Communication Link and its managing director Helen Leayr brought September to a close with a hearty celebration of 25 years in business. Photo: Communication Link.
Ask. Listen. Understand. Achieve. These are the core values of homegrown engagement organisation Communication Link, created to bridge the gap between public and private stakeholders.
Managing director Helen Leayr took over Communication Link just 18 months after it was founded. She went straight to work, establishing the company as an expert in conference management.
These days, the boutique firm works to connect state and federal government with major companies, not-for-profits and the communities they impact.
“As our name suggests, we link government, industry and community organisations with their stakeholders through the delivery of consultation, engagement, change and communication activities. This year, we have added training to our suite of services,” Helen says.
“Our days are spent working with business owners and decision-makers on positive leadership, change management, client engagement, growth strategy, and other skills that build capacity to thrive.
“We highlight particular challenges before teaching clients how to manage, communicate and engage with stakeholders in a meaningful way, which helps to deliver real outcomes and improve Canberra’s business ecosystem for everyone who calls our city home.”
Team members pride themselves on being open-minded, inclusive and flexible, something Helen says is essential to success in a constantly changing environment.
“Our clients have more expected of them than ever in terms of stakeholder engagement,” she says.
“People know what they want and expect to be part of informed decision-making. They value a deep understanding of what affects them, ask lots of questions and like to be kept updated.
“ACT residents, in particular, want to be involved and have a say on what happens in their area. We reflect their wants, needs and opinions back to our clients so they can make more informed decisions.”
Communication Link has worked on more than 1400 projects in its lifetime throughout the ACT and beyond. With clients including Master Builders ACT, Hands Across Canberra and Evoenergy, its reach extends across almost every sector in the territory.
Communication Link marked its 25th birthday by welcoming friends, family, clients, suppliers, and current and former staff to celebrate their success over the last quarter of a century.
“We are a largely women-led business that always has many diverse backgrounds and perspectives in the room,” Helen says.
“As everyone working within and alongside our industry finds themselves busier than ever, it was important to take a night off to recognise our efforts.
“It was also an opportunity to say thank you for the support and partnerships we’ve found along the way.”
One such partnership lies in Communication Link’s membership with the Canberra Business Chamber (CBC). Helen led the chamber ‘in another life’ and has been a member in some capacity for more than 30 years.
“We are always evolving alongside our government and organisations like CBC.
“Following our birthday celebrations, we will be ready for another quarter-century as supporters of innovation, enablers of growth and incubators for change.”
Also cause for celebration is Helen’s appointment alongside Catherine Carter, another prominent female figure in Canberra’s business world, as the first independent board members of St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn.
“We are thrilled to welcome Catherine and Helen to their roles in this important capacity,” society president John Feint says.
“They bring significant corporate and community experience, and both have established strong reputations in the Canberra community as leaders in their respective fields.
“The establishment of the new board comes at a very important time for the society as we look to support the growing number of people in need across our region.”
Communication Link is a proud member of the Canberra Business Chamber. Follow the team’s story at Communication Link.
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