Communications leaders must learn at an F1 pace

• August 6, 2025
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By Jessica Savage, CEO

Bottom line: In a world of constant disruption, today’s communications leaders must learn and adapt at F1 speeds. This blog post explains how embedding a learning mindset—through clear expectations, bold leadership and purpose-driven development—empowers teams to navigate every turn. 

In today’s fast-moving world, the ability to learn is the ultimate superpower. Don’t get me wrong, experience and subject matter expertise are still essential. But to unleash our inner superhero, we have to couple that mastery with new ways of working.  

This might not be the invisibility cape or ability to fly you’d hoped for, but this superpower is the real deal. 

Why communications leaders must learn at F1 speed in an age of disruption 

Disruption is the new norm. What it is one day, it isn’t the next. To learn, adopt and create new ways of working requires today’s leaders to listen, adapt and communicate: Good leaders adapt as they go, great leaders adapt AND activate their learning mode, clearly communicating their expectations for others to do so too.  

If disruption is a given, then training to perform at F1 speeds is also our new reality. AI, shifting markets, and global challenges demand more than agility. It requires leaders to demonstrate and propagate a mindset of lifelong learning. If leaders set the tone, articulate the value of growth, and make learning a shared priority, teams can navigate beyond the next bend.  

How bold and honest leadership empowers teams to learn 

Leadership like this takes courage. Saying “I don’t know, we’ll learn,” and committing to “Let’s try,” sets an expectation that learning is an essential part of the job, not an optional upgrade. Here’s how the process can look: 

• Admit uncertainty (“I’ve never done that before, I’ll adapt”)
• Encourage experimentation (“Let’s test a new process”)
• Treat failures as lessons (“Here’s what we learned”)
• Celebrate wins (publicly recognize skill growth)
• Provide feedback (daily or weekly check-ins) 

This clarity empowers teams to take ownership of their development, seek out new skills, and embrace change with confidence. It shifts the focus from control to empowerment, from hierarchy to inclusivity, and from certainty to curiosity.  

Creating a culture of purpose-driven development 

Clear communication around learning expectations also helps align individual growth with organizational goals. When leaders articulate what learning looks like—whether it’s mastering new technologies, developing soft skills, or staying ahead of industry trends—they create a culture of purpose-driven development. Employees know where to focus, how to measure progress, and why it matters. All skills and imperatives to delivering great client solutions and work.  

The future belongs to those who are brave enough to evolve and clear enough to lead. It belongs to leaders who see learning not as a checkbox, but as a mindset. In this new era, the most powerful leaders are not the ones with all the answers. The most powerful leaders are the ones who ask the right questions and make learning a shared journey.