DiscoverThe WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis
The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis
Claim Ownership

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

Author: Axios HQ

Subscribed: 17Played: 84
Share

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. 
59 Episodes
Reverse
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 Br...
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. Me...
Chris Willis and guest Michael Franklin, founder and executive director of Speechwriters of Color, dive into the complexities of communicating across a multi-generational workforce and navigating evolving workplace expectations.Why it matters: Understanding how different generations interact in the workplace is crucial to fostering collaboration, increasing engagement, and driving organizational success.The big picture: Good communication is universal, but tailoring messages to resonate with ...
Chris Willis and guest Monique Zytnik author of Internal Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, and Chairman of IABC EMEA as they explore the changing landscape of internal communications in an AI-driven world.Why it matters: Internal communicators are pivotal in aligning communication strategies with organizational goals, fostering engagement, and reducing costs.AI offers tools to enhance, not replace, human communicators, reinforcing their strategic role.The big picture: Leade...
Chris Willis sits down with Rachel Adam, Head of Brand and Communications at Sonar, to explore the critical role of strategic communications in shaping and amplifying brand identity.Why it matters: Strategic communications are vital for aligning brand and comms to drive business success.Effective storytelling can command the narrative and elevate your brand.Navigating internal and external messaging is crucial for maintaining a cohesive brand identity.Go deeper: Rachel shares her journey thro...
In this episode of WordBirds, Chris Willis interviews Dave Guarino, Head of Global Communications at Wolters Kluwer.What it's about: Understanding the journey to a C-suite position in communications provides invaluable lessons for aspiring leaders.Dave shares his transition from stick-ball fanatic to financial compliance to corporate communications.Offers practical advice on building a career in communications.The big picture: Strategic thinking and effective team leadership are crucial for s...
In this episode of WordBirds, Chris Willis interviews Joanna Parson, CEO of The Curious Route and author of Innovative Internal Communications.Why it matters: Joanna’s journey from a curious thinker to a leading internal communications expert offers valuable insights and practical advice on rethinking internal comms strategies.Driving the news: Joanna shares key takeaways from her new book and discusses how curiosity can drive innovation and improve communication within any organization.What’...
Navigating crisis communicationsIn this episode of WordBirds, Chris Willis sits down with communications expert Roberto Munoz (Fannie Mae, HSBC, Tesco) to explore the critical role of crisis communications.Why it matters: Effective crisis communication can be the difference between maintaining your brand's reputation and losing it. Roberto shares strategies from his experiences with major brands like Tesco and Fannie Mae.Balancing speed and accuracy during a crisis.Ensuring your message align...
We're back with Season 6! And we're kicking off with Eleanor Hawkins, Axios Communications Strategist and writer of the Communicators newsletter. Eleanor spent years as a communicator in media and politics and now covers the topics and trends that impact how organizations, leaders, and employers communicate.Listen in to hear Eleanor and Chris dig into the…Changing role of the communicator over the last few yearsWays technology is changing how communicators workInsights from her reporting ...
In this episode, we're thrilled to have Kristine Englert, Director of Customer Marketing at Mirakl, sharing her wealth of experience in the dynamic realm of marketing. Our host, Chris, dives into Kristine's journey, shedding light on impactful campaigns that transcend marketing channels.Kristine kicks off by unveiling the secret behind her most successful campaign — a data-driven initiative that became a versatile asset across various marketing facets. Emphasizing the pivotal role of understa...
We consider the existential future of content on this week’s episode, with Phyllis Davidson — VP, Principal Analyst at Forrester — who doesn’t hold back in her Provocative Statement of the Day. We also cover everything from content experimentation and strategy to the future of the content landscape and role of generative AI, in this insightful interview with a content celebrity!Primary and derivative content creation takes center stage as Phyllis unravels the success story behind the best con...
With such a crowded digital marketplace, how can your organization cut through the noise and build relationships with your messaging? Amanda Proscia has the answers in this episode of WordBirds.This week we dive into the world of public relations (PR) and marketing with the Co-founder of Lightspeed PR/Marketing and bestselling author of PR Confidential: Unlocking the Secrets to Creating a Powerful Public Image, Amanda Proscia. With over 30 years of experience, Amanda shares her wealth of know...
How can we get customers to share their stories with us? For this conversation, Chris spoke to Christine Bottagaro, Chief Marketing Officer at Alviere. We delve into the strategies behind unlocking the invaluable narratives of happy customers and how to transform them into compelling case studies and brand advocacy. And here’s a hit, it’s all about working with your customers instead of asking them for favors! There’s an art to enticing customers to share their stories authentically and ...
This week’s guest, Chip Rodgers, Chief Partner Officer at WorkSpan, believes that content is all about community. You have to know your target audience to engage them and build meaningful connections. So how do you create content that cultivates community? Chip has the answers in our interview and educational content has a big role to play — especially in terms of how it can drive conversions. Chip also draws from his extensive background in marketing to explore the intersection of marke...
Branding is more than just a logo or a catchy slogan; it's the personality and identity of a company. It's what distinguishes your brand from your competitors and connects you with your target audience.In today's episode, Julie Kaplan (Senior Vice President, Marketing and Revenue Operations at CareMetx) explains how at the heart of effective branding lies consistent content. Consistent content is critical for brand success and strong brand identity — you have to be more than visually consiste...
In today's conversation, we delve into the evolving dynamics between long-form and short-form content, guided by the expertise of our guest, Isabelle Papoulias — SVP Global Marketing at BackBox.Isabelle sheds light on a fundamental shift in the way today’s consumers engage with content, especially during the era of information overload. The conversation centers on the value, or perhaps the lack thereof, of long-form content. Isabelle's insights and experiences offer a fresh perspective on the...
How do we move from guesswork to governance in the AI generated content era? How can we ensure the quality and relevance of content while harnessing the power of AI to scale production?For this episode, we’re turning the tables on our host, Christopher Willis, who will be the guest and our producer Charlotte Baxter-Read steps in to host (and quiz) Christopher. Be prepared to discuss the ever-evolving landscape of content creation, AI content creation tools, and the pivotal role of governance ...
Is it time to rethink the value of press releases? And what if marketing reported to communications instead of the other way around?In this episode, we delve deep into the intricate world of communications and marketing strategy. Our guest, Nikki Festa O’Brien — President of the brand marketing and PR agency Greenough — challenges conventional thinking and offers a fresh perspective on corporate hierarchy.Nikki argues that, rather than marketing being at the forefront of corporate strategy, c...
In the ever-evolving landscape of B2B marketing, we want to know: Is the primary goal of content marketing to generate leads and conversions, or does it encompass a more profound awareness mission? We dive into this topic with Flora Felisberto, Senior Director, Global Growth Marketing & Operations at OutSystems, someone who’s not afraid to challenge the status quo. Flora believes thought leadership should take center stage in the realm of content marketing. We explore one of Flora’ s...
Are you asking the right questions to find out the reasons why you’re creating a piece of content? And once you’ve created that piece of content, is good enough good enough?In this captivating interview, we delve into the world of marketing and content creation with Gabi Zijderveld, Chief Marketing Officer at Smart Eye. Gabi shares her insights on two essential marketing tactics: the power of adaptation and the embrace of imperfection.The interview kicks off with Gabi recounting an extraordin...
loading