Like most of the country, I’ve spent these long, dark January nights glued to The Traitors. A fan since the very first series, I usually find myself rooting for the faithfuls. But when a Head of Communications was selected as a traitor this season, I knew exactly who I was backing. (Warning - contains spoilers)
by Charlotte Parker
Rachel’s run on The Traitors was a masterclass in communications. Throughout the series, the skills honed in her day job were on full display — from staying calm under pressure, to delivering a masterclass in sticking to her key messages and controlling the narrative.
So what is it about the communications profession that translates so well to the most talked about show of the year so far?
Here are just some of the reasons why I think Heads of Communications make for such formidable, and successful, Traitors contestants…
Strategic thinking: Rachel had a game plan from day one and she stuck to it. While others got distracted by curveballs and twists, she played the long game and remained focused on the vision (and prize pot). Successful communications is built on a clear strategy with defined objectives and a long term delivery plan.
Nailing key messages and controlling the narrative: My partner often commented that Rachel sounded like she was quoting from a script during the round tables. And to some extent she was. She’d clearly thought about and prepared what she wanted to say, and she delivered her key messages calmly and succinctly, refusing to be drawn into speculation or someone else’s narratives - exactly what we’d advise anyone facing a media interview to do.
Building relationships: You can’t deliver great comms in isolation and the same is true in The Traitors. Fundamental to Rachel’s success was the relationship and trust she developed with fellow traitor Stephen. The ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with people from a variety of backgrounds and roles is what the foundations of every successful comms team is built on.
Persuading and influencing: building relationships is half the battle, next comes the ability to negotiate and influence with those people you’ve forged a connection with. From senior leaders, to the media, and key stakeholders, this is a key part of the communications profession. Rachel was clearly a popular Traitors contestant, which allowed her to stay in the game for so long, and I have no doubt that’s due to the persuading and influencing she was doing both on and off camera throughout the series.
Calm in a crisis: The Traitors is a very high pressured environment (I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling anxious just watching it). No matter how high the stakes were and how much pressure was piled on her, Rachel remained unflappable. The same composure she displayed at rounds tables is essential for communications professionals, where crisis situations and media storms demand calm, measured thinking and responses.
Expect the unexpected: From secret traitors to double daggers, Rachel expertly managed every curve ball thrown her way. In communications you never know what’s round the corner, from reputational issues, to sudden change in strategic direction from senior leaders. Rachael showed us the importance of staying composed and being adaptable, no matter what treacherous twists are sent to test us.
From castles in the remote Scottish Highlands, to communications offices up and down the country, communications professionals are at their best when they combine strategy with relationships, the ability to influence, composure, and a great core script - the exact qualities that made Rachel such a worthy winner.
Charlotte Parker is an UnAward winner and communications manager for Bedfordshire Police
image created via Chat GPT
