Member Spotlight

Nicky McHugh

Leading Through Complexity From New York to New Shores
Executive Forum member Nicky McHugh lived in New York and Connecticut for more than 20 years, and now resides north of Boston by the beach, where she’s been since 2017. With a career that spans multiple states and sectors, Nicky has established herself as a strategic communications leader, known for her ability to guide organizations through complex challenges, shaping narratives, and protecting reputations.

  

Nicky’s expertise lies in corporate communications, where she has demonstrated her skills in managing high-stakes issues for global multinationals. Whether dealing with mergers and acquisitions, new regulations, or politically charged topics, Nicky is a master of crisis and reputation management. She’s adept at helping organizations navigate the fast-changing landscape by asking the right questions and listening to what’s not being said.

  

History as a Mirror
Recently, Nicky embarked on a road trip with her 13-year-old nephew, visiting historical sites like the Old North Bridge in Concord, MA, the Gettysburg battlefields, and Appomattox, VA. The trip, which traced the arc of American history from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, resonated deeply with her. It reminded Nicky that history is complex and evolving, not unlike the challenges faced by many organizations today.

 

During the trip, Nicky also noted how the park rangers skillfully framed historical events in a way that was relevant and accessible to today’s visitors, much like how communication professionals help organizations navigate complex issues (like DEI and corporate ethics) by contextualizing them for modern audiences. This resonated with Nicky as a reminder of the importance of conveying broader meaning and relevance, whether discussing historical events or addressing corporate challenges.

 

For Nicky, this trip was a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity and integrity in leadership. These values, which shape the US identity, are crucial in navigating the complexities of today’s world, both in the corporate sphere and beyond. As a communications leader Nicky builds trust and guides teams through uncertainty, ensuring that they understand the broader context of the challenges they face.

 

Executive Forum: A Community of Support
Nicky joined the Executive Forum (EF) in 2022, during a pivotal moment in her career as she transitioned from the agency/consulting space to an in-house corporate role. At first, she was uncertain if EF was the right fit for her, but after a few weeks, she realized it was different from other groups. The structure, tools, and camaraderie she found within EF made it feel like a personal board of directors guiding her through this career shift.

 

EF boosted Nicky’s confidence, providing a sense of community and grounding as she navigated new professional landscapes. The connections and insights she gained were unparalleled, with EF members not only taking her calls but actively connecting her with their networks. One of Nicky’s objectives after joining EF was to expand her professional network, especially as she moved away from consulting to the corporate side. She made 40-50 calls per month, and every EF member she reached out to responded, helping her build the connections she needed for this next phase of her career.

  

The personal care and real community she found within EF have been invaluable as Nicky continues to lead with authenticity and integrity, both in her professional journey and within EF. She has been a driving force in fostering in-person engagement, particularly among Boston EF members, creating a space where professionals can share experiences, insights, and networks, such as monthly meet-ups over lunch and a recent private, curated tour of MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory for EF members.