Internal communication expert and IABC EMENA Chair Simon Cavendish joins host Chared Verschuur to unpack what it really means to lead through change. From trust and transparency to the IKEA effect, we explore why internal comms is central to transformation and how to make it human, practical, and effective. Whether you're navigating system rollouts, culture shifts, or organisational upheaval, this episode offers clear, candid insights from the frontlines of change.

What’s your story and who’s telling it? In this episode of the IABC EMENA podcast, host Chared Verschuur speaks with Lucy Eckley, storytelling expert and founder of The Leading Story, about how communication professionals can move from amplifying others to owning their own narrative.

Lucy shares her five-part framework for crafting a compelling personal brand story, reflects on the role of storytelling in leadership and inclusion, and explains why so many comms professionals struggle to talk about themselves. They also explore how organizations can use narrative to drive visibility, belonging, and bold change.

Whether you’re refining your LinkedIn profile, preparing for a new role, or trying to elevate diverse voices in your organization, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you to own your story with confidence and clarity.

What does gardening have to do with internal communication? A lot, according to Tony Stewart. In this episode, we explore how internal communities—when cultivated with intention—can spark transformation from the inside out. From digital “gardens” that bridge silos to quiet revolutions that challenge the status quo, Tony shares practical wisdom and real-world examples on why internal community management is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a vital function in future-ready organizations.

Human leadership and communication coach Chaya Mistry joins Chared Verschuur to explore regenerative leadership—what it is, why it matters, and how communicators can drive real transformation by creating space for reflection, connection, and change.

How do the words we use shape our workplaces and societies? In our latest IABC EMENA Podcast episode, Dr. Claudia Gross shares her expertise on green words—language that fosters inclusion, collaboration, and positive action. If you're a communicator or leader looking to refine your messaging and make language more impactful, this episode is for you.

The IABC EMENA Podcast enters an exciting new chapter! In this special handover episode, longtime host Monique Zytnik passes the mic to the new host, Chared Verschuur.

Tune in to hear:

✅ Chared’s inspiring journey from journalism in the Philippines to inclusive leadership & communication consultancy in Europe.

✅ Her insights on belonging at work, featuring the ACES framework (Authenticity, Care, Empowerment, Support).

✅ Monique’s reflections on her years as host, her proudest moments, and behind-the-scenes podcasting stories.

✅ Chared’s vision for the future of the podcast: amplifying underrepresented voices, tackling rapid change, and unlocking fresh ideas.

This episode is packed with inspiration, insights, and exciting plans for the podcast’s next chapter. Don’t miss it!

🌐 Learn more about IABC EMENA: https://iabcemena.com/

💡 Share your guest suggestions or feedback: [email protected]

Find out what is important in building a strong global communication team with Christopher Wade. In this podcast hosted by Monique Zytnik, we delve into how his team works and what is important for a team to be successful.

Christopher Wade is the VP of Internal & Employee Engagement Communications at Fresenius Medical Care. He is a bilingual, C-suite comms professional with 20+ years' experience in delivering measurable results at embedding company culture and strategy in Fortune 500 companies - contributing to a positive reputation and securing long-term relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Dialing in from New York City, our next guest is Pinaki Kathiari, a podcast host and CEO of Local Wisdom, a digital communication agency. With a focus on internal communication and technology, this is a great conversation that will inspire you. Pinaki is a fellow IABC member and is currently the Vice President of Professional Development for the IABC New York Tristate Area Chapter.

Welcome to the International Association of Business Communicators EMENA region podcast, this is Gary Hernandez. I am a long-time IABC member, an ABC, and a Director on the EMENA Region board. It is my pleasure to host today’s podcast with special guests Rachel Miller and Monique Zytnik!

Rachel and Monique have both recently published new books which focus on Internal Communications:

- Rachel Miller: Internal Communication Strategy: Design, Develop and Transform Your Organization Communication

- Monique Zytnik: Internal Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

We thought it would be great not only to take a look at these books, but also to discuss with Rachel and Monique the state of internal communication today.

We hope you enjoy the show!

With four communication experts from four countries, this episode looks at hot topics globally and what Lisa Riemers, Michael Nord and Adrian Cropley will present on at the IABC World Conference in Chicago 2024.

Lisa is dialing in from London today and is an accessible content, communications, and digital workplace specialist. She is on the IABC EMENA UK&I chapter board. She has been selected to talk about communicating with impact: how to make your comms more accessible.

Michael is a change and transformation communication specialist based in the Netherlands, is a key member on our IABC EMENA board and a long-term IABC member. His session is on mindfulness.

Based in Melbourne, Australia, Adrian is the Founding Partner of the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence and is focused on helping leaders and organisations communicate purposefully. He will be running a dialogue den with Bonnie Caver on: Ethics, Governance, and Responsible Use of AI in a Changing World, where they will discuss AI and responsible use. He is an APAC member and past IABC Chair.

Hosted by Monique Zytnik, we hope you enjoy the show.

1) Register for the IABC World Conference; https://wc.iabc.com

2)Register for the UK&Ireland chapter webinar Lisa mentioned: Fact or fake? Verifying content in the age of AI https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fact-or-fake-verifying-content-in-the-age-of-ai-tickets-887040711647

3) Find out more about IABC EMENA: https://iabcemena.com. Consider joining us

WE welcome new members.