Hi!

In last week's Comm Convo, we set out to answer the fundamental question, How do we move beyond delivering messages to creating genuine connection across every kind of border?

Elizabeth Baxter (Mayo Clinic), Amri Johnson (Inclusion Wins), and Catherine Priestley (formerly AstraZeneca) brought us deep into the realities of global science communication—the moments when perfect translations fail, when assumptions crumble, and when curiosity becomes our most valuable currency.

Here are our top 10 takeaways:

1. Recognize invisible professional boundaries. Borders exist between functions, disciplines, and organizational cultures, requiring the same careful navigation as geographic boundaries.
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2. Let go of the need to know everything. There is a power in saying “I don’t know.” It shows curiosity and acts as a catalyst for faster learning, especially when entering unfamiliar therapeutic areas or stakeholder groups.
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3. Prioritize curiosity over assumptions. Ask questions and show genuine interest in perspectives before offering solutions, to build more effective working relationships.
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4. Shift from informing to influencing. Move beyond delivering facts to focusing on “what do you want to move people to believe and do” in every communication.
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5. Avoid the “breakthrough” trap. Resist language implying immediate patient benefit when innovations are years from market—this duty of care applies across all communications.
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6. Combat misinformation with contextual clarity. Strip complex science to essential facts while addressing specific audience barriers to ensure understanding across diverse stakeholders.
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7. Test your audience assumptions. Don’t assume brand recognition, scientific literacy, or regulatory familiarity. Return to foundational storytelling for each new audience.
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8. Verify meaning beyond words. Ensure core messages maintain intended meaning rather than just literal accuracy when translating across languages or disciplines.
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9. Ground universal messages in local reality. Support broad themes with audience-specific evidence that stakeholders can immediately relate to their particular situations.
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10. Focus on individual value over categories. Invest in understanding individual expertise and contributions rather than approaching people through demographic or functional boxes.

The thread running through all of this was an important reminder that communication is fundamentally about people. When we lead with curiosity about who someone is rather than what they represent, we unlock possibilities for real influence and understanding.

If you missed this event (or want a refresh!), the replay is now available for T2B Pro and Student members:

​Revisit Communicating Across Borders.​

And for those in the U.S., wishing you a happy 4th!

Lynnea

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