Louise Smith:
Stakeholder Engagement & Issues Management

Louise began her career in a public relations consultancy in 1989 having read languages at university. She has immense experience in international issues management, particularly for controversial industries. In 1996 Louise headed up a two-year communications and issues management programme associated with the decommissioning of disused offshore oil & gas platforms, at a difficult time following the Shell UK Brent Spar affair in June 1995.

She continued as an independent consultant for the international oil and gas and chemical industries and since then has advised large organisations on strategic communications including issues management, reputation risk management and stakeholder engagement.

My Q&As

What is your role at Stratia?

As a senior consultant, I work as part of the management team of Stratia master-minding and implementing often complex stakeholder engagement and issues management programmes on behalf of clients.

What qualifications have you attained?

An MSc in Corporate Governance and Business Ethics at London University, graduating with distinction. I have been privileged to work with some extraordinary people in my 18-year career and their mentoring, advice and experience have invaluable.

How long have you been at Stratia?

Since its inception.

What is your best quality?

Determination and deep belief that ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’. I love a challenge!

What is your worst habit?

Not letting go – I have been accused of being too determined at times...

My interests

General

My family and friends. Reading and walking. Good food.

Music

Eclectic would describe my taste – a liking for Jazz...

Films

Action movies where the goodies win and the baddies get their come uppance.

Heroes

King David; William Wilberforce; and all those who are courageous enough to speak out and fight for democracy, justice and freedom from tyranny and fear (even at a cost to themselves).