Comms Coffee Club Podcast

In this episode of the Comms Coffee Club podcast, host Max Forsyth interviews Ngaire Moyes, a communications professional with a rich history in the tech industry, having held senior communications and brand positions at LinkedIn and Microsoft. They discuss Ngaire's career journey, the evolution of communications in technology, and her role in shaping LinkedIn's brand and communications across EMEA, APAC and LATAM. They also delve into the challenges faced in leading communications for large tech companies, the integration of brand and communications, and the future trends in the industry. The Comms Coffee Club podcast is produced by Comms Search & Selection. Comms ​Search & Selection is an executive search and recruitment agency that specialises in supporting businesses in the UK and the US in hiring for their corporate communications, internal communications, change communications, PR and investor relations functions. Whether you are looking to recruit your next Chief Communications Officer or Head of Investor Relations or hiring for Manager to VP-level positions, we are your go-to partner. To find out more, visit: www.commssearch.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ngaire Moyes 07:45 Key Achievements and Experiences 13:14 Engaging Younger Audiences on LinkedIn 19:03 Challenges in a Rapidly Growing Tech Company 25:44 The Evolving Role of Communications Professionals 31:11 Integrating Brand and Communications 36:51 The Future of Brand Communications 41:44 AI: Opportunities and Challenges for Tech Companies 51:39 Reflections and Future Directions

In this episode of the Comms Coffee Club Podcast, host Max Forsyth interviews Joanna Parsons, CEO of The Curious Route and The Curious Tribe.If you're on LinkedIn and work in internal communications, you almost certainly know Joanna. But for those who don't, Joanna runs a fabulous internal communications consultancy, and her punchy, no-nonsense content is a refreshing tonic to a lot of other bland content out there.Looking for Your Next Communications or IR role, or Looking to Hire Into Your Comms or IR Team in the UK or USA?Learn about opportunities and insights into the world of in-house communications with Comms Search and Selection.Visit https://www.commssearch.com/Follow Us for More:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comms-search-selection/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comms_search_selection/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Comms Coffee Club Podcast, host Max Forsyth interviews Daniel Méndez, aka Mr #CommsJobs, a multilingual internal communications expert in the USA.They cover the journey internal communications has been on in the corporate world, from the pre-internet era to the current age of generative AI. Daniel shares his insights on how communicators can leverage emerging technologies while maintaining a human-centric approach.The discussion also covers the importance of networking, building genuine connections, and what it is like being known as Mr #CommsJobs, the LinkedIn initiative that Daniel has spearheaded for promoting and sharing communications job vacancies.This episode provides valuable perspectives for communications professionals working and learning in a changing landscape.Looking for Your Next Communications or IR role, or Looking to Hire Into Your Comms or IR Team in the UK or USA?Learn about opportunities and insights into the world of in-house communications with Comms Search and Selection.Visit https://www.commssearch.com/Follow Us for More:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comms-search-selection/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comms_search_selection/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of the Comms Coffee Club Podcast, Max Forsyth, Founder and Managing Director of Comms Search & Selection, answers your questions from a LinkedIn Live AMA session earlier in 2024. The advice is still as relevant now as it was a few months ago. Max shares invaluable advice on navigating today's challenging communications job market, including what recruiters look for, how to stand out in a competitive field, and the different types of recruitment processes you may encounter. Whether you're a job seeker or a hiring manager, this episode provides practical insights and tips that apply to both the UK and US markets. Don't miss Max's expert perspective on hiring trends, recruitment timelines, and the future of communications roles.Interested in Career Opportunities or Looking to Hire Into Your Comms Team?Learn about opportunities and insights into the world of in-house communications with Comms Search and Selection.Visit https://www.commssearch.com/Follow Us for More:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comms-search-selection/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comms_search_selection/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Commons Coffee Club podcast, host Max Forsyth chats to Wendy Serafin, a fractional communications leader from Chicago who has led and advised on comms, PR and brand for FinTech companies, including TruStage Ventures, FIS and OppFi. We discuss how she got into comms as a career, what it was like taking OppFi public and the groundwork required to do so, leading communications and brand for The Mom Project and her current career as a fractional CCO to start-up and early seed stage ventures.Interested in Career Opportunities or Looking to Hire Into Your Comms