In this episode of Changing the Terms: The Comms Disruptors, Mike Klein is joined by internal communications and employee experience experts Lee Smith and Emma Bridger. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of employee experience (EX), employee engagement, and the role of internal communication in shaping modern workplaces. They also discuss the importance of designing human-centered workplaces and the powerful impact of intentional communication on organizational performance.

Emma and Lee share how EX is more than a buzzword—it’s about understanding the entire employee journey, from onboarding to daily interactions. They dive into the difference between managing information and guiding emotions to create positive, impactful experiences at work. With insights into the holistic nature of EX, this conversation offers practical steps for communicators to move beyond silos and become proactive, strategic leaders within organizations.

About guests:

Lee Smith:

Lee is an employee communication, engagement and EX professional with more than three decades experience spanning both consultancy and senior in-house roles. Formerly co-founder and co-owner of the highly respected UK employee comms agency Gatehouse – now part of Gallagher’s Employee Experience practice – Lee co-created the annual State of the Sector research survey and developed and led the Accelerate strategic internal comms learning programme. He is a fellow of both the Institute of Internal Communication (IOIC) and Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and holds an MSc in Corporate Communication & Reputation Management.

Emma Bridger:

Emma is one of the world’s leading employee engagement and experience experts. She is the author of Employee Engagement (2014) and Employee Experience by Design (2021), both published by Kogan Page. A trained psychologist and coach, she has been training people professionals in employee engagement and employee experience for more than a decade. Through her consultancy, People Lab, she works with a range of global organisations to make a positive difference to the people who work there.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Employee Experience (EX) and Internal Communication.

02:00 – Lee’s journey from PR to internal communications and his co-founding of the EX Space.

05:00 – Emma’s background in behavioral change and her transition into internal communications.

07:30 – What is Employee Experience (EX) and why does it matter in today’s workplaces?

13:00 – Human-centered design in EX: The role of internal communicators in creating meaningful experiences.

18:00 – Examples of impactful employee experiences: Small details that shape big perceptions.

25:00 – How communicators can use tools like design thinking and agile to enhance EX.

33:00 – The importance of resilience and preparing organizations for change.

45:00 – Practical advice for mid-career internal communicators navigating today’s evolving workplace.

Links & Resources:

The EX Space – https://theex.space/

People Lab by Emma Bridger – https://peoplelab.co.uk/

Lee’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/leemsmith/

Emma’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmabridger/

If you're looking to move beyond traditional internal communications and become a key player in shaping employee experience, listen to the full conversation with Lee Smith and Emma Bridger to learn how you can leverage design thinking and innovative tools to transform your communication strategy and build stronger, more resilient organizations.

Keywords: internal communications strategy, employee engagement tools, EX transformation.

In this episode of Changing the Terms, host Mike Klein sits down with Preston Lewis, founder of Intactic and a communication expert with nearly 25 years of experience working with global brands. They dive deep into the evolving role of communication professionals in a world increasingly driven by AI and technology. From AI-powered platforms like Microsoft Viva to the importance of storytelling and employee experience, Preston shares key insights on how organizations can successfully integrate emerging technologies to enhance internal communication.

If you're a communication leader looking to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is a must-listen. Preston not only explores the future of communication but also offers actionable strategies for incorporating AI into your communication processes while maintaining authenticity and building trust with your employees.

Key Takeaways:

- The Expanding Role of Communicators in AI Integration: Communicators today must not only convey messages but also lead conversations on the integration of AI and emerging tech to enhance organizational effectiveness.

- Leveraging AI for Hyper-Personalization and Efficiency: Tools like Microsoft Viva are revolutionizing internal comms by providing personalized content. Communicators should embrace AI to automate routine tasks and refocus on strategic initiatives.

- Trust and Transparency in AI Implementation: While AI offers vast potential, it's essential for companies to maintain transparency about how these technologies are used to build trust with employees.

- Real-Life Case Study; Microsoft Viva as an AI-Powered Communication Tool: Preston discusses how Microsoft Viva is not just an intranet but a tool that uses AI to orchestrate employee engagement and streamline communication.

- Practical Steps for Implementing AI in Communication: Preston shares actionable advice such as engage key stakeholders, lead discussions on AI’s impact, and reframe your role to position yourself as a tech leader in your organization.

About Preston:

Preston Lewis is an influential leader helping organizations solve complex problems through modern communication strategies and emerging technologies. With nearly 25 years of experience, Preston has worked with over 150 top-tier companies, including Starbucks, DraftKings, and Intel. As the founder of Intactic, he continues to push the boundaries of communication by integrating AI tools like Microsoft Viva to enhance the employee experience. Preston is also focused on building TechVerified, a free service helping leaders and communicators adopt and select technology platforms that drive digital transformation.

Links & Resources:

Preston’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonlewis/

Preston’s Company: Intactic – https://www.intactic.com

TechVerified – A free service by Intactic to help you select the right tech platforms for your business: https://www.techverified.co/

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

Changing The Terms Website:⁠ ⁠https://changingtheterms.com

If you're a communication leader aiming to enhance your internal communication strategies, this episode provides essential insights to navigate the complexities of AI.

In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) with Andras Vicsek, Chief Innovation Officer at Maven7 and OrgMapper. Explore how ONA is revolutionizing change management, HR practices, and boosting organizational performance through strategic insights into social capital and internal networks.

Key Discussion Points:

- Innovation in HR and Organizational Development: Andras discusses his pioneering work in leveraging ONA to drive significant changes within traditional and emerging industries, including the automotive sector.

- Strategic Applications of ONA: Discover the crucial role ONA plays in mergers, acquisitions, leadership transitions, and the adoption of new technologies within companies.

- Trust and Influence Networks: Learn how ONA provides unique insights into trust and influence within organizations, enabling more effective communication and change management strategies.

- Challenges and Opportunities: Andras addresses common obstacles to implementing ONA, such as privacy concerns and managerial resistance, and offers solutions to overcome these challenges.

- Enhancing Communication with ONA: Explore how ONA can optimize internal communication strategies by identifying key influencers and trust networks that accelerate information dissemination and improve engagement.

- Future of ONA and AI Integration: Discuss the future prospects of ONA in the age of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, focusing on predictive analytics and enhanced decision-making.

About Andras:

Andras Vicsek brings over two decades of experience in HR and organizational development, with a specialized focus on Organizational Network Analysis and social capital. As a global expert, Andras has facilitated nearly 