Head of communications at BrightDrop, Daniel Roberts leads inside and exterior communications on the GM-created startup targeted on decarbonizing Earth by means of EVs, software program, and eCarts.
With expertise that spans the federal government, startup, and company sectors, Roberts has gained a wealth of data within the areas of tech, coverage, and disaster public relations. Most notably, his transition from authorities to the personal sector was a problem for him, however it contributed to his development and understanding. It’s been the largest problem he’s overcome in his profession to date.
We caught up with Roberts to get his tackle the way forward for the communications business.
What e book, podcast or different media do you advocate to different comms execs?
Roberts: I extremely advocate Sensible Brevity by Axios founders Mike Allen, Jim VandeHei, and Roy Schwartz. This e book explains easy methods to create messaging utilizing quick, concise, and visually interesting textual content and formatting.
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What’s your favourite instrument you utilize frequently for work?
My go-to instrument is the Notes app on my iPhone. I take advantage of it to maintain observe of my to-do checklist and take notes for conferences – realizing I’ll all the time have them, whether or not within the workplace, working from house, or on a aircraft.
What excites you most about the way forward for communications?
Seeing extra younger professionals perceive their distinctive worth. Irrespective of what number of adjustments we expertise with social media, knowledge monitoring, and even the metaverse – communications is about having a pulse on tradition and speaking in a manner that resonates. Solely individuals can do this, not computer systems.
What communications problem retains you up at evening?
Preserving staff conscious of and purchased into our general technique and plan retains me up at evening. Group members are our largest advocates and may all the time be high of thoughts when speaking about your group.
What’s the largest problem you’ve overcome in your profession?
Transitioning from authorities to the personal sector. It was a significant problem to decode the terminology and course of variations whereas exhibiting that the technique and fundamentals have been the identical.
What’s the greatest recommendation you’ve ever gotten?
Your confidence is gained and misplaced on a day-to-day foundation, so all the time deliver your A-game.
Isis Simpson-Mersha is a convention producer/ reporter for Ragan. Observe her on LinkedIn.
