In the high-stakes world of corporate leadership, where every word can influence markets, policies and reputations, Christina McKenna stands as an indispensable guide. As the founder and president of Bluestone Executive Communications, McKenna has built a career helping America’s top corporate and community leaders master the art of impactful communication.
Her journey to this niche was far from linear, with a resume spanning four distinct careers.
Born and raised in Detroit, Birmingham-based McKenna pursued her passion for storytelling at the University of Chicago before earning a master’s degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. She spent 12 years as a TV news reporter and anchor in major markets like Boston, Seattle and Detroit, covering politics, business and breaking news.
Her career took a turn when she transitioned into academia. She served as a full-time faculty member at Boston’s Suffolk University, where she taught writing and journalism. Her next role, as spokesperson for the Fortune 500 company Boston Edison, provided her with firsthand experience in high-pressure corporate communications.
After returning to Michigan to pursue a position in corporate communications, McKenna found herself repeatedly asked to train executives in media relations and public speaking.
“I really wanted a big corporate job, but people kept asking me to do this,” she says. “I said, well, I'm gonna hang out a shingle and double down on this — so this career really found me. I will tell you it is the most fun, the most rewarding and I absolutely love what I do.”
Bluestone Executive Communications (bluestoneexec.com), in Birmingham, was born in 2013.
“Our clients — CEOs, company presidents, university leaders — are doing meaningful, impactful work, from bringing innovations to market to making the world safer,” McKenna says. “Many have risen to leadership through expertise in finance, engineering or other technical fields, but communication isn’t always their strongest skill. We help them become even more effective communicators, amplifying their impact; and that, to me, is incredibly rewarding.”
McKenna is keenly aware of the challenges women face in leadership roles.
“Without a doubt, women often have to work harder to command the room,” she says. “Hard work alone is not enough. Women must be mindful of their professional brand, advocate for themselves and develop an authoritative presence.”
She stresses the importance of preparation and clarity. “One of the biggest mistakes I see is people jumping into a speech or meeting without defining their goal. That’s like getting in a car and driving without knowing your destination.”
One of McKenna’s most notable success stories involves a high-ranking executive in Houston who struggled with public speaking.
“A CEO of a large Houston nonprofit had one crucial night a year to raise significant funds, but she struggled to quiet the room and capture attention at her gala. She turned to us for help, taking one of our courses,” McKenna says. “The next time she stepped on stage, everything changed — she commanded the room, delivered a powerful speech and shattered fundraising goals. More than 100 people approached her that night, saying her words had moved them deeply. She later told us it was the most compelling and effective speech she had ever given — a transformation that was incredibly gratifying for us to witness.”
McKenna firmly believes that knowing one’s values and standing by them is crucial to success. “One thing that has really helped me is knowing what I stand for — what my values are and what’s important to me. Providing something that is truly helpful to other people makes such a difference,” she says.
She recognizes that many professionals dread the communication aspect of their jobs.
“There are so many people in engineering, finance or business who love their work but don’t want to deal with the communication piece. We love helping them realize that no matter what your role is, until you communicate about your work, your work is not done.”
McKenna also underscores the importance of legacy. “Everybody is only in their role for a finite amount of time. They’re only at their company for a limited time. They’re only in their career for so many years. And they’re only on this planet for a certain number of years. To help people become more impactful communicators means helping them share what they’ve done with others and bring meaning to their work. That’s what creates a lasting legacy.”
Despite her demanding career, McKenna prioritizes family — her husband, Christopher Walton, and their two teenage sons.
“It takes great scheduling, a strong support system and cutting yourself some slack,” she says. “You’re doing better than you think.”
She acknowledges that finding balance is an ongoing challenge but believes it’s about making intentional choices. “Some days, work takes priority. Other days, family does. The key is to be present wherever you are.”
From coaching CEOs to attending her sons’ baseball games, McKenna has crafted a life where impact and fulfillment coexist. And for those looking to elevate their leadership presence, she remains the trusted voice whispering in their ear, ensuring they deliver pitch-perfect communication when it matters most.
“Our clients — CEOs, company presidents, university leaders — are doing meaningful, impactful work, from bringing innovations to market to making the world safer. But communication isn’t always their strongest skill. We help them become even more effective communicators, amplifying their impact; and that, to me, is incredibly rewarding.” — Christina McKenna