Our top three reads for 2025

Best engagement and impact advice in 2025

As the year wraps up, I’ve been reflecting on the thought leadership and content that resonated most with readers of our blog - leaders, communicators, and organisations grappling with complexity, visibility, and trust.

The three standout reads this year explore what effective engagement really looks like, when restraint matters more than reaction, and why annual reporting remains one of the most underestimated strategic tools organisations have.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to read, share, and start conversations through this work. In 2026, we’re looking forward to continuing to explore leadership, communication, engagement strategy, and the moments that shape organisational reputation - especially when the stakes are high.

If you're new to Susan Blain Consulting, you can get connected to our blog articles in 2026 by subscribing here for FREE.

 

1. From Onyx Nights to Opalite Skies - How Swift Engagement Transforms Organisations

During my time leading engagement in the university sector, people often asked for my “strategy”, or wanted to replicate what success looked like from the outside - the polished storytelling, the right tone, the timely post that gets traction. This article pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening underneath strong engagement and why speed, clarity and intent matter more than perfection.

READ THE ARTICLE

 

2. Social Media: When not to engage - The Art of Managing Trolls on Corporate Social Media

Most of us are told to “lean in” to engagement. But sometimes, whether you have a hostile media, unhappy individuals out there, or you’re just unlucky enough to attract the attention of a keyboard warrior, a troll coming for your brand is horrifying.

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3. Annual Report time

Time is ticking - can you still get your Annual Report out on time?

If your financial year or calendar year has closed, the clock is already running. A good rule of thumb? Aim to publish within two months of the reporting period’s end. But if your report is running late, don’t panic - ask the right questions.

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From Onyx Nights to Opalite Skies - How Swift Engagement Transforms Organisations