Jeremy Galbraith – Leading with Purpose in Strategic Communication
Jeremy Galbraith, Managing Partner at BOLDT, has built a remarkable 30-year career, offering expert strategic communication guidance to a vast range of clients, from top-tier corporations and governments to global leaders, including presidents and prime ministers.
His depth of experience spans stakeholder engagement, navigating critical business and political challenges, and effectively managing crises. Jeremy’s advice has been highly sought after across all sectors, earning him a reputation as a leader in communication.
Throughout his career, Jeremy has worked with a broad spectrum of industries, establishing his reputation as a trusted advisor to business executives and political figures alike. Notably, he led Burson-Marsteller’s EMEA division for a decade until 2017, where he managed over 700 employees across 32 offices. He also served as the CEO of Burson-Marsteller Brussels before his tenure at BOLDT.
His work in strategic communications has earned widespread recognition:
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In 2012, Jeremy was awarded the SABRE Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement by PRovoke.
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In 2014, he was listed among The Sunday Times and Debrett’s UK’s 500 Most Influential Individuals.
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In 2020, European CEO Magazine named him Entrepreneur of the Year in the European PR sector.
From Politics to Communications Strategy and Crisis Management
Jeremy’s career path to strategic communication was not a straightforward one. Initially, he aimed to pursue a career in politics. However, after his party faced a setback, he shifted gears—studying law, working for a Member of Parliament, and later joining a lobbying firm in Westminster.
His early work focused on supporting businesses in their lobbying efforts and influencing political decisions. It wasn’t long before he was recruited by Burson-Marsteller, expanding his focus to a wider array of strategic communication services.
Jeremy came to understand that influencing decisions and processes, whether in politics or business, required a multifaceted approach—blending media outreach, social media, event management, and evidence-based strategies.
Crisis Communication and High-Stakes Advisory
Jeremy’s responsibilities evolved into crisis communication, advising on high-profile issues such as:
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The Lance Armstrong scandal
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The MetroJet terrorist attack in Egypt
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Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s campaign for release from a Russian prison
He also assisted major corporations and their executives in safeguarding reputations, which he views as a critical business and political asset.
Authentic Communication as a Cornerstone of Trust
Jeremy is a staunch advocate for honest and proactive communication, believing that whether advising a corporation, political leader, or any organization, authenticity is key to shaping public perception.
His crisis communication approach emphasizes transparency and directness, addressing challenges head-on and maintaining a sincere tone.
“Strategic communication that lacks authenticity will fail to build the trust needed to navigate today’s complex landscape.”
Leading Teams and Building Client Relationships
Jeremy’s leadership is marked by:
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Boldness
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Creativity
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Willingness to challenge the status quo
He encourages open, direct dialogue and fosters an environment built on trust and mutual respect. Candidness, even in disagreement, is valued. According to Jeremy, clients appreciate honesty and transparency, strengthening long-term partnerships.
Business-First Approach to Communication
Unlike many in the industry, Jeremy:
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Maintains a low-key profile
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Prioritizes business strategy over communications strategy
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Ensures alignment of communications with business goals
This strategic alignment sets him apart in a crowded field.
At BOLDT, transparency is core. The firm ensures clarity around client identities in all public communication. Jeremy believes concealing information compounds challenges, while openness helps manage reputational risk.
Hiring for Success: People Over Paper
Jeremy’s hiring philosophy emphasizes:
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Boldness
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Creativity
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Practical communication skills over academic credentials
He looks for candidates who can engage clients with insight and integrity, recognizing how rare it is to find professionals strong in both client service and business management.
A People-Centric Consultancy Model
Jeremy believes the real value in consultancy lies in its people. While larger firms chase margins, he stresses:
“Creativity, expertise, and personalized service drive success.”
He reflects that he should’ve started BOLDT earlier—to create a people-first consultancy prioritizing long-term relationships with clients and employees.
Shaping the Future of Communications
Jeremy’s work redefines the boundaries of traditional communications. He sees strategic communication as a driver for business, government, and organizational growth.
His inspiration stems from Harold Burson, whose mentorship shaped Jeremy’s views. While they aligned on many things, they differed ethically, especially regarding work with tobacco companies—underscoring Jeremy’s strong moral compass.
“Listening—both to clients and the world around them—is the most important part of consultancy.”
Only then, Jeremy believes, can communication strategies be meaningful and aligned with real-world goals.
