This is the final episode of the Engaging Internal Comms podcast for the foreseeable future. I've decided to end the show as part of a simplification strategy for my professional life. Thank you to all of the guests who have been part of the show and have shared their inspirational ideas with our listeners. All 143 episodes will remain live and will hopefully provide inspiration and information for listeners in the future. Take care and thank you.

In this episode we delve into the concept of unblocking organisations. Our guest discusses his book, "Unblock: Clear the Way for Results and Develop a Thriving Organization." The conversation explores six key blockers: strategy, steering, decisions, ownership, teamwork, and meetings. Our guest offers practical insights on overcoming these challenges, emphasising clarity, adaptability, and empowerment to foster agile and responsive organisations.

When considering human centric change, the link between change, communication, and employee engagement is critical. For any change to be successful, employees need to understand the rationale, expectations, and implementation process. Effective communication fosters engagement by creating transparent feedback channels, making employees feel valued. When employees are engaged, they are more likely to embrace and adapt to changes, leading to higher morale and productivity.

We explore the critical role of writing skills in internal communications and employee engagement, especially amidst the rise of social media and AI. We cover the importance of clear, effective writing for impact in professional settings. The interview identifies common writing challenges and offers strategies for improvement, including audience empathy and regular practice.

Host Craig Smith speaks with Valerie Di Maria, a seasoned communications and marketing leader and executive coach. Valerie shares her expertise on enhancing leaders' communication skills through presence, presentation, and persuasion. The discussion highlights the importance of engaging audiences, making explicit asks, and fostering dialogue.

“Welcome Everything” – a simple yet profound principle discussed in my latest podcast episode with Gabe DeRita. It’s about staying present with our experiences without being overwhelmed by them. We explore how this and other principles can enhance our workplace relationships. Tune in to learn how to remain in the observer seat, allowing more choices and less reactive behaviours and authentic communications.

In this episode, guest Mary Barnes stresses linking change management and Internal comms and the importance of "calming the chaos" that often accompanies organisational change. She discusses how new leaders sometimes implement structural changes merely to leave their mark, causing confusion and disruption. Instead, she advocates for a more thoughtful approach that prioritises stability, allowing teams to adapt without constant upheaval. It's a compelling perspective on how to manage change without causing unnecessary disruption and stress among employees.

Kyle Coon is a professional adventure athlete and Paralympian. Kyle's journey is truly inspiring—he overcame vision loss due to retinoblastoma to become a triathlete competing on the world stage. One key takeaway? He emphasised the power of meaningful conversations, not just in personal life but also in professional settings. In an age overshadowed by technology, his insights remind us that effective communication is fundamental to understanding and collaboration.

We explore the topic of disability inclusion in the workforce with David D’Arcangelo, a disability policy expert and president of Arc Angel Communications. David shares his personal journey of being blind and discusses the structural and societal barriers that hinder employment for people with disabilities. He advocates for modernising programmes, mentoring, and inclusive hiring practices to maximise the potential of disabled employees. The conversation highlights the broader benefits of disability inclusion, emphasising its positive impact on organisational engagement, diversity, and innovation.

Meet Pat Taggart, a documentary filmmaker specialising in corporate video storytelling. Together we explored the transformative role of video in internal communications. The discussion covers the evolution of video technology, the importance of authenticity, and the shift towards more organic content facilitated by smartphones. We also explore the benefits of enabling comments on internal videos to foster engagement and the pitfalls of overly scripted content.

Dr. Frank Douglas, a seasoned problem solver with a 24-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, shares his personal experiences with discrimination. We discuss his approach to reframing problems to achieve desired outcomes. The discussion highlights the need for empathy, understanding, and tailored solutions to combat discrimination. Dr. Douglas also underscores the role of middle managers and the significance of finding common ground to bridge divides in the workplace.

In this episode, we explore the pressing issues of burnout and mental health in organisations post-pandemic. There is a high level of stress among employees, with nearly 80% feeling burnt out. The multifaceted causes of burnout, such as lack of support and recognition, go beyond just long working hours. The discussion also highlights the importance of a balanced work-life approach and the preference for audio over video calls to reduce fatigue.

Generational differences aren't just about age—they're about understanding diverse life experiences and how they shape work preferences. Anna Hislop shares valuable insights into why continuous feedback and individualised support are crucial for managing Gen Z employees. This generation values autonomy and trust in the workplace, and adapting leadership styles to meet these needs can significantly improve organisational dynamics.

What are the complexities frontline workers face in their communication channels? In this episode of Engaging Internal Comms , I explored this landscape with Ben Collier from Ocasta Engage. We unravelled the web of challenges such as limited communication time and the sense of detachment from the central office, emphasising the critical need for innovative delivery methods. It's a thought-provoking dive into the reality of those keeping the wheels of retail, healthcare, and more, smoothly running.

We explore psychologically healthy conversations and the depth of interconnectedness between purpose and action. Our guest's "Eye of Power" model delves into the quadrants of our psyche, shedding light on fears that may hold us back. Fascinatingly, it's not just about being fearless; it's about taking the step despite the fear. How often do we find ourselves trapped by our own doubts? It's time we navigate these hidden aspects to move forward.

We take a deep dive into the transformative realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and its profound impact on personal productivity and organisational effectiveness. In this thought-provoking interview, we peel back the layers of AI's potential to revolutionise the way we work and communicate. Imagine tools like ChatGPT at your fingertips, streamlining your workflow and enhancing your team's collaboration. It's not just a vision of the future; it's a reality we're stepping into today.

We know how visualisation helps organisations grasp complex messages and identify challenges and opportunities. However, music is a tool that can foster conversations and ideas within companies. This episode delves into music's potential to clarify organisational priorities and unite people around common goals. Our guest specialises in using music for team building and strategic alignment. Join us as we explore the unique role of music in organisational communication and connection.

Ever wondered how aligning volunteer work with your company's mission can boost employee engagement? In this episode, we delve into the art of connecting purpose and volunteering. It's not just about offering opportunities; it's about ensuring they resonate with your team's values. Listen in to discover how a meaningful match can transform your workforce's enthusiasm and commitment.

Understanding Ego in the Workplace: Ego is a term that frequently carries a negative connotation, conjuring images of arrogance and self-centredness. However, in this episode, we challenge this perception by dissecting the multifaceted role of ego in communication. At its core, ego can be seen as our sense of self-importance and identity, and it's not inherently negative. In fact, a healthy ego can contribute to confidence and assertiveness.

Persuasion is often seen as a double-edged sword, capable of both influence and manipulation. In this episode of our podcast, we grapple with the ethical dimensions of persuasive communication. It's fascinating to consider how the nuances of argument, emotion, and character shape our messages and actions. In the journey of aligning employees with a company's vision, understanding the true essence of persuasion is key.