Tijana Bejatovic is southeast Europe’s leading consultant, trainer and advocate for Internal Communication as a strategic discipline.
Based in the Serbian capital of Belgrade, Tijana brings more than 14 years of experience working in internal comms and leads TopIC training and consulting business.
Connect with Tijana:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tijanabejatovic/
Website: https://www.topic.rs/
00:00 Introduction to Internal Communications and Challenges
02:56 AI's Role in Internal Communications
05:54 The Importance of Process in Communication
09:11 Burnout and Responsibility in Communication
11:58 Courage and Confidence in Communication
15:02 Laziness vs. Lack of Knowledge in the Field
17:58 Understanding the Problem Before Solutions
21:04 Training and Mentorship in Internal Communications
30:34 Navigating Crisis in Internal Communications
34:53 The Maturity of Internal Communication
36:39 Building a Community of Internal Communicators
41:30 The Role of AI in Internal Communication
54:56 The Future of Internal Communication
Connect with Us:
Host Mike Klein:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/
Website: https://changingtheterms.com/
Host Janet Hitchen:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/
Website: https://www.janco.uk/
Enjoyed the Episode?
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! And if you’re ready to navigate disruption with us, share this episode with your network.
Ann Melinger is an internationally recognized expert in organizational culture, employee engagement and change management.
As CEO and owner of bink, she leads a team of senior advisors dedicated to helping life sciences and biotech companies build high-performing cultures that align with business strategy and fuel organizational performance.
Learn more about Ann and subscribe to bink’s resources at https://thinkbink.com/
Connect with Us:
Host Mike Klein:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/
Website: https://changingtheterms.com/
Host Janet Hitchen:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/
Website: https://www.janco.uk/
Enjoyed the Episode?
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! And if you’re ready to navigate disruption with us, share this episode with your network.
Max Forsyth brings an informed, contrarian perspective on the current communications job market that challenges several prevailing narratives. As principal of Comms Search and Selection, Max is a recruiter working with Fortune 500 companies and senior communications professionals.
Today, he offers insider intelligence on hiring practices, the role of AI in recruitment, and what's actually happening beneath surface-level complaints about market conditions.
Connect with Max:
Website: https://www.commssearch.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-forsyth-comms-ir-exec-talent-search-recruitment-uk-us/
Connect with Us:
Host Mike Klein:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/
Website: https://changingtheterms.com/
Host Janet Hitchen:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/
Website: https://www.janco.uk/
Enjoyed the Episode?
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! And if you’re ready to navigate disruption with us, share this episode with your network.
00:00 Introduction to the Communication Job Market
02:09 Current Trends in Communication Recruitment
05:30 Ageism and Its Impact on Job Seekers
17:01 The Role of Automation and AI in Recruitment
27:12 Challenges with Job Descriptions and Candidate Positioning
30:12 The Importance of Authenticity in Job Applications
34:24 The Disconnect in Hiring Practices
37:53 Personal Branding for Communication Professionals
41:59 The Challenges of Video Interviews
50:15 Navigating the Job Market Effectively
59:48 Recap
Dan is a tech futurist and optimist who equips leaders in how to think about the future of work and who trains organisations in how company cultures and technologies including AI will change the world in this Fifth Industrial Revolution.
He’s also an ex marketing agency owner and serial tech startup co-founder, with companies like HR tech startup YourFlock, Dan Sodergren is a digital marketing and technology expert who specialises in the future of work and AI.
His media work spans across BBC programmes: BBC Breakfast, BBC news channels, Watchdog, The One Show, RipOffBritain and on countless radio shows.
