In this premiere episode of The Changing The Terms Podcast, I sit down with Darren Briggs, a veteran in the communication field. Darren discusses how communicators can enhance their effectiveness by focusing on risk mitigation rather than just demonstrating value. He shares practical examples from his extensive career and provides actionable insights on building stronger business cases and engaging leaders more effectively.

Key Discussion Points

- Empathizing with Leaders: Darren emphasizes the importance of understanding leaders' priorities and pain points to build trust and influence.

- Effective Listening and Questioning: Learn the critical role of listening and asking insightful questions to uncover leaders' real issues.

- Risk-Based Business Cases: Darren explains why framing communication efforts in terms of risk mitigation is more compelling for leaders, particularly CFOs and CEOs.

- AI and Communication: The dual role of AI in transforming communication practices and the importance of communicators adapting to these changes.

- Technological Disruptions: Exploring upcoming technological advancements like the metaverse and 6G technology that could revolutionize internal communications.

- Advice for Senior Comms Leaders: Practical advice for communication professionals on staying relevant and differentiating themselves in a competitive job market.

01:07: Darren’s career overview and core communication philosophies

02:42: Engaging leaders effectively by understanding their pain points

06:20: Moving beyond transactional relationships in communication

09:06: Creating risk-based business cases for communication initiatives

14:01: Practical examples of risk mitigation in communication

18:20: Communicating with different C-suite portfolios

23:30: AI and its impact on communication roles

28:26: Broader technological disruptions in internal comms

31:39: Advice for senior communication leaders

Darren Briggs is the Managing Director of Flametree Communication, Ltd. With over 30 years of experience, Darren has worked with leading companies like Vodafone, PepsiCo, Nike, Microsoft, and British Airways in various roles within HR, Marketing, and Corporate Communications. His mission is to simplify organizational communication and help leaders influence through their words and actions.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/

Changing The Terms Website: https://changingtheterms.com/

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Keywords:

Internal Communication, Communication Leadership, Risk Mitigation, Business Case, Empathy in Leadership, AI in Communication, Technological Disruption, Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, Organizational Communication