Creating a Government Affairs Function
In today’s evolving regulatory landscape, organizations must engage strategically with government entities to align corporate priorities with public policy. A well-structured Government Affairs function is no longer optional—it is essential for long-term success. This report provides a framework for companies seeking to establish, scale, or refine their government affairs capabilities. At its core is the DNA Activation Model, […]
Climate ESP Analysis: President Trump’s Inauguration Speech
President Trump’s inauguration speech set the tone for a vision focused on energy dominance, economic sovereignty, and traditional values. This edition of Climate ESP explores the strategic implications for businesses, highlighting opportunities in domestic manufacturing and energy independence, while addressing challenges in ESG and global supply chains. Navigate the evolving landscape with insights tailored for corporate affairs teams. […]
CLIMATE ESP Analysis: Diving Deeper into the Silicon Swamp
This edition of OCR’s Newsletter features a CLIMATE ESP analysis, inspired by the Axios article: “Behind the Curtain: The Silicon Swamp”. Axios sheds light on the deepening ties between Silicon Valley leaders and the U.S. government. Our analysis of CLIMATE ESP paints a vivid picture of Silicon Valley’s unprecedented influence in a new Trump administration, highlighting how tech […]
How OCR Helps Close the Executive-level Trust Gap
One of the most overlooked challenges is the lack of trust among executives. While organizations often focus on improving communication across teams and departments, less attention is paid to peer-to-peer trust at the leadership level—an essential ingredient for effective decision-making and innovation. Research from the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer shows that only 37% of executives trust […]
Top 5 Productivity Pitfalls for Senior Executives
As a senior executive, you’re tasked with steering the ship, making strategic decisions, and ensuring your organization remains competitive in an ever-evolving landscape. However, even the most seasoned leaders can fall into productivity traps that hinder effectiveness and slow down progress. Here are five common productivity pitfalls that senior executives face and how to overcome […]
CCO+: The Evolution of Corporate Leadership
CCO-plus: The Evolution of Corporate Leadership By Craig E. Carroll, Ph.D., Observatory on Corporate Reputation August 1, 2024, Reading Time: 7 minutes. Since OCR began tracking the CCO-plus in 2019, the emergence of the “CCO-plus” has become a defining trend in corporate leadership. With Fortune and Forbes’ release of this year’s Fortune 1000 and Forbes […]
Why CCO+ Need Executive Education Now
As Chief Communications Officers (CCOs) increasingly take on expanded roles—becoming “CCO-pluses” with responsibilities that now include HR, marketing, social impact, and corporate affairs—the need for targeted executive education has never been more critical. Whether you’re already in a CCO-plus role or aspiring to become one, developing the right skills is essential to succeed in these […]
How Former Chief Communications Officers Can Keep Making a Difference
In my research and interactions with former Chief Communications Officers, I’ve observed a significant trend: these leaders, even after concluding their official duties, possess unique capabilities to drive positive change. Their extensive experience and networks enable them to continue influencing and contributing meaningfully to society. Here are guidelines to assist these seasoned professionals in managing […]
Pitfalls of Presumptive Transplants: Why Familiar Reporting Structures Fail
When executives transition to new companies, they often bring a wealth of experience, including strategies and organizational structures that have previously led to success. While leveraging this experience can provide a head start, it can also introduce inadvertent challenges. This article explores the potential consequences of applying one executive’s previous organizational structure and reporting experience […]
Staying Sharp: A Guide for Former Chief Communication Officers to Remain at the Forefront
In the rapidly evolving field of corporate communications, the challenge does not end when one steps down from the role of a chief communication officer (CCO). In fact, a new set of challenges begins: staying relevant, connected, and informed outside the corporate hustle. Here’s a deeper dive into these challenges and some innovative strategies to […]
