This is a difficult time for many. But even that even come close to the challenges that people are facing during the pandemic. For some, there are new challenges. For others, these challenges are simply exacerbated. I invited Dr. Leeno Karumanchery on to try and help make sense of all of it for us. He's the Chief Diversity Officer at MESH/Diversity and shares helpful thoughts for all of us.

Culture, Comms & Cocktails is internal comms served straight up.

In the pandemic, the world is recognizing and celebrating the dedication and sacrifices of those medical professionals on the frontline. And while they might not be treating patients, healthcare communications pros like Paul Baltes are also going above and beyond. As the director of communications for Nebraska Medicine, listen to Paul share how they are informing and protecting employees, patients and the general community’s .

Culture, Comms & Cocktails is internal comms served straight up.

Imagine around the same time a brand new company has formed (out of an old company) and then a pandemic hits. That's what Susan Cleveland and the team at Trane Technologies spent their March doing. Listen to their experiences of communicating during the health crisis and how a brand new internal comms platform - ClimateZone - became an invaluable resource.

Culture, Comms & Cocktails is internal comms served straight up.

During the COVID-19 crisis, we know that employees want to hear from the experts over anyone else, including doctors. That's why I invited my friend Dr. Randy Sharma, aka The Rock Doc, to share what he's experiencing on the front lines of the pandemic, as well as advice for those feeling isolated during this strange time.

Just this week, Edelman released its Trust Barometer Special related to COVID-19 and it's both important and inspiring for communicators to listen to. Joining the podcast is Tamara Rodman, Executive Vice President of their Employee Experience practice. We discuss the 8 key findings from the report that impact communicators.

You can get the full report for free: https://www.edelman.com/research/edelman-trust-covid-19-demonstrates-essential-role-of-private-sector

Southern Company Gas wanted to stand out in their industry and upgrade and update the employee experience. To deepen the connection between the employees and the business, the company launched FUEL - their workforce communication platform. Listen to J.P. Salman, director of internal communications and creative services, talk about the early success they've had and the ambitious goals for 2020.

Culture, Comms & Cocktails is internal comms served straight up.

Not gonna lie, I'm a little disappointed that I didn't have to label this episode as explicit. Usually my conversations with Jenni Field get quite "colorful." Jenni will be joining FutureComms 2020 from the UK as one of our featured keynote speakers at the event. Want to know what she'll be talking about? Listen to the podcast.

Culture, Comms & Cocktails is internal comms served straight up.

Few are bigger fans of Hilton than me. And that's one of the reasons why it was special to get Erica Cary from Hilton on the podcast. We talked about how they are focused on using technology to enhance the Hilton employee experience. And it shows with them recently being named #1 on Fortune 100's Best Places to work list.

Culture, Comms & Cocktails is internal comms served straight up.

Ever worked in communication for a family-owned company? Listen to Mike Gloekler share how this has positively impacted the culture at McKee Foods. And in 2019, they launched MIX, a new internal communications platform for the company. And while communications made the investment, Mike knew it would take the support of all to make MIX the success it is today.

Tom Dykhuis grew up at Herman Miller, literally and professionally. Some time ago, he was an elementary kid running the halls of his dad's work. But now he's the Senior Manager of Internal Communications at the company. Listen to Tom talk about the drivers behind launching The Lounge, the company's new IC platform, and how leaders have been a driving force for its early success.