The Internal Comms Podcast

In this episode, host Katie Macaulay learns how to get social media right. Tough ask? Not when you’ve got Roger Christie on hand to help. For the past 15 years the founder of reputation advisory firm Propel has helped senior executives gain the confidence and insight they need to earn trust in a world where trust has become a precious commodity. In this highly quotable episode ( ‘There should not be a difference between who you are and how you turn up online… that perception gap is the greatest risk for leaders’, ‘ Your value online isn't just in the words that you say, it’s how you make people feel,’ etc…) Katie and Roger talk about minimising the risks of social media, internal communicators’ roles as capability builders inside organisations, trust signals, listening, and why the world doesn’t need any more tone-deaf content. Tune in and join the conversation – #TheICPodcast

Season 14 of the Internal Comms Podcast kicks off with a conversation about happiness. Host Katie Macaulay welcomes Professor Catherine Sanderson to discuss what really makes us happy. The internal comms hook? As internal communicators, we’re often asked to promote wellbeing initiatives at work; the link between happiness and productivity is clear. Together Katie and Catherine – a professor of psychology at Amherst College, celebrated speaker and bestselling author – discuss how happiness is not a trait but a choice, not a gift but a practice. They also explore what happens when leaders model the right and wrong behaviours and why good people stay silent in the face of wrongdoing, the core theme of Catherine’s book, Why We Act: Turning Bystanders into Moral Rebels. If you’re running a speak up campaign – or planning one (AB can help!) – this one is for you. As this episode goes live, we’re entering the final quarter of the year. So it is perhaps the best time to listen to someone who devotes their working life and substantial intellect to help people ‘lead happier, healthier, better lives.’ Join the conversation – #TheICPodcast

In this episode of The Internal Comms Podcast, Katie Macaulay is joined by Jo Hudson, Group Director of Internal Communication at Bupa. Jo has spent the past 16 years at Bupa, one of the world’s largest healthcare organisations. She’s worked across internal and external comms, PR, media relations, brand and engagement. Now, she’s leading IC in a complex, global business, with 100,000 colleagues speaking multiple languages. So how do you keep people connected, aligned and inspired? Jo shares what she’s learned about building trust, creating clarity and cutting through the noise to give people space to connect. She talks about what really matters during the rollout of new and disruptive tech (Bupa rolled out Workvivo to their 100,000 employees in less than a year), why leaders need to show up and how storytelling helps people make sense of strategy. And yes – there’s an elephant. Not in the room, but on the move. Part metaphor, part mascot – all comms magic. Intrigued? Tune in and share your thoughts. Use #TheICPodcast to join the conversation.

In this episode of The Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay sits down with alignment strategist and leadership coach Zora Artis to explore a crucial question: how can internal comms teams unite people around what matters most? It’s no easy task, but Zora brings three decades of in-the-trenches experience. As CEO of Artis Advisory, co-founder of the Alignment People and a partner at Mirror Mirror Alignment, her work focuses on getting leaders and teams unstuck and helping organisations untangle competing priorities, find common ground and move forward with confidence. As Zora’s research shows, only 13% of organisations achieve real alignment and she explains why diagnosing the real problem matters more than simply turning up the volume on messaging. Misalignment often hides in plain sight, masked by polite nods, surface-level agreement and subtle misunderstandings, she says. Meaningful, facilitated dialogue – not broadcast communication – is often the missing piece. She also introduces her ‘3C+’ model and cohesion cycle: practical frameworks to help teams stay agile, find purpose and work as one. Along the way, Zora shares lessons from elite sport, psychology and her own leadership journey, where curiosity, courage and a little discomfort all play a role. As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Use the hashtag #TheICPodcast to join the conversation, and thank you for listening.

If the platforms you use at work were built by Microsoft, this episode is essential listening. Katie is joined by Alex Graves, Chief Visionary Officer at Silicon Reef — the people-first Microsoft experts — for a fast-paced, plain-speaking conversation on making technology work for people. Alex shares practical strategies for rolling out new digital channels on a shoestring — including what corners you can cut, and the one you absolutely must not: discovery. He explains why Viva Engage is a philosophy, not just a platform, and how it can break down silos, surface expertise and build genuine communities. Expect sharp insight on improving the often-fractured relationship between internal comms and IT, how to avoid information sprawl, and why early advocates, not all-staff rollouts, are the key to success. Alex also reveals underused Microsoft features — from AI agents that act as personal researchers to the future potential of AI-generated daily podcasts summarising internal news based on individual interests. Whether you're migrating from Workplace, refreshing your channel mix, or exploring Viva for the first time, this episode is packed with practical advice and fresh thinking. Share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. Thank you for listening.

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.

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.