This is the grand finale of our five-part leadership series, and we’re finishing with honesty.

In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we're once again joined by Prina Shah, host of Ways to Change the Workplace, to unpack the leadership communication habits that frustrate teams and quietly erode trust.

We explore the gap between broadcasting and true communication, the rise of professional ghosting, the myth that everything is urgent, and the impact of late-night pings on workplace culture. We even discuss jargon and passive voice, meeting overload, forwarding emails without framing, and the damage done when leaders fail to align their words and actions.

Throughout the conversation, we draw on behavioural science, change management and real-world corporate experience to explain why these patterns happen and how leaders can course-correct. Plus, we give you the lowdown on how they came to fruition to begin with.

Remembering that every behaviour sends a message showcases exactly why leadership communication isn’t just about what you say but what you reinforce through your actions every single day... so, use this episode to remember those actions can be fixed!

Listen in now.... and get in touch with your own pet peeves you want us to problem solve, too.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Prina’s website
• Prina’s LinkedIn
• 90 minute Strategy Power Session
• Public workshops and training
• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Template packs
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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Episode four of our five-part leadership series with Prina Shah explores one of the most critical skills modern leaders must develop: leading through change.

With organisations navigating constant transformation driven by technology, shifting employee expectations, restructures and new strategies, change is now continuous and leadership has never felt more complex.

In this episode, we unpack what change actually looks like in practice and why it’s far more than communication and training. We explore the five core elements of effective change, the importance of genuine consultation, and the evolving psychological contract between leaders and employees.

You’ll hear practical frameworks to help you understand how different people respond to change, how to reduce resistance through co-creation, and why trust must be built through transparent, timely and thoughtful communication.

We also chat about the risks of poor change management, and the critical differences between project management and change leadership alongside a plethora of other 'let me get on my high horse' activities. 

So, if you’re responsible for leading restructures, strategy rollouts, system implementations or cultural shifts, we're offering grounded, practical insights to help you lead change with clarity, empathy and confidence.

Stay tuned for the grand finale of the series, where we get into our biggest leadership pet peeves and what to do about them.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Prina’s website
• Prina’s LinkedIn
• 90 minute Strategy Power Session
• Public workshops and training
• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Template packs
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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In part three of our five-part Leadership Communication series, we are joined again by Prina Shah, host of Ways to Change Your Workplace and author of Make Work Meaningful, for a deep and practical conversation about tough conversations.

We explore why so many of us avoid difficult discussions at work. We start with a fear of conflict and people-pleasing tendencies, and move through to the discomfort of delivering messages we may not fully agree with. We unpack the psychology behind avoidance, including the concept of cognitive dissonance and how leaders can move toward greater alignment and integrity.

The episode covers real-world workplace scenarios such as delivering bad news, responding to crises, addressing toxic behaviour, and navigating polarised views and misinformation. We also discuss how silence can unintentionally signal indifference or approval, why empathy must sit at the centre of any challenging conversation, and how leaders can create space for honest, respectful dialogue even when tensions are high.

Then, we give you the practical strategies for approaching difficult conversations with clarity and confidence, even when you cannot change the situation. At its core, this episode is a reminder that leadership is not about avoiding discomfort, but stepping into it with courage and clarity.

Listen in to get the lowdown.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Prina’s website
• Prina’s LinkedIn
• 90 minute Strategy Power Session
• Public workshops and training
• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Template packs
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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If you work in internal communications, you’ve probably wondered: is AI coming for my job?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we speak with futurist, author and media commentator Dan Sodergren about what artificial intelligence really means for internal communicators and why this moment represents both risk and extraordinary opportunity.

Dan shares insights from more than two decades at the intersection of technology, workplace culture and human potential. From the rise of shadow AI to the dangers hidden inside poorly understood AI policies, he challenges communicators to think bigger, act braver and step into a more strategic role.

Together, they explore:

• Why AI isn’t new — but its adoption curve is unprecedented
• How internal comms could be amalgamated, evolved or elevated
• The critical importance of training, trust and transparency
• Why emotional intelligence will outlast artificial intelligence
• And how communicators can move from content creators to culture architects

This episode is candid, energetic and at times confronting (with a tonne of insights, regardless) but ultimately, empowering. AI may automate the grunt work, but the human work, like the emotional intelligence, trust-building and change leadership are all more valuable than ever. That's where we come in.

Listen in to find out how.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Dan’s LinkedIn
• Dan’s website
• Dan’s upcoming CSCE AI on for Internal Comms event
• 90 minute Strategy Power Session
• Public workshops and training
• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Template packs
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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In this second episode of this five-part series on people, change and leadership, we are joined again by Prina Shah to unpack one of the most emotionally loaded topics in the workplace: giving and receiving feedback.

Rather than treating feedback as a simple leadership skill, this episode explores the deeper dynamics at play. Why do leaders avoid tough conversations? Why do some people spiral when they hear constructive criticism while others lean in with curiosity? And how do poorly designed performance systems unintentionally create competition, defensiveness or even dishonest behaviour?