Team?Learn about opportunities and insights into the world of in-house communications with Comms Search and Selection.Visit https://www.commssearch.com/Follow Us for More:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comms-search-selection/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comms_search_selection/Wendy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wserafin/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The exciting Comms Coffee Club podcast on Executive Communications featuring Charlotte Otter, Strategic Communications Advisor, Otter Advisory is here!Data-led comms with the C-Suite is crucial but it's not enough. Trust building is the additional human element which goes hand in hand with the data storytelling. In our Comms Coffee Club session, we discussed the role of emotional intelligence and test in character when forming an effective partnership with the CEO and leaders. Charlotte shares some examples of adaptability and strategy when it comes to different leader preferences in communications; ranging from social media shy to spotlight seeking. We also touched on the ideal reporting line of the Head of Communications (see poll also) in optimising the function.  Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast episode, Max Forsyth interviews Anna Garcia, Communications Director at WinGD, a Swiss marine engine design firm. Anna discusses her career path and current role, emphasising the importance of sustainability and gender diversity in the shipping industry. She highlights the need for balanced, fact-driven communications on shipping sustainability and sustainable fuels. Anna also addresses the male-dominated nature of the industry and advocates for more women in decision-making roles. The conversation covers the challenges of communicating complex engineering concepts, the significance of storytelling, and the future trends in communications, emphasising collaboration, transparency, and effective leadership.**Interested in a Career Opportunities or Looking to Hire Into Your Comms Team ?**Learn about opportunities and insights into the world of in-house communications with Comms Search and Selection. Visit https://www.commssearch.com/**Follow Us for More:**- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comms-search-selection/- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comms_search_selection/**Upcoming events Max will be attending**

In this podcast episode, Sarah Kemp from fintech startup Moove and host Max Forsyth discuss the evolving role of communications in business. They explore the importance of storytelling, relationship-building, and the strategic role of comms in corporate settings. Sarah reflects on her career, emphasising data-driven narratives and the need for diverse thinking in hiring. They delve into the challenges of remote work, the significance of internal communications, and the potential influence of AI on the industry. Additionally, Sarah highlights the difficulty in demonstrating ROI to executives and the search for advanced analytics tools.**Interested in a Career Opportunities or Looking to Hire Into Your Comms Team ?**Learn about opportunities and insights into the world of in-house communications with Comms Search and Selection. Visit https://www.commssearch.com/**Follow Us for More:**- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comms-search-selection/- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comms_search_selection/ Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Comms Coffee Club podcast, host Max Forsyth interviews Agatha Fox, former Director, People Advisory Services at EY. They delve into Agatha's career path, her experience leading people-focused communications for complex transformations and the intricacies of change management. Agatha underscores the significance of communications and storytelling in making transformations relatable, and she outlines her framework for successful change: inform, involve, ignite, and invite. The discussion also covers the importance of adapting to generational differences and aligning with organisational values, especially regarding sustainability. Agatha offers insights on how she aids businesses in revitalising their transformation efforts and navigating the challenges of change.**Catch More Episodes:**https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLlsvcxIirFmJn3iG71wVRNXqSLhOrjvO&si=jjrd1QJKMGzMadMl**Listen On-The-Go:**Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, and more. https://linktr.ee/commssearch**Interested in a Career with Comms?**Learn about opportunities and insights into the world of in-house communications with Comms Search and Selection. Visit https://www.commssearch.com/**Follow Us for More:**- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comms-search-selection/- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comms_search_selection/#CommsCoffeeClub #Transformation #Change #AgathaFox #Communications Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Commons Coffee Club podcast, Charles Clarke, a financial services and asset management communications expert, shares his insights on sustainable finance and the importance of effective communication in the financial industry. Host Max Forsyth and Charles discuss the challenges of conveying sustainable objectives amidst a noisy backdrop, the significance of governance in ESG, and the need for transparency in client communications. Charles also reflects on his career, the evolution of internal communications, and the impact of hiring decisions on organizational performance. The episode concludes with Charles highlighting a successful campaign with HSBC Asset Management and underscoring the qualities he values in leadership.