The Power of Strong Communication: Three Leaders Who Inspire Us
Strong communication skills are the foundation of leadership, influence, and meaningful change. This month in honor of Black History Month, we’re highlighting three leaders who have used their voices to innovate, educate, and lead across industries.
Strong communication can make the difference between being heard and being overlooked, between progress and stagnation. Whether delivering high-stakes presentations, inspiring teams, or innovating an industry, , these professionals have demonstrated the power of clear, confident, and purposeful communication.
Why Strong Communicators Make an Impact
Effective communicators don’t just share information—they inspire action, foster connection, and create lasting influence. Whether in the workplace or on a global stage, strong communicators:
Lead with clarity – They articulate vision and strategy in ways that unite and motivate.
Build trust and relationships – Through active listening and authentic engagement, they foster strong connections.
Navigate difficult conversations – They bring emotional intelligence and poise to high-stakes discussions.
Advocate for change – They use their voices to challenge systems, drive progress, and inspire others.
The leaders featured below exemplify these traits, demonstrating the power of effective communication in their respective fields.
Left to right: Ursula Burns, former CEO of Xerox; Carla Harris, Senior Executive at Morgan Stanley; Robert F. Smith, founder of Vista Equity Partners.
1. Ursula Burns – Corporate Leadership & Executive Communication
As the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, Ursula Burns, former CEO of Xerox, redefined leadership by blending confidence, directness, and strategic vision. During her tenure from 2009 to 2016, she oversaw a significant transformation of the company, including the $6.5 billion acquisition of Affiliated Computer Services (ACS) in 2010, which expanded Xerox's services and diversified its offerings. This strategic move aimed to shift Xerox's focus from its traditional printing business to business services, positioning the company for future growth. Despite challenges, Burns's leadership was marked by efforts to stabilize the company's financial position and adapt to changing market dynamics. citeturn0search12
Colleagues and industry observers have lauded Burns for her transformative leadership and clear communication. Anne Mulcahy, Burns's predecessor as CEO, emphasized the importance of their collaborative relationship, stating that their partnership was crucial for a smooth leadership transition and the company's ongoing success. Mulcahy noted, "For almost a decade, I was a fierce ally and supporter of Ursula Burns, ensuring a seamless transition when she became CEO in 2009." This partnership not only exemplified effective succession planning but also highlighted Burns's ability to inspire confidence and trust among her peers.
Communication Lesson:
Burns’ leadership exemplifies how concise, direct, and transparent communication builds trust and drives action. In professional settings, being able to speak with conviction and clarity can set leaders apart.
2. Carla Harris – Public Speaking & Motivational Leadership
A senior executive at Morgan Stanley, Carla Harris is known not just for her business acumen but also for her dynamic and motivational communication style. A sought-after speaker, she delivers powerful talks on leadership, career growth, and diversity in the workplace. Harris emphasizes the importance of “sponsorship” versus mentorship, often sharing practical advice on how to advocate for oneself, project confidence, and communicate effectively in high-stakes environments.
Carla Harris’s impact extends beyond her strategic insights—her leadership style has left a lasting impression on those who have worked with her. Former colleagues and mentees often highlight her ability to empower and uplift others through her candid advice and unwavering support. Carla Ann Harris, a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, described Harris as an inspiring mentor who leads by example: “Carla’s energy is contagious. She not only challenges you to be your best but also provides the tools and encouragement to get there.” Similarly, professionals who have attended her keynote speeches or read her books, such as Expect to Win, frequently credit her with changing their approach to leadership and professional advocacy. Harris’s philosophy of being "authentic in the workplace" has resonated with many, reinforcing the idea that confidence, clear communication, and strategic relationship-building are essential for career success.
Communication Lesson:
Harris teaches professionals how to own their voice in the workplace by speaking with authority, clarity, and self-assurance. Confidence is contagious—when leaders communicate boldly, their teams feel more motivated and empowered.
3. Robert F. Smith – Leadership & Business Communication
As a billionaire investor and philanthropist, Robert F. Smith, founder of Vista Equity Partners, is known for his measured, strategic communication style. His ability to clearly outline business strategies, inspire his employees, and articulate his philanthropic vision has made him an influential figure in finance and corporate leadership. Smith’s historic commencement speech at Morehouse College, in which he announced he would pay off the student debt of the entire graduating class, demonstrated the power of a single message to inspire and create lasting impact.
Robert F. Smith’s leadership has been praised by colleagues, employees, and business leaders alike for its clarity, decisiveness, and inspiring vision. Employees at Vista Equity Partners often highlight his ability to foster a culture of excellence and innovation. Brian Sheth, Vista’s former president, once noted Smith’s relentless focus on long-term success, saying, “Robert has an uncanny ability to see potential where others don’t and to communicate a vision that brings people together to achieve extraordinary results.” His philanthropic efforts have also left a lasting impact—Morehouse College graduates who benefited from his historic debt relief initiative have spoken about how his generosity changed their lives. One graduate, Elijah Dormeus, shared, “He gave us the opportunity to start our lives without the burden of debt, and that freedom allows us to dream bigger and give back in ways we never imagined.” Whether in business or philanthropy, Smith’s leadership demonstrates the power of clear, strategic communication to drive meaningful change.
Communication Lesson:
Strong communicators understand their audience and craft their message with purpose. Whether presenting to investors, colleagues, or a large audience, tailoring your message to the listener’s needs creates clarity and connection.
The Takeaway: Communication is a Transformative Leadership Skill
From boardrooms to courtrooms, media stages to corporate offices, these leaders exemplify how strong communication skills drive influence, leadership, and change. Whether through persuasive public speaking, strategic executive presence, or authentic storytelling, their ability to connect with audiences has played a crucial role in their success.
At Bespoken, we believe that owning your voice is one of the most powerful tools for leadership and career success. If you're looking to refine your communication skills—whether for public speaking, executive leadership, or team collaboration—we're here to help.
Ready to Strengthen Your Communication Skills?
Contact us today to learn more about our private coaching and team training programs and take the next step toward becoming a more confident, effective communicator.
Let’s celebrate the power of strong communication—this month and beyond.
About the Author
Jackie Miller launched Bespoken in 2015 to channel years of professional performance experience into techniques that improve public speaking, presenting, and professional communication skills. She holds a B.F.A. and M.A. both from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.