Get To Know: Louise Fisk, Chief Communications Officer, Nokia

Get To Know: Louise Fisk, Chief Communications Officer, Nokia

Nokia is a well-known technology leader across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. With over 155 years of history, operations in 130 countries and €150 billion invested in R&D since 2000, it’s a company making bold moves in AI, Quantum Technology and 6G. Louise Fisk, Chief Communications Officer at Nokia, speaks about Nokia’s rebrand and changes in the industry.

Describe your current job role.

As Nokia’s Chief Communications Officer, I lead communications and brand strategy across the company while serving on the global leadership team responsible for shaping Nokia’s strategic direction. Fundamentally, my focus is on ensuring everything we do is aligned with our business strategy, driving growth and strengthening Nokia’s position as a B2B technology innovation leader.

What would you describe as your most memorable achievement?

Nokia’s rebrand is top of mind. While we were a globally recognised brand, it was often for what we represented in the past rather than what we stand for today. We saw a need to reshape our narrative and redefine decades of ingrained perceptions about Nokia. This huge undertaking was a collaborative effort across the company, with communications and brand leading the charge. Thanks to the strength and precision of how this rebrand was executed, we are successfully on the journey to reposition the company as a B2B technology innovation leader in our focus areas and continue to increase perception of Nokia as a strong enterprise player.

What style of management philosophy do you employ with your current position?

I would highlight three equally important core principles that are central to my management approach: trust, inclusivity and fairness. Trust builds confidence and strengthens relationships, enabling teams to take ownership and innovate. Inclusivity ensures diverse perspectives are valued, driving better decision-making and creativity. Fairness establishes a culture of equity and respect, boosting morale and commitment. Together, these principles create a strong foundation for aligning priorities, achieving strategic goals and driving sustainable growth in a dynamic and competitive landscape.

What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry?

Without connectivity there is no cloud, no AI and no industrial digitalisation. So every organisation that wants to use those technologies to improve productivity, efficiency and sustainability has a vested interest in investment in trusted networks. Currently we see strong activity in three areas in particular. The first is data centres: cloud providers and other businesses are building more data centres than ever, in order to keep up with demands of AI, and those data centres are all filled with networking technology. The second is private networking, where an individual site, such as a hospital or a factory, buys a network solely for their own use, which can really help with digitalisation. The third is defence, where militaries are looking to use technologies like 5G to improve their communication and technological capacity.

If you could go back and change one career decision, what would it be?

Looking back, I find it hard to pinpoint a career decision I’d change because every choice has taught me invaluable lessons and connected me with incredible colleagues, peers and friends who continue to enrich my journey. However, one thing I’ve learned over time is not to hesitate in asking questions. Early on, I was often anxious about seeking clarity, but I’ve realised that if I don’t fully understand something, I’m likely not alone – something I’d encourage everyone to do, regardless of seniority or experience.

What advice would you offer somebody aspiring to obtain a C-level position in your industry?

For anyone aspiring to a C-level position in the industry, resilience and adaptability are essential traits for navigating challenges and evolving circumstances. Cultivating a collaborative mindset and prioritising strong relationships across the board – success at the top level is rarely achieved in isolation. Most importantly, believe deeply in what you do. Passion and conviction not only inspire those around you but also sustain your drive and focus as you work toward achieving your goals.

What behaviour or personality trait do you most attribute your success to and why?

I would attribute my success to adaptability, collaboration and empathy. Adaptability allows me to navigate change and seize opportunities, while collaboration ensures stronger outcomes through teamwork. Empathy is key to understanding others’ perspectives, enabling me to find win-win solutions that benefit everyone involved. Together, these traits have been invaluable in driving success and building meaningful relationships.

What’s your go-to productivity trick?

It’s simple for me – prioritise and plan accordingly. By focusing on the tasks that will deliver the greatest impact and organising them strategically, I ensure my efforts are directed where they matter most. This approach not only boosts efficiency but also helps maintain clarity and momentum, even when managing competing priorities. This approach has always served me well and is even more important now in my current role.

What changes to your job role have you seen in the last year and how do you see these developing in the next 12 months?

Within Nokia, communications has long been considered an essential strategic attribute. What has changed is its increased prominence within the organisation. It now holds a direct seat at the leadership table, reflecting its critical role in driving authenticity, bringing external insights in and contributing more directly to business success.

Thinking more broadly about the next 12 months, advanced technology such as AI continues to evolve at a rapid rate requiring careful thinking about how to best use it to advance the function, whilst still ensuring authenticity and effectiveness. Meanwhile, the rise of digital and social media platforms have transformed how we communicate, driving the need for ‘digital-first’ strategies with increased integration of AI into these strategies.

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