Mastering Communications in Global Development
The art of communication in global development.
Hello friend, and welcome to the first issue of Season Four!
This season, we’re kicking things off with a conversation on the art of communication in global development. Our guest is Dani Clark, a senior external affairs officer specializing in human development. Since 2010, she has worked as a lead writer, editor, and communication strategist. Dani holds a BA in history from the University of Florida and an MA in international relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
We spoke with Dani about her journey, approach to impactful storytelling, and the lessons learned along the way.
A Journey From History to International Relations:
Dani’s passion for international relations began long before she formally studied it. As an undergraduate, she was deeply involved in social justice movements. But the defining moment came during a service trip to Washington, D.C., where she and her group protested in front of the World Bank.
“I remember thinking, What the heck is the World Bank? If I’m going to be against something or want to change it, I have to understand it first,” she recalls.
Later, she met someone studying international relations—a field she hadn’t even realized was an academic discipline. “It made me want to learn more about how the world works.” Those two moments cemented her interest in global affairs.
The Johns Hopkins Experience and Its Impact
Graduate school at Johns Hopkins was transformative for Dani, both personally and professionally.
“Anything that you put yourself through in an intense way will shape you as a person and your trajectory in life,” she says.
The experience helped her understand the world through the lenses of geopolitics, economics, and political science. It also revealed how these systems are interconnected.
Despite the steep tuition fees, Dani chose Johns Hopkins for its reputation. “That big investment that felt like a lot at the time did open a lot of doors for me,” she notes.
Communicating Complex Global Challenges to Diverse Audiences
At the heart of Dani’s work is the challenge of making technical, complex topics accessible to diverse audiences.
The key is to'show, not tell’—to show the impact of the organization’s good work through storytelling.
Her approach includes:
Understanding the audience
Simplifying technical concepts
Helping technical staff uncover stories and connect the dots
Using communications plain language that everyone can follow
One of the main goals of public relations and external affairs in any organization is to protect the organization's credibility. To do that, communication must be clear and easily understood.
The Most Underrated Skill in Communications
Dani believes that writing is the most underrated communication skill. It is inherently difficult, and with the rise of AI, she warns that people risk de-skilling themselves.
She believes that clear writing reflects clear thinking. More importantly, writing can be a tool for self-discovery.
“When you write in a safe, non-judgmental space, you find your voice. That’s where ideas come to life.”
Finding Purpose in Mission-Driven Work
In our conversation with Dani, she talks about how working with institutions that impact billions of lives fuels her sense of purpose. Also, being surrounded by people who are driven by a desire to make a difference is enough inspiration daily.
“I hold fast to the fact that I am engaged in the constructive effort of humanity. It’s not perfect, but the effort is something that I'm proud to be part of.”
Advice for Young People and Graduate Students
Dani’s advice goes beyond specific career advice; it takes a broader approach.
Stay true to what excites you. Follow your curiosity, even if it takes years of hard work and uncertainty.
Know your “how,” learn to step back, analyze situations, and make meaning out of them.
Work hard and have patience. Success isn’t just about effort but hard work and luck.
Have a mission; it will drive you for how long it takes to arrive at your goal.
Catch the full episode here and discover more insightful content at www.gradschoolbuddy.info
Until next time,
Your Grad School Buddy.