New research has found that 30% of communications and marketing professionals feel overwhelmed two to three times per week.

The Confidence Amidst Chaos report from MikeWorldWide found that navigating increasing workloads, reputational sensitivities, and fast-moving technological change all contribute to feelings of overwhelm.

The study — of 500 in-house communications and marketing pros across B2B and B2C, conducted by independent research agency Opinion Matters — found 13% experience the feeling daily, and for B2C roles, 34% reported regular overwhelm compared to 26% in B2B.

It also highlighted that while 92% say they’re confident in their brand voice, but 32% of B2C professionals say fear of reputational backlash is holding brands back from being more relevant and impactful, compared to 26% of B2B professionals. 

The most common barriers are:

• Budget constraints (52%)
• Inability to act fast enough (37%)
• Outdated brand strategies (32%)

Sarah Moloney, UK MD at MikeWorldWide said: “It’s clear that marketing and communications professionals are feeling the pressure: overwhelmed by pace, burdened by decision fatigue, and stuck between the need to innovate and the realities of risk, all influenced by the shifting geopolitical landscape, economic instability, regulatory uncertainty, and the growing impact of global tariffs and taxation.

“But amidst that pressure, we’re also seeing professionals show remarkable focus, adaptability and determination to keep brands moving forward. Rather than seeing these findings as a signal of stagnation, I see them as a reminder of our collective potential. With the right support, clearer leadership, smarter tools, and more human-centric strategies, brands can turn hesitation into progress. This is our industry’s chance to reframe what boldness means: not reckless risk-taking, but thoughtful, confident action rooted in purpose.”

The same uncertainty can be found with AI usage. Nearly all (98%) of professionals surveyed use AI in their work, particularly at senior levels, with 88% of chief communication officers reporting either always or frequently use. But for many, the tech designed to help them move faster is instead introducing new uncertainties.

Meanwhile, 37% of chief marketing and communication officers believe AI poses a brand risk. More broadly, 38% of all respondents admit they are unclear about the ethical implications of using AI – a figure that rises to 41% among B2C professionals.

Michael Kempner, global CEO and founder at MikeWorldWide said: “This moment demands a new kind of leadership - one that values precision and predictability as much as purpose and creativity. It’s not about size or scale, but about relevance, trust and the ability to make confident decisions in an increasingly fragmented and fast-moving world.”