Web Links
IC CheckIn - self-assessment of AI readiness for internal communication pros:
www.iccheckin.com
Strategic AI for Internal Communication Professionals
https://events.humanitix.com/strategic-ai-for-internal-communication-professionals
Connect with Dan:
Website: https://www.dansodergren.com/
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-sodergren-futureofwork/
00:00 Introduction to the Fifth Industrial Revolution
03:04 Understanding AI's Role in Business
06:06 The Halfway Point of AI Adoption
08:40 The Importance of Communication in Times of Change
11:50 Navigating Employee Discomfort with AI
14:41 The Future of AI in the Workplace
17:50 The Impact of AI on Company Culture
20:57 The Dangers of Overreliance on AI
25:35 The Sycophantic Nature of AI
26:11 Data Feedback Loops and AI's Darker Side
28:49 The Dystopian Reality of Convenience Technology
30:32 Dark Social and Employee Conversations
34:36 Psychology Over Technology in the Fifth Industrial Revolution
38:58 Chaos, Creativity, and Renewal in the Workplace
40:27 Emotional Intelligence as a Power Skill
46:49 The Necessity of Nuanced Communication in AI Adoption
47:58 Political Polarization vs. Business Unity
50:53 The Future of Work: Employee Empowerment
54:05 Navigating the Fifth Industrial Revolution
01:01:40 The Importance of AI Literacy
01:07:34 Investing in AI for Future Relevance
01:14:41 Closing thoughts
Connect with Us:
Host Mike Klein:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/
Website: https://changingtheterms.com/
Host Janet Hitchen:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/
Website: https://www.janco.uk/
Enjoyed the Episode?
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! And if you’re ready to navigate disruption with us, share this episode with your network.
Adesh is the President of The Institute for Internal Communication Africa (IFICA), and holds the position of Group Head: Integrated Communications at Nedbank. His two decades-plus experience, and executive-level leadership in communications at multinational companies, is demonstrated by award-winning marketing and communications solutions, that reinforce strong foundations on the basics and drive innovation to co-create the future landscape of the discipline.Connect with Adesh:https://www.linkedin.com/in/adesh-chetram-39a01125/?originalSubdomain=za00:00 Introduction to Ubuntu and Internal Communication02:46 The Role of Ubuntu in Organizational Culture06:00 Hierarchy and Leadership in African Organizations09:03 Creating a New Table: The Power of Internal Communication12:00 Strategic Planning and Communication18:05 The Importance of Integrated Communication Calendars23:49 Navigating Communication Challenges in Organizations31:29 The Art of Negotiation in Communication33:00 Crafting a Narrative Arc for Internal Communication37:20 Building a Year-Long Story: Engagement Strategies40:09 Balancing Automation with Human Connection45:04 Trends in Communication: Afrofuturism and Local Storytelling50:01 The Power of Authenticity in Storytelling55:58 Closing Thoughts
Connect with Us:
Host Mike Klein:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/
Website: https://changingtheterms.com/
Host Janet Hitchen:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/
Website: https://www.janco.uk/
Enjoyed the Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! And if you’re ready to navigate disruption with us, share this episode with your network.
Are Gen Z Tired of Messages… and Craving Real Connection?
When asked if they’d rather talk to a manager or AI, many Gen Z professionals chose AI. But why?
In this clip from Navigating Disruption, Austra explores:
– Digital overload and why Gen Z may be avoiding managers
– A surprising coffee shop moment about returning to phone calls
– The quiet shift back toward human connection
Is this the beginning of a communication reset?
Connect with Us:Host Mike Klein: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/Website: https://changingtheterms.com/Host Janet Hitchen: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/Website: https://www.janco.uk/Enjoyed the Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! And if you’re ready to navigate disruption with us, share this episode with your network.
In this episode of Navigating Disruption, Mike Klein & Janet Hitchen sit down with Tarek Kamil, CEO & Founder of Cerkl, to explore how AI, machine learning, and natural language processing are revolutionizing internal communication and employee engagement.
What You’ll Learn:
- How AI-driven personalization improves employee communication
- Why internal communicators must embrace AI as a tool, not a threat
- The risks of AI-powered employee monitoring – where should companies draw the line?
- Why return-to-office mandates might backfire on businesses
- How internal communicators can prove ROI & business impact
If you're a leader, communicator, or AI enthusiast, this episode is packed with game-changing insights!
Guest: Tarek Kamil (CEO & Founder, Cerkl)
Tarek Kamil is a tech entrepreneur and AI expert dedicated to improving employee engagement through AI-powered communication. As the CEO of Cerkl, he’s at the forefront of using AI, behavioral analytics, and automation to help businesses deliver the right message to the right person at the right time.
🔗 Follow Tarek Kamil & Learn More:
Website: https://www.cerkl.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tkamil
Connect with Us:
Host Mike Klein:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/
Website: https://changingtheterms.com/
Host Janet Hitchen:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/
Website: https://www.janco.uk/
Enjoyed the Episode?
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! And if you’re ready to navigate disruption with us, share this episode with your network.
In this episode of Navigating Disruption, Mike and Janet sit down with Susan Jackson, an accomplished leader who transitioned from chemical engineering into corporate communications and sustainability leadership at BASF.
