Employees are too often overlooked as the incredibly important stakeholder group that they are, leading to a disengaged workforce that isn't focused on helping a business meet its goals. Conversely, when we listen to employees and help them build meaningful connections through effective, audience-focused communication programs, they become excited about the company and where its heading. Similarly, companies often dismiss certain external stakeholder groups when those same audiences are the ones to grant that "social license to operate." External communication and engagement programs that include listening to those stakeholders and acting on their feedback—even when it's in opposition to a project or expansion and difficult to hear—can build trust and help mitigate that very opposition. Building relationships and alliances—connecting people—is a specific strength of mine and it's a big part of my success as a communicator. A childhood spent living overseas (I'm a proud TCK or "third culture kid") means I understand what it means to be a global citizen and the obligation to seek out and amplify diverse perspectives and challenge ignorance and intolerance. This also gives me the ability to step back to see others' perspectives, help find common ground, and build trust and connection.I'm a storyteller, a skill cultivated early in my career in the news media (KLSB, KHSB, KABY, KRIV, Texas Lawyer), and I'm resourceful and a problem solver – everything is "figureaboutable."That's my sweet spot. I am an innovative and award-winning communications leader, focused on cultivating meaningful connections with and between employees and stakeholders to help drive business growth and profitability. I’m open to networking, full time roles and consulting engagements. You can contact me directly at terri@larsoncomms.com.