The Internal Comms Podcast

If you have ever found yourself circling back, touching base, breaking down silos or leveraging strategic synergies — then these guests are speaking your language. Charles Firth and James Schloeffel are the Australian comedy duo behind Wankernomics. Their brilliantly sharp satire holds a mirror up to the strange, slippery and often nonsensical language we only use at work. What started as a comedic side project has become a global phenomenon, with their reels and live shows resonating around the world. In this gloriously unfiltered conversation, we discuss vertical slices, Human-Centred Design and the curious art of “North Starring” — even in the Southern Hemisphere. We examine how certain phrases allow us to deflect responsibility, sound impressive without committing to anything, and quietly opt out of saying what we really mean. But this is about more than buzzwords. At its heart, this is a conversation about belonging — about how language helps us fit in, how it masks insecurity, and why it's so hard to speak plainly in a world that rewards waffle. Share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. Thank you for listening.

What does it take to make one of the most scrutinised leaders in the world feel relatable? And how do we build internal comms that truly include everyone — especially the quieter voices? In this episode, Katie Macaulay is joined by personal brand expert, storytelling strategist and award-winning filmmaker Richard Etienne. Richard shares the remarkable story of being summoned to 10 Downing Street and handed a single-line brief: make the Prime Minister more personable. As Theresa May's official videographer, he used empathy, authenticity and storytelling to reveal the human behind the headlines. But this episode goes beyond politics. Richard explores how to build a bold career in comms, why speed and trust matter more than ever, and how storytelling remains a vital leadership tool. He also shares the mission behind The Introvert Space, his community interest group and his mission to ensure even the quietest voices are heard in the workplace. Expect honest reflections, practical insights — and a timely reminder that powerful communication starts with listening. Share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. Thank you for listening.

Fred Cook's career proves success doesn't require a straight line. Now Chairman Emeritus of global PR agency Golin, Fred has spent 35+ years advising world-famous brands – Amazon, McDonald's, Disney – and visionary CEOs like Jeff Bezos and Steve Jobs. But his journey began far from the boardroom. Fred's early resumé includes being a pool hustler, cabin boy and chauffeur for drunks. He describes his life as a “series of experiments” and in this episode, he shares what they taught him. Fred explains how to stand out in a crowded job market, the evolving role of internal communication, and why the best comms pros are brilliant relationship builders. He also shares insights from his role as Director of the USC Center for Public Relations and his book Improvise: Unconventional Career Advice from an Unlikely CEO. This is a conversation about courage, curiosity and embracing the unexpected. Share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. Thank you for listening.

Inspiration is everywhere when you stay curious. That's the thread running through this episode of The Internal Comms Podcast, where Katie Macaulay welcomes communication, creativity and leadership consultant Beth Collier. The author of the brilliant Substack newsletter Curious Minds, Beth takes Katie on a journey from her early days working in Hollywood to her role today as a respected comms pro. Digging into the origin stories of some of life's everyday items has helped keep Beth curious across the years, and the tales can be astounding. Did you know, for example, that duct tape was invented to save lives? Not only do Beth and Katie explore these unlikely stories of creativity, they unpack the imposter syndrome phenomenon, which Beth suggests is a complete myth, and dive into how you can strengthen your curiosity muscles to get ahead. A treasure trove of unique inspiration top tips on how to stay curious, this is one for all the curious comms pros out there. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

What does it mean to be a credible leader? And just how important is that credibility to your team? In this episode of The Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay welcomes back leadership and internal communication expert Jenni Field to unpack all this and more. Jenni is the author of Nobody Believes You: Become a Leader People Will Follow, and former president of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. She is also the host of the Redefining Communications podcast and an international leadership coach. She's recognised as a leading influencer in the way leaders and organisations communicate with their teams. In this episode, Katie and Jenni dig into the leadership research that forms the basis of Jenni's latest book. They discuss what it means to be truly credible, and why that matters, and delve into the eight practices Jenni has identified that make a truly effective leader. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

In this episode of The Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay welcomes Jeremy Connell-Waite, Global Communications Designer for IBM, an acclaimed speechwriter and storyteller, and a performance coach for senior executives. In this fascinating conversation, which will challenge everything you thought you knew about storytelling, Jeremy guides Katie through the concept of storytelling design – the process of drawing speeches and stories, not writing them. It's an approach that seeks to connect on every level from the get-go. Jeremy dives into what storytelling really is, what sets the true greats apart and how internal comms pros can change the world in 1,000 seconds (about the length of time you take for your morning coffee break). As you'll see in our featured links, there's stacks of inspiration to draw from, as Jeremy unpacks the genius of everyone from Aaron Sorkin to Obama's former speechwriter, Terry Szuplat. This is a tale of how storytelling is harder skill than you think. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