*Catch More Episodes:*   • Comms Coffee Club Podcast Full Episodes  *Listen On-The-Go:*Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, and more. https://linktr.ee/commssearch*Interested in a Career with Comms?*Learn about opportunities and insights into the world of in-house communications with Comms Search and Selection. Visit https://www.commssearch.com/*Follow Us for More:*- LinkedIn:   / comms-search-selection  - Instagram:   / comms_search_selection   Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Comms Coffee Club podcast episode, host Max Forsyth chats with communications expert Natasha Moore. Natasha shares her journey from political communications to asset management communications, offering insights into the importance of CEOs' communications skills, the impact of geopolitical risks, and the art of building trust with fund managers. With a background in the Conservative Party press office, she discusses the challenges of the 24-hour news cycle and the need for clear messaging. The episode concludes with thoughts on positioning industry leaders as thought leaders and the value of networking for comms professionals. Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast episode, Max Forsyth interviews Stephanie Roberts about her extensive experience in corporate communications, focusing on her work with Hitachi in the US and Japan. They discuss the nuances of global communication strategies and the cultural differences between Eastern and Western approaches to corporate comms. Stephanie emphasises the success of CSR initiatives worldwide. She shares insights on adapting to Japanese work culture, the effectiveness of campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of knowing your different target audiences and tailoring your communications channels. Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Comms Coffee Club podcast, Becca Chambers, Chief Communications Officer at ControlUp, shares her journey through tech communications, emphasising the importance of understanding industry dynamics and creating unique positioning in the tech market. She discusses the skills needed for successful corporate communications, such as simplifying complex ideas and being adaptable. Becca highlights a successful cybersecurity campaign using QR codes and her role in unifying a company's brand, underscoring the value of authenticity and strategic storytelling in enhancing a company's image and driving business growth.Comms Search & Selection's WebsiteBecca Chambers' LinkedInMax Forsyth's LinkedIn Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Comms Coffee Club Christmas Wrap-Up. We discuss the surprising number of Fortune 500 Chief Communications Officers and how it compares to the FTSE 100, why companies should put a board-level communication professional in post in 2024, why communications recruiting processes are taking so long and driving hiring managers and candidates mad, crisis communications on X Streams, IBM and Red Hat, Blackstone's Christmas video and plans and wishes for 2024. Comms Search & Selection:Website: https://commssearch.com/Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/comms-search-selection Hosted by Max Forsyth: www.linkedin.com/max-forsyth-6b5b7235 Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special episode of the Comms Coffee Club podcast as we revisit a LinkedIn Live webinar we hosted with Herwick Communications last month on how brands and corporations can and should communicate and PR effectively in the Middle East.With COP 28 currently in Dubai and the increasing strength and power of financial powerhouses and sovereign wealth funds in the region and within global companies, it is now more critical than ever for brands and corporates to get up to speed with their public relations and communications in the region.Comms Search & Selection:Website: https://commssearch.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comms-search-selection/Hosted by Max Forsyth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-forsyth-6b5b7235/ Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to lead with confidence and credibility? Get ready to embark on an enlightening journey with Louise Thompson, the founder of Louise Thompson Leadership Coaching. She'll take us through her exciting career transition from PR agencies and AOL to the San Francisco tech start-up scene and finally the NHS. Louise's passion for coaching and leadership development shines through her narrative, as she fearlessly tackles the common struggles that many leaders face today.From micromanagement to a lack of trust in teams, leaders are often plagued by challenges that can obstruct their path to success. In this episode, Louise teaches us to recognise our unique value as leaders and utilise coaching models to set clear goals and create tangible outcomes. We also venture into the often-misunderstood realm of performance appraisals, exploring how to make the most of them and devising strategies to cope with negative feedback from CEOs or leaders with unrealistic expectations.Comms Search & Selection:Website: https://commssearch.