Jeannette talks to Alayna Francis, a senior communications leader and philanthropist about her diverse career journey - from working in book publicity to crisis communications and branding. Alayna shares her insights on effective crisis communication strategies, emphasizing the importance of taking ownership and addressing issues in a timely manner. She also highlights the significance of personal branding and adapting to cultural differences when working internationally. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Communication is crucial in any organization, especially during a crisis. It is important to respond promptly and effectively, addressing the issue and providing accurate information to alleviate confusion or misinformation.
• Personal brand is important in career development. Being authentic and true to oneself while also adapting to cultural differences and respecting others' boundaries can help build strong relationships and make a positive impact.
• Philanthropy and giving back to society are important values. Supporting disadvantaged individuals and groups, promoting equity, and leveling the playing field in areas such as sports and nutrition can have a significant impact on people's lives.
• Cultural awareness and adaptability are essential when working internationally. Understanding and respecting different cultural nuances, communication styles, and approaches to business can lead to successful collaborations and relationships.

BEST MOMENTS

"Communication is kind of like air. You don't realize how important it is until you don't have any."

"Even if a company may be guilty of malfeasance, if they take ownership and address it in a meaningful way, that always mutes what the situation is."

"You have to get into the core of what the issue is. The most crucial point is how you respond and the amount and timing of your response."

"You have to be your authentic self, but then also soften enough or sculpt your approach and who you are in order to make people feel comfortable around you."

This is the perfect time to get focused on what YOU want to really achieve in your business, career, and life. It’s never too late to be BRAVE and BOLD and unlock your inner BRILLIANCE. If you’d like to jump on a free mentoring session just DM Jeannette at info@jeannettelinfootassociates.com or sign up via Jeannette’s linktree https://linktr.ee/JLinfoot

ABOUT THE GUEST

Alayna Francis is an experienced senior strategic communications leader with broad experience collaborating with global companies to directly support corporate imperatives, enable business growth, and manage change, issues, and crises. She has held senior roles at major privately held and publicly traded companies, overseeing external communications at renowned global companies such as Marsh McLennan, PwC, and Swiss Re, among others.Ms. Francis is a trustee for School Food Matters, a charity dedicated to teaching children about food and to improving children’s access to healthy, sustainable food. In addition, she provides ongoing senior counsel for JerseyForAll (fka SponsorOurClub), an organization that connects Welsh diaspora and philanthropic individuals with regional female football and rugby teams accredited by the FAW and WRU, and mixed ability teams across Wales and England in need of financial support.

Ms. Francis graduated from the Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Communications. She also holds an MBA from the Zicklin School of Business from Baruch College in NYC, with a dual concentration in finance and marketing.

Twitter is @alayna

LinkedIn is https://www.linkedin.com/in/alayna

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Brave, Bold, Brilliant podcast series - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brave-bold-brilliant-podcast/id1524278970      

ABOUT THE HOST

Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 25 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, ran, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies as well as their own personal development.

Jeannette is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams. 

CONTACT THE HOST

Jeannette’s linktree - https://linktr.ee/JLinfoot

https://www.jeannettelinfootassociates.com/

YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtsU57ZGoPhm55_X0qF16_Q

LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jeannettelinfoot

Facebook - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jeannettelinfoot

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jeannette.linfoot/

Email - info@jeannettelinfootassociates.com

Podcast Description

Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences of being Brave, Bold & Brilliant, which have allowed them to unleash their full potential in business, their careers, and life in general. From the boardroom tables of ‘big’ international businesses to the dining room tables of entrepreneurial start-ups, how to overcome challenges, embrace opportunities and take risks, whilst staying ‘true’ to yourself is the order of the day.