We're back for season 13 of The Internal Comms Podcast and to kick things off, host Katie Macaulay is joined by Eduvie Martin. Eduvie is Group Communications and Engagement Manager at British American Tobacco, President of the IABC's UK and Ireland Chapter and Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Comic Republic – a creative media company changing the narrative on African storytelling. In this insightful episode, Eduvie opens up about her route into communications and the challenges of communicating in the tobacco industry. She discusses her roles with the IABC and Comic Republic and how each experience builds on her expertise in unique ways. And she offers a fresh perspective on work and life, the value of intentionality and why comms pros should prioritise planning over predicting. Tune in for valuable advice on forging your own path, building resilience, the power of community and always staying true to who you are. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

We're back for season 13 of The Internal Comms Podcast and to kick things off, host Katie Macaulay is joined by Eduvie Martin. Eduvie is Group Communications and Engagement Manager at British American Tobacco, President of the IABC's UK and Ireland Chapter and Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Comic Republic – a creative media company changing the narrative on African storytelling. In this insightful episode, Eduvie opens up about her route into communications and the challenges of communicating in the tobacco industry. She discusses her roles with the IABC and Comic Republic and how each experience builds on her expertise in unique ways. And she offers a fresh perspective on work and life, the value of intentionality and why comms pros should prioritise planning over predicting. Tune in for valuable advice on forging your own path, building resilience, the power of community and always staying true to who you are. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

In this episode, we mark a big milestone with a gift-wrapped edition of the Internal Comms Podcast. It's six years since the show launched and, in this Christmas special, host Katie Macaulay shares some of her favourite moments. From Professor William Kahn's take on the meaning of engagement, to Seth Godin on creating the right conditions for people to change their attitude, via the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Pfizer, Sally Susman, on transforming “the reputation of the company alongside the development of the COVID vaccine”, you'll discover some great insight into the ever-changing world of IC from some of the professions' top names. This episode marks a wrap for season 12. Share your favourite moments using #TheICPodcast on LinkedIn and tune back in early 2025 as we kick off season 13.

This week on The Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay is joined by a very special guest – AB's creative director, Joel O'Connor. Joel has been with AB for well over a decade, and has seen our agency and the wider internal comms space change beyond recognition. In this rare look behind the curtains of a communications agency, the episode explores Joel's creative process, his ideal brief, his hopes for internal comms and a look back at life growing up as a young creative in Liverpool in the ‘80s. Tune in to unpick how to keep bringing creativity to internal comms in a world where employees' time and attention are at a premium. Hear how to ensure internal comms doesn't fade into what Joel calls 'the hum of the fridge'. And there's fantastic insight into sharpening your creative edge (hint: get outside!) and how to get the very best from your brand and visual identity guidelines. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

This week on The Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay is joined by co-founder of Local Wisdom, tech expert and comms leader Pinaki Kathiari. With his rare passion for both the sciences and the arts, Pinaki has built a company that advises organisations large and small on how to launch and scale their comms platforms. Internal comms technology has often been late to the party. But as Pinaki shares with Katie, we're in a very exciting, pivotal time for comms tech. In this episode, they discuss the questions we should be asking of IT leaders, how technology has evolved in the IC space and what makes an effective channel suite. Also, listen out for Pinaki's IC team maturity model and an insightful exchange about why it feels wrong to be human at work. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

We all deserve the opportunity to thrive at work. We deserve equal opportunity. We deserve to feel valued and included. That's what diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is all about and as polarising as it may have become, it's here to stay. In this episode of The Internal Comms Podcast, DEI educator, author and comms leader Kim Clark joins Katie Macaulay to discuss how internal communicators and business leaders can play their part in creating more equitable, fair businesses. Her book, The Conscious Communicator: The Fine Art of Not Saying Stupid Shit, offers a refreshing view of DEI in the workplace. From approaching change with leaders who may not be so receptive to the idea of DEI, to tackling unconscious bias by ‘calling in' with our colleagues, there are many ways we as communicators can help build the organisations of tomorrow. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

In this episode, Katie Macaulay is joined by author and influential blogger, Seth Godin. Seth was top of Katie's guest wish list when The Internal Comms Podcast launched five years ago. As the author of 22 international bestsellers and as one the world's most respected marketers, Seth has changed the way millions of people think about marketing, creativity and work. Now we lift the lid on Seth's approach to internal communication. This is a wide-ranging, fascinating conversation. Katie and Seth discuss the importance of understanding organisations and communications at a systemic level. They explore how much agency we really have – and how much we really want or need. And they touch on the notion of ‘false proxies' and why we should be throwing them out. Join Katie and Seth as they navigate the noise and get to the heart of what makes truly impactful – and effective – internal communication. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

