Sue Heuman, ABC, SCMP, MC, FIABC, FCSCE's CSCE Voice
Sue Heuman, ABC, SCMP, MC, FIABC, FCSCE
Co-Owner, Executive Advisor
Focus Communications
Learn more about Sue Heuman, ABC, SCMP, MC, FIABC, FCSCE Below
1. Why did you join the CSCE?
I am grateful for the opportunity to meet and connect with like-minded strategic communication professionals around the globe. I find the members to be senior practitioners, heads of communication departments, and leaders in the communication field. As such, there is tremendous value in sharing and learning from each other.
2. What’s one thing you strongly believe about communication?
Communication is a business function – it exists to support the strategic goals of the organization. Linking to purpose, goals and objectives is essential for today’s communication professional. We need to demonstrate the value we deliver to our organization, and how we help move the company forward.
3. What are you currently focused on professionally?
Advocacy and elevating awareness for key societal issues. Several of my clients are non-profits and need effective strategies to help them be heard and supported.
4. What conversation do you think communication professionals need to have more often?
How are we demonstrating the value of our work? We need to stop just counting the things we do, and instead focus on outcomes – is what we are doing making a difference? This is particularly challenging because the communication function doesn’t sit in a vacuum – done right, it’s an integral part of the whole organization. As such, it’s hard for us to claim 100% credit for successes – but we do need to understand the cause-and-effect of our work, and how it contributes to organizational success.
5. What’s something outside work that brings you joy, energy or perspective?
Seeing the world through the eyes of my grandchildren is particularly joyful. I love their sense of wonder and discovery.
6. What topics, challenges or interests would you love to connect with other members about?
I haven’t worked inside a corporation for 25 years, so I find it fascinating to hear how professionals navigate hierarchies, approvals and support for their initiatives. Selling ideas to management and gaining executive buy-in is a key role for senior communication professionals.
Anything else you’d like the community to know about you?
I am a strong supporter of the arts, especially ballet and libraries (through which literacy is championed). Ballet brings joy to our lives, and provide opportunities to escape to a world of beauty, strength and grace. Reading lifts us up, fosters learning and ignites the imagination. For me, these interests renew my spirit and provide a much-needed break from the digital world.
