W Communications, LLC
Strategic Communications Consulting
W Communications, LLC delivers innovative, effective counsel, strategy, and execution: from brand building and reputation management to crisis, executive, and employee communications.
The Company
Communications that move business forward.
W Communications, LLC is a strategic communications consulting company founded in 2006. We partner with leading brands and Fortune 500 companies to plan and execute communications that build brands, protect reputations, and engage the people who matter most.
Behind the company is Wanda J. Herndon, former Senior Vice President of Global Communications (SVP) for Starbucks Coffee Company, with more than four decades of executive communications leadership for brands including Starbucks, DuPont, and The Dow Chemical Company.
What We Do
Ten disciplines. One integrated practice.
Every engagement draws on the full range of our expertise, tailored to the business need.
Proof
Trusted by category leaders.
Starbucks
SVP, Global Communications from 1995 to 2006: Provided strategic communications counsel reporting to CEO Howard Schultz. Returned in 2008 to help transform the company, including innovative communications that launched the company’s signature Pike Place Roast.
lululemon
Consulted for lululemon; coached the communications team as they elevated the role of public relations as part of the company’s brand-building strategy.
Otsuka America Pharmaceutical
Stepped in when Otsuka America Pharmaceutical’s major sales restructuring was off track and built the employee communications strategy and execution plan for the Neuroscience Sales Division realignment, two weeks before the announcement.
The Book
Working Class to Breaking Glass.
One Woman’s Fight to Belong and to Lead. The memoir by our founder traces the road from Flint, Michigan to the Starbucks executive team, with the lessons in leadership, belonging, and reinvention learned along the way.
What Leaders Say
Endorsements for a life... so that others could rise and fly.
“Starbucks was so fortunate to have her excellent judgment, high standards and enduring sense of humanity.”
Howard Schultz
Starbucks Coffee Company Founder and CEO
“I immediately sought the counsel of my former Starbucks colleague, Wanda Herndon. A communications strategy for lululemon was developed, which enhanced our brand.”
Christine Day
Former CEO, lululemon
“Steady hand, deft touch and great sense of humor were critical in getting us through a tough transition and a tough year.”
David Landau
Former SVP Law & Corporate Affairs, Starbucks
“W Communications, LLC came highly recommended and we hired them. It was one of the best decisions we made. Without her and her company’s efforts, we would not have been able to successfully achieve our business objectives.”
Pam Harris
Former SVP of Sales, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical
“Her life has been committed to accomplishment, excellence and kindness, generosity and results.”
Howard Behar
Former President, Starbucks International
“Fiercely principled, deeply human, and unapologetically authentic leadership.”
Wendy Collie
CEO, Better Way Business
“Wanda Herndon can lead, inspire, laugh, and engage with anyone. She is fearless, passionate, and tireless.”
Steve Reynolds
Chairman & CEO (Retired), Puget Sound Energy