In this episode of The Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay welcomes international internal comms consultant and strategist Monique Zytnik to the hot seat. Monique is the author of Internal Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. She has two decades of experience shaping strategies and crafting personalised, more meaningful communication experiences. In this wide-ranging conversation, Katie and Monique talk modern-day communication strategies, and where they fall short. We discover how Monique's early career in physiotherapy shaped her into the communicator she is today and how it has helped her tap into the hearts and minds of colleagues across the world. We also dive into her layered, immersive and non-linear approach to internal comms and explore the importance of effort and authenticity in leadership. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

In this episode of The Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay welcomes Matt Tidwell to the hot seat. Matt is a consultant, communicator and educator, and has led comms agencies, built brands, advised CEOs and nurtured the next comms greats at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas. As you can imagine, he has a wealth of fantastic life experience to share. We begin this episode by unpacking the influence Matt's mother had on his route into comms. Matt shares the importance of empathy, curiosity and strategic thinking in internal comms and insight into the gaps in modern communicators' skillsets. He also makes a strong case for upskilling in areas you might not expect. All this, and much, much more. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

We're back for Season 12 of The Internal Comms Podcast, and in this first episode, host Katie Macaulay is joined by Senior Director of Corporate Communication at Iron Mountain, Neil Jenkins. Neil has led internal comms at British Telecom, Coca Cola, Vodafone and Siemens, and has more than a few tales to tell when it comes to engaging that hard-to-reach, disparate audience. This episode goes ‘under the Mountain' to discover how Neil engages 26,000 colleagues – or ‘Mountaineers', as they are called – across 60 countries. Katie and Neil discuss the challenges of building an internal comms function from the ground up, dealing with restructuring and setting guardrails when resources are limited, how to galvanise leaders behind your cause and much, much more. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

McKinsey & Company is one of the world's most renowned strategic management consultancies. With a mission of striving for “change that changes everything”, its global team of change and strategy consultants has delivered some of the most complex and challenging change programmes in the world. Join Katie Macaulay as she goes under the hood and find out what makes IC tick at McKinsey. This episode's guests – Andi Almond, Eric Sherman and David Honigmann – are part of the firm's dedicated communications practice. The trio have cross-generational knowledge and experience, each bringing their unique yet complimentary approaches to the many challenges facing today's organisations. Tune in for a look behind the scenes at how McKinsey's communications experts approach IC challenges, how to empower leaders to become true strategic transformation partners, why 70% of transformation projects still fail and how to make sure your project lands in the successful 30%. All this, and so much more. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

On a platform where the candid and the curious are king, how do you make sure what's inside reflects what's on the outside? Meet Sean Langston, Jr., Head of Internal Communication at Reddit, to find out. Sean turned to internal communication following a formative experience at college, in which he realised that there was real value in helping organisations become “mess-proof” from the inside. As he explains in this episode of The Internal Comms Podcast, it's his ethos of radical transparency, and a ‘say the thing now' attitude, which has helped Reddit stand the test of time as the communities' community – inside and out. Sean is a staunch advocate for the empowerment of people leaders. You'll hear his strategy for equipping them for success first-hand. Also in this episode, he offers a fascinating perspective on the future of internal communication, lets us in on the secrets of guiding Reddit through its IPO, and maintains that as an internal communicator, if you're moving slow, you're too late. It's thought-provoking and inspiring in equal measure. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

Ever been curious about how some of the biggest brands in the world tackle their internal communication challenges? Well look (or listen) no further. Kerri Warner, this week's guest on The Internal Comms Podcast, held the reins at both Spotify and MasterCard. Kerri has a huge range of IC experience spanning the consulting, agency and corporate world. Starting out in social science and psychology, she offers a unique view on how building trust and connection are really the building blocks of any change programme, and offers some really insightful advice on applying her principles in your work. Listen out for Kerri's ‘Five S' strategy for internal comms that carried Spotify through a vast transformation, plus how to embed that all-important employee advocacy programme that will help drive your culture forward. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

As internal communicators, empowering leaders to clearly communicate business strategy, important updates and company values is a valued skill. How can we inspire colleagues and leaders alike to make the complex simple? This week's guest and founder of Present Your Science, Melissa Marshall, has built a career educating scientists, engineers and technical professionals about how to present their insight. “The work matters,” she says, but as is discussed in the episode, so often we hear people say they're simply no good at public speaking. Melissa says that there's a toolbox that will help even the most anxious public speaker improve their presentation skills. And she has walked the talk – her own TED Talk, Talk Nerdy To Me, has been watched nearly three million times. So, if you've ever felt the trepidation of an upcoming talk, or struggled with distilling the complex into the clear, this is a conversation for you. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

