A View From The Top

In this episode, I chat with Ritzy Villarico Ronquillo, a leading communication professional and IABC Fellow from the Philippines. Ritzy shares her extensive career journey in communication, spanning over three decades. She recounts her early influences, such as co-curricular involvement in school and community leadership, and her strategic roles in various industries, including energy and manufacturing. Ritzy also discusses the importance of mentorship, volunteer work, and understanding the business landscape to be an effective communication leader. The episode highlights her approach to crisis management, stakeholder relations, and the integration of communication with business strategy.

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In this episode Charu Raizada, a seasoned integrated communication consultant, delves into her expansive 25 year-year career journey. Based in Delhi, India, Charu speaks with Adrian  about her diverse experience in crisis management, ESG, and leadership communication. Charu shares her early career ambitions, her shift into public relations, and her evolution into a specialist in integrated communication. She highlights the importance of being a trusted partner, and staying informed and creative in communication roles. Charu's story also touches on her impactful work in corporate communication and her current dedication to the social sector, with a particular focus on women's empowerment, mental health, and sustainability initiatives. 

Here are some links to Charu's thought leadership:

Redefining corporate narratives with ESG communication
Internal communications takes the driver seat
Hybridism the new buzzword

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Michael Nord is a certified strategic communication management professional with over 25 years of experience in leadership, strategic communication and change. This is our second interview with Michael as he shares his journey from the armed forces to communication advisor, emphasising the skills he gained in the military that aided his corporate success. He highlights his time at Philips and his role in high-tech PR, stressing the importance of aligning communication efforts with corporate strategy and leveraging data and AI for insights. Michael shares his advice with communication professionals to help them enhance their listening skills, build relationships, and integrate technology into their strategy. This episode offers invaluable insights into strategic, technology-driven communication practices, especially as we move deeper into the world of AI. 

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Get ahead in your career as a communication professional or build communication capabilities for your organisation.

Contact the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence today: https://www.thecsce.com/

In this episode we explore the fantastic career trajectory of Zurich-based leadership and communication coach Ulrike Seminati, a former C-level communication advisor. We discuss Ulrike's career journey, from roles in internal communication in the automotive, broadcasting, and chemical industries to becoming a C-level executive in a pharmaceutical company. Ulrike, who is wonderfully humble yet brave, explains her unique approach of combining training and coaching to help leaders communicate more authentically. We also discuss the changing nature of corporate communication, stressing the importance of human-to-human interactions, the value of leaders’ communication authenticity, and the significance of acknowledging individuality in corporate messages.  Ulrike shares some exciting stories from her past, such as planning events in different cultures, taking on some ambitious projects and her tips for working with the C-suite. 

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Get ahead in your career as a communication professional or build communication capabilities for your organisation.

Contact the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence today: https://www.thecsce.com/

Today's guest is an innovator and leader in the telecommunications space. Tarek Kamil is the CEO and founder of Cerkl Broadcast, an internal communication platform supporting employee engagement. During this episode we explore Tarek's entrepreneurial journey that has seen him delve deep into the realms of digitalisation and data-driven value creation. As a former executive director of Online Strategies for Info Motion Sports IST and VP of Interactive Games for Fox Sports, he shared his passion for problem-solving and how that led to his fascination with artificial intelligence (AI). Drawing from his personal experience and grounding in cognitive psychology and psycholinguistics, Tarek shares insights on how AI is revolutionising the field of communication, the potential challenges AI might pose, and his enthusiasm for AI-driven growth. Tarek has genuinely had a career where opportunity has seen him navigate his course from a passion for digital to supporting value-driven internal communication.

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Get ahead in your career as a communication professional or build communication capabilities for your organisation.

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It's evident that Rob and I haven't caught up in a while, as we delved deep into the distant past. But what struck me during our conversation was the incredible wealth of knowledge and experience this man possesses. Rob boasts an impressive resume: he's a certified member of the Institute of Internal Communication, a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, and a Patron of the Royal Scottish Academy of Arts and Architecture.

In this episode, he generously shares insights from his remarkable 30+ years of working with major global organisations. Rob takes us on a journey through his extensive career, where he served as the head of internal communication and change functions for some of the world's top organisations. 

