How Mark Carney went from technocrat to Prime Minister of Canada.
David Pullan
Author, speaker and message electrician ⚡️I give your communication the connection and spark that makes it work first time every time 🚀 Story-based techniques that turn your explanation into inspiration.
Something truly remarkable happened in Canada yesterday.
Mark Carney turned around the fortunes of the Liberal Party and was elected as that beautiful country's 24th Prime Minister.
And a lot of that is down to how he transitioned his communication style from what was necessary as he headed up central reserve banks to what was needed to run a nation.
What worked for him in oak panelled boardrooms would have put people to sleep at a Saskatoon town hall.
So, out went the Bank of England's measured technocrat and in came The Land of the Maple’s passionate first amongst equals.
Carney’s journey reminds us that true leadership isn't about finding one voice and sticking to it - it's about adapting your voice to each new challenge and each new audience
The Carney Communication Playbook
From: 'Let me explain our quantitative easing strategy.'
To: 'Trump wants to break Canada so he can own us.'
There are pivots. And there are Mark Carney pivots.
So, what changed?
👉 Technical to Accessible
At the Bank of England, Carney spoke in precise economic terms to financial professionals. As PM, he now uses relatable language to connect with all Canadians.
👉 Measured to Passionate
The central banker avoided market volatility with carefully weighed words. The Prime Minister inspires action through emotional appeals, powerful metaphors and national storytelling.
👉 Institutional to Personal
Carney rarely used personal anecdotes at the Bank. His job was about maintaining institutional objectivity. Now, his leadership relies on sharing values and experiences that resonate with Canadian citizens.
Be More Carney
Want to adapt your leadership voice like Carney? Try these steps:
1. Map Your Audience Shift Create a simple chart of who you spoke to in your previous role versus who you need to reach now. List what matters to each group. Know your audience.
2. Find Your New ‘Why’ In 25 words or less, articulate why people should listen to you in this new context. (Hint: ‘Because I'm the boss’ usually isn't the answer.)
3. Practice your Pivot Take a message you've delivered before and rewrite it for three different audiences: your team, your CEO, and a customer. How does your language change while keeping the core meaning?
4. Become the Storyteller in Chief Find three personal experiences that illustrate your values. Practice weaving them into your communications when appropriate.
Intelligent Authenticity
Some leaders worry that changing their communication style might come across as fake.
But consider this: you wouldn't use the same language with your 5-year-old niece as with your financial advisor.
That's not being inauthentic; it's being effectively human.
The true mark of a great leader isn't about finding one perfect voice and sticking to it. It's about developing your range to connect authentically with different audiences.
Dad first, then helping people to change and transform their businesses, and their lives. Also looking to match fun and opportunity in podcasts, events and investment, then who knows what happens next! 🤔
4moHis victory speech was awesome!
Managing Director at EvanAll | Driving Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions through Brains not Wallets | AND ChangeAlchemy | A problem shared is a problem solved
4moWhat you said! Read his book Value(s), he has an incredibly sharp mind and I would stick my neck out and say he is a thoroughly decent person.
Ihmisyyden varjelija | Fasilitaattori ja fasilitoinnin valmentaja 🍇 Grape People
4moNever gave much thought to this before but it rings true. When your context changes, the way you're used to communicating may need to change as well. The strengths you've relied on and that have enabled your success might be a hindrance in the new context. Thanks for illuminating me 💡