After years running an internal communications team, Daniel Mendez emigrated from Chile to the U.S., where he faced a host of barriers to success. A language barrier. A small or non-existent professional community. The difficulty in proving himself. And yet, he emerged as a hugely successful communicator and connector. Daniel is the brains behind the #CommsJobs hashtag, one of the most impactful job search functions in the communications profession. So how did he get here? Where did the idea for #CommsJobs come from? And just how important are human connections when securing your next role? This episode of The Internal Comms Podcast is raw and human. It gets to the crux of what it means to fight for yourself and to build connections that will drive you forward on your journey. Daniel and Katie touch on ‘suitcase words', why it's so important to pay it forward in your network, what resilience really means and why communicators should consider the flipside of AI panic. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

In this episode of The Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay is joined by Linda Zebian. The very first Director of Communications at PR management platform Muck Rack, Linda spent a decade in various comms roles at The New York Times during its transformation from print ad-supported newspaper to the most successful digital subscription business in the world. Linda has put her unique experience of communicating with journalists into action at Muck Rack, a remote working company with colleagues across the world. As you'll hear, there are plenty of lessons from the newsroom that help inform her approach to communicating with her new audience. This episode goes behind the scenes to explore the challenges and opportunities of communicating to a workforce of journalists and there's a candid conversation on the role a free press can play in modern society. Linda and Katie discuss internal communication's role in leadership development and how important it is to unlock the confidence of leaders as communicators. Linda also provides some invaluable top tips for internal comms professionals to do their best work – a fascinating listen. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

Join us for a special episode of The Internal Comms Podcast as host Katie Macaulay announces the imminent launch of her unique on-demand masterclass. With more than three decades at the forefront of internal comms, including leading the world's first internal comms agency, AB, Katie has developed a masterclass programme that promises to elevate the capabilities and boost the impact of in-house internal comms professionals. Katie explains how she dedicated a year to designing a self-paced learning journey for internal comms folk seeking to accelerate their career growth. She gives an overview of the programme, diving into each of the eight workstreams. These cover the history of internal communication, the unique characteristics of the internal audience, research and measurement, channels and content, internal comms strategy, and what it takes to build a successful, fulfilling career in the field. Visit icmasterclass.com to sign up for updates on the launch and receive exclusive early bird offers.

This week on The Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay is joined by serial entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker and business mentor Chris Ducker. Chris is a renowned expert in building powerful personal brands – taking solo entrepreneurs and leaders to new levels of success and transforming them into the go-to leaders in their respective industries. Chris and Katie cover a lot of ground in this conversation. Chris has a fascinating take into the importance of what people say when you're not in the room, and how you can use your own USP to become a successful ‘you-preneur'. As someone who has walked the talk when it comes to personal branding, his advice is worth its weight in gold. But this is not just a podcast for wannabe entrepreneurs or high-ranking leaders. Anyone wanting to carry weight in their role should be considering the impact of reputation – talent will take you far, but the way people feel about you will drive you that little bit further. Discover how Chris went from burnout to building big, successful brands, and how you can do the same. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

In this episode of The Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay welcomes back the show's first-ever guest, Rachel Miller. Rachel is an internationally recognised internal comms legend, with more than two decades of educating, advising and commenting on the profession under her brand All Things IC. Alongside her podcasting, blogging and consulting work, she is the author of Internal Communication Strategy, a book dedicated to helping internal communicators “get it right”. Katie and Rachel discuss many elements of IC during this wide-ranging conversation. They delve into change communication, and the mistakes to avoid. Rachel shares some invaluable advice for crafting an internal communication strategy using her own framework. And she offers candid insight into how her recent ADHD diagnosis has impacted her work and personal life. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast.

This week on The Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay is joined by Global Belonging, Equity and Impact Consultant, and self-styled ‘human-centric technologist', Bob Watanabe. Bob has been working in HR technology for over two decades and is a fierce believer in always doing something to make someone's life better. His human-centred approach brings new light to business challenges, workplace culture and colleague connection. Always the optimist, Bob guides Katie through his formative experiences as an Asian-American person who has often been, to quote Bob, “the only one in a room.” He shares insightful anecdotes from leaders who have shaped him as a person and offers invaluable advice for today's leaders as they navigate this new, fragmented world of work. And he flies the flag for always leading with kindness, at work or elsewhere. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

This week on The Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay is joined by award-winning marketing and communications expert Danielle Bond. Recently retired from corporate life, Danielle has held the CMO role at many leading professional services firms throughout her career. Most recently, she led the brand, corporate comms and marketing function for consulting engineering firm Aurecon, where she led on comms for 14 years. Katie met Danielle when the latter was serving on the board of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). This episode is a must-listen for any marketers and comms folk looking to strengthen their strategic flair. Danielle has a wealth of expertise to share, looking back on her storied career to assess how our profession has evolved over the past few decades, and offering invaluable advice. Tune in for the insights, stay for Danielle's warmth and her genuine passion for communication. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

