Max Forsyth brings an informed, contrarian perspective on the current communications job market that challenges several prevailing narratives. As principal of Comms Search and Selection, Max is a recruiter working with Fortune 500 companies and senior communications professionals.

Today, he offers insider intelligence on hiring practices, the role of AI in recruitment, and what's actually happening beneath surface-level complaints about market conditions.

Connect with Max:

Website: https://www.commssearch.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-forsyth-comms-ir-exec-talent-search-recruitment-uk-us/

Connect with Us:

Host Mike Klein:

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

Website: https://changingtheterms.com/

Host Janet Hitchen:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/

Website: https://www.janco.uk/

Enjoyed the Episode?

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! And if you’re ready to navigate disruption with us, share this episode with your network.

00:00 Introduction to the Communication Job Market

02:09 Current Trends in Communication Recruitment

05:30 Ageism and Its Impact on Job Seekers

17:01 The Role of Automation and AI in Recruitment

27:12 Challenges with Job Descriptions and Candidate Positioning

30:12 The Importance of Authenticity in Job Applications

34:24 The Disconnect in Hiring Practices

37:53 Personal Branding for Communication Professionals

41:59 The Challenges of Video Interviews

50:15 Navigating the Job Market Effectively

59:48 Recap

Dan is a tech futurist and optimist who equips leaders in how to think about the future of work and who trains organisations in how company cultures and technologies including AI will change the world in this Fifth Industrial Revolution.

He’s also an ex marketing agency owner and serial tech startup co-founder, with companies like HR tech startup YourFlock, Dan Sodergren is a digital marketing and technology expert who specialises in the future of work and AI.

His media work spans across BBC programmes: BBC Breakfast, BBC news channels, Watchdog, The One Show, RipOffBritain and on countless radio shows.

Web Links

IC CheckIn - self-assessment of AI readiness for internal communication pros:

www.iccheckin.com

Strategic AI for Internal Communication Professionals

https://events.humanitix.com/strategic-ai-for-internal-communication-professionals

Connect with Dan:

Website: https://www.dansodergren.com/

Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-sodergren-futureofwork/

00:00 Introduction to the Fifth Industrial Revolution

03:04 Understanding AI's Role in Business

06:06 The Halfway Point of AI Adoption

08:40 The Importance of Communication in Times of Change

11:50 Navigating Employee Discomfort with AI

14:41 The Future of AI in the Workplace

17:50 The Impact of AI on Company Culture

20:57 The Dangers of Overreliance on AI

25:35 The Sycophantic Nature of AI

26:11 Data Feedback Loops and AI's Darker Side

28:49 The Dystopian Reality of Convenience Technology

30:32 Dark Social and Employee Conversations

34:36 Psychology Over Technology in the Fifth Industrial Revolution

38:58 Chaos, Creativity, and Renewal in the Workplace

40:27 Emotional Intelligence as a Power Skill

46:49 The Necessity of Nuanced Communication in AI Adoption

47:58 Political Polarization vs. Business Unity

50:53 The Future of Work: Employee Empowerment

54:05 Navigating the Fifth Industrial Revolution

01:01:40 The Importance of AI Literacy

01:07:34 Investing in AI for Future Relevance

01:14:41 Closing thoughts

Connect with Us:

Host Mike Klein:

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

Website: https://changingtheterms.com/

Host Janet Hitchen:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/

Website: https://www.janco.uk/

Enjoyed the Episode?

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! And if you’re ready to navigate disruption with us, share this episode with your network.

Adesh is the President of The Institute for Internal Communication Africa (IFICA), and holds the position of Group Head: Integrated Communications at Nedbank. His two decades-plus experience, and executive-level leadership in communications at multinational companies, is demonstrated by award-winning marketing and communications solutions, that reinforce strong foundations on the basics and drive innovation to co-create the future landscape of the discipline.Connect with Adesh:https://www.linkedin.com/in/adesh-chetram-39a01125/?originalSubdomain=za00:00 Introduction to Ubuntu and Internal Communication02:46 The Role of Ubuntu in Organizational Culture06:00 Hierarchy and Leadership in African Organizations09:03 Creating a New Table: The Power of Internal Communication12:00 Strategic Planning and Communication18:05 The Importance of Integrated Communication Calendars23:49 Navigating Communication Challenges in Organizations31:29 The Art of Negotiation in Communication33:00 Crafting a Narrative Arc for Internal Communication37:20 Building a Year-Long Story: Engagement Strategies40:09 Balancing Automation with Human Connection45:04 Trends in Communication: Afrofuturism and Local Storytelling50:01 The Power of Authenticity in Storytelling55:58 Closing Thoughts

Connect with Us:

Host Mike Klein:

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

Website: https://changingtheterms.com/

Host Janet Hitchen:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/

Website: https://www.janco.uk/

Enjoyed the Episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! And if you’re ready to navigate disruption with us, share this episode with your network.

Are Gen Z Tired of Messages… and Craving Real Connection?

When asked if they’d rather talk to a manager or AI, many Gen Z professionals chose AI. But why?

