Cultivating communication leadership: My Advance Leader experience
As Senior Head of Communications at the Food Standards Agency, Oliver Finlay-Smith has discovered that leadership in government communications requires more than just technical expertise – it demands influence, resilience and adaptability. The Advance Leader programme has been instrumental in developing these qualities, helping him become not just a more effective communicator, but a more confident leader across his organisation. In this blog, Oliver shares how this thoughtful, rewarding and therapeutic experience has transformed his approach to crisis management, organisational influence and authentic leadership.
How has Advance Leader supported you in your role as a government communicator?
It has made me feel more comfortable as a leader not just within communications but also the wider organisation. It has taught me to grow my influence, and be a more effective advocate across my organisation, ensuring decisions are made with communications in mind. This gives our teams the space and time to deliver more engaging and original content which better serves the public.
This isn’t always easy – or possible! But, the course has built my confidence and provided techniques to help me engage and influence senior officials on policy development and operational delivery.
What key skills or knowledge have you gained from the programme that you apply regularly in your job?
At the Food Standards Agency we often manage crisis communications in response to food incidents. Hearing from current Directors of Communications and crisis comms consultants from the private sector has provided me with practical advice on how to give direction and purpose to teams during a crisis when there are lots of unknowns.
Topics on managing change and leading in complex environments have also given me a new perspective on what I should be focussing on during periods of high pressure, so I can better support my team and the wider organisation.
What do you think is the most valuable long-term benefit of the programme?
Firstly, getting to know like-minded comms leaders from other departments has been a huge benefit. Being a part of this network has allowed me to discuss our day-to-day work. It felt reassuring that we are dealing with the same challenges; a bit like group therapy.
It has also helped me recognise my own strengths and leadership style, and that there is not one style of leadership which is more likely to succeed than others. It has given me the time and knowledge to consider my own leadership style that is genuine to me.
What three words would you use to describe your experience of Advance Leader?
Thoughtful, rewarding and therapeutic.