In this episode of The Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay is joined by leadership communications coach and co-founder of Engage Kenya, Agatha Juma. Agatha credits an embarrassing experience as a speaker at a conference for igniting her interest in comms and public speaking. That grew into what Agatha calls a deep passion for developing leadership capabilities. But it's not just corporates and executives that Agatha helps to tell their stories. Today, Agatha's work at Engage Kenya brings together people from all walks of life to share their stories. Entering its eighth year, Engage brings “fascinating thinkers and doers” together to trigger discussion and connection on a diverse range of topics. Agatha is kind enough to share some of the most impactful stories she's heard in this episode. In a world where connection is the key to unlocking our true potential, communicating through storytelling can reveal a shared understanding that didn't previously feel possible. And for internal communicators, getting to those stories and sharing them with the organisation is a great way to drive colleague advocacy. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

We're back for Season 11 of The Internal Comms Podcast! And kicking us off with a very special episode, this week host Katie Macaulay is joined by not one, not two, but three guests. Kevin Ruck, Mike Pounsford and Howard Krais are the three authors of a brand-new book called Leading the Listening Organisation: Creating Organisations that Flourish. They are all internal communications aficionados, and with this book they have dialled in on one of the most important attributes of any skilled communicator: the art of listening. It is often said that the best communicators, and certainly the best conversationalists, are skilled listeners. As leaders and communicators, we must invest the time needed to listen to understand – not simply hear – employees. The many benefits of effective employee listening for organisations are clear. Is it time to put your ear to the ground? Tune in to find out. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of the Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

Looking for tips on creating internal communications that land – and stick? In this Moment from The Internal Comms Podcast, Steve Crescenzo shares a few things you absolutely must keep in mind. He calls them ‘the four Cs'. Creative. Think outside of email and your intranet. As Steve's son told him, “Young people are not reading their emails and they aren't visiting websites”. We have to think differently. Compelling. We must demonstrate the benefit to the audience in every piece of comms. Conversation. Strip out the jargon. Remove the corporate speak. Use your weekend words – without the swearing! Concise. Use your creativity to make sure comms are short, snackable and memorable. As CEO of Crescenzo Communications, Steve has decades of experience helping internal communicators inspire, engage and deliver strategies. And in this 10-minute clip, you'll get some of his most valuable advice. Listen to the full episode here: https://abcomm.co.uk/podcasts/episode/episode-35-how-to-do-less-but-do-it-better/

“I realised I was probably a pretty crap listener,” Mike Roe tells Katie Macaulay in this Moment from The Internal Comms Podcast. We often go to leaders and start by asking them something entirely different to what we are really there to ask. It's down to leaders, says Mike, to ask the right questions and really listen to the responses. So, Mike took a leadership course that equipped him with invaluable skills to really connect with his colleagues. “Learning to ask powerful questions, being curious enough to ask those questions of others and yourself and being confident enough to shut up and let this resonate with somebody was transformational,” says Mike. Got questions of your own? Tune in to discover just how important they are. Listen to the full episode here: https://abcomm.co.uk/podcasts/episode/episode-63-lessons-in-leadership/

At IKEA, choosing the right words when communicating with the workforce is everything. Guy Britt, IKEA's Global Head of Co-worker Comms, tells Katie Macaulay the use of ‘co-worker comms' instead of internal or employee comms is very deliberate. “It's based on the fact that those we're communicating to are people,” he says. The team at IKEA want to activate their colleagues; inspire them, and create a two-way dialogue. The language they use matters. The tone, and respect they have for their colleagues is what really engages them. Communicating in this human way to a large, global workforce like IKEA has its challenges. Getting the right message to the right people, on the right platforms – it's not one size fits all. So, how does IKEA reach and engage their unique audiences? Tune in to find out. Listen to the full episode here: https://abcomm.co.uk/podcasts/episode/episode-57-unboxing-internal-comms-at-ikea/

If you have ever attended one of Shel Holtz's presentations, you will know that, more often than not, it's standing room only. Shel has a remarkable ability to anticipate what's next for internal communication, a knack for seeing what's around the corner and an in-depth understanding of how technology is revolutionising our world of work. Since Chat GPT was made public in November 2022, AI has dominated the headlines. So, who better but Shel to talk us through the implications for internal communications? His insights are fascinating. For years at the forefront of technology and communication, Shel is currently Senior Director of Communications at Webcor, a California-based building and engineering company. He's the author of several essential communications books and the co-host of For Immediate Release, a podcast for comms professionals now into its eighteenth year. Share your thoughts on this, or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast, using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. Happy listening! Learn more about the opportunities for AI to transform your internal communications in a Creativity now! webinar from AB: https://abcomm.co.uk/abthinks/best-tools-for-creating-ic-audio-content/

