Change Is Constant, But So Is Purpose: Lessons from a 30-Year Communications Career

Change Is Constant, But So Is Purpose: Lessons from a 30-Year Communications Career

If there’s one truth I’ve learned over three decades in journalism and corporate communications, it’s this: change is constant—but it’s never wasted.

That was the core idea I explored in the very first episode of my podcast, Speaking of Media: How to Kick-Start a 30-Year Media Career. It wasn’t just a look back at where I started. It was a reflection on how everything—every newsroom, every crisis, every boardroom and interview—has contributed to where I am today: working with organizations and professionals to help them represent themselves and their causes with clarity, credibility, and confidence.

As I look around today’s communications landscape, the pace of change is dizzying. Legacy media is evolving. Digital platforms are multiplying. Attention spans are shrinking. But the core challenge remains the same: how do you communicate when the stakes are high, and the world is watching?

From the Newsroom to the Boardroom

My communications career began with a notepad, a microphone, and a relentless curiosity. Journalism taught me the power of questions—and the even greater power of listening. I learned what makes a message stick. What makes a story move people. And how fast reputations can rise or fall in the public eye.

Later, I transitioned into corporate communications and found myself on the other side of the media lens. I was no longer chasing stories—I was helping organizations shape them. From post-secondary institutions to healthcare organizations to crisis situations that reached national headlines, I worked as a strategist, a spokesperson, and often, a calm voice in the storm.

Learning from the Front Lines

Over the years, I’ve learned some lessons the hard way. Not every communication lands. Not every crisis is clean. And not every spokesperson enters the spotlight prepared.

But I also learned that even missteps can become insights—and that’s a big part of why I launched Speaking of Media in the first place. It’s a platform to share what I’ve learned from the front lines of communications: the good, the bad, and the instructive.

Because let’s be honest—this work is nuanced. Being the face or voice of an organization is no small responsibility. You have to be on message, but also human. Strategic, yet empathetic. Fast, but thoughtful. And if you’re not ready when that call from a reporter comes in? You’re already behind.

Why Experience Still Matters in a Changing World

In a profession that thrives on the new—new tools, new platforms, new tactics—it can be tempting to think that experience ages out.

I disagree.

Experience evolves. And when paired with a commitment to stay current, it becomes your biggest asset. I may have started in a newsroom that still used fax machines, but I’ve also advised leaders through cyberattacks, social media firestorms, and rapid-response pressers in the age of digital everything.

What I’ve found is that the fundamentals still matter. Clear messaging. Media literacy. Preparation. Practice. Authenticity. These aren't old-school—they’re timeless.

And that’s exactly what I try to bring to every training session, every coaching conversation, and every piece of content I put out through Speaking of Media.

Giving Back to the Next Generation of Communicators

Now, I’m in a space where I want to give back what I’ve learned—and I’m meeting more and more professionals who want to be ready before the storm hits. Leaders who understand the value of being media-prepared. Spokespeople who want to represent their organizations well. Communicators who want to elevate their impact and lead through clarity.

The world of media may have changed, but the stakes haven’t. And when you’re prepared—when you know your message, know the moment, and know yourself—you can lead the conversation, not just survive it.

That’s what I want to help people do.

What’s Next?

If you haven’t yet listened to that first episode of Speaking of Media, I’d invite you to start there. It’s a glimpse into my journey—but more importantly, it’s an invitation to yours.

📌 Listen to Episode 1: How to Kick-Start a 30-Year Media Career
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/how-to-kick-start-a-30-year-media-career/id1549602278?i=1000505712920

And if you’re someone who leads communication—or wants to—let’s connect. I’d love to help you or your team get media-ready, crisis-capable, and reputation-resilient.

Because change is constant. But with the right mindset and preparation—you will be, too.