FIR Interview: Mark Dollins on communication competencies

Communications competencies continue to evolve. Yet how many organizations inventory the competencies of their communicators and then prepare a plan to ensure members of their team acquire the skills they need? Veteran communicator Mark Dollins has released the results of a survey that sought to get a handle on how companies dealt with competencies and the results may surprise you – particularly regarding longer-tenured, higher-ranking communicators.

In this FIR Interview, co-host Shel Holtz talks with Mark about the study and about competencies and communication professional development planning in general.

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About our Conversation Partner

markdollinsMark Dollins is president of North Star Communications Consulting, with core capabilities in communications contract work, and training and development for corporate and agency communications teams.

From his roots in network radio and television production and newspaper reporting to his executive communications work with global corporations, his insights and expertise have been cultivated in diverse industries, different companies and increasingly challenging, complex roles.

Mark’s 17-year history with PepsiCo includes a wide variety of leadership roles. Prior to leaving the organization, he was responsible for internal and external communications for PepsiCo’s largest single operating division of more than 70,000 employees in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Prior to that role, Mark was SVP Communications for PepsiCo Americas Foods (PAF) and PepsiCo Global Internal Communications, where he was responsible for consumer public relations, media relations, consumer and crisis response, executive and employee communications and community relations for PepsiCo’s foods businesses in North and South America. He also was SVP for PepsiCo’s Corporate Public Relations function and accountable for leading the corporation’s global internal communications programs for 285,000 associates in more than 200 countries.

Connect with Mark on Twitter: @MrNorthstar.

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This FIR Interview is brought to you with Lawrence Ragan Communications, serving communicators worldwide for 35 years. Information: www.ragan.com.

Podsafe music – On A Podcast Instrumental Mix (MP3, 5Mb) by Cruisebox.

(Cross-posted from For Immediate Release, Shel’s and my podcast blog.)

Neville Hobson

Social Strategist, Communicator, Writer, and Podcaster with a curiosity for tech and how people use it. Believer in an Internet for everyone. Early adopter (and leaver) and experimenter with social media. Occasional test pilot of shiny new objects. Avid tea drinker.

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