With over 30 years at the company, Susan shares her unique career journey—from engineering and business roles to leading communications in a major global industrial company. She discusses the importance of business acumen in communications, the evolving role of sustainability in corporate strategy, and how effective internal communication can drive both engagement and impact.
This conversation dives into:
- How Susan’s engineering background shapes her approach to communication
- Making complex sustainability topics accessible and engaging
- The business case for communication and how to gain leadership buy-in
- Navigating internal communication challenges across diverse teams
- The role of advocacy and partnerships in sustainability efforts
- How communicators can help companies manage reputational risk
Susan brings practical insights, a passion for problem-solving, and a people-first mindset to the discussion. Whether you're a communicator, a leader, or someone navigating disruption in your own industry, this episode offers valuable lessons on innovation, resilience, and making an impact.
About Our Guest: Susan Jackson
Susan Jackson is the Head of Communications and Sustainability for BASF’s Performance Materials business in North America. She brings a rare blend of technical expertise and strategic communication to her role, helping drive business growth through engaging storytelling and sustainability initiatives.
Starting her career as a chemical engineer, Susan has held a variety of roles in engineering, manufacturing, EHS, marketing, and sales before transitioning into corporate communications in 2011. In 2023, she added sustainability to her portfolio, bringing her deep technical understanding to the evolving landscape of circularity, corporate responsibility, and environmental advocacy.
A self-proclaimed geek, Susan thrives on connecting people, asking the right questions, and making complex topics clear and actionable. Her personal motto? "BE AWESOME."
Connect with Susan:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanjackson/
Connect with Us:
Host Mike Klein:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/
Website: https://changingtheterms.com/
Host Janet Hitchen:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/
Website: https://www.janco.uk/
Enjoyed the Episode?
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! And if you’re ready to navigate disruption with us, share this episode with your network.
#leadership #communication #internalcomms #navigatingdisruption #resilience #changemanagement
In this episode of Navigating Disruption, hosts Janet Hitchen and Mike Klein sit down with Amanda Todd, Senior Director of Communications at Expel, to discuss the evolving role of communications in organizations today. From internal communications to corporate communications, Amanda shares how strategic clarity can transform both employee engagement and business outcomes.
We explore:
- The shift from internal communications to corporate communications—and why it shouldn’t be rare
- How Amanda developed the Clarity Index, a proprietary system that ties communication clarity to business performance
- The increasing importance of internal storytelling and why comms professionals must advocate for their own value
- Trends shaping 2025, including AI, cybersecurity, misinformation, and crisis preparedness
- Why leaders must rethink employee engagement and communication in a rapidly changing world
If you're a communications leader, internal comms professional, or business executive, this episode is packed with insights on how to navigate disruption and strengthen your organization’s communication strategy.
About Amanda:
Amanda Todd is the Senior Director of Communications at Expel, where she leads storytelling across internal communications, social media, and public relations. A seasoned communications leader, she has guided companies like Duo Security, Cartagou, and Tonal through major industry shifts, including the pandemic and the rise of connected fitness. Known for her data-driven storytelling approach, Amanda believes in clear, purpose-driven communication that connects employees to an organization’s mission.
Resources & Mentions:
- Clarity Index Framework – Amanda Todd’s internal comms measurement strategy
- Adam Grant’s Work on Confident Humility
- World Economic Forum Reports on Misinformation & Climate Risk
- Recent Research on AI & Cybersecurity Risks
Connect with Us:
Host Mike Klein:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/
Website: https://changingtheterms.com/
Host Janet Hitchen:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/
Website: https://www.janco.uk/
Connect with Amanda Todd:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-todd-sf
Stay ahead of disruption—subscribe to Navigating Disruption for expert insights on leadership, communication, and business strategy.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and share your thoughts on this episode!
#communicationsstrategy #leadership #reputationmanagement #navigatingdisruption #podcast
How should businesses approach communication in an era of constant disruption? In this episode of Navigating Disruption, hosts Mike Klein and Janet Hitchen sit down with senior consultant and strategic advisor Natasha Plowman to discuss the evolving role of corporate communications, reputation management, and sustainability in today's shifting landscape.
About Natasha:
Natasha has worked across communications, corporate and public affairs disciplines in wide-ranging businesses and sectors from Financial Services to FMCG. Her early career was built on a foundation of NGO and political campaigning.
