Anthea Cudworth's CSCE Voice
Anthea Cudworth
Corporate Affairs Executive & Non-Executive Director
Bayville Consulting, Australian Shareholders’ Association
Learn more about Anthea Cudworth Below
1. Why did you join the CSCE?
Throughout my executive and board career, I’ve seen significant shifts in the way our profession operates and how our impact is perceived. I’ve long been impressed by Sia and Adrian’s work. The CSCE they’ve built helps bring together people who have deep experience in demonstrating that communication is a strategic capability rather than a tactical function, and I love being part of a community committed to lifting the profession around the world.
2. What’s one thing you strongly believe about communication?
I believe communication is an exercise in discovery before it’s an exercise in persuasion.
Our first responsibility is to understand what’s really happening by asking difficult questions, testing assumptions, challenging our own biases and seeking evidence. In many ways, the best communicators apply the discipline of the scientific method – we observe, investigate, test and refine – before we communicate. Once we’ve found the truth, we decide how best to communicate that truth to the people who need to hear it.
The message should adapt to the audience. The truth should not.
3. What are you currently focused on professionally?
I am enjoying helping boards and executives think about communication as part of the organisation’s governance, enterprise risk, resilience and long-term value creation.
I’m particularly interested in how boards oversee reputation, stakeholder trust and the opportunities presented by AI. As expectations of leaders continue to expand, communication is becoming increasingly central to effective governance.
4. What conversation do you think communication professionals need to have more often?
I believe everyone in the industry needs to join the conversation about professional standards.
Communication has become one of the most strategically important functions in any organisation, yet unlike law, accounting or engineering, only a small proportion of communicators recognise the value of a single recognised pathway that demonstrates competence or distinguishes strategic advisers from capable practitioners.
If we want boards and executives to value communication as a strategic discipline, we need everyone in the industry to be equally serious about education, ethics, continuing professional development and recognised standards.
5. What’s something outside work that brings you joy, energy or perspective?
Investing and financial markets have fascinated me since the beginning of my career. Markets are a continual reminder that confidence, trust and reputation have real economic value.
I also enjoy mentoring emerging leaders. Seeing talented people grow in confidence and judgment is one of the most rewarding parts of my professional life.
6. What topics, challenges or interests would you love to connect with other members about?
I’d enjoy connecting with members who are interested in:
- The value communicators can offer to board governance and strategic oversight
- Measuring communication’s contribution to long-term organisational value
- How communicators find the truth in a world obsessed with AI and social influence
- Developing the next generation of strategic communication leaders
Learn more:
The Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) administers the world’s only ISO-accredited certification program for communication professionals, awarding the globally recognised CMP® and SCMP® credentials based on the Global Standard for the Communication Profession. If you’re considering certification, the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence’s exam preparation programs can help you prepare with comprehensive learning resources and expert guidance. Learn more at communicationcertification.org.
