Kathleen Ford, Director and Head of Global Communications at Kearney
In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, host Nicky Acuña Ocaña is joined by Kathleen Ford, Director and Head of Global Communications at Kearney, for an open and insightful conversation on leadership, career development, and the evolving role of communications.
Kathleen shares her unconventional career journey from studying history and interning on Capitol Hill to working in public affairs, agency life, and ultimately building and leading a global communications function at a top management consultancy.
She reflects on the idea of a “career patchwork” — where every experience, skill, and challenge contributes to a broader leadership quilt — and how adaptability, curiosity, and saying yes to opportunities have shaped her path.
Throughout the conversation, Kathleen speaks candidly about mentoring and coaching, navigating impostor syndrome, building confidence through executive coaching, and the responsibility leaders have to create space for others to grow.
The discussion also explores the modern challenges facing communications professionals, including the rise of AI, declining email engagement, and the need to constantly evolve while protecting authenticity and human voice. Kathleen’s mantra —“keep evolving and make it compelling”— runs through the episode as a guiding principle for future‑focused leadership.
This episode offers thoughtful, practical insight for communications, marketing, and professional services leaders at all stages of their careers.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Building a “career patchwork”
How Kathleen’s early experiences in history, government, public affairs, and agency work laid the foundation for her leadership approach in corporate communications.
From management to leadership
The mindset shift required to move from individual contributor to team leader — and why developing others is more rewarding than personal output.
Creating a global communications function
How Kathleen helped design and build a regional‑global communications model aligned to leadership needs, particularly during and after the pandemic.
Mentoring, coaching, and sponsorship
The difference between mentors and sponsors, why both matter, and how leadership advocacy accelerates confidence and progression.
Navigating impostor syndrome
Kathleen’s experience with imposter syndrome during the pandemic and how executive coaching helped rebuild confidence and autonomy.
Managing stress and preventing burnout
Practical strategies for protecting time, managing global time zones, and avoiding burnout without chasing unrealistic “work‑life balance.”
Networking with intention
Why networking doesn’t come naturally to everyone, how to get comfortable being uncomfortable, and the value of maintaining long‑term professional relationships.
Leading with authenticity
Why empathy, trust, and human connection are central to Kathleen’s leadership philosophy.
The impact of AI on communications
How communications professionals can use AI as a thinking partner rather than a replacement — and why human judgment remains critical.
Saying yes — with boundaries
Why saying yes to opportunities fuels growth, and how to set clear guardrails to protect energy and wellbeing.
Key Takeaways
Build your own career patchwork
Every role, project, and challenge adds value — careers aren’t linear, and diverse experiences strengthen long‑term leadership.
Saying yes — with intention
Opportunities create momentum, but setting clear boundaries and expectations makes growth sustainable.
Leadership is about enabling others
True leadership comes from coaching, mentoring, and creating space for people to build confidence and capability.
Management and leadership are not the same
Managing work is different from leading people — leadership is rooted in trust, influence, and empathy.
Mentorship and sponsorship both matter
Mentors provide perspective and guidance; sponsors actively advocate for your progression within an organization.
Imposter syndrome is part of growth
Confidence dips don’t signal failure — reflection, feedback, and support help unlock your full potential.
Protect your time to prevent burnout
Burnout often stems from losing control of your calendar; reclaiming time and setting boundaries is essential.
Networking is a learned skill
It doesn’t have to come naturally — maintaining relationships and getting comfortable with discomfort pays dividends.
Evolve with AI, don’t resist it
AI should be a thinking partner, not a replacement — human judgment, authenticity, and voice remain critical.
Key Quotes
“Careers are like a patchwork quilt — every experience adds to the full picture.”
“Stakeholders are all looking for the same thing: high‑quality work delivered with trust.”
“Impostor syndrome doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means you care.”
“AI should be a thought partner, not the author.”
“Say yes to opportunities — and then decide how you engage with them.”
“Leadership is about helping people unlock what they already have.”
About Kathleen Ford
Kathleen Ford is Director and Head of Global Communications at Kearney, where she leads global and regional communications strategy across a 40‑country footprint.
Known for her authentic, empathetic leadership style, Kathleen is passionate about mentoring, coaching, and building high‑performing teams. She has deep experience across government, public affairs, agency, and corporate communications, and is a strong advocate for evolving the profession while preserving human voice and connection.
About Nicky Acuña Ocaña
With over 25 years of experience leading high‑performing recruitment teams, Nicky Acuña Ocaña is President – Americas, UK & Europe at Ambition.
She oversees specialist recruitment teams supporting professional services firms, with a focus on Legal Marketing & Business Development in the US and Business Services roles across the UK & Europe.
A passionate advocate for Allyship, Belonging, and Inclusion (ABI), Nicky is a sought‑after keynote speaker on leadership, hiring trends, retention, and inclusive workplace cultures.