A campaigner at heart, Natasha has developed and executed high-profile thought leadership and behavioural change campaigns. From running responsible drinking campaigns and issues at Diageo, to the global insight thought leadership campaign, HSBC Navigator. She led employee and stakeholder strategies to change perceptions of the role of sustainable finance in driving business transition at HSBC and has been a sustainability and issues consultant for P&G’s fabric care and beauty brands with the global agency, Ketchum. Recently she was a strategic adviser to a bank in Saudi Arabia on the development of their sustainable finance strategy and developed a training course for teams to engage in ESG, with clients ranging from global companies to SMEs.
Her approach is built on the role that reputation plays in driving business success, which is at the forefront of many of the key business critical issues we face today, from sustainability and ESG, through to the future of work and business resilience. She is passionate about the role of business in solving issues of people and planet — and with that comes greater scrutiny, need for transparency and a point of view that stakeholders trust.
In this episode:
✅ Why businesses need to focus on deeds, not just words
✅ The blurring lines between internal and external communications
✅ How data can be both a tool and a trap in comms strategy
✅ The role of reputation management in a polarized world
✅ How communicators can better connect the dots within organizations
If you’re a communications professional, business leader, or strategist looking to better understand the future of corporate communications, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world examples.
Connect with Us:
Host Mike Klein:
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/
Website:
https://changingtheterms.com/
Host Janet Hitchen:
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/
Website:
https://www.janco.uk/
Connect with Natasha Plowman:
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/spinningred.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashaplowman/
Stay ahead of disruption—subscribe to Navigating Disruption for expert insights on leadership, communication, and business strategy.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and share your thoughts on this episode!
#communicationsstrategy #leadership #reputationmanagement #navigatingdisruption #podcast
In this episode of Navigating Disruption, hosts Mike Klein and Janet Hitchen welcome Giedrė Simanauskaitė and Vija Valentukonyte Urbanaviciene, co-founders of Partners in Comms and pioneers in internal communication in Lithuania. They discuss the evolution of internal communication, their journey in writing the first Lithuanian IC book, and the challenges of translating global communication models to fit local markets.
Key Takeaways:
✅ The shift from newsletters to strategic internal communication
✅ How companies can adapt communication for diverse, multilingual teams
✅ Practical approaches to embedding company culture across global organizations
✅ The challenges and opportunities of integrating internal comms with leadership
If you're a leader, communicator, or working in an international organization, this episode will provide insights into how communication strategies are shifting to be more impactful, inclusive, and aligned with business goals.
About our guests:
Giedrė Simanauskaitė
- Over 13 years of experience in internal and change communication.
- 4 years spent as an internal communications manager and 9 years as a freelance consultant.
- Co-authored a book on internal communications and employer reputation building.
- Associate professor at Vytautas Magnus University.
- Speaker at international and local conferences, podcasts, and events.
- Trainer and consultant on internal communications, shaping company culture, and leadership communication.
- Host of the Internal Communicators Club in Lithuania (2,800+ members).
Vija Valentukonyte Urbanaviciene:
- Strategist, internal communication expert, and practitioner for over 15
- Experience in four sectors, former in-house communicator at ING Bank, Lithuanian Energy Company, Barclays, and Telia.
- Expertise in internal and change communication strategies and employer reputation building.
- Winner of several significant awards: IABC’s Gold Quills (Washington, USA) and the PR Impact and Best Personnel Practices - for successful change and culture programs.
- Certified trainer, has trained audiences in 4 different continents
- Speaker at national and international conferences, host fo the first in Lithuania Unconference event.
Connect with Us:
Host Mike Klein:
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/
Website:
https://changingtheterms.com/
Host Janet Hitchen:
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/
Website:
https://www.janco.uk/
Guest information:
Website: partnersincomms.com/en/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/partners-in-comms
Subscribe for More:
Stay ahead of disruption—subscribe to Navigating Disruption for fresh insights on leadership, communication, and navigating change.
Join hosts Mike Klein and Janet Hitchen as they speak with Christopher Wade, VP of Internal Communication and Employee Engagement at Fresenius Medical Care. With over 20 years of global experience, Christopher shares actionable insights on aligning communication with business goals, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of engagement.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategic Alignment: Link internal communication to revenue, risk reduction, and operational success.
