Heather Bakken is a co-founder of Pendulum and a certified digital communications strategist with a distinctive background as a broadcast journalist, digital news publisher and creative marketing director. Her career spans the full communications continuum from live breaking news to executive advisory, positioning her as a trusted advisor to organizations facing reputational risk, intense scrutiny, or moments that demand clarity and authority.

Heather’s crisis communications expertise is grounded in decades of frontline media experience. As an international TV news anchor and broadcast journalist with CBC News, she developed a deep understanding of how crises unfold in real time, how narratives harden, and how leaders are judged under pressure. This firsthand experience on both sides of the camera underpins her effectiveness as a strategic advisor to executives and organizations navigating complex media environments.

Heather has worked across the public and private sectors in senior editorial and leadership roles. In private media, she was the Executive Publisher of two political news sites, leading editorial teams while expanding business lines and managing organizational change. She brings a strategic understanding of audience trust, institutional reputation, and the intersection of editorial judgment and commercial realities, skills directly transferable to corporate and institutional crisis management.

Earlier in her career, Heather was the creative director at a national marketing organization, overseeing integrated marketing and communications campaigns from concept through execution. This gives her a rich understanding of how to bridge brand strategy, communications planning, and media execution.

Heather is widely recognized for her excellence as a public speaker, moderator, and facilitator. She has addressed live audiences of several thousands and is a sought-after moderator for high-profile events. She has led panels and conducted interviews with business leaders, politicians, diplomats, and acclaimed authors. She brings clarity, simplicity and engaging narratives to complex conversations.

She currently serves as the president of World Press Freedom Canada. She is the founder of the Ottawa Debating Society and served two terms as President of the Canadian Club of Ottawa. Her leadership reflects a long-standing commitment to informed public discourse, ethical journalism, and democratic values.

Her background gives Heather the skills to help others refine messaging, improve on-camera performance, and prepare for high-stakes public engagements.

Heather is the recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her volunteer work.