Information management and intranet expert Martin White joins us this episode to talk about his extensive experience helping hundreds of companies manage their information and communication. He shares his insights into the importance of accountability in sharing information, the role of language in multi-national companies and the vital need to reflect corporate culture.

This episode, we are joined by Suzie Robinson, an intranet and digital employee experience consultant, from ClearBox Consulting. Suzie has worked with intranets since 2008 and has practical experience with all aspects of an intranet lifecycle, from research, to implementation, to ongoing governance, and overall strategy. Suzie’s intranet experience has grown out of the roots of internal communication, with a focus on employee experience and engagement. Listen to find out Suzie's top tips for growing an effective and strategic intranet!

After a short break, the History of Internal Communication Podcast is back with new host Emily Rees! In this episode, Emily speaks to the writer and historian Dr Scott Anthony, a specialist in the history of public relations and propaganda, who has just published a new book with BFI/Bloomsbury on the history of British propaganda film. Tune in to hear them discuss the crossovers between IC and PR, dealing with misinformation in the age of propaganda, and what communication practices of the past might tell us about the future.

In Episode 21, we are joined by Jenni Field, the director of Redefining Communications and former President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations in 2020. Reflecting on her experiences across many different industries, Jenni talks about the importance of identifying root causes of communication problems rather than just alleviating symptoms. Join us for a discussion of the importance of being intentional in communication strategies and the need for structured internal communication systems to prevent chaos.

In Episode 20 we are joined by Christine Shukis-Brown, the Deputy Director of Strategic Communications at King’s College London. Christine shares her insights into cultural shifts from her time at the BBC, where she began as an archive researcher and moved into internal communication and change initiatives. With her involvement in digital transformation at the City of London Corporation and her PhD in social psychology at Birkbeck, Christine has a unique perspective on the strategy and psychology of internal communication.

The nineteenth episode of the History of Internal Communication podcast features Dr Mike Esbester, a Principal Lecturer in History at the University of Portsmouth. Mike’s research into the early British railways explores the roots of workplace safety practices. In this interview, he shares insights from his project ‘Railway Work, Life & Death,’ highlighting how historical approaches to safety have shaped contemporary practices and perceptions. The conversation challenges the modern view of health and safety as a recent nanny-state concern, showcasing its deep-seated history and critical importance across various industries.

On 14 May 2024, Meta announced the closure of Workplace, the work comms platform that it had launched in 2016. In Episode 18, we talk about history as it unfolds, as we are joined by Simon White, a former employee of Meta’s predecessor Facebook. Now the HR leader for the intranet and communication application Blink, Simon shares with us his wealth of experience of digital communication and how this sector is evolving.

In the seventeenth episode, we are joined by Michael Ellender, the Internal Channels Lead at the BBC. Michael shares his journey in internal communication, reflecting on the shifts from traditional methods to digital platforms and the impact of these changes on organisational culture and employee engagement. His unique perspective highlights the challenges and innovations within the BBC’s internal communication strategies. Tune in as we explore how internal communication shapes organisational identities and adapts to the digital age.

The sixteenth episode of the History of Internal Communication podcast features Sue Dewhurst, the former Director of The SD Group, and Liam Fitzpatrick, the Co-Founder of Donhead Consultants. In 2001, Sue and Liam developed the first competency framework for internal communication practitioners in the UK. Their model marked a turning point, providing a structured approach to professionalising this growing field. In this interview, they discuss the enduring importance of strategic leadership, the ongoing quest for professional recognition, and the potential impacts of AI.

In Episode 15, we are joined by Isabel Hull, the Research and Content Director at Kademy. Isabel shares invaluable insights on mastering change communication in today's workplace environment. She talks about maintaining a coherent message across channels, navigating the pitfalls of unofficial channels, and bridging the skills gap in communication teams in the fact of technological advancements. Isabel tells us the key messages from Kademy’s latest report entitled What’s changed about change communication?

