Claim OwnershipThe WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis
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© 2025 The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis
Description
Words build relationships, ignite interests, and power epic journeys in the business world.
Why it matters: Effective communication is like the secret sauce for strengthening brands, reinforcing viewpoints, and generating revenue. It's about savoring quality and making an impact with every word.
- Words are the magical glue between your business and your customers, capturing interest and driving action.
- Great communication opens doors to opportunities and builds stronger connections.
The big picture: Tune into each episode of WordBirds podcast where we shine a light on the power of impactful messaging, featuring executives, experts, and thought leaders.
- Discover the art of personalization and the need for standout, engaging messaging.
- Learn how to sprinkle some magic into your communication, engaging employees and attracting loyal customers.
What’s next: This season, we're taking a deep dive into corporate communications with insights from CCOs and communication leaders.
- Get the lowdown on strategies to elevate communications and position pros as strategic partners.
- Host Chris Willis, Axios HQ’s Chief Marketing Officer, and his guests share valuable tips on reigniting your impact with fun, actionable discussions.
77 Episodes
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The people closest to your customers are often the last to know what’s happening inside your business and it’s costing you. In this episode, Chris Willis sits down with Victoria Dew, CEO of Dewpoint Communications and author of the new report Connecting the Frontline, to explore why organizations still struggle to reach and engage their frontline workers. They unpack: The urgent workforce crisis in skilled trades and essential industriesWhy 72% of frontline employees don’t understand company ...
Big idea: Product and comms are converging—fast. Why listen: Paperflite’s CPO Yega Kumarappan shows how to move from “we shipped the message” to “it landed,” using data, plain English, and AI (as a partner, not a press release machine). You’ll learn: How to turn 30-minute content into 5-minute winners The one doc that keeps Sales/Marketing/Support on the same story Guardrails for AI so you keep nuance + product “soul” Why PLG fails without built-in communication
The big picture: This episode gives you something rare: the comms strategy and the CEO’s take on its impact. Why it matters: Michael Passanante at Capital Rx is proving that in a long sales cycle, communication isn’t a support function, it’s the strategy. His team built a program that educates the market, aligns the business, and drives attributed revenue. Then we bring in the CEO. AJ Loiacono shares exactly how he sees the value of comms: “If your team isn’t performing, you won’t be taken ...
The big picture: AI is already better at writing, summarizing, and mimicking tone. So what does that mean for internal comms? Why it matters: If your value is built on turning chaos into copy, you’re replaceable. But if you lead with strategy, trust, and human nuance—you’re untouchable. Go deeper: Regine Nelson, Internal Communications and Employee Engagement Lead at Couchbase joins to unpack her viral post on the future of IC in the age of AI. We talk about: The real reason comms pros sho...
Trust in leadership is broken. But it’s not just a leadership crisis. It’s a communication failure. In this episode, Forbes journalist Julia Korn joins Chris to unpack her viral piece on the erosion of employee trust in today’s workplace, and why so many leaders are getting it wrong. They explore: – Why layoffs during record profits are shattering loyalty – How toxic leadership thrives on fear, not facts – The communication moves that rebuild trust – A new workplace social contract, built on ...
Too many marketing and comms leaders are stuck proving their worth with outputs: Flashy dashboards Sexy slide decksThe call for ‘making it pretty' In this episode, Elliott Bundy and Becca Chambers lay out a better path: lead like an operator. We unpack what it means to own the business narrative, treat trust as a metric, and stop asking for a seat at the table—because you’re already in the room. Whether you're a CMO, CCO, or somewhere in between, this is a playbook for turning...
🔍 It’s a tough market. But if you're in comms and looking for your next job, this episode is your playbook. 💥 In this episode, recruiter Brooke Kruger breaks down: The top resume red flags and why design ≠ substanceWhat actually makes you stand out on LinkedInWhy clarity > cleverness in a job searchThe rise of consulting-as-career in commsHow to stop being invisible — and get noticed👀 Whether you're job-hunting, consulting, or just future-proofing, this is a must-listen.
Oscar Trimboli – best-selling author, award-winning podcast host, and workplace listening expert is on the show! 1 big thing: Most of us listen poorly and that has a surprising impact on leadership, meetings, and productivity. Why It Matters: Better listening means more effective communication, shorter meetings, and stronger organizational alignment. Simple, research-backed strategies to shift from hearing words to understanding true meaning.Tune in to start transforming how you lead and c...
1 big topic: We're exploring the nuanced difference between proactive planning and reactive responses. In a world where every comms moment counts, understanding when to lead the narrative, and when to pivot, is crucial. Jennifer Kaplan, CEO of Evolve PR and Marketing, shares her 25+ years of expertise on turning potential PR disasters into brand victories. What to expect: Real-Life Examples: From pre-launch buzz for museum exhibits to crisis pivots that save reputations, Jennifer bre...