Does your approach to internal communication have the human touch? It's essential to the humans you employ, says Victoria Dew, CEO of Dewpoint Communications and an internal comms aficionado. And it's good for business, too. If you're relying on people to run your business – and not robots or machines alone – then Victoria says you should be creating an environment where those humans can bring their whole, authentic selves to work, not just when it suits the business. Human beings are messy, they're complex and they're brilliant. And if you want the brightest and the best people on your team, and you want them to stick around and give their all to your mission, you must create a place where they can thrive. As Victoria says, “The best and smartest people don't just innovate, collaborate and lead 9-to-5, and then go back into their little boxes, like a robot, until you go get them the next day.” So just how can you create that human-centric business? And why is it so important? Tune in to find out. Listen to the full episode here: https://abcomm.co.uk/podcasts/episode/episode-61-embracing-the-messiness-of-being-human/

Ever feel like, as an internal communicator, you're fighting an uphill battle all by yourself? This week's guest on The Internal Comms Podcast has exactly what you need. Host Katie Macaulay welcomes internal communications strategist, author, and certified communication management pro, Emily Hecker. With over a decade of experience under her belt, Emily has been a one-person team at a string of organisations and has just written a new book, Me, myself and IC: Building internal communication as a team of one. She's made the case for the importance of internal communications to CEOs and frontliners alike, elevating the profession beyond what she calls the “copy, paste, send factory” to a strategic business function. Internal communicators often find themselves working alone, shoehorned into a variety of functions. But even if you work in a wider team, this episode has a range of insights for you –from the best way to interview a potential employer to setting boundaries and defining your remit. As always, share your thoughts of this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

This week on The Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay is joined by Sim Sian, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Mitie, and Yvonne O'Hara, formerly Mitie's Group Head of Internal Communication and Engagement. Equality, diversity and inclusion, or ED&I, is fast climbing the corporate agenda. Creating an equitable environment that celebrates diversity and includes everyone is no longer a nice to have – it's a business and social imperative with tangible impact on workplace success. Internal communicators are in a unique position when it comes to ED&I and we can play a vital role in pushing it forward and embedding it within teams, leadership and the wider business. For Sim and Yvonne, their ability to work in a symbiotic way comes with a mutual understanding of the importance of ED&I and comms as individual disciplines and complementary functions. The result? A dynamite employee value proposition (EVP) project that celebrates and includes all of the diverse experiences, backgrounds and orientations at a 70,000-colleague business. As always, share your thoughts of this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

In this episode of the Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay is joined by Access Group's Global Head of Communications and Engagement, Paul Downey. Paul caught Katie's attention on LinkedIn, where he was discussing his unique approach to internal communications for a global, largely remote audience. With over 6,500 colleagues to engage, Paul had to shake things up for the Access Group's annual global employee event. He shares his secrets to success in this episode. Katie and Paul also discuss his recipe for internal comms, which involves adopting a no-slides rule and creating content as opposed to the “death by PowerPoint” approach some of us will know all too well. He says content should be delivered Netflix-style: on-demand, snackable and story-led. Inspired, he created Access TV. This episode is a masterclass in both engaging and including those hard-to-reach employees. It's about telling stories and empowering leaders to go on a journey and try something different. And it's about having the tenacity to know you'll succeed. As always, share your thoughts of this or any other episode of the Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. Thanks for listening.

In this episode of the Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay is joined by Anne Morriss. Anne is an entrepreneur, author, public speaker, and the Executive Founder of the Leadership Consortium, an accelerator dedicated to helping leaders thrive. And cutting across it all is Anne's commitment to fixing things. On Fixable, a podcast she co-hosts with her wife and business partner Frances Frei (a professor at Harvard Business School), she solves listeners' workplace problems in just 30 minutes. Her new book, How to Move Fast and Fix Things, remakes a phrase popularised by Mark Zuckerberg and offers a five-step plan for leaders to tackle any workplace issue in just one working week. And her brilliant TED Talk – ‘Five steps to fix any problem at work' – has 1.4million views and counting. This is a conversation about how we as communicators, teams and organisations can do more. How we, as Anne puts it, “can operate at the frontier of speed and trust”. As always, share your thoughts of this or any other episode of the Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

