Corporate Communications Advisory

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Corporate Communication Advisory Services to Organisations

About HEIDI Hauer

Heidi Hauer has over 20 years of experience in corporate communications for international companies, network agencies, and boutique consulting firms. She acquired and applied her communications expertise in London, Brussels, Vienna, and Zurich. Heidi Hauer has run international public affairs campaigns, built corporate reputation, accompanied culture change, transformed teams, and contributed to business success as a member of leadership teams at global, regional, and country level of multinational corporations. 

She served as a media spokesperson and was responsible for public affairs strategies, stakeholder management, crisis communication, media relations, and internal communication. In parallel to her strategic communications advisory work, she works with leaders as a personal coach guiding them through change processes, with a focus on self-efficacy and leadership for impact.

Heidi Hauer graduated in Marketing and Public Relations from The University of Applied Science of Vienna and holds a diploma from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. She also holds numerous additional qualifications in executive coaching (INSEAD Business School), resonance coaching (Institut Kutschera Vienna), holistic health (Institute of Integrative Nutrition), and nutrition (Vitalakademie).

 
 

1. Corporate Communications Strategy

A corporate communication strategy is a comprehensive plan that outlines how an organisation communicates with its internal and external stakeholders. It encompasses the development of key messages, purpose definitions, and narratives that align with the company’s mission and values. This strategy ensures consistent, clear, and effective communication across all channels, helping to build and maintain a strong brand identity, foster trust, and engage stakeholders. It is crucial for navigating crises, conveying the sustainability agenda, and achieving business objectives through informed and strategic communication efforts.

Throughout my career, I have developed and implemented corporate communication strategies for organisational units at country, regional, and global levels. For publicly traded companies, this includes aligning communication efforts with investor relations.

 

2. Public Affairs & Stakeholder Management

Public affairs and stakeholder management are critical components in an external affairs programme that ensure that organisations maintain their “licences to operate”. This involves managing the relationships between an organisation and its various external stakeholders, including government bodies, regulatory agencies, and the public. Effective stakeholder management ensures that the interests and concerns of these groups are considered and addressed, fostering positive relationships and mitigating potential conflicts.

As a public affairs and stakeholder management professionals I can help build trust, shape public opinion, and influence policy decisions that align with the organisation’s goals. Having honed my skills at a boutique consultancy in Westminster, London, and later refined its a public affairs manager in Brussels, I learned early on the importance of storytelling, persuasive argumentation, message development, contact programmes, stakeholder relationship building, and influencing skills. These competencies have been integral to my career, allowing me to drive impactful communication strategies.

 

3. Executive Communication 

Executive communication involves the strategic planning and delivery of messages from senior leaders to internal and external audiences. Getting this right is more relevant than ever in our fast-paced world where trust is hard earned and reputation can get damaged quickly. This includes crafting speeches, planning engagement programs, developing personal branding, and managing individual social media presences to effectively convey leadership vision and engage with key stakeholders. 

As a corporate affairs professional, my role has frequently encompassed all these aspects. This expertise enables me to offer tailored advice and support to executives seeking to enhance their communication impact.

 

4. Change Communications

Change is the new normal in today’s business environment. Organisational restructuring, M&A, leadership transitions, the introduction of new technologies, and various other events require well-planned communication strategies. Striking the right balance of transparency is crucial to maintaining trust and fostering engagement.

Throughout my career, I have contributed to communication efforts for a multi-billion-dollar merger, led engagement programs for over 30,000 employees, developed strategies for numerous confidential projects, and successfully supported leadership transitions. My extensive experience equips me to provide expert communication guidance through change processes.

 

5. Crisis Communications 

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, effective crisis communication is more critical than ever. The rapid spread of information through social media, the 24/7 news cycle, and heightened public scrutiny mean that organisations must be prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to any crisis. Properly managing a crisis can protect a company's reputation, maintain stakeholder trust, and ensure business continuity.

Crisis communications involve developing and executing strategies to communicate with stakeholders during and after a crisis. This includes addressing the immediate impact, providing accurate information, and mitigating potential damage. Effective crisis communication helps to control the narrative, demonstrate leadership, and reinforce the organisation’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Throughout my career, I have encountered a broad range of crises, including social media shitstorms, organisation-wide IT outages, manufacturing issues, and many special situations that were effectively managed before they escalated. These experiences have equipped me with the skills and insights to navigate complex crises, ensuring that potential issues are addressed proactively and stakeholders are kept informed and reassured.

 

6. Interim Management 

I offer interim management of global corporate communications, stepping in as a leader for a defined period to ensure continuity and stability. With experience leading teams of around 20 members both remotely and in person, I have successfully navigated intense periods of organizational transformation. My 20 years expertise in this field ensures that communication strategies remain effective and aligned with business objectives during critical transitions until a permanent leader is in place.

 

7. Team Workshop Facilitation

By leveraging diverse expertise in communication, coaching, and team development, these workshop facilitation services create an environment where every voice is heard, fostering constructive dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. The approach strengthens relationships, encourages collective solutions, and results in actionable plans that drive both immediate outcomes and sustainable, long-term success for teams and businesses alike.