5 takeaways for communicators from Ragan’s Leadership Summit & Retreat

Cara Mia DiMassa is a freelance writer.

For communications leaders to be effective, it is more important than ever for them to invest in themselves, unplug and open their minds to new ways of working and living. That was the throughline of Ragan’s Leadership Summit & Retreat on Sept. 17-19 in Newport Beach, California.

The annual event, hosted by Ragan and held this year at the picturesque Balboa Bay Resort, brought together 55 communicators from organizations large and small.

“As your portfolios and responsibilities are expanding and companies find themselves in constant crisis mode, communications is more important than ever,” said Diane Schwartz, CEO of Ragan.

Attendees were treated to a series of powerful and inspirational speakers — including Olympian athlete Alena Olsen; Hearst Magazine Editorial Director Lucy Kaylin; executive coach and consultant Elise Mitchell; Wendy Davidson, former CEO of Hain Celestial Group; and Arielle Patrick, former chief communications officer of Ariel Investments. The women shared their own stories, leadership strategies and mantras with the group.

Olsen, a 2024 bronze medalist in Rugby 7s and a captain of the U.S. women’s rugby team, spoke about how her role requires managing the culture of the team on and off the field, including attitudes, expectations and feedback. Feedback systems in particular — from annual reviews to monthly one-on-one meetings to quick huddles on the field — have strengthened her as a player and the team as a group.

Her team follows a “24-hour rule” that particularly resonated with the retreat attendees. “If you have an issue that is bothering you with somebody, you have 24 hours to address it or you move on,” Olsen said.

The need for proactive feedback is especially crucial in a time of change, said Kaylin, who rose through the ranks of magazines including GQ, Marie Claire and O, The Oprah Magazine, before ascending to her current position. Kaylin introduced the group to her own method of circular feedback: “action items, circle back and tuck in.” She uses that three-step strategy to ensure that people on her team know what is on their collective plate, are consulted in the midst of change and that issues are dealt with in a timely manner. “It’s so important to me for people to feel heard and seen,” Kaylin said.

Patrick spoke of a similar drive to ensure that team members feel included in the process of change before it begins. Before starting a new project, she schedules one-on-one meetings with all members of her team. She said she listens to the person’s insights and then promises them that “I will update you on where we land.” That consultation, she said, makes people feel as if they are part of the entire decision-making process, regardless of how she integrates their suggestions.

Not surprising for a retreat for communicators, another theme of the conference was the importance of storytelling, especially in the midst of shifting corporate and media landscapes.

“Everything we do tells a story,” said Davidson, who placed communications leadership squarely within her management teams. That is especially true, she said, at companies that are in the midst of turnarounds, including those she has overseen.

“With communications, I really always have wanted somebody who would help me tell the story of where we are and why the change is needed,” said Davidson, who stepped down as CEO of Hain Celestial in May. “My communications team helps define where we’re going and why it’s going to be better than where we are today, and then help people see their role in that.”

Storytelling is also crucial to the way participants show up and speak up, said Kristin Graham, facilitator of the retreat. She discussed navigating the “sorry/not sorry” culture in which women are often conditioned to apologize and not take up space. And she encouraged participants to show up unapologetically, using positive words and phrases to reframe their own participation.

Beyond the discussions, retreat participants had ample time to network, explore and find time for fun, including guided tai chi and painting activities. They were treated to a Chella eyebrow makeover bar as well as complimentary headshots.

Karianne Michelle, retreat co-facilitator and wellness coach, encouraged attendees to practice regular gratitude, exercise, sleep, mindfulness and meditation to foster happiness and ultimately strengthen their own capacity to lead. She guided the group through a series of wellness activities over the course of the retreat, including a sound bath, yoga and breathing exercises.

Sarah Thurber, managing partner of FourSight, rounded out the event with individualized reports for each participant on their own leadership tendencies and strategies. Understanding how these preferences work in yourself and in others, she said, is important to being an effective leader.

Retreat attendees said they left the conference inspired by new-found relationships, the reconnection with their own personal motivators and the many lessons from retreat speakers.

“When you shift the mindset,” said Kelly Collins, vice president of communications and community at Macmillan and a retreat participant, “the possibilities expand.”