By Rebekah Fawcett

When I was growing up, I had a very clear vision of what I wanted my future to look like: I was going to be a decorated Olympian, president of the United States, former astronaut who was a prima ballerina in her spare time.

Looking back, maybe it was a bit ambitious. I wasn’t overly athletic. I didn’t like politics. I hated to fly. I didn’t dance. But the idea – that there were no boundaries and the possibilities were limitless – was intoxicating, and that world view shaped my formative years and my perspective on the career I ultimately pursued.

Many communicators came of an age in an era when there were clear lines between internal and external communications – when talking to and with employees was an extension of human resources and engaging with audiences outside of the organization was usually a marketing responsibility.

Those lines have virtually disappeared with the advent of multimedia, citizen journalism and corporate social responsibility.

Now, a refined view of how to communicate in the 21st century has emerged coupled with changing demographics, technological savvy and consumer expectations. Managing the new paradigm requires us to think differently about how we structure our communications teams, design our communication vehicles, develop our strategies, counsel our senior leaders, and ensure we have the right talent in the right roles to engage in this changing world.

Many of us dream about the exciting opportunities created in this new world of communications.

I’ll be talking more about how communicators can seize this moment at the Convergence Summit on March 23. Some topics to expect:

In other words, there are no boundaries and the possibilities are limitless.

Pictured above is Rebekah Fawcett, senior vice president, head of enterprise communications, U.S. Bank. To hear more from Rebekah, register to attend the Convergence Summit, March 23.