- Tech-Driven Solutions: Use AI and intranets to engage global, diverse teams.
- Culture Building: Embed values-driven strategies to drive employee connection and performance.
Discover practical strategies to transform communication and create meaningful organizational change.
Connect with Us:
Host Mike Klein:
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/
Website:
https://changingtheterms.com/
Host Janet Hitchen:
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/
Website:
https://www.janco.uk/
Guest Christopher Wade:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-o-wade/
Don’t miss insights from leaders redefining success in disruption—subscribe to Navigating Disruption.
#internalcommunication #leadership #navigatingdisruption #podcast
Welcome to the first episode of Navigating Disruption with co-hosts Mike Klein and Janet Hitchen.
In this episode, we sit down with Jason Anthoine, the self-styled "Employee Experienced," to unpack the evolving challenges and opportunities for leaders and communicators during disruptive times.
From exploring the nuances of employee engagement to rethinking how organizations can align communication with business priorities, Jason shares actionable insights that will leave you inspired and equipped to face today's workplace complexities.
Key Topics Covered:
- Understanding Employee Experience: Why connecting with your frontline staff is more critical than ever.
- Navigating Uncertainty: Jason’s unique take on the turbo-charged uncertainty organizations face today and how to manage it effectively.
- The Courage Department: How communication professionals can lead with courage and adaptability.
- Aligning Communication with Strategy: Practical steps to tie communication efforts to revenue, risk mitigation, and cost control.
- The Power of Internal Influencers: Why identifying and engaging your organization’s true influencers can amplify your impact.
- Shifting Metrics of Success: Moving beyond traditional ROI to measure risk mitigation and influence on outcomes.
If you’re a leader, communicator, or anyone navigating organizational challenges in a disruptive world, this episode is a must-watch. You’ll gain strategies to not just survive but thrive amidst rapid change and uncertainty.
Connect with Us:
Host Mike Klein:
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/
Website:
https://changingtheterms.com/
Host Janet Hitchen:
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/
Website:
https://www.janco.uk/
Guest Jason Anthoine:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonanthoine/
Website:
www.jasonanthoine.com
Podcast:
www.ridinshotgunwithjasonanthoine.com
Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome and Introduction
2:45 – What’s Different About Today’s Uncertainty?
8:30 – Cutting Through Noise in Organizational Communication
15:10 – The Role of Courage in Communication Leadership
22:50 – Leveraging Internal Influencers
30:00 – Rethinking Employee Engagement Metrics
45:20 – Aligning Communication with Business Goals
Subscribe & Follow:
– Subscribe to Navigating Disruption for more insights on leadership, communication, and navigating the complexities of the modern workplace.
#navigatingdisruption #leadership #employeeexperience #communicationstrategy #podcast
In this special bonus episode, hosts Mike Klein and Janet Hitchen dive into the challenges and opportunities facing organizations and communicators in today’s volatile landscape.
Episode Highlights
0:01 – Welcome and Introductions
3:13 – From Disruption to Navigation
6:36 – Organizational Complacency vs. Communication Challenges
10:08 – Emerging Risks for Communicators
13:35 – Political and Regulatory Shifts
20:28 – The Say-Do Gap and Trust
28:19 – Adapting Communication Channels
33:16 – Global Divergences and Lessons from Regional Operations
37:14 – Grounding Communication Teams for Resilience
41:50 – Defining Shared Language and Values
50:08 – Shifts in Leadership Styles
56:11 – Preparing for Uncertain Futures
1:04:24 – Closing Thoughts
About Janet:
Janet is a strategic Internal Communication Leader placing people at the heart of what she does. Trusted advisor to Senior Leadership teams. Creating best-in-class, commercially-grounded comms strategies based on strong relationships and a solid understanding of business needs. Balancing a love of data and educated intuition to get results. Now with an additional specialism in Sustainability.
Connect with Janet:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/
Follow me for more content here:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/
Changing The Terms Website:
https://changingtheterms.com/
Join the Conversation
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. What challenges are you facing in navigating disruption? Share your insights and join the discussion in the comments or on social media.
Stay tuned for new episodes launching in January 2025, where we’ll bring on expert guests to help you navigate these turbulent times with confidence.
In this episode, we sit down with Monique Zytnik, a global internal communication leader and author of Internal Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. Together, we explore how AI is reshaping internal communications, why strategy matters more than ever, and how communicators can empower leaders in a rapidly changing landscape.
