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Odette Maher.
Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs · Symphony
Odette Maher is the Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs at Symphony. A communications leader and trusted advisor on public and corporate affairs matters, she brings extensive experience across financial technology (fintech), SaaS, investment and corporate banking, retail banking, consumer finance, and wealth management. She has been a member of the Forbes Communications Council since August 2023.
Guest
Odette Maher
Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs
Company:
Symphony
Location:
United Kingdom
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Odette Maher has spent two decades building communications functions that go far beyond traditional PR. As Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs at Symphony, a 500-person global fintech company, she's evolved from managing press releases to owning sustainability strategy, regulatory affairs, and corporate narrative—all while maintaining direct relationships with journalists across three continents. Her journey from Puerto Rican journalism student to corporate affairs leader offers a masterclass in how comms professionals can expand their influence and become true business partners.

Symphony operates in the complex world of financial services technology, selling compliance solutions to banks and insurance companies worldwide. In this space, regulatory shifts can make or break businesses, and Odette has built a function that keeps the company ahead of these changes while maintaining authentic relationships with media, regulators, and stakeholders across ten countries. As a member of the Forbes Communications Council, Odette regularly shares insights on corporate affairs strategy, crisis communications, and the evolution of business leadership in an era where companies must serve stakeholders beyond shareholders.

Topics Discussed

Five takeaways from this conversation.

Actionable for undefined marketers

  1. Control what you can in an uncontrollable world
    Drawing from her Forbes writing, Odette emphasizes that while much in business can't be controlled, companies must control their narrative completely. "Tell your story in different formats: press releases, speaking opportunities, briefings with the press, thought leadership write-ups, comment letters and LinkedIn posts."
  2. Clear ownership prevents message dilution
    Rather than committee-driven messaging, Odette advocates for single-point accountability. "The owner of the message has the responsibility to get appropriate input—and debate, when needed—from key stakeholders. Once the message is agreed upon, one person or team should be responsible for the execution."
  3. Preparation is respect for stakeholders
    Odette calls thorough preparation "the ultimate compliment" to stakeholders. Symphony has developed a systematic prep format including briefing documents, review sessions, and pre-meeting check-ins that ensure leadership can engage authentically and knowledgeably.
  4. Crisis as opportunity through values
    Companies' values become "ultra-relevant" during crisis moments, and Odette believes in showing up with strength rather than hiding. She advocates for crisis communication plans that include potential stakeholders, core messaging for multiple scenarios, and streamlined execution processes.
  5. Say yes early in your career, be strategic later
    For emerging comms professionals, Odette advocates accepting challenging opportunities even when you feel underqualified. "Just say yes to everything. You might not speak the language, you might learn it. If it doesn't work, you come back."

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