Experience without ego
I’ve spent my career operating at senior level, but I’m practical and hands-on. If something needs writing, shaping, challenging or fixing, I’ll get into the detail.
MORE ABOUT ME
I’ve always been fascinated by the difference between what leaders say — and what people actually hear.
I’m Ruth Henstock, founder of The Leadership Voice. For almost 30 years I’ve worked in communications, much of that time alongside CEOs, executive teams and senior leaders. My career has taken me across corporate communications, executive communications, brand, employee engagement, culture, reputation and organisational change.
But the part I’ve always enjoyed most is the bit that happens before the communication goes out: the conversation, the challenge, the untangling of ideas and the moment when a complicated issue suddenly becomes clear.
I like getting under the skin of what a leader is really trying to achieve. I like asking the questions that help sharpen the thinking. And I get a real buzz from turning something complex into communication that feels simple, human and genuinely useful.
For me, good communication is never about producing words for the sake of words. It is about creating clarity, building connection and making a positive difference to what happens next.
The voice behind the leader
In my most recent role as Director of Brand, Communications and Culture, I worked at the heart of senior leadership. Being the voice behind the CEO was part of everyday life.
Sometimes that meant crafting an important speech. Sometimes it meant shaping the story around strategy or change. Sometimes it meant taking a collection of thoughts, conversations and half-formed ideas and finding the message inside them.
But being a trusted communications adviser also meant knowing when to challenge. Sometimes the most valuable contribution was: “That’s not quite what people are going to hear.” Or: “I don’t think you should send that at all.”
That combination of support, challenge, judgement and hands-on communication is where I do my best work.
It’s why I created The Leadership Voice.
And when I'm not being The Leadership Voice I really enjoy talking and communicating with friends and family! I'm a mum of three who loves the outdoors - you'll usually find me walking, running (slowly!) and spending time on beaches and mountains.
What you’ll get from me
Challenge as well as support
My role isn’t simply to make everything sound better. I’ll ask the awkward question, challenge the timing or approach when it needs challenging, and say when I think there is a better way.
Words that sound like you
The best executive communications don’t sound as though they’ve been 'written by Communications'. They sound like the leader. I take the time to understand how you think, how you speak and what matters to you.
Someone who sees the whole picture
Good leadership communication isn’t just about writing. It’s about business strategy, leadership visibility, people, reputation, culture, audience, context, timing, engagement and judgement. That wider understanding is what allows me to provide advice rather than simply words.
Why The Leadership Voice?
I created The Leadership Voice because I believe every leader benefits from having someone they trust behind their voice - someone who can help them think clearly, communicate authentically and make sure what they intend to say is as close as possible to what people actually hear.
Clarity Connection Impact
Let’s talk