Ruder Finn

I’m excited to share the latest edition of Kathy in Conversation, a new series where I connect with inspiring colleagues who are driving what’s next for our agency and industry. During my recent visit to Mumbai, I sat down with Shivaram Lakshminarayan, our Chief Operations Officer at Ruder Finn India, to talk about Ruder Finn’s growing presence in this dynamic market. Shiv shared how our tech-forward mindset continues to set us apart and how our team’s culture across India’s five offices have fueled success. It was a great reminder that innovation starts with people, those willing to think differently, embrace change, and collaborate across borders. Watch a clip of our conversation here: Ruder Finn #WhatsNext #Innovation

Last week, I traveled to Mumbai to meet with my colleagues and speak at the International Communications Consultancy Organisation’s Global Summit. The theme was “The Change Agenda,” which was a perfect setting to discuss one of the most urgent questions facing our industry today: how do we use AI to strengthen, not dampen, human connections? The role of AI in business, including in the communications industry, is top of mind for nearly everyone I interact with. As it should be. With more than 75% of new online content now influenced by AI and over 2.5B global ChatGPT prompts sent daily, it’s time to adapt, but strategically. Which is why I set out to explore this topic in my ICCO keynote, to help drive a discussion on how we as communicators can effectively reach and connect with our audiences in an LLM world. I call this approach The Human Algorithm, and it’s a 3-part formula including: · Talking to machines: how to create content that engages AI through growth engine optimization and smart data storytelling. · Talking to humans: how micro and nano influencers can foster meaningful, trusted connections at scale. · Authentic experiences: how human-centric synthetic content can make AI-powered experiences more personal and engaging. Together, these elements form a blueprint for optimizing connection in an AI-driven world, by pairing innovation with empathy. Because I firmly believe AI isn’t here to take the communicator’s place, it’s here to expand what’s possible for those who are adaptable and optimistic. Now is the moment for every communicator to lean in, to test, learn, and lead. The Human Algorithm is an invitation to shape how connection evolves in an AI-driven world. Let’s be the ones who define what’s next. #ICCOGlobalSummit #AI #WhatsNext #HumanAlgorithm

The future of storytelling is here – and we’re powering it. Introducing rf.StoryLab, where transformative technology meets human imagination for richer, more personal stories at an unprecedented speed. Leveraging Ruder Finn’s collective expertise, rf.StoryLab represents something bigger than creative experimentation; it signals the future of how we’ll bridge ideas, people, and possibilities by breaking down silos and sparking real human connection. To learn more about what’s possible with rf.StoryLab, read our press release here: https://lnkd.in/g9HXm3a7 #WhatsNext #AIStorytelling

I’m thrilled to share the launch of rf.StoryLab: Ruder Finn’s new creative incubator designed to power and elevate AI storytelling, combining the best of generative technology with human imagination to create stories that feel more connected, more personal, and more alive than ever before. Built at the intersection of our AI Catalyst Engines and lead by Zachary Russo and Tejas T., rf.StoryLab is turning data and design into deeply human narratives in ways that were previously impossible. rf.StoryLab represents something bigger than creative experimentation; it signals the future of how we’ll bridge ideas, people, and possibilities by breaking down silos and sparking real emotional connections. As communications leaders we are no longer just message architects, we are systems thinkers and innovation accelerators, tasked with integrating AI across creative, strategy, and engagement. AI is not a one-and-done tool; it’s a living, breathing experiment. It is imperative that we stay curious, keep upskilling, and continuously learning as the technology undoubtedly evolves. rf.StoryLab embodies this same spirit by pairing the combined innovation of our agency with strategic communications to reimagine how we tell stories and resonate with audiences at every level. I could not be more proud of our team for driving this next chapter of AI-powered creativity and for continuing to show how integrated marketing and communications can be a true force for positive transformation. #WhatsNext #AI #AIStorytelling

I recently co-hosted a roundtable discussion partnering with PRWeek and a powerhouse group of communications leaders to explore how AI is transforming our industry. Together, we examined how AI isn’t just enhancing productivity, it’s fundamentally reshaping – and elevating - the role of communicators. Many shared breakthrough examples of how AI is helping teams listen better, craft more nuanced stories, and resonate with audiences in real time. It’s clear that communicators are uniquely positioned to guide effective and creative AI adoption across organizations, helping others not only embrace change but demonstrate strategic implementation on a personal level. During the event we discussed, “How AI has made you and your teams better communicators” and how we have a game-changing role fundamentally at the center of AI adoption at companies. Some powerful takeaways I’m still thinking about: 1. AI, at its best, can make us more human: By giving us new ways to understand people, personalize engagement, and pressure-test ideas across groups, AI enables deeper human connection and delivers unthinkable solutions to problems, large and small. 2. Communicators are dot connectors, and AI powers us to connect more dots: Our job has always been to see patterns where others see noise. AI magnifies that power by helping us uncover insights across teams, time zones, and stakeholder groups in real time. 3. Adaptability is key, but you must anchor to a core set of values: As leaders, we have an obligation to model hope and to describe a future where technology moves the human experience forward. Thank you to Zack Kass, for sharing your vision for an AI-enabled future and for sparking thoughtful dialogue, to all the incredible leaders who joined us, for your openness, insight, and enthusiasm, and to Gideon Fidelzeid for moderating our conversation. These discussions are shaping the blueprint for how our field will engage audiences and build meaning in an AI-driven world, and I’m excited to keep pushing that dialogue forward. Ruder Finn #AICommunications #WhatsNext #Innovation

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