It's often said we must understand the past to build the future, and that sentiment sits at the very heart of this episode. This week on The Internal Comms Podcast we welcome professors Michael Heller and Joe Chick, of Brunel University. Michael and Joe were recently awarded a considerable grant from the UK government to write an institutional history of the internal comms function in the UK – and they join host Katie Macaulay to discuss IC's humble beginnings and its evolution over time. Internal communications is nothing new, of course. As you'll hear, it has a rich and vibrant history, dating all the way back to the 1800s. So why this research? And why now? Through their work, Michael and Joe hope to give us IC practitioners a clearer sense of our occupational history, and in turn enhance our professional identity. For too long internal communicators have been seen as lesser than other comms professionals, and legitimising our journey to the present day is just one way we can secure our seat at the top table. Join us on a fascinating journey through the history of the profession, one we think will inspire and energise you to build the new era of IC. As always, share your thoughts of this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

Season 10 of the Internal Comms Podcast kicks off with one of Katie's most compelling conversations yet. Shil Shanghavi is a public speaking specialist, storyteller and head of speaker coaching for TEDx, Perth. He's gained an international reputation for both his captivating keynote speeches and the way he coaches others to speak. He helps everyone from business leaders to students (and now Internal Comms Podcast listeners) to face their fears, control their emotions and form a genuine bond with their audiences. But here's the thing. Shil has a severe stutter and juggles several complex strategies to communicate effectively with his audience. He joins Katie in the first episode of season 10 of the Internal Comms Podcast to discuss those surprising strategies, as well as his use of AI in coaching, the difference between storytelling and ‘story sharing', building bonds while networking, overcoming a fear of the audience, a daunting stint in stand-up comedy and his desire to play for Manchester United. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of the Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

Our summer break is drawing to a close, Katie has dusted off her mic and we're ready to launch Season 10 of The Internal Comms Podcast! This season, we'll be welcoming more of the bright lights in the communications industry to the hot seat. Packed with insights from some of the most influential comms leaders from all corners of the globe, this season is a must-listen for anyone honing their internal comms craft. We can't wait to share these episodes with you. Stay tuned!

In this moment, we catch up with Mike Klein, former political consultant, modern-day communications stalwart, and two-time guest on the Internal Comms Podcast. Mike breaks down how organisations can find the four types of influencers that operate within the proverbial ‘walls' of the business. When segmenting our workforce to find out who we're actually communicating with, there's a quartet of potential players in the mix, says Mike. Tune in to explore the role of every colleague, from your important followers who are “building the boat” day in, day out, to the impactful influencer group, and how each type of colleague leaves their own unique mark on the way your business is run. And that three per cent? They're worth getting to know. Listen to the full episode here: https://abcomm.co.uk/podcasts/episode/episode-18-editing-organisations/

What's our one true purpose as internal communicators? It's the question we're all seeking the answer to. This moment takes us back to when Katie first welcomed Sue Dewhurst and Liam FitzPatrick, co-authors of Successful Employee Communications: A Practitioner's Guide to Tools, Models and Best Practice for Internal Communication, and masterminds behind the Melcrum Black Belt training programme for IC professionals. Internal communications is about creating meaning, say Sue and Liam. In today's world, with the complexities and pressures of our working lives, communicators are the key to assigning meaning and digging deeper for colleagues. How can we frame things in a meaningful way and help our peers can find their own meaning? Tune in to find out. Listen to the full episode here: https://abcomm.co.uk/podcasts/episode/episode-17-black-belt-thinking/

If there's one thing we're clear about at AB, it's that communication should not be a one-way street. And that's what this moment is about. We head back to Episode 13, where Katie sat down with the ‘Doctor of IC', Kevin Ruck, to explore exactly how communication needs to shift at each level of an organisation. They discuss the theory that line managers are the most important communicators in any business, the flawed cascade comms approach, how senior leadership can sharpen their tools and how to get to the heart of what frontline colleagues actually need from internal comms. Is it time for a shift in approach? Tune in to find out. Listen to the full episode here: https://abcomm.co.uk/podcasts/episode/episode-13-a-check-up-with-the-ic-doctor/

As communicators, we could often do with slowing things down a little. In this moment, Henry Normal – author and co-founder of production company Baby Cow, which he founded with Steve Coogan – explains to Katie how life with his autistic son Johnny has taught him many valuable lessons about how we communicate with one another. From the problem with the question “Why?” to the importance of tolerance and respect, there's more than a few lessons to take away from this heart-warming moment. Come for the feel-good storytelling, stay for the wisdom. Listen to the full episode here: https://abcomm.co.uk/podcasts/episode/episode-06-the-craft-of-communication/

Have you heard of an inside-out approach to communication? It's no secret that today's internal comms messages seep into the world outside the office walls. After all, anything you say to your colleagues, bar protected IP and trade secrets, should be fit for external consumption. We've seen it time and time again: a leader sends out a poorly advised all-company email and it ends up on Twitter. It's a reputational nightmare. But this goes beyond reputation. In this moment, Katie and Rachel Miller get to grips with the importance of being purpose led. Customers and colleagues are voting with their feet, walking away from businesses with values that oppose their own. Organisations should be asking, What's our purpose? What do we believe in? As Katie says at the end of each episode, “It's what's inside that counts.”