Trust in media, institutions, and corporate comms is eroding. Neil Brown, president of Poynter Institute and founder of PolitiFact, knows why—and how to fix it. 🔹 The danger of clickbait & why credibility wins 🔹 How relationships & transparency build trust 🔹 AI’s role in comms & why ethics matter 🔹 Fact-checking: accountability, not censorship Trust is hard to earn, easy to lose. Learn how to get it—and keep it. 🎧 0xWCEYFuHu268Js3PyyQ
Why it matters: Communication is broken. Messages are too long, unclear, and ignored. Smart Brevity is the fix. And Axios HQ's Emily Inverso is here to talk about it. The big picture: Smart Brevity isn’t just a writing style—it’s a movement reshaping how professionals, executives, and businesses communicate. With over 250,000 copies of the book in circulation and thousands of companies adopting the methodology, it’s proving that less is more. What’s next: How Smart Brevity started—and w...
Why it matters: Internal communicators often feel like they’re working alone—overwhelmed and under-resourced. But the truth? You’re surrounded by potential contributors who can help extend your reach and impact. What’s happening: In this episode, Chris Willis talks with Thereasa Roy, Director of Product and Content Marketing at OffSec, about how internal comms teams can: Activate leaders and department heads to contribute meaningful content.Transition from content creators to strategic editor...
Why it matters: Communications professionals are struggling to keep their seats at the table in a challenging job market. Becca Chambers, a comms exec with a flair for straight talk, joins WordBirds to explore why comms teams are being cut and how they can shift from "cost center" to "business driver." Key takeaways: Post-pandemic priorities have deprioritized brand and engagement efforts.Communicators need to tie their work to outcomes, not outputs.Building alignment internally is critical t...
Alignment fuels business success—but it’s hard to achieve. In this episode, Janet Hitchen shares how she used internal comms to: Build alignment across teams.Simplify complex ideas into clear stories.Drive revenue and growth at Apple, Nespresso, and beyond.💡 Why it matters: Internal comms aren’t just newsletters. They’re the key to smarter, faster, and more strategic business outcomes. 🎧 Tune in for insights you can put into action today.
Why it matters: Communications leaders face constant change—from evolving technology to shifting workplace dynamics. Staying ahead means mastering new skills, tools, and strategies. The big picture: Trey Sarten CCO at Anywhere, and a communications veteran, joins us to explore: The evolving role of communicators as strategic business partners.How to nurture curiosity and adaptability in a remote-first world.Why leveraging AI is no longer optional.What’s next: Hear Trey’s practical advice on n...
What’s engagement, really? In this episode of WordBirds, Doreen Maciak from Takeda challenges the buzzword “engagement” and dives into what it truly means. Why it matters: Engagement isn’t just about clicks and opens—it’s about aligning employees to purpose and business goals. What you’ll learn: How to move beyond vanity metrics.Why authenticity and leadership are key to meaningful connections.Practical strategies to measure and improve real engagement.🎧 Listen now to rethink your approach to...
Cut the jargon. Boost the clarity. Jolene Peixoto, Relex Solutions’ anti-marketing comms leader, joins WordBirds to challenge buzzwords and embrace plain English messaging. Why it matters: Clear, concise communication builds trust, drives engagement, and sets your brand apart. Key takeaway: Prove your value with data and authenticity—not empty claims. 🎧 Listen now to sharpen your message.
This special episode brings you the top insights from WordBirds Season 6, hosted by AI voices Lance and Audrina (from NotebookLM). Why it matters: This AI-powered and hosted recap dives into must-hear lessons on intentional communication, bridging generational gaps, and building trust. Catch up: Perfect for anyone who missed an episode—but don’t stop here. Go back and listen to each conversation in full for the stories behind the insights.
Why it matters: Communicators often get stuck in tactical roles, but real value comes from strategic influence. In this episode, Bronagh Hanley, Partner & CCO at Preface Global, shares how she built influence at companies like Netflix and Discovery, and how you can too. Key takeaways: Ask "why" to uncover the strategy behind every communication.Build C-suite relationships by proving the business value of comms.Learn how one strategic move can shift your entire career.Go deeper: Listen to ...
In this episode (part 2 of 2), we talk with Joanna Parsons about the power of measurement in internal communications. Joanna, author of Innovative Internal Communications, explains why many comms teams avoid measurement, how to align goals with business strategy, and practical ways to demonstrate value. We also explore how measuring impact can elevate internal comms from a tactical function to a strategic partner. Why it matters: Without clear metrics, internal comms risks being undervalued. ...
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