COMMUNICATIONS ISN’T underperforming.

IT’S BEING

Underused.

The answer isn’t more work. It’s being engaged earlier, recognized more fully, and surrounded by leadership that understands the value you already bring to the table.

Communications isn't underperforming.

It's being Undercused.

The answer isn’t more work. It’s being engaged earlier, recognized more fully, and surrounded by leadership that understands the value you already bring to the table.

If you’ve been in this field long enough, I know you’ve felt it.

The difference between the work you’re capable of and how you’re actually being used.

You’re in the room.
But you’re not co-authoring the decision.

You’re busy delivering great work.
But it’s not changing how the organization sees your team.

We both know Communications teams are doing the work.

Yet they’re still being undervalued and treated as a support function.

“More staff” or a “bigger budget” aren’t enough to solve the problem alone.

It’s how Communications is understood and when and how it’s engaged within the organization that needs to shift.

HERE’S THE TRUTH

You bring more than communications expertise to the table.
You bring a way of seeing the business most leaders don’t have.

It’s time you’re recognized for it.

THE SHIFT STARTS HERE

The starting point looks different for everyone, but it never happens in isolation.
Most leaders find their way through one of these three paths.

CONSULTING

For Communications leaders whose function isn’t being engaged the way it should be

You know the way Communications is understood and engaged in the organization needs to change.

Shift how the function is positioned and change how you participate in decisions … before they’re made, not just looped in after.

TEAM ENGAGEMENTS

For Communications leaders ready to advance how their team operate

Your team delivers, yet isn’t consistently brought in as advisors… and you know they could bring so much more if they were.

Change how and when your team is engaged in conversations and ensure your team structure supports where the business is going.

RAISE THE TIDE™

For women in Communications looking to grow their career alongside others who get it

You’re ready to operate at a higher level, be recognized for your expertise, and stop figuring it out alone.

Elevate how you think, lead, and advocate for yourself alongside women in Comms who truly get it.

This Is What You’ve Been Working Toward

Getting the budget and staff needed to drive organization impact

Leading your team with clarity and focus

Getting recognized for the critical role you already play

Earning trust as a business advisor, not only a strong communicator

Getting to co-author decisions, not react to them

And that’s exactly what changes when Communications is engaged differently.

FROM GOALS TO OUTCOMES

Here’s what the shift looks like in practice

“The (new) perception of Corporate Communications by our executives allowed for my boss to see our function in a new light, which ultimately allowed the function to be transformed into a team that is essential to the business’ success, not a team that takes orders from leaders.”

“My boss went from thinking Communications is helpful when we give them an assignment to thinking we need them to drive the business. What a difference!!! Thank you, Tara! I seriously couldn’t have done it without you”

“Tara was my co-pilot. I never felt she was in the backseat. She’s in it with you, which is unique. In addition to defining messaging through a very specific process, Tara thought about how we could make that messaging commercially viable for the company and how it could lead to stronger revenue. It wasn’t just about creating a story; she looked at how we could form the message to also have a strong ROI. She helps you plan for the future in a way that helps make the business money.”

“I trusted her with things I would never trust another consultant with. She brought such good, new ideas for strategic communication that I went further on strategy with her than with anyone else.”

“Tara taught me to appreciate my knowledge and to use it to advance my career priorities. If you're transitioning into a new role or trying to reimagine an existing one, could you let Tara in on your plans? You will get there faster with fewer detours.”

Ready For Communications To Be Engaged Differently
But Not Sure Where to Start?

Let’s talk about where you are, where you want to be
and how to get there, together.

Want More?

Podcast for your Commute. Email worth clearing your inbox for.

The Communications Team Authority Index™

Critical business advisors? Let's check.

Five minutes. Ten Questions. One number that tells you where your team stands.

The Communications Business Advisor™ Podcast

Hosted by Tara McDonagh

Straight talk about the realities of this work, the pressure that comes with it, and what it actually takes to change how Communications is understood and valued inside the organization.

Level up Emails

Inbox boring? I have a cure for that.

Strategic thinking for communications leaders who are done being the best-kept secret in the company.