Description

Welcome to the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast with host Tara McDonagh. In this episode, Tara sits down with Anthony Farina, a seasoned global communications leader whose career spans journalism, government, and corporate communications at the highest levels. Anthony currently leads Corporate Communications for Fujifilm in the Americas and previously served as Chief Communications Officer at CSL, where he built a global communications function from the ground up.

Together, Tara and Anthony explore what it really takes to grow into senior leadership in communications — not just in title, but in influence. From building strategy-first teams and earning executive trust, to navigating career trade-offs, mentoring the next generation, and giving back to the field, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and lived experience.

In this episode, Tara and Anthony cover:

• Why Communications should be treated as a vocation
• Why great CCOs focus on three things: strategy and governance, removing obstacles, and being the team's chief cheerleader
• Building a global communications team from zero to 65 people 
• How to prove the value of communications through strategy
• Challenging industry "groupthink" by hiring for diverse backgrounds and perspectives
• Developing teams through professional growth, not just output
• What hybrid and remote work require from communicators who want to stay visible and trusted
• The power of listening as a leadership skill
• The difference between self-promotion and self-advocacy
• Why shining a light on others' work builds credibility faster than talking about your own
• Advice for directors and VPs aiming for CCO roles: start behaving like the role you want
• The responsibility senior leaders have to give back through mentoring, teaching, and guidance
• Why passion for the field  and generosity with what you know creates lasting impact
  

Tara and Anthony close with a shared belief: communications leaders have both the opportunity and the responsibility to elevate the field by developing people, not just delivering outputs. Authority is earned through strategy, helping transfer your knowledge, and sustained leadership. 

Visit taramcdonagh.com to learn more about working with Tara or sign up for her newsletter on advancing as a Communications Business Advisor:, Level Up: Be Extra and her Raise the Tide™ emails for women in the field Raise the Tide emails for women in the field. 

This episode is sponsored by Raise the Tide™, a professional development ecosystem for women in communications - helping them grow, connect, and lead with confidence through mentorship, coaching, professional development and community.

If you found this episode valuable, please rate and review — it helps more communicators find the show and strengthens our collective voice.

Until next time, keep advising. Always keep advising.