We're ending Season 9 of the Internal Comms Podcast with a bang this week, as Sally Susman takes to the hot seat for her second appearance. Sally is Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Office at Pfizer, and on episode 55 she shared with Katie what it was like being on the company's vaccine development task force and being in the room when the US Federal Drug Authority gave the vaccine the green light. This time, she's back to take a deep dive into her book Breaking Through: Communicating to Open Minds, Move Hearts and Change the World. Sally shares candid stories from the book, including a toe-curling account of a costly mistake when working for a US Senator. As Sally reflects, “it's in these moments when we suffer embarrassment that we really stretch ourselves, learn and grow”. Beyond these anecdotes, Katie and Sally discuss when corporations should speak up, the blurred lines between external and internal communications, and even Pfizer's unexpected fourth corporate value. This episode is jam-packed with equal parts wisdom and humour. It's not one to be missed. As always, share your thoughts of this or any other episode of the Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

In modern business, integrity is non-negotiable. As legislation ramps up in lockstep with colleague and customer demands, operating an ethical business in line with global regulations has never been more important. That's where Jonathan Satinsky comes in. As Johnson Matthey's Group Head of Ethics and Compliance, he's tasked with the challenge of embedding an ethical culture across a business with more than 12,500 colleagues in 30 global locations. This week, Jonathan joins Katie Macaulay on the Internal Comms Podcast to unpack the many challenges of instilling an ethical culture across an organisation. The pair discuss how his experience as a courtroom attorney equipped him as he stepped into the world of ethics and compliance, how challenging measurement really is and how courage and persistence are key to his success. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of the Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

Define ESG… Well, it stands for environment, social and governance. But can you really define what ESG actually is? Put very simply, ESG is a set of criteria used to evaluate a company's impact on people and the planet. It's not just about ‘operating sustainably' and it's becoming increasingly important to investors, consumers and employees. But we would be wrong to think of ESG as yet another initiative, another campaign, another pillar in our content strategy. In this episode, ESG trailblazer and the founder of Communique, Gihan Hyde, joins Katie Macaulay to demystify the acronym of the moment. A comms marketing and internal comms specialist, Gihan has led some extremely complex change programmes for the likes of Barclays and the World Health Organisation, but it's her lived experience as a Sudanese migrant, and as a parent, that drove her to make ESG her purpose. This conversation gets to the heart of the E, the S and the G. It explores how internal communication teams can use each as levers to elevate and enhance their strategic value and impact – and why they'd be remiss not to. Gihan and Katie explore legislation around ESG, and the far-reaching ramifications for any business not yet taking notice.  As always, share your thoughts of this or any other episode of the Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

It seems everyone's talking about resilience, the ability to bounce back from misfortune or adversity. But as Bruce Daisley explains to host Katie Macaulay, there's something wrong with what he calls the ‘resilience orthodoxy', the idea that it's not really what happens to you that matters, but your attitude to what's happened. In this, his second appearance on the Internal Comms Podcast (his first was in season 1, episode 8), Bruce tells us why. He discusses the US military's billion-dollar resilience workshops, the link between high-performance athletes and childhood trauma and the value of collective strength. Katie and Bruce also discuss meeting-free days, boring presentations, why ‘semi-detached' hybrid working is more like college than school and the thinking behind freebies at Pret A Manger. Bruce also shares some thoughts on his ex-employer Twitter (‘a pretty miserable place to be right now') and on moderation of social media platforms in general. As always, share your thoughts of this or any other episode of the Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. Thanks for listening.

With over 130,000 colleagues, and a 100-year history, Unilever is one of the world's largest consumer goods companies. And this week on the Internal Comms Podcast, we get a peek behind the curtain at how their IC function keeps them all supported and engaged. Our guest this week is Charlotte Carroll, Unilever's Global Head of People Communications. Charlotte has vast experience in her IC career, which includes time at ASOS, the BBC and Cadbury's Schweppes, but has always been drawn back to Unilever (three times, to be exact!). Her ethos of leading with light, and going where the energy is, has shaped her both as a communicator and a person. Unilever's enormous, varied workforce means the IC challenge is complex and nuanced. It relies on leadership at many levels, and a radical honesty approach that encourages each and every person to comfortably ask questions without fear. It means ‘showing up', and truly understanding the impact of every decision on colleagues. It's no mean feat. We hope you enjoy this latest episode. If you have any thoughts or comments on this episode, share them using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. For more exclusive IC insights, follow us on Twitter at @abthinks.