If you’re thinking about who the next leaders in your organization might be, Keith Berman—Director of Internal Communications at Vertafore—has a word of advice: Don’t overlook your internal comms pros.
Keith has spent his career studying how audiences listen, feel, and act. From his early days in radio and journalism to leading internal communications across industries and company sizes, he has seen firsthand how effective communication drives trust, alignment, and momentum.
In this episode, Keith makes the case that those in internal communications roles are uniquely positioned to lead organizations at the highest level.
Keith points out that while there is a clear path from external communications into Chief Communications Officer (CCO) roles, internal communicators are often overlooked or undervalued—despite having highly transferable skills. He pushes back on the misconception that internal communications is simply “internal marketing,” arguing that the work requires a deep understanding of people, culture, and behavior.
The skills internal communications possess are critical when carrying out CCO-level responsibilities, such as advising CEOs during times of change and translating complex or uncomfortable decisions for internal and external audiences. From there, Keith goes another step further: because CCOs already influence business decisions and shape narratives, he sees a strong case for CCOs becoming future CEOs.
Ultimately, Keith’s perspective makes a compelling case that internal communications is a training ground for leadership at the highest levels.
Expertly Said is a podcast on the art and impact of communication. Each episode features a conversation about how people connect with understand and influence one another.
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