
EXECUTIVE BRIEF
Beyond The Obvious: Why Authentic Leadership Communications Matter
About this Executive Brief
Authentic leadership communications always mattered—to inspire, motivate, and make people feel they share a common purpose and belong. But in a time of widespread uncertainty and diminished trust, they matter more now than ever before.
This guide, based on a Poppulo Engage ‘24 conference fireside chat—with Daniela Rogosic, CEO Communications Leader at IKEA, Felicity Barber, Founder of Thoughtful Communications, and Sharon McIntosh, President of And Then Communications & Coaching—explores examples of ways authentic leadership communications matter and how to help leaders unlock its potential. The compelling conversation between these esteemed leadership communication experts covers:
- Challenges for Leaders in Communicating Authentically—and How IC can Help
- Fears of Cancel Culture
- Being Honest, Transparent, and Owning Problems When Things Go Wrong
- Do Employees Have Unrealistic Expectations of Leaders?
- Leadership Bias Towards External Comms
- Authenticity and Navigating Cultural Nuances
- The Critical Importance of Storytelling
Author

Tim Vaughan
Editorial Director, Poppulo
Contributors

Daniela Rogosic
CEO Communication Leader, IKEA

Sharon McIntosh
President & Founder of And Then Communications

Felicity Barber
Founder, Thoughtful Communications
Related content

The Value Pivot: Shaping Comms Influence in the Age of AI
The AI revolution in internal communications isn't approaching—it's here, rapidly transforming how organizations connect with their employees. At Pop Summit 2025, leading industry experts discussed this seismic shift, offering invaluable insights into navigating and mastering this new era.