Leadership Lens: Stacey Jones

In 2024, before joining forces with Taylor Bennett to create Taylor Birchwood, Birchwood Knight celebrated its 15th birthday. To mark the occasion, Wayne Reynolds conducted interviews with a wide range of highly accomplished corporate affairs leaders about their experience and views of the function. This interview is with Stacey Jones who leads communications at Honeywell.

Bio

Chief Communicator, Honeywell (current)

Senior Managing Director and Head of Corporate Communications, Accenture (2020 to 2023)

Managing Director, Corporate Communications, Accenture (2014 to 2020)

Managing Director, Corporate Marketing Lead, Accenture (2007 to 2014)

What advice would you give to yourself 15 years ago?

Careers aren’t infinite and I’d encourage myself to spend more time thinking about what I wanted to achieve. At the same time, my view was that hard work would be recognised and that would be enough to advance, and while that’s partly true, it shouldn’t be wholly relied upon. Spending time thinking about what you want to achieve, discussing it with close confidants, and being honest about what ambitions you may or may not have – did I really want to be the comms chief for a Fortune 500 company (yes!) – is important.

How has corporate affairs changed over the last 15 years, and what do you expect next?

The tools, technology and pace have evolved a great deal. These have all made the volume of what we do and the speed at which we do them so much greater. What hasn’t changed is the core skill set; the ability to see a story line, the judgement that’s needed and knowing what to prioritise.

Where I think there’s been good progress – with more to come – is around monitoring and measurement. Using data and insight that’s aligned with the company strategy informs better business decisions and where needed, course corrections. It’s hard work and you need curious, diligent people who love the craft of turning numbers or information into insights. It all starts with measuring the right things with an eye on what’s important to our stakeholders – customers, partners, colleagues, shareholders and our people.

What three skills does a modern-day corporate affairs director need? And if you could pick only one, which would it be and why?

A voracious appetite for learning, excellent writing skills and the ability to always see things in context. Whether it’s through news outlets, talking to a wide range of people from peers to advisors, to reading, we should always be seeking knowledge. I started my career as a journalist and I’ve always appreciated what one good question can unleash. While some see it as table stakes, the written word is also critical, not least because clear writing reflects clear thinking. Some of the smartest people I’ve worked with have been great writers because they have clear thoughts which they can articulate. Choosing between learning and writing would be a coinflip.

What do you love about the job?

Everything! I feel so fortunate to get paid for keeping up with the news, learning new things every day and working with incredibly smart people. It’s an energising job and if you believe in your company’s mission, which I think is essential in the roles we do, you can play a small but important part in making good things happen.

If you didn’t work in corporate affairs, what would you do instead?

I would love to have made a career out of playing tennis.

What was the last book you read?

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, the founder of Nike. It’s a gripping personal story full of innovation, tenacity and hard work, not to forget the glamour of the University of Oregon track and field team back then.

What would be your specialist subject on Mastermind?

It wouldn’t be British TV game shows! I’d like to think I could hold my own on 80s pop music though.

What do you enjoy doing away from the office?

I love travelling and spending time with my curious and insatiable sons, playing tennis and watching the big tournaments.

If you enjoyed this you may also like Wayne’s interviews with:

Caitlin Hayden, Group Communications Director at BAE Systems

Greg Dawson, Group Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at DS Smith

Rachel Hopcroft, Corporate Affairs Director at KPMG

________________________

19th November 2024