Commslede Consulting by Kristi Hinck Mills

Comms friends: Looking for a fun, global, manager-level internal comms role based in NY (or Chicago)? This great crew is looking for a talented pro:

Manager, Global Internal Communications Manager, Global Internal Communications

Attention Internal Comms leaders: Great NY- or Chicago-based, senior-level IC role supporting a fast-paced team of lovely folks delivering a range of high-profile spirit brands... (Product samples a plus!) 😉

Sr. Director Global Internal Communications Sr. Director Global Internal Communications

Three clues where I am…😀

Excited to be back in Chitown, visiting CommsLede’s new clients at Beam Suntory! (Always fun to work in an office with a beautifully stocked bar AND lovely people!)

While the Windy City’s weather could’ve been better, the folks couldn’t have been nicer. I definitely think I'm a Midwesterner at heart!💕

Cheers, all!🥃

A lot is going on in the world these days. (Just ask Elmo.) Here are a few nuggets I’ve uncovered on resilience for anyone needing them today…

Cultivating Resilience: Ten Tips Backed by Science - CommsLede From staying agile to getting curious, some of my top takeaways from 2023

I promised more insights from Columbia University’s Strategic Communications Symposium, and I guarantee these gems from the communications competency panel won’t disappoint … You’re welcome, comms friends!

What Does it Take to be a Great Strategic Communicator? - CommsLede Leadership tips from the "Core Competency" roundtable at CU's 2024 Strategic Communication Winter Symposium

I had the great fortune to spend yesterday at CU's 2024 Winter Strategic Comms Symposium.

Beyond connecting with brilliant friends, inspiring profs, peers (new and old), and the next generation of communicators, my mind was blown by these gems from keynote speaker Melissa Fleming, Author and U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications. Great reminders for my own practice:

📊 Data: “Statistics are human beings with their tears dried off.”
❤️ Trust: “Trust is becoming a rare commodity.”
📖 Storytelling: “Tell the story of one, and you’ll open hearts.”
⏱ Frequency: “Too much information – good or bad – makes it confusing for the public, and they don’t know who to trust.” (She referenced this as an “infodemic.”)
⚠ Media Literacy as a campaign component: “We asked them to ‘Take care before they share.’”
🤝 Engagement: “Highlight the problem AND the solution.”

I'm still reviewing my notes, and will share more highlights soon...

We all assume we’re easy to work with … but sometimes, that’s just not the case. My latest blog post explores the qualities of folks we like to work with, and shares why consciously thinking about this matters.

Be Someone You Want to Work With - CommsLede Think about the qualities of people you enjoy working with ... and embody them

I was at one of my favorite places in CT yesterday: the Make-A-Wish Wishing Place⭐️! I'm always inspired by this incredible team...and even more so after the recent flood of their facility, which did significant damage to their special kid-centered space. Beyond thrilled to witness this team bounce back even stronger💪than before, and honored and privileged to help these resilient leaders as they continue to create hope and moments of joy for kids with critical illnesses.❤️

As I wrap up CommsLede for the year, check out my top takeaways ... including a gem from Coach Ted Lasso ⚽️... Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year and a great start to 2024!

Top Takeaways from 2023 ... and a Leadership Lesson from Ted Lasso - CommsLede From staying agile to getting curious, some of my top takeaways from 2023

Check out this quick recap of my recent blog series, which debunks 9 coaching/consulting myths....

9 Common Coaching / Consulting Misconceptions - CommsLede Consulting Misconceptions: Roundup

What if in-house or consulting roles weren't your only job options? What if you stayed open to the possibilities? Check out the final post in 's Coaching and Consulting Misconception series:

Consulting/Coaching Misconception 9: Consulting or Corporate In-House Roles Are My Only Options - CommsLede Consulting and Coaching Misconceptions

I'm not gonna lie... Learning how to coach executives didn't come easy to me. Check out the latest post in my series to hear why:

Consulting Misconception 8: I'm a Seasoned Leader/Pro/Mentor ... Coaching Will Be a Breeze - CommsLede Consulting Misconceptions: Transition to Coaching

CommsLede clients sometimes come to me for "coaching" when they really want "mentoring." Others seek comms consulting support, but our conversations stray into the executive coaching space… Here’s a quick overview of these disciplines, and why it’s important to understand the nuances of each if you’re considering a coaching or consulting career path:

Consulting Misconception 7: Coaching, Mentoring, Advising … It’s All the Same - CommsLede Consulting Misconceptions: Flexiblity

One of the most common misconceptions I hear about consultants and coaches is regarding their amount of flexibility. If you’re exploring a consulting or coaching career purely based on flexibility, you’ll want to check out my latest blog post…

Consulting Misconception 6: As a Consultant/Coach, I'll Have the Flexibility to Choose Who I Work With and When - CommsLede Consulting Misconceptions: Flexiblity

"I'm so jealous," a client wistfully sighed to me. "If I had the luxury of working on a single project, I'd be a rock star, too."

I just smiled. 🙂

Check out the latest post in my "Consulting and Coaching Misconceptions" series to hear why...