We examine the many forms feedback can take, from formal reviews to informal coaching moments, and challenge outdated approaches like the “feedback sandwich.” We share practical communication frameworks such as AIR and STAR-R, while also exploring the psychology behind feedback, including self-awareness, self-esteem, emotional processing and rejection sensitivity.

This episode blends practical tools with honest reflection, reminding leaders that feedback is not just about correcting performance but about understanding human behaviour, creating accountability and supporting genuine growth.

So, if you're keen to up your feedback skills, you should listen in! 

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Prina’s website
• Prina’s LinkedIn
• 90 minute Strategy Power Session
• Public workshops and training
• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Template packs
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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One of the biggest myths in leadership is that once you get the title, people will automatically listen. They won’t, and it’s not because they’re difficult or disengaged but rather, because communication doesn’t work that way.

In the first episode of our brand new five-part series, we’re joined by leadership coach, author and podcast host Prina Shah to unpack one of the most overlooked leadership skills: adapting your communication style for your team.

Together, we explore why there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to communication, especially when you’re leading humans, not robots. We start with real-world examples from leadership journeys, including the challenges of new leaders, peer-to-leader transitions, managing people older than you, and why “that’s just how I communicate” is never a valid excuse.

You’ll hear practical strategies for understanding different communication preferences, using tools as guides (not labels), building trust through listening, and creating a shared “user manual” that helps teams work better together. The conversation also dives into context and why it’s critical for leaders to think of things like timing, environment and emotional load and why they matter just as much as the message itself.

So, get listening! 

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Prina’s website
• Prina’s LinkedIn
• 90 minute Strategy Power Session
• Public workshops and training
• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Template packs
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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Technology change is no longer optional; it’s constant, accelerating, and deeply human. So, we’ve covered it in the final episode of the Topic in Ten five-part All Things People Change series.

We chat about one of the biggest drivers of organisational change: technology. From AI-enabled tools and retiring legacy systems to rapidly shifting skill requirements, technology change is reshaping how people work and how they feel about work.

With global AI investment surging and nearly three-quarters of employees reporting change fatigue, this episode focuses on the role communication plays in helping people adapt.

We share four practical, communication-led tips to improve adoption of new technology, including how to build digital confidence, shift the conversation from business benefits to user benefits, co-create change with employees, and reduce friction by making information easy to find and use.

This episode will specifically help you move beyond a “here’s the new system” approach, to communication that actually supports people through it.

Listen now.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Topic in Ten - have your say!
• 90 minute Strategy Power Session
• Public workshops and training
• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Template packs
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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Too often, policy and benefits changes are treated as a tick-and-flick exercise. An automated email, a system checkbox, or a vague message telling people to “go look it up” is expected to do the job. However, that approach doesn’t lead to understanding, behaviour change, or reduced risk.

Which is why this short, punchy Topic in Ten episode is all about the practical ways you can communicate policy and benefits changes so they’re not just read, but genuinely understood and applied.

You’ll learn how to clearly show what’s changing and what’s staying the same, why simplicity in language and layout matters more than ever, how real-world scenarios bring policies to life, and why checking understanding goes beyond asking people to sign or click a box.

So, get listening to this week's Topic in Ten. 

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Topic in Ten - have your say!
• 90 minute Strategy Power Session
• Public workshops and training
• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Template packs
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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Office moves and renovations often look simple on paper, but in reality, they’re people-heavy changes that can quickly become disruptive if communication isn’t handled well.

So, in this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we're doing another Topic in Ten with this week's focus on practical communication strategies to support organisations through an office move or major refurbishment.

This episode is part three of a five part People Change Series, exploring common change scenarios and how communication can best support people through them. 

We run you through the basics of why people's feelings of displacement during a move can cause comms chaos, and how you can address it in a variety of different, innovative and new ways. So... get listening! 

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Topic in Ten - have your say!
• 90 minute Strategy Power Session
• Public workshops and training
• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Template packs
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

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Restructures are one of the biggest and scariest people change scenarios organisations face, especially when roles are impacted and redundancies are on the table. 

In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we're doing another Topic in Ten - this time, we're unpacking restructures from a people change and communications perspective.

Drawing on extensive experience supporting large-scale restructures, we look at the typical phases, starting with raising awareness and managing rumours, moving through consultation and feedback, confirming the final structure, supporting redeployment and off-boarding, and finally embedding the new ways of working. 

Along the way, we explore what employees are really worried about, the role leaders play in shaping the experience, and why empathy, clarity and timing matter more than perfect answers. 

This episode is a practical guide for internal communicators, change practitioners, HR professionals and leaders who want to handle restructures in a way that supports people, protects trust and sets the organisation up for what comes next.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Topic in Ten - have your say!
• 90 minute Strategy Power Session
• Public workshops and training
• Less Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s book
• Template packs
• Change Isn't Hard! - Mel's book
• Sign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!

Say hi!
Follow me on LinkedIn
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Check out my website
Ask a question