We Need New Leaders
Book launch community
Welcome to the We Need New Leaders book launch community!
— You just became an insider.
This is where I’ll be offering:
Sneak peeks, early offers and grand reveals before the book is published
Suggestions on how to live your reputation out loud
Unseen and unpublished content long before it goes public
Chances to be entered into prize draws for signed, hardback copies of the book
News on launch events
Thanks for joining and do keep checking in for new content!
Sindhu Gangadharan
Managing Director, SAP Labs India
Chairperson, NASSCOM; Board Member, Siemens India & Titan Company
From the foreword
by Sindhu Gangadharan
In today’s hyper-connected world, reputation is a currency as valuable as revenue.
A single tweet, a fleeting headline, or even the absence of a timely response can ripple through markets, stakeholders, and public opinion.
For leaders navigating these turbulent waters, mastering executive presence is not just a skill but a critical business imperative.
It is in this context that this book holds its significance, shedding light on the transformative power of effective communication and the profound partnership between a CEO and their Communications Officer.
Having had the privilege of leading in dynamic environments, I have witnessed firsthand how corporate identity shapes not only the perception of an organization but also its ability to innovate, grow, and lead. It is often said that “reputation arrives on foot but leaves on horseback.” This is a stark reminder that building trust is a painstaking process, yet it can be undone in an instant. The ability to protect and enhance credibility requires more than just damage control; it demands foresight, authenticity, and a deeply ingrained culture of transparency and accountability.
At the heart of this effort lies a unique and indispensable partnership: the bond between the CEO and their Communications Officer. This relationship is one of mutual trust, where the Communications Officer is both a strategist and a confidant, offering a clear-eyed perspective on how decisions resonate beyond the boardroom. They are the architects of narratives that inspire employees, reassure stakeholders, and reinforce the organization’s purpose.
In the C-suite, where decisions are made at the speed of relevance, the CEO often becomes the embodiment of the company’s values, vision, and resilience. This visibility is a double-edged sword—while it amplifies opportunities to connect and inspire, it also places immense pressure to navigate crises and manage scrutiny. Here, the Communications Officer’s role becomes pivotal. They not only help craft the words but also shape the delivery, ensuring that every message aligns with the organization’s core values and long-term goals.
But why does this partnership matter now more than ever? Because we are operating in an era defined by disruption. Technology has given everyone a voice, but it has also made the truth more vulnerable to distortion. Leaders must address societal expectations—from sustainability and diversity to ethics and governance—while meeting business objectives. Navigating this complexity requires not only operational excellence but also a narrative that resonates across diverse audiences.
Charlotte Otter’s book delves into the strategies, mindsets, and tools necessary to elevate the CEO/Communications Officer partnership to a strategic advantage. It emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to executive presence—one that builds resilience rather than merely reacting to challenges. It explores how to establish authenticity as a cornerstone of leadership, creating a ripple effect that fosters trust both inside and outside the organization.
I am particularly inspired by the book’s focus on mastering trust. Trust, after all, is the bedrock of every successful relationship, whether it’s between a brand and its customers, an organization and its employees, or a CEO and their Communications Officer. Building trust requires alignment on values, a shared commitment to the truth, and the courage to confront challenges with integrity. These principles resonate deeply with me, not only as a leader but also as someone passionate about fostering cultures of respect and empowerment.
To every leader, communicator, and changemaker reading this Foreword, I encourage you to embrace the lessons within these pages with an open mind and a resolute commitment to action. The world needs leaders who inspire trust, champion authenticity, and steer their organizations with both vision and responsibility. As you turn these pages, may you find the inspiration and strategies to do just that.