Adaptability is the comm skill

Marty Maddin, founder and CEO of PEAK Performance International, has a long track record as an executive coach and former lawyer (thepowerofppi.com), and he laid out his case in a multi‑post thread on X earlier this month. (x.com) Gartner published an on‑demand webinar on Jan. 27, 2026, warning that AI, narrative intelligence and advanced analytics will force communications teams to change how they prove value and respond in real time. (gartner.com) A white paper titled “Securing the Future,” produced by Tuesday Consulting and Agilium Worldwide, surveyed 60 senior executives across 33 countries and found 90% say leading through uncertainty is the most important leadership skill for the coming years. (tuesday.co.za) Recruitment forecasts from VMA Group list “AI SEO” and adaptability among the specific skills employers will prioritize in 2026, and the firm reports a notable rise in contract and interim communications roles as budgets tighten. (vmagroup.com) Ragan’s 2026 internal‑communications research, based on a survey of nearly 200 practitioners, recommends shifting investment toward real‑time pulse surveys, sentiment analytics and AI for insight — tools that make situational messaging measurable. (ragan.com) Practical training trends echo this shift: Onrec’s March 9, 2026, piece highlights structured executive‑communication programs that teach translating complex data and stakeholder‑focused messaging rather than one‑size‑fits‑all pitches. (onrec.com)