Consulting Misconception 5: Consultants Have the Luxury of Focusing on a Single Project or Effort - CommsLede Consulting Misconcetions: Focus

My next blog post talks about The Matrix. Not the movie … the complex network of people who make up a company. A recruiter recently told me that the luxury of being a consultant is the opportunity to get out of The Matrix. Not so fast, I said … Here's why:

Consulting Misconception 4: Consultants Have the Luxury of Leaving Complex Matrix Environments Behind - CommsLede Consulting Misconception: Matrix Enviornments

I've had tons of requests lately for "virtual coffees" from folks curious about launching consulting or coaching practices. I've heard quite a few misconceptions during these chats, so I've decided to address them in a blog series. Check out misconception #3: If I'm a Subject Matter Expert/Talented Pro, Consulting or Coaching Will Be an Easy Transition

Consulting/Coaching Misconception 3: If I'm a Subject Matter Expert/Talented Pro, Consulting or Coaching Will be an Easy Transition - CommsLede Consulting Misconceptions - Transition

A host of folks have recently reached out, interested in discussing consulting and executive coaching careers. Before making the leap, I encourage them to explore some of the misconceptions about running an independent coaching or consulting practice. My blog series on the CommsLede site/LinkedIn debunks some of the myths. Here's misconception #2: Consulting Will Be Equally (Or More) Profitable Than My Corporate Role.

Consulting/Coaching Misconception 2: My Private Practice Will be Equally (or More) Profitable Than My Corporate Role - CommsLede Consulting Misconceptions - Profitablilty

Curious about launching your own coaching or consulting practice? Looking for an insider's perspective? Before you do, check out my new blog series, which addresses some consulting and coaching misconceptions! I'll be posting on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting today (11/7) on the CommsLede blog and on LinkedIn. Myth #1: Opening your own practice is a way to "dial back."

Consulting/Coaching Misconception 1: Opening My Own Practice Is a Way to “Dial Back” - CommsLede Consulting Misonceptions: Dialing Back

I’m not sure if it’s the economy, post-COVID burnout, or the spate of recent layoffs, but I’ve recently had a significant increase in requests (at least three per week) from folks asking to “pick my brain” about launching a successful consulting or coaching practice.

While I’m always happy to share what I know, (and I’ve learned a thing or two over a decade running CommsLede!), I often find myself addressing some common misconceptions about both consulting and executive coaching.

So ... if you're curious about starting your own consultancy or coaching practice, and are looking for an insider's perspective, catch my blog series: Misconceptions About Consulting & Coaching. I’ll post regularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning tomorrow (11/7), so check out the CommsLede blog (on the CommsLede site) or follow me on LinkedIn to learn more ...

Now THIS is how you share sustainability progress. Brilliant creativity from Apple, and a fun example of engaging business storytelling. Enjoy!

2030 Status | Mother Nature | Apple In 2020, Apple promised to bring its entire carbon footprint to net zero by 2030 — through innovations in materials, clean energy, low-carbon shipping, and r...

officially turns ten years old today🥳! To celebrate the milestone, here's a quick roundup of some of the lessons I've learned after a decade in the communication business. (Spoiler alert: They're not all about communications or business!)

Ten Great Years ... and Way More Than Ten Powerful Lessons - CommsLede career coaching tips from a comms pro

Research says that surrounding yourself with good people at work makes you happier, more productive, and more collaborative. Read why good people = good business...for everyone.

Surround Yourself with Good People - CommsLede career coaching tips from a comms pro

Why do we believe the stories folks tell us? In a world of sensational news and "alternative facts," I take a critical look at stories -- where they come from, and how they can hold even the most talented leaders back.

Don't Always Believe the Story - CommsLede Why are we all buying into an illusion?

I may have failed statistics in undergrad (twice!), but I still became a comms data and insights ju**ie. Here's why:

Measure Once (Or Twice, or Quarterly) - CommsLede The value of communications measurement

Balance is garbage, so why do we believe the hype? Hear how getting out the balance trap can relieve your mental load.

Balance is Garbage. I Said It. - CommsLede Why are we all buying into an illusion?

Do you give up space easily? Hear how I learned that protecting your space can add to your personal and professional value.

Hold Your Space - CommsLede When giving up your agency means giving up your value

How can we use curiosity to guide our teams, learn more about our businesses, and better support our business partners and clients? Put on your cape and check out the latest from :

Get (and Stay) Curious - CommsLede Curiosity is a leadership superpower

If you don't have a formal communications strategy, you're not making the most of your team's time and effort. In the latest installment of CommsLede's "Ten Great Years, Ten Powerful Lessons" series, hear how a strategic one-pager can help your team improve collaboration, engagement and partnership, while also earning a better return on your investment:

Always Start with a Strategy - CommsLede career coaching tips from a comms pro

Success means different things to different folks, so why do we so often adopt other people's definitions? In the third installment of 's "Ten Great Years, Ten Powerful Lessons," series, hear how defining your own version of success can determine if a great opportunity is great for you.

What Does Success Look For (Not "to") You - CommsLede Don't buy into anyone else's verion of success