adapt. Tune in next week for Part 2, featuring candid insights from women in communications. This episode is sponsored by Raise the Tide™, a program for women in corporate, healthcare, and higher education communications. Visit taramcdonagh.com to learn more about how to work with Tara. Or follow her content on LinkedIn at: Tara McDonagh where she posts five days a week on comms.-focused topics.   Share your thoughts by rating and reviewing! For more insights, subscribe to Level Up: Be Extra and elevate your Communications leadership game.

    34 min
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About

The Communications Business Advisor Podcast addresses the misunderstood and oversimplified field of communications in the corporate world, and elevates the reputation of the field and the people in it as Critical Business Advisors, never order takers. Hosted by Tara McDonagh, a Corporate Communications expert with 25 years of experience for some of the biggest brands around, the Communications Business Advisor podcast is a place to share our vision for the field, discuss the challenges we face, and approaches to elevate our field and ourselves as critical advisors. Episode topics include everything from teaching executives how to treat us, to measurement that matters, building a business case for budget, and gender bias impacting our field and the people in it. Join Tara McDonagh in the movement to prove that our value as a business area is not only helpful, it’s imperative to a company's success. Find more at www.taramcdonagh.com or follow Tara on LinkedIn where she writes about Communications topics for our field five days a week at: www.linkedin.com/in/taramurraymcdonagh

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