Beach Combing, Comms Expert
Fiona Sykes, our United States-based Global Director of Marketing Communications, has been with RLDatix for the past three years and has had an immense impact on how customers view and understand our products.
From building and continuously improving our brand tone and voice, to leading our global messaging, she showcases our core value of “Passion with Purpose” every day. We sat down with Fiona to chat about life at RLDatix, her career journey so far, and what she’s been up to outside of work.
Why did you decide to join RLDatix?
“I buy-in to the mission and vision of our business. We are doing work that is making healthcare safer for our communities globally by enabling our healthcare workers to focus their time on caring for patients.
From a career standpoint, RLDatix is a great place to grow and learn — rapidly scaling the business gives individuals the opportunity to scale as leaders, too.”
What keeps you working here?
“No two days are the same — no two hours are the same! I like the challenge of our work and the way it keeps my brain stimulated.
I am fortunate to work with other bright, kind colleagues who are eager to collaborate, push the envelope of what is possible and who envision a better world.”
Fiona goes on to share specifically what makes her direct team so enjoyable to work with:
“I absolutely love our team. Everyone is sharp, thoughtful and most importantly — everyone has a quick and clever sense of humor.”
What does your current role at RLDatix entail?
“Our team guides RLDatix’s brand awareness, tone of voice, media coverage and public relations in addition to managing executive communications and RLDatix’s reputation. We do this by collaborating with our other regional and functional leaders to bring customer stories to life, elevate our executives’ brands, establish RLDatix as a thought leader within the industry, and publicly celebrate our wins and manage through losses.”
What has your career trajectory at RLDatix looked like?
“I joined the company as a healthcare writer, developing executive thought leadership content across the business globally. Shortly after joining, I stepped into the role of Marketing Communications Manager and started building out our communications strategy for RLDatix, bringing on Fathma Rahman as our communications leader and further expanding our team. We have continued to grow, and since 2023, I have served as the Global Director of Marketing Communications.”
What are your favorite parts of working in Communications?
“I love the fast-paced nature of communications and that there is always a fresh, new challenge that you couldn’t have predicted. Communications is incredibly strategic. It’s like chess, you always have to be thinking 10 steps ahead. And even then, there is always so much that pops up that is unexpected. I enjoy brainstorming and problem-solving with our team.”
Do you have any advice for people looking to join the field themselves?
“Get curious! Make connections — and ask questions. I’ve been very fortunate to have many wonderful mentors and colleagues throughout my career and I love talking to folks who are considering their next career step and could use a sounding board.”
Fiona also shares one of the biggest lessons he’s learned in her career so far:
“I have gotten so much good advice I try to put into practice every day. But nothing stays with you like what you learn on the job yourself — my biggest lessons have come through being thrown into the fire and mistakes. I make an effort to reflect on things that didn’t go smoothly and identify areas for improvement. The reality is that we can only control our own contributions to a larger scenario. Did I learn something that could help me to improve a process? How could I prepare more in advance? How can I be a better partner to my colleagues?
I can still remember a communication I put out to several tens of thousands of people several years ago that was incomplete and it haunts me to this day! But now, I never put any addresses in the “to” box of a mass email until the message is fully proofed. A small lesson, but one I think about all of the time.”
Outside of work, what are you up to? Tell us a bit about yourself!
“I am fortunate enough to live in a place where I can be active and outside year-round. We spend most of our free time in the summer on the beach, swimming and playing beach games. In the winter, we still visit the beach for walks, but transition to other outdoor activities and travel for winter snow sports. I practice yoga and enjoy hosting friends and throwing parties! Lately, we’ve been enjoying nightly crosswords.”
Above: Fiona on a winter ski trip. | Below: Fiona practicing yoga.
To get to know Fiona a bit more, we also asked her to share anything she’s recently been listening to or reading that she’d like to recommend!
Fiona’s Current Favorites
- Music: “My partner and I just went on a road trip and made an early 2000s sing along playlist that we are still jamming to!”
- Book: “I am currently reading Monster and The Nightingale.”
- TV: The Queen’s Gambit
Want to work with people like Fiona, who are passionate about what they do?
At RLDatix, we’re making healthcare safer together. Our shared passion for meaningful work drives us, while a supportive, respectful culture makes it all possible. As a team, we collaborate globally to reach our ultimate goal—helping people.
Sounds interesting? Check out our Careers Page, and LinkedIn Page for all the latest information on our open roles!
Fiona is just one of many awesome team members at RLDatix worldwide. Be sure to check out our other Employee Spotlights to learn more about the team!