During our candid interview, Rob fearlessly shares both the highs and lows of his journey. He's not just an award winner and author, he's also a dedicated lifelong learner with multiple degrees under his belt. His latest publication, 'Organizational Trust: Culture, Context, and Communication,' can be found in the IABC Guide for Practical Business Communication.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Rob has embarked on a new venture. He recently co-founded and now serves as the director of Greystone Gallery, a captivating new art destination in Edinburgh.

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Get ahead in your career as a communication professional or build communication capabilities for your organisation.

Contact the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence today: https://www.thecsce.com/

In the dynamic world of social media, digital communication, and online marketing, few possess the expertise and adaptability of Fady Ramzy. With an impressive career spanning more than 25 years, Fady has been a constant force of innovation and transformation.

Fady's journey began in the tech realm, where he laid the foundation for his illustrious career. As the digital landscape evolved, so did he, seamlessly reinventing himself time and again to stay ahead of the curve. 

Fady's passion for business and communication knows no bounds. He's not just a consultant; he's the go-to advisor for some of the world's biggest companies and brands, helping them amplify their online reputations. Beyond consultancy, Fady dons the hat of professional trainer and serves as an adjunct faculty member at the American University in Cairo. His commitment to education extends to volunteering, where he has been a stalwart contributor to the Project Management Institute (PMI) for several years. Fady's mission extends to the individual level. He's all about empowering the personal brands of coaches and C-level executives on the dynamic platform that is LinkedIn.

 It's not every day you come across a solopreneur with such a diverse and impactful journey. Fady's story is a testament to the power of adaptability, expertise, and unwavering passion. 

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Get ahead in your career as a communication professional or build communication capabilities for your organisation.

Contact the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence today: https://www.thecsce.com/

Singapore-based Jyoti Khan SCMP has built an enviable career over the last 20 years, rising to the top in internal communication for one of the world's biggest brands. After a stint in agency life, where she worked with some of the best technology, telecom, IT services, and financial brands in India, Asia and around the globe,  it was only natural Jyoti would eventually co-found her own consultancy. Bricks and Clicks is a strategic communication consultancy helping businesses lead through change and unlock opportunities for innovation, creativity and growth.

Jyoti is passionate about working with leaders to energise and align teams to a common purpose, inspire change and help them build great organisational cultures. She is a former member of the Forbes Communications Council and immediate past chair of the Asia-Pacific Board of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

In this episode, she shares her career journey and the opportunities she has had to build a senior career in the communication profession. She also talks about the upcoming IABC Asia-Pacific Fusion Conference, and the value of networks and connections.

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Get ahead in your career as a communication professional or build communication capabilities for your organisation.

Contact the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence today: https://www.thecsce.com/

Howard Krais is an award-winning leader in the communication world with over 25 years' experience working globally in senior corporate and agency roles.

His genuine kindness sets him apart as one of the most delightful individuals you'll ever come across. It’s no surprise then that the consultancy he recently co-founded with his business partner Ann-Marie Blake (a previous podcast guest of ours), is called True. Together they help organisations build winning cultures through maximising the potential of their people.

Howard is the former head of employee experience at sustainable technologies company, Johnson Matthey and has worked in senior communication roles for organisations such as GSK and Ernst and Young. 

A community man at heart, Howard led the UK chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators as president from 2018 to 2020.  He has been involved with countless other committees in our profession and wider community, including serving as chair of the Wealdstone Football Club in London.

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Get ahead in your career as a communication professional or build communication capabilities for your organisation.

Contact the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence today: https://www.thecsce.com/

Today's guest is a powerhouse executive communication leader with an enviable career. Priya Sarma is the head of corporate affairs and sustainability for Unilever Middle East and Turkey and an influential board advisor who is passionate about ESG.

She made the shift from the world of advertising to marketing and communication and is a current board member of the Advertising Business Group, a non-profit organisation she established in 2016, which advocates for responsible advertising and communication​. Priya was also selected as one of the Top 10 Marketing Game Changers in 2020 by Campaign Magazine.

In this episode, we talk about the value of learning and development and the power of gaining certification to position your communication career. We also talk candidly about the middle eastern market, more specifically about the United Arab Emirates and her rise to senior ranks as an executive leader. 

Support the show

Get ahead in your career as a communication professional or build communication capabilities for your organisation.

Contact the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence today: https://www.thecsce.com/