More Than Words: Communications Practices of Courageous Leaders by Carrie Fox
It’s not what you say; it’s what people hear.
— Frank Luntz, political pollster and commentator
This quote nicely encapsulates the essence of More Than Words: Communications Practices of Courageous Leaders (Changemakers Press) by Carrie Fox. Drawing on over 20 years of experience as a social impact communications consultant and a leader in the B Corporation movement, Fox provides readers with insights and tools to become more socially conscious communicators.
Fox uses a “more-than-words” approach to show readers how they can become more authentic, inclusive and connected communicators.
Reimagining Harmful Narratives
The book is centered around the four key communication practices of courageous leaders:
- Dare to Ask
- Dig In
- Widen Your Lens
- Follow Through
Fox thoroughly examines these four principles, illustrates frequent real-world examples, and provides tools to help readers apply these principles to their own work.
Along with these key principles, she includes an abundance of insightful lessons from some of the brightest minds in social impact communications. Fox relies heavily on sharing her own story and those of other influential and impactful people she’s met along the way to get her message across. After all, stories are one of the most powerful tools of communication.
Fox shares her personal story of self-reflection and realizing the role she and her companies have played in using industry-standardized tactics and techniques that may be (intentionally or unintentionally) perpetuating harmful, false and toxic narratives. She uses personal examples from her own life to urge readers to break the chain of autopilot, and challenge, disrupt and reimagine their narratives for the benefit of society.
An Inclusive and Equitable Approach
More Than Words is perfect for anyone in the world of business, not just the communications sector.
Fox’s voice is strong in this book, and her core principles and insights are clear and concise. Her methods are grounded in courage, care and clarity, allowing anyone to apply them to their own work and personal lives.
Every business owner who is serious about making a positive change in the world and utilizing an inclusive and equitable approach to communication should have a copy of this book.
“It requires courage and a commitment to make decisions that benefit our people and our planet, even when they are not in the business owner’s best interest.”
After all, significant change requires more than words.
Carrie Fox is the founder and CEO of Mission Partners, a women-owned strategic communications firm and Certified B Corporation that guides high-potential nonprofits, foundations, and socially responsible corporations in realizing their greatest social impact. She has guided hundreds of organizations around the world to lead with purpose, fueling organizations and their missions forward in new and more impactful ways. Her signature approach to community informed messaging-leading with a community’s strengths rather than its weaknesses-has been applied to dozens of social impact organizations, challenging stereotypes and breaking bias in the process.