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comms-search-selection/Hosted by Max Forsyth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-forsyth-6b5b7235/Louise's website: www.louisethompsoncoaching.comLouise's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisecthompson/Louise's substack: https://leadwithintention.substack.com/ Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Banks tells the Comms Coffee Club Podcast about his career journey from British Army officer to journalist and war correspondent to his current role leading Marketing and Communications at infrastructure giant AECOM.We discuss loads, including the compelling world of infrastructure comms at AECOM, offering advice to CEOs on media engagement, the intriguing realm of journalism, his unique career journey in the Army, and the time he had to ensure ITV journalists' safety amidst a crossfire in Afghanistan.Comms Search & Selection:Website: https://commssearch.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comms-search-selection/Hosted by Max Forsyth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-forsyth-6b5b7235/ Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join the Comms Coffee Club podcast as we sit down with Natasha Plowman, an expert in sustainability-focused corporate communications.Natasha's journey from activist to corporate professional brings unique and insightful perspectives to critical conversations about Australian and UK politics, responsible FMCG communications, and how financial services can contribute towards a more sustainable future. Tune in as we discuss her experiences advocating for charities, collaborating with responsible brands, and dissecting complex political systems.Comms Search & Selection:Website: https://commssearch.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comms-search-selection/Hosted by Max Forsyth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-forsyth-6b5b7235/ Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join the Comms Coffee Club Podcast and the brilliant Michael Osborne as we explore his intriguing journey in the communications industry. From his start on the student newspaper at Durham University, working agency-side with Fishburn Hedges, and then his most notable in-house role at Clifford Chance, we cover it all. Listen as Michael offers invaluable insights on crafting successful PR campaigns, leveraging technology and AI in communications, and the importance of risk-taking to gain attention in an instinctively conservative industry. Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us on the Comms Coffee Club Podcast this week as we sit down with the incredible Madeleine Little. Madeleine's journey into the world of communications began after reading a small job advert in the back of the Financial Times one evening and has since led her to work with top CEOs, shape the future of communication, and push boundaries at leading brands, including JLL, Aon and Dun & Bradstreet. We traverse her path, from her unexpected entry into the communications landscape at Citigate Dewe Rogerson to her transition from agency to in-house and then travelling to Singapore to lead APAC communications for JLL.In our chat, Madeleine takes us on a global tour of the communications industry as we dissect the intricate customs and challenges that emerge when crossing borders. From the sector-specific press offices and press release pigeonholes of Japan to India's insatiable appetite for information, we examine the unique communication styles of various countries. We delve into the complexities of content-heavy communication briefs, address the issues of budget and headcounts, and emphasise the importance of clarity and structure in any organisation.The highlight of our conversation is Madeleine's insights into her favourite CEO to work for from a communications perspective, Julie Page, at Aon. We dissect the strategies, planning and importance of authenticity and empathy for CEOs. We hear about her new venture, Dawnay Communications, which provides communications strategy and planning consultancy to Head of Communications. Don't miss out! Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join the Comms Coffee Club podcast and this week's special guest host, AI-generated Isabella, as we chat with Max Forsyth, founder and managing director of Comms Search and Selection and host of the Comms Coffee Club podcast. Max takes us through his fascinating journey from sports journalism to setting up his in-house communications recruitment firm and his vision for the podcast. Listen as he discusses the best campaigns he's worked on and gives us an exclusive peek into the Coms Coffee Club Patreon channel, which offers early access to events and exclusive insights. Our conversation also covers communications teams' challenges, such as tracking customer sources and delivering bad news during restructuring. Hear about one comms professional's experience with Swiss Re and the strategies to launch a new product. Lastly, we examine the turbulent recruitment market, and Max offers invaluable advice for hiring managers and candidates alike. Don't miss his take on the strategic importance of communications in the post-Covid world and the potential for growth in the AI space. Tune in for this informative and insightful conversation with Max Forsyth. Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Comms Coffee Club podcast was thrilled to have the chance to sit down with the exceptionally insightful Wesley Eberle, former Chief Comms Officer at Natixis Investment Managers, in this episode. His journey, which spans from the Midwest of the United States to London, provides a fascinating backdrop to our conversation about global communications, corporate culture, and the role of sincerity in leadership. Our chat with Wesley takes multiple enlightening turns as we delve into the world of communications and asset management. We break down the art of balancing global business and diplomacy, the importance of a clear vision for a company's culture, and personal interaction's role in fostering successful transformation. We also dive into leadership communication, emphasising the necessity of sincerity and honesty in building trust within a workforce. We wrap up with a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities in asset management. Wesley shares his thoughts on the potential of storytelling in making investments more vivid, the importance of agility in marketing campaigns, and the impact of using technical language in communications. This episode is packed with valuable insights and wisdom that will resonate with anyone in the communications and asset management sectors. Tune in to hear more about Wesley's journey, experiences, and invaluable advice. Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want Ad-Free listening, Early Access to Episodes and Events, and Exclusive Patreon-only Content? Join Our Comms Coffee Club Double Espressos on Patreon for £5/month!Ever wonder how one manoeuvres through the complex world of Government communications? Join the Comms Coffee Club Podcast and our guest for this episode, a seasoned communications professional, Kate Howell, takes us on a captivating journey, shedding light on the intricate workings of the UK Government's communications department in the Blair years. From her initial steps at Oxford University to her ascent into working with the top ranks of Government, Kate offers a unique perspective on the importance of strategic communication in the decision-making processes and gives us a peek into the Deputy Prime Minister's office. Kate also chronicles the transformational journey of London's Borough Market, one of the city's most cherished and popular markets and tourist destinations, and her crucial role in its evolution. We explore how this bustling market has grown into a charitable trust, the impact of figures like Jamie Oliver, and the market's response to the BSE scandal. Kate shares the significance of sustainability, partnerships, and innovative strategies in attracting public interest and fostering community engagement. Our conversation takes a sombre turn as Kate recounts the terrifying 2017 London Bridge Terror Attack, highlighting the importance of effective communication during times of crisis. We discuss the emotional toll of managing a crisis, the importance of a robust stakeholder network, and the resilience and unity demonstrated by the Borough Market community. Tune in to this episode for a compelling insight into all this and more. Kate's experiences testify to the power of strategic communication and the strength of united communities in overcoming adversity. (0:00:01) - The Role of Communications in Government (0:10:31) - Strategic Objectives and Brand Perception (0:17:22) - Borough Market Transformation and Crisis Management (0:29:08) - Borough Market Attack Communication Challenges (0:40:49) - Positive and Grateful Conclusion Website: https://www.commssearch.com Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want Ad-Free listening, Early Access to Episodes and Events, and Exclusive Patreon-only Content? Join Our Comms Coffee Club Double Espressos on Patreon for £5/month!Join the Comms Coffee Club from Comms Search & Selection for an enlightening conversation with Alayna Francis, a seasoned PR pro and the global head of PR for a FTSE 250 FinTech company. Alayna enthrals us with her journey, which led her from an avid reader and press enthusiast to one of the PR world's leading voices. She opens up about her fascinating experiences, from the thrill of meeting President Clinton to the challenges of manoeuvring the subtle differences in PR practices between the US and the UK.Francis also graces us with an insider's perspective on the intricate interplay of PR and legal collaborations in different countries. Sharing her invaluable experience dealing with a 9-11 litigation case and potential data breaches, Alayna emphasises the worrying risks posed by data databases and the urgent need for businesses to be aware of them. She also candidly discusses her concerns about the potential devaluation of PR and Communications roles in the UK compared to the US and the importance of a diverse team and a solid content and social media strategy. Soak in the insights from Alayna's wealth of PR wisdom in this enlightening episode.Episode Chapters:(0:00:01) - US and UK PR Differences(0:12:26) - In-House vs. Agency(0:19:35) - Challenges and Success of PR Campaign(0:27:08) - PR and Legal Collaboration in Countries(0:35:51) - Devaluation of PR and Communications(0:42:47) - PR and Communications Challenges and Similarities(0:51:12) - PR and Communications in BusinessLinks:Comms Coffee Club: https://www.commssearch.com/comms-coffee-clubComms Search & Selection: https://www.commssearch.com/School Food Matters: https://www.schoolfoodmatters.org/JerseyForAll: https://www.jerseyforall.org/ Want ad-free listening, early access to every episode, and exclusive Patreon-only content and priority invites to Comms Search & Selection's events? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.