The Language of Leadership: Bridging the Gap Between What Leaders Say & Employees Hear with Alejandra Ramirez Wells

Welcome back to The Grey Areas Podcast! This week, I’m joined by Alejandra Ramirez Wells, internal communication strategist, facilitator, and founder of Ready Cultures. With over two decades of experience, including 15 years in Big Laws, Alejandra helps companies close the gap between what leaders say and what employees actually hear.

In this episode, Alejandra breaks down her “Head, Heart, Hands” framework and shares how clear, empathetic communication can transform culture from the inside out. From crisis comms, to navigating massive change, she unpacks the communication mistakes leaders make and what it really takes to build trust and alignment during uncertain times.

Highlights Include:

• 02:52 – The turning point during COVID that led Alejandra to launch Ready Cultures and centre employee experience in her work.
• 05:42 – The Head, Heart, Hands framework: A simple yet powerful tool for making leadership messaging clear, human, and actionable.
• 13:31 – Internal comms vs. HR: Why treating communication like a one-way broadcast breaks trust.
• 22:32 – How Alejandra coaches leaders through high-stakes moments like layoffs, mergers, and executive transitions with clarity and credibility.
• 29:06 – Alignment over agreement: What leaders often get wrong about employee buy-in.
• 34:52 –Why honest answers even “I don’t know” build stronger leadership presence.
• 44:10 – Cubicle Confession: Alejandra’s advice on navigating ethical tension and finding your voice to a healthcare comms lead who feels stuck between executive spin and employee panic

Tune in to hear how Alejandra is helping leaders and organizations go from performative to purposeful and why better communication is the first step toward better culture.

Alejandra Ramirez Wells’ Links:
The 3h Framework
Website
LinkedIn