The Challenge:

For controllers, communication is at the core of their day-to-day work. Whether they’re reporting numbers, explaining forecasts, or working with cross-functional teams, they rely on clear, focused communication to do their jobs well. In other words, it’s about making sure the message lands, especially when the stakes are high or the audience has little time to spare.

But strong communication doesn’t stop at clarity. Controllers also need to understand who they’re speaking to. Each stakeholder—whether from finance, operations, or leadership—comes with their own priorities, pressures, and ways of processing information. Being able to adapt, listen, and tailor the message is just as important as getting the facts right. And within the team itself, understanding how colleagues think and communicate helps build trust and reduce misunderstandings.

For this group to truly grow as business partners, they needed to connect. That meant building skills not only to express their ideas well, but to read the room, navigate different personalities, and respond with intention. This was the shift the programme aimed to support: moving from just passing on information to building real communication that drives understanding and action.

The Solutions:

To support the BI controllers in strengthening their communication and stakeholder engagement skills, PPEARL designed a two-part workshop delivered over two half-days. The sessions were practical, highly interactive, and specifically tailored to the needs of finance professionals who often have to deliver complex information with clarity and confidence.

At the heart of the workshop was the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which gave each participant insight into their own communication style and preferences. Through group activities and guided reflection, participants explored how their personality type influenced the way they interact with others, especially under pressure or when handling difficult conversations. Just as importantly, they learned how to recognise the communication styles of others, including their peers and stakeholders, and how to adjust their approach to build stronger relationships and avoid misalignment.

The second part of the programme focused on stakeholder management. Using real-world scenarios and case discussions, the controllers mapped out their own key stakeholders and identified ways to communicate more effectively based on interest, influence, and relationship dynamics. This practical work helped them step into the shoes of the people they often report to or collaborate with, improving empathy and sharpening their ability to frame messages for different audiences.

In addition to the workshop, PPEARL offered complimentary one-on-one coaching to every participant. These coaching sessions allowed each person to go deeper into their MBTI profile, explore specific communication challenges, and walk away with personalised strategies they could apply immediately in their roles. The coaching added an important layer of support by bridging the gap between learning and real-world application, and helping each participant grow with more confidence and self-awareness.

The Impact:

PPEARL's Promise:

We empower finance professionals to enhance influence and clarity by understanding personality types and mapping key stakeholders across regions—enabling meaningful communication and better business partnering. 

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