In this clip from Navigating Disruption, Austra explores:
– Digital overload and why Gen Z may be avoiding managers
– A surprising coffee shop moment about returning to phone calls
– The quiet shift back toward human connection

Is this the beginning of a communication reset?

Connect with Us:Host Mike Klein: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/Website: https://changingtheterms.com/Host Janet Hitchen: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/Website: https://www.janco.uk/Enjoyed the Episode?Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! And if you’re ready to navigate disruption with us, share this episode with your network.

In this episode of Navigating Disruption, Mike Klein & Janet Hitchen sit down with Tarek Kamil, CEO & Founder of Cerkl, to explore how AI, machine learning, and natural language processing are revolutionizing internal communication and employee engagement.

What You’ll Learn:

- How AI-driven personalization improves employee communication

- Why internal communicators must embrace AI as a tool, not a threat

- The risks of AI-powered employee monitoring – where should companies draw the line?

- Why return-to-office mandates might backfire on businesses

- How internal communicators can prove ROI & business impact

If you're a leader, communicator, or AI enthusiast, this episode is packed with game-changing insights!

Guest: Tarek Kamil (CEO & Founder, Cerkl)

Tarek Kamil is a tech entrepreneur and AI expert dedicated to improving employee engagement through AI-powered communication. As the CEO of Cerkl, he’s at the forefront of using AI, behavioral analytics, and automation to help businesses deliver the right message to the right person at the right time.

🔗 Follow Tarek Kamil & Learn More:

Website: https://www.cerkl.com

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

Connect with Us:

Host Mike Klein:

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

Website: https://changingtheterms.com/

Host Janet Hitchen:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/

Website: https://www.janco.uk/

Enjoyed the Episode?

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! And if you’re ready to navigate disruption with us, share this episode with your network.

In this episode of Navigating Disruption, Mike and Janet sit down with Susan Jackson, an accomplished leader who transitioned from chemical engineering into corporate communications and sustainability leadership at BASF.

With over 30 years at the company, Susan shares her unique career journey—from engineering and business roles to leading communications in a major global industrial company. She discusses the importance of business acumen in communications, the evolving role of sustainability in corporate strategy, and how effective internal communication can drive both engagement and impact.

This conversation dives into:

- How Susan’s engineering background shapes her approach to communication

- Making complex sustainability topics accessible and engaging

- The business case for communication and how to gain leadership buy-in

- Navigating internal communication challenges across diverse teams

- The role of advocacy and partnerships in sustainability efforts

- How communicators can help companies manage reputational risk

Susan brings practical insights, a passion for problem-solving, and a people-first mindset to the discussion. Whether you're a communicator, a leader, or someone navigating disruption in your own industry, this episode offers valuable lessons on innovation, resilience, and making an impact.

About Our Guest: Susan Jackson

Susan Jackson is the Head of Communications and Sustainability for BASF’s Performance Materials business in North America. She brings a rare blend of technical expertise and strategic communication to her role, helping drive business growth through engaging storytelling and sustainability initiatives.

Starting her career as a chemical engineer, Susan has held a variety of roles in engineering, manufacturing, EHS, marketing, and sales before transitioning into corporate communications in 2011. In 2023, she added sustainability to her portfolio, bringing her deep technical understanding to the evolving landscape of circularity, corporate responsibility, and environmental advocacy.

A self-proclaimed geek, Susan thrives on connecting people, asking the right questions, and making complex topics clear and actionable. Her personal motto? "BE AWESOME."

Connect with Susan:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanjackson/

Connect with Us:

Host Mike Klein:

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

Website: https://changingtheterms.com/

Host Janet Hitchen:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/

Website: https://www.janco.uk/

Enjoyed the Episode?

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! And if you’re ready to navigate disruption with us, share this episode with your network.

#leadership #communication #internalcomms #navigatingdisruption #resilience #changemanagement

In this episode of Navigating Disruption, hosts Janet Hitchen and Mike Klein sit down with Amanda Todd, Senior Director of Communications at Expel, to discuss the evolving role of communications in organizations today. From internal communications to corporate communications, Amanda shares how strategic clarity can transform both employee engagement and business outcomes.

We explore:

- The shift from internal communications to corporate communications—and why it shouldn’t be rare

- How Amanda developed the Clarity Index, a proprietary system that ties communication clarity to business performance

- The increasing importance of internal storytelling and why comms professionals must advocate for their own value

- Trends shaping 2025, including AI, cybersecurity, misinformation, and crisis preparedness

- Why leaders must rethink employee engagement and communication in a rapidly changing world

If you're a communications leader, internal comms professional, or business executive, this episode is packed with insights on how to navigate disruption and strengthen your organization’s communication strategy.

About Amanda:

Amanda Todd is the Senior Director of Communications at Expel, where she leads storytelling across internal communications, social media, and public relations. A seasoned communications leader, she has guided companies like Duo Security, Cartagou, and Tonal through major industry shifts, including the pandemic and the rise of connected fitness. Known for her data-driven storytelling approach, Amanda believes in clear, purpose-driven communication that connects employees to an organization’s mission.

