Vicki Forbes
Clever, consistent, purposeful communication
I am an experienced communications professional driven by meaningful work and a passion for delivering clever, consistent and purposeful communications that genuinely engage and connect with others.
This has seen me work with many organisations, including TEDxSydney, Sydney Opera House, SANE Australia, ReachOut Australia, InnoWell Pty Ltd (PwC/University of Sydney), Western Sydney University, and a number of smaller organisations and start-ups.
Increasingly, I work one-on-one with accomplished subject matter experts on honing their personal communications on issues of importance to them and the wider community.
Before setting out on my own, I was Head of Communications at the Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre, where I was responsible for critical aspects of the organisation’s establishment. This included the development of the Young and Well CRC’s corporate identity and positioning, the creation of a communication and stakeholder engagement strategy, and developing systems and processes to facilitate the efficient delivery and uptake of research outputs generated by 200+ researchers worldwide.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts (Communication – Organisational Communication) from Charles Sturt University, Bathurst. I have also completed courses in design, media engagement, annual report production and team management.
I believe that our best work is done when we can be ourselves, and that ‘gut-feel’ is an instinct to be trusted.
I also believe that the greatest discoveries, joys, friendships, and successes come from ‘leaps of faith’ – in ourselves, in others, from others – and that these can be powerful, magical, and life-changing events.
My ‘@little_forbesy’ Twitter handle made its way into the offline world a few years ago. People seem to think it suits me.
I’m going along with it for now.
“VICKI FORBES IS AN OUTSTANDING COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST. SHE SETS HERSELF THE HIGHEST PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND IS PASSIONATE ABOUT DELIVERING A GREAT SERVICE. HER COMMUNICATION APPROACH IS CLEAR AND SUCCINCT COMPLEMENTED BY A GREAT EYE FOR DESIGN.”
JACK HEATH, CEO, SANE AUSTRALIA
What I do
I develop communication strategies and implementation plans to support an organisation’s goals. I do this with everyone from chief executive officers and executive teams to communication directors and project managers. These plans cover traditional, digital and social channels, and are practical resources that actually get used. I work with internal and external stakeholders to develop or refresh an organisation’s brand identity. This includes the process of determining a name if required, and creating the organisation’s vision, mission and values statements. I work with designers to create a unique visual identity, and to develop guidelines and resources to help organisations apply the identity consistently across all communications. I produce all forms of written and online communication resources including annual reports, media releases, newsletters, presentations, speeches, website content, brochures and other publications and collateral. I can manage the complete production process from concept development to publication, and I’m also happy to consult on projects that are already underway. I organise events of all types and sizes, from product launches and press briefings to ministerial events and conferences. I have links to many creative and technical suppliers, or I can work with an organisation’s existing specialists in these areas. I also develop and carry out stakeholder engagement strategies for events, including pre-event promotion and media relations. Communication planning
Identity development
Writing and publications
Events and media
I am the person with experience who can help you map out a communication strategy to achieve your organisation’s objectives.
When priorities shift or your team’s load gets too heavy and you need someone to step in and take up or complete a project that’s already underway, I am also that person.
I can lead teams, work within teams, and I’m great at getting on with things on my own.
I am used to working within traditional project management frameworks, so I’m completely at home with the language of ‘project controls’, ‘risk management’, ‘milestones’, and ‘deliverables’.
I am not so good with the language of ‘can’t’.
Along the way, I value open communication with the people I’m working with.
Depending on the scale and type of project, I work on an hourly, daily or fixed fee basis. These details are agreed at the beginning of a project.
If I don’t think I’m the right person for the job, I’ll pass you on to someone I know and trust who might be a better fit.
I work from my home office based in Newtown, Sydney, but I’m just as happy to work at your office if that’s what’s needed.
I don’t take up much space.
“I found the work we did together to be both personally challenging and rewarding. It gave me a very solid path to follow as an advocate for equality and inclusion. I would highly recommend Vicki to others seeking to gain clarity on their messages, and how to effectively communicate them in this very cluttered world.”
Diana Ryall AM, Former Managing Director, Apple Australia, and Founder of Xplore for Success
I generally say what I think, and I like it when others do the same. For me, this is about authenticity, respect and transparency. It’s also about ‘gut-feel’ which is an instinct I trust. When my intuition on something kicks in, I see it as my responsibility to speak up in the interests of the project. I don’t like to assume that the way things have been done in the past are the way they should be done in the future. I like to try new things, and this means I sometimes put forward ideas that at first might seem a bit different to you. I’m okay if you don’t always like these but, again, I see this as part of my role. I’m at my best when I’m working on projects or with organisations that stand for something or add something useful to the world. This is important to me because I want to feel proud at the dinner table when I tell my daughters how I spent my day. Loving what I do also means I’m better at it. Talking straight
Thinking fresh
Feeling love
“Vicki is one of the most outstanding communication professionals I have ever worked with. The fact that ReachOut.com is the most accessed mental health service in the country is a testament to Vicki’s skill. She is a wonderful person, and is incredibly committed to whatever she puts her mind to.”
Jonathan Nicholas, CEO, ReachOut Australia