In the fourteenth episode, we are joined by Mike Klein, an internal and social communication consultant at Changing the Terms. With a career that began in political PR in the US, Mike has worked in internal communication in many different countries and held posts at Shell, Cargill, and Maersk Oil. Join us as we explore Mike’s insights from measurement to leadership, offering valuable perspectives on the evolution and future trajectory of internal communication.

The thirteenth episode of the History of Internal Communication podcast features David Macleod, the Co-Chair of Engage for Success. David co-authored the hugely influential 2009 Engage for Success report. In this interview, David looks back at how internal communication has developed in the 14 years since he and Nita Clarke wrote the report. He reflects on the monumental shifts he's witnessed during his career and talks to us about a wide range of topics from the challenges of working with senior managers to employee engagement.

In Episode 12, we are joined by Katie Marlow, the co-chair of CIPR Inside, and Dan Holden, the outgoing chair of CIPR Inside. Katie has been a Communication Consultant at Little Bird for thirteen years and has worked for the NHS and local government in the past. Dan is a Communication Consultant at All Things IC and has experience in various internal comms roles, including with the consumer group Which. Katie and Dan talk about where internal communication fits with public relations and explore the social and technological changes that have been changing the world of internal comms.

In the eleventh episode of the History of Internal Communication podcast, we are joined by Liz Clayton-Jones, the Founder Director of Beehive Performance Ltd and the former editor of the Mars company magazine. In our conversation, Liz gives fascinating insights ranging from her interest in communicating with introverts to changes in society that have altered the way we communicate.

The tenth episode of the History of Internal Communication podcast features Dev Mistry, the Global Internal Communications Manager at the online event hub DICE. With over a decade of PR and communications, Dev talks about the role of internal communication in PR, strategies for inclusivity, and the power of storytelling. He gives fascinating insights on a wide range of topics from making voices heard within organizations to how social media can be used to foster inclusive communities.

In Episode 9, we are joined by Marc Wright. With a deep understanding of internal comms since the 1980s, Marc's journey began after studying English Literature at Oxford. In 1985, he acquired Crown Business Communication and he later founded MCA Live in 1996 and simplycommunicate in 2005. Marc's vast expertise has shaped the field's evolution. Join us for a fascinating discussion as we explore the history and future possibilities of internal communication.

In the eighth episode of the History of Internal Communication podcast, we are joined by Alex Gapud, a Cultural Anthropologist at the business consultancy Scarlett Abbott. Having previously researched a PhD at the University of Edinburgh in social and cultural anthropology, he discusses his expertise in human culture and the insights this offers organisations that wish to improve communication with their employees.

In Episode 7, we are joined by Rachel Miller. Through her IC consultancy work with All Things IC and her masterclasses, Rachel is well known by internal communication practitioners. Before beginning her consultancy work, Rachel had years of experience working in-house for various organisations including Visa and London Overground. Her upcoming book ‘Internal Communication Strategy’ is greatly anticipated among IC practitioners. In this podcast episode, Rachel talks about a wide range of topics from creating a sense of community within organisations to the implications of AI.

In Episode 6, we are joined by Jenny Davenport and Liz Cochrane. Jenny is a trailblazer in the realm of industrial democracy during the transformative 1970s. Jenny also played a vital role in the development of the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip). Liz Cochrane is the course director of the masters programme and played a pivotal role in its creation. In this month’s podcast episode, we'll delve into the stories, insights, and experiences of Jenny and Liz, exploring their journey, the challenges they faced, and the lasting impact they have had on the internal communication community.

The fifth episode of the History of Internal Communication podcast explores the changing ways that we communicate with two of the most prominent figures in the sector. Dom Walters is a renowned Leadership Communication Consultant and host of the ‘Future of Internal Communication’ podcast series, with a background in prestigious organizations like Lloyds, PWC, and Computershare. We are also joined by the 'godfather of internal communication', Bill Quirke, Managing Director of IC consultancy Synopsis. Bill's influential books have revolutionised the field of internal communication, making him a true pioneer in the sector.