Meet the Messenger: Emily Poeschl
In honor of our 100th edition, we’re launching a new segment at The EO Report: Meet the Messenger. It’s a chance to tap into the minds of some of the most thoughtful and experienced communications professionals in the field. Each installment will share hard-earned advice, lessons from the moments that didn’t go as planned, and insights on how our craft is evolving.
We’re kicking things off with our good friend Emily Poeschl (PAY-shull), brand communications manager at Mutual of Omaha. A strategist at heart with nearly two decades of marketing, branding, communications, events, and government relations experience, including work with a Fortune 500 company and an Emmy®-nominated series, Emily brings both vision and precision to everything she touches. Her leadership extends well beyond her day job, with service on nonprofit boards, national policy and research advocacy efforts, and recognition ranging from a Nebraska Navy Admiralship to honors from the American Marketing Association, Public Relations Society of America, and the Omaha Jaycees.
What’s one pivotal moment that most shaped the communicator you are today?
Wow! How do I pick just one! Almost 10 years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to support President Barack Obama’s visit to the University of Nebraska at Omaha. It was a crash course in timely, accurate communication, confidentiality, and collaboration across countless moving parts. Our small but mighty team worked directly with the White House Advance Team to align campus messaging with the President’s just-delivered State of the Union Address — ensuring the visit felt relevant and inspiring for everyone in attendance. In addition to the content of his speech on campus, our team was able to communicate with the campus and Omaha community in a way that allowed for inclusivity and safety at the event.
Poeschl at President Barack Obama’s visit to the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
What shaped me most wasn’t just the scale of the event, but the teamwork and adaptability it demanded. From coordinating with students, media, and public attendees to handling minute-by-minute updates, I learned how to balance precision with empathy and speed. That experience taught me that great communication isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room — it’s about clarity, trust, and collaboration under pressure. It remains one of the most defining moments of my career. Much credit goes to my former colleagues, including the two women now behind Clarity Channels Communications, Erin Owen and Kelly Jefferson Minty!
Describe one project or situation where you were absolutely at your best. What made it work so well?
Poeschl on set at Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild
I do my best work under pressure and, truthfully, that pressure often comes from the high expectations I set for myself. In my current role, I’ve had the honor of leading proactive media and communications efforts for our NBC series, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild. Over the past three seasons, I’ve helped shape and grow our annual New York media week around each season premiere. Each year has expanded in scale and reach thanks to the relationships we’ve built and the way we’ve positioned our co-hosts as credible experts in wildlife conservation.
The most recent media week, held in September 2025 during New York Climate Week, presented intense competition for attention in an already-crowded media landscape. Yet through careful organization, strategic storytelling, and trusted relationships supported by our partners at Zeno Group and Hearst Media Production Group, our team secured standout placements including The Today Show and NBC News. What made it work so well was the alignment of preparation, purpose, and partnership — and seeing the results of years of relationship-building come together in such a visible, meaningful way reminded me exactly why I love what I do.
What’s a mistake you made that turned into one of your best professional assets?
Early in my career, as a naturally competitive person, I fell into the trap of comparison, constantly measuring myself against others’ progress or success. I’ve since learned that comparison truly is the thief of joy. While it’s important to understand the broader landscape and competitive environment, the most meaningful growth comes from measuring success against your own past performance and what you can control. That mindset shift has become one of my greatest strengths. It helps me stay grounded, lead with authenticity, and push my team to achieve their personal best rather than chasing someone else’s version of success.
If you could change one thing about our field in the next ten years, what would it be and why?
Poeschl at the Emmy Awards for Mutual of Omaha’s nominated show, Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild
Honestly, I don’t think any of us can really predict what our field will look like in 10 years. Just a few years ago, who would’ve guessed how quickly AI would become such a big part of our everyday work? As technology continues to evolve, I think what will matter most is keeping people at the center of everything we do, whether that’s how we understand our audiences or how we work together as colleagues. It’s easy to get caught up in tools and trends, but at the end of the day, communication is about human connection. Those real, face-to-face conversations and relationships will always be what make the biggest impact.
What do you want a younger professional to know about getting into this field?
I always tell young professionals about what I call the “carrying the boxes” mindset — and yes, I mean that literally. No matter your title or how far you’ve come in your career, you should never be above rolling up your sleeves and doing what needs to be done to make something successful. Sometimes that can really mean carrying boxes to an event or helping ship materials out. It’s a reminder that every task contributes to the bigger picture, and that kind of attitude — being willing to jump in anywhere — earns trust, builds respect, and leads to real success in this field for yourself and the greater team.
Nominate a communications pro to be our next Message Maker.
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