Resources & Mentions:

- Clarity Index Framework – Amanda Todd’s internal comms measurement strategy

- Adam Grant’s Work on Confident Humility

- World Economic Forum Reports on Misinformation & Climate Risk

- Recent Research on AI & Cybersecurity Risks

Connect with Us:

Host Mike Klein:

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

Website: https://changingtheterms.com/

Host Janet Hitchen:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/

Website: https://www.janco.uk/

Connect with Amanda Todd:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-todd-sf

Stay ahead of disruption—subscribe to Navigating Disruption for expert insights on leadership, communication, and business strategy.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and share your thoughts on this episode!

#communicationsstrategy #leadership #reputationmanagement #navigatingdisruption #podcast

How should businesses approach communication in an era of constant disruption? In this episode of Navigating Disruption, hosts Mike Klein and Janet Hitchen sit down with senior consultant and strategic advisor Natasha Plowman to discuss the evolving role of corporate communications, reputation management, and sustainability in today's shifting landscape.

About Natasha:

Natasha has worked across communications, corporate and public affairs disciplines in wide-ranging businesses and sectors from Financial Services to FMCG. Her early career was built on a foundation of NGO and political campaigning.

A campaigner at heart, Natasha has developed and executed high-profile thought leadership and behavioural change campaigns. From running responsible drinking campaigns and issues at Diageo, to the global insight thought leadership campaign, HSBC Navigator. She led employee and stakeholder strategies to change perceptions of the role of sustainable finance in driving business transition at HSBC and has been a sustainability and issues consultant for P&G’s fabric care and beauty brands with the global agency, Ketchum. Recently she was a strategic adviser to a bank in Saudi Arabia on the development of their sustainable finance strategy and developed a training course for teams to engage in ESG, with clients ranging from global companies to SMEs.

Her approach is built on the role that reputation plays in driving business success, which is at the forefront of many of the key business critical issues we face today, from sustainability and ESG, through to the future of work and business resilience. She is passionate about the role of business in solving issues of people and planet — and with that comes greater scrutiny, need for transparency and a point of view that stakeholders trust.

In this episode:

✅ Why businesses need to focus on deeds, not just words

✅ The blurring lines between internal and external communications

✅ How data can be both a tool and a trap in comms strategy

✅ The role of reputation management in a polarized world

✅ How communicators can better connect the dots within organizations

If you’re a communications professional, business leader, or strategist looking to better understand the future of corporate communications, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world examples.

Connect with Us:

Host Mike Klein:

Linkedin:

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

Website:

https://changingtheterms.com/

Host Janet Hitchen:

Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/

Website:

https://www.janco.uk/

Connect with Natasha Plowman:

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/spinningred.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashaplowman/

Stay ahead of disruption—subscribe to Navigating Disruption for expert insights on leadership, communication, and business strategy.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and share your thoughts on this episode!

#communicationsstrategy #leadership #reputationmanagement #navigatingdisruption #podcast

In this episode of Navigating Disruption, hosts Mike Klein and Janet Hitchen welcome Giedrė Simanauskaitė and Vija Valentukonyte Urbanaviciene, co-founders of Partners in Comms and pioneers in internal communication in Lithuania. They discuss the evolution of internal communication, their journey in writing the first Lithuanian IC book, and the challenges of translating global communication models to fit local markets.

Key Takeaways:

✅ The shift from newsletters to strategic internal communication

✅ How companies can adapt communication for diverse, multilingual teams

✅ Practical approaches to embedding company culture across global organizations

✅ The challenges and opportunities of integrating internal comms with leadership

If you're a leader, communicator, or working in an international organization, this episode will provide insights into how communication strategies are shifting to be more impactful, inclusive, and aligned with business goals.

About our guests:

Giedrė Simanauskaitė

- Over 13 years of experience in internal and change communication.

- 4 years spent as an internal communications manager and 9 years as a freelance consultant.

- Co-authored a book on internal communications and employer reputation building.

- Associate professor at Vytautas Magnus University.

- Speaker at international and local conferences, podcasts, and events.

- Trainer and consultant on internal communications, shaping company culture, and leadership communication.

- Host of the Internal Communicators Club in Lithuania (2,800+ members).

Vija Valentukonyte Urbanaviciene:

- Strategist, internal communication expert, and practitioner for over 15

- Experience in four sectors, former in-house communicator at ING Bank, Lithuanian Energy Company, Barclays, and Telia.

- Expertise in internal and change communication strategies and employer reputation building.

- Winner of several significant awards: IABC’s Gold Quills (Washington, USA) and the PR Impact and Best Personnel Practices - for successful change and culture programs.

- Certified trainer, has trained audiences in 4 different continents

- Speaker at national and international conferences, host fo the first in Lithuania Unconference event.

Connect with Us:

Host Mike Klein:

Linkedin:

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

Website:

https://changingtheterms.com/

Host Janet Hitchen:

Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janethitchen/

Website:

https://www.janco.uk/

Guest information:

Website: partnersincomms.com/en/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/partners-in-comms

Subscribe for More:

Stay ahead of disruption—subscribe to Navigating Disruption for fresh insights on leadership, communication, and navigating change.