What You’ll Learn:
- The role of AI in transforming internal communications and what this means for comms professionals
- How immersive communication can make internal messaging more engaging and impactful
- Why strategy and data are essential in cutting through information noise
- The importance of training leaders to communicate effectively at scale
- How internal networks can strengthen organizational culture and improve communication
Stay tuned to discover actionable insights and tips that will elevate your approach to internal communication!
Episode Highlights:
0:00 - Introduction
1:15 - Guest Introduction: Monique Zetnik
5:20 - Content vs. Strategy in Communication
10:45 - AI’s Role in Communication
15:30 - Defining Effective Strategy
21:00 - Leadership and Internal Comms
27:15 - AI Tools and Navigating Technology
33:00 - Immersive Communication
38:50 - Internal Networks & Employee Influence
45:00 - Prompt Engineering
48:30 - Advice for Communicators: Upskilling and the Future
51:10 - Closing Remarks
Resources & Mentioned Links:
Monique Zetnik’s Book: Internal Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – https://www.amazon.com/Internal-Communication-Age-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/1637426046
Recommended Listening: Shell Holtz and Neville Hobson’s Podcast - https://www.nevillehobson.com/podcasts/
Additional Reading:
TechCrunch : https://techcrunch.com/
VentureBeat : https://venturebeat.com/
About the Guest:
Monique Zytnik is a Berlin-based leader in global internal communications. Her campaigns have been recognized by industry giants like Gartner and the Digital Communication Awards. Monique shares her expertise through publications, podcasts, and conferences, providing a fresh perspective on the role of AI in communication.
Connect with Monique:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquezytnik/
Website: https://www.moniquezytnik.com/
Follow me for more content here:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/
Changing The Terms Website:
https://changingtheterms.com/
In this episode of Changing the Terms: The Comms Disruptors, Mike Klein is joined by internal communications and employee experience experts Lee Smith and Emma Bridger. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of employee experience (EX), employee engagement, and the role of internal communication in shaping modern workplaces. They also discuss the importance of designing human-centered workplaces and the powerful impact of intentional communication on organizational performance.
Emma and Lee share how EX is more than a buzzword—it’s about understanding the entire employee journey, from onboarding to daily interactions. They dive into the difference between managing information and guiding emotions to create positive, impactful experiences at work. With insights into the holistic nature of EX, this conversation offers practical steps for communicators to move beyond silos and become proactive, strategic leaders within organizations.
About guests:
Lee Smith:
Lee is an employee communication, engagement and EX professional with more than three decades experience spanning both consultancy and senior in-house roles. Formerly co-founder and co-owner of the highly respected UK employee comms agency Gatehouse – now part of Gallagher’s Employee Experience practice – Lee co-created the annual State of the Sector research survey and developed and led the Accelerate strategic internal comms learning programme. He is a fellow of both the Institute of Internal Communication (IOIC) and Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and holds an MSc in Corporate Communication & Reputation Management.
Emma Bridger:
Emma is one of the world’s leading employee engagement and experience experts. She is the author of Employee Engagement (2014) and Employee Experience by Design (2021), both published by Kogan Page. A trained psychologist and coach, she has been training people professionals in employee engagement and employee experience for more than a decade. Through her consultancy, People Lab, she works with a range of global organisations to make a positive difference to the people who work there.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Employee Experience (EX) and Internal Communication.
02:00 – Lee’s journey from PR to internal communications and his co-founding of the EX Space.
05:00 – Emma’s background in behavioral change and her transition into internal communications.
07:30 – What is Employee Experience (EX) and why does it matter in today’s workplaces?
13:00 – Human-centered design in EX: The role of internal communicators in creating meaningful experiences.
18:00 – Examples of impactful employee experiences: Small details that shape big perceptions.
25:00 – How communicators can use tools like design thinking and agile to enhance EX.
33:00 – The importance of resilience and preparing organizations for change.
45:00 – Practical advice for mid-career internal communicators navigating today’s evolving workplace.
Links & Resources:
The EX Space – https://theex.space/
People Lab by Emma Bridger – https://peoplelab.co.uk/
Lee’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/leemsmith/
Emma’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmabridger/
If you're looking to move beyond traditional internal communications and become a key player in shaping employee experience, listen to the full conversation with Lee Smith and Emma Bridger to learn how you can leverage design thinking and innovative tools to transform your communication strategy and build stronger, more resilient organizations.
