preparedness. resilience. performance.
“Following the tragic disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, Rod was a key agency advisor to the Chairman, CEO and Board of the airline and went on to counsel its owner, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, on communication and culture change during its restructuring. From the very start, Rod established himself as a trusted advisor, combining fearless strategic counsel, expert content creation and deep business knowledge with real humanity and decency. I have worked with few advisors of his talent, calibre and natural instincts, and would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone dealing with acute reputational or communication issues.”
“Rod is, quite simply, brilliant in every sense, with one of the best communication and policy brains I’ve had the fortune to come across. He is able to rapidly cut through to the heart of an issue, understand the key stakeholders and levers, figure out the core challenges and speedily get to grips with how to fix them. He combines this with an instinctive understanding of the needs of his clients and the ability to reassure them that he just gets it. Crucially, Rod is a thoroughly decent bloke who started off as a colleague, but who I’m now pleased to call a friend.”
“We started working with Rod when we were managing a reputational risk and he gave us some very useful advice in real time on approaching our crisis communications. He then helped us to review our approach to managing risk across the organisation, focusing on our leadership, governance and decision making. It was a very constructive process that helped us gain valuable insights and we are better prepared and more resilient as a result. From start to finish, Rod showed a deep understanding of our overall organisational dynamics and pressures, balancing fearless, honest advice with respect and truly active listening.”
“Rod is an absolutely first rate communication consultant and business partner. He is thoughtful and creative, yet grounded in the reality of ‘getting things done’. He applies his immense experience and real world view to provide recommendations that are fresh and imaginative. During my many years at IBM and Medtronic, when I had comms challenges that had me wondering which way to turn, I would seek Rod’s advice and counsel. He challenges in a highly positive way, particularly around issues management and corporate strategy, leaving one better off for the experience of having consulted him.”
“As Global CEO of Text100, I hired Rod as our EMEA Regional Director. In 35 years leading PR agencies, I have worked with few colleagues of greater ability, insight or integrity. From senior client counsel and people development to thought leadership and innovation, Rod’s exemplary leadership and collaborative spirit were transformative. I cannot recommend him strongly enough as a senior advisor and business partner, particularly in the issues, crisis and reputation arenas.”
“At the height of the UK’s first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rod Cartwright advised Cleanology on some complex reputational issues relating to false and misleading about the company. Rod grasped the complexities of our business with remarkable speed, providing me and my senior team with clear, practical and business-focused advice. From the rapid creation of a strategy and plan to the creation of excellent materials and deft media engagement, he ensured that the record was put straight and our reputation safeguarded. Rod is an outstanding advisor who any organisation would do well to have in their corner.”
“Rod is one of the first people I’d call in a reputational crisis. He has a brain the size of a planet, but more importantly, he genuinely cares about the human impact a crisis might have. He is simply one of the most experienced, insightful and talented people I know in reputation management and communication strategy. And just as importantly, he’s great fun to work with.”
“Rod is truly world-class when it comes to crisis communication, thought leadership and leadership comms. As our Global Corporate Practice Director at Ketchum, he was trusted and admired by clients and colleagues around the world. Combining a rare intellect with fearless advice and a wonderful sense of humour, there is no-one I would rather have by my side in managing a reputational crisis or coaching senior executives.”