Keywords: internal communications strategy, employee engagement tools, EX transformation.
In this episode of Changing the Terms, host Mike Klein sits down with Preston Lewis, founder of Intactic and a communication expert with nearly 25 years of experience working with global brands. They dive deep into the evolving role of communication professionals in a world increasingly driven by AI and technology. From AI-powered platforms like Microsoft Viva to the importance of storytelling and employee experience, Preston shares key insights on how organizations can successfully integrate emerging technologies to enhance internal communication.
If you're a communication leader looking to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is a must-listen. Preston not only explores the future of communication but also offers actionable strategies for incorporating AI into your communication processes while maintaining authenticity and building trust with your employees.
Key Takeaways:
- The Expanding Role of Communicators in AI Integration: Communicators today must not only convey messages but also lead conversations on the integration of AI and emerging tech to enhance organizational effectiveness.
- Leveraging AI for Hyper-Personalization and Efficiency: Tools like Microsoft Viva are revolutionizing internal comms by providing personalized content. Communicators should embrace AI to automate routine tasks and refocus on strategic initiatives.
- Trust and Transparency in AI Implementation: While AI offers vast potential, it's essential for companies to maintain transparency about how these technologies are used to build trust with employees.
- Real-Life Case Study; Microsoft Viva as an AI-Powered Communication Tool: Preston discusses how Microsoft Viva is not just an intranet but a tool that uses AI to orchestrate employee engagement and streamline communication.
- Practical Steps for Implementing AI in Communication: Preston shares actionable advice such as engage key stakeholders, lead discussions on AI’s impact, and reframe your role to position yourself as a tech leader in your organization.
About Preston:
Preston Lewis is an influential leader helping organizations solve complex problems through modern communication strategies and emerging technologies. With nearly 25 years of experience, Preston has worked with over 150 top-tier companies, including Starbucks, DraftKings, and Intel. As the founder of Intactic, he continues to push the boundaries of communication by integrating AI tools like Microsoft Viva to enhance the employee experience. Preston is also focused on building TechVerified, a free service helping leaders and communicators adopt and select technology platforms that drive digital transformation.
Links & Resources:
Preston’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonlewis/
Preston’s Company: Intactic – https://www.intactic.com
TechVerified – A free service by Intactic to help you select the right tech platforms for your business: https://www.techverified.co/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/
Changing The Terms Website: https://changingtheterms.com
If you're a communication leader aiming to enhance your internal communication strategies, this episode provides essential insights to navigate the complexities of AI.
In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) with Andras Vicsek, Chief Innovation Officer at Maven7 and OrgMapper. Explore how ONA is revolutionizing change management, HR practices, and boosting organizational performance through strategic insights into social capital and internal networks.
Key Discussion Points:
- Innovation in HR and Organizational Development: Andras discusses his pioneering work in leveraging ONA to drive significant changes within traditional and emerging industries, including the automotive sector.
- Strategic Applications of ONA: Discover the crucial role ONA plays in mergers, acquisitions, leadership transitions, and the adoption of new technologies within companies.
- Trust and Influence Networks: Learn how ONA provides unique insights into trust and influence within organizations, enabling more effective communication and change management strategies.
- Challenges and Opportunities: Andras addresses common obstacles to implementing ONA, such as privacy concerns and managerial resistance, and offers solutions to overcome these challenges.
- Enhancing Communication with ONA: Explore how ONA can optimize internal communication strategies by identifying key influencers and trust networks that accelerate information dissemination and improve engagement.
- Future of ONA and AI Integration: Discuss the future prospects of ONA in the age of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, focusing on predictive analytics and enhanced decision-making.
About Andras:
Andras Vicsek brings over two decades of experience in HR and organizational development, with a specialized focus on Organizational Network Analysis and social capital. As a global expert, Andras has facilitated nearly 200 ONA projects worldwide, enhancing organizational dynamics and performance through innovative network strategies.
Connect with Andras:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andras-vicsek/
Follow me for more content here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/
Changing The Terms Website: https://changingtheterms.com/
Feel free to engage with us through comments and share the episode with peers interested in organizational development and communication strategies.
Keywords: Organizational Network Analysis, Change Management, Social Capital, HR Innovations, Strategic Communication, Digital Transformation, AI in Organizational Development, Leadership Communication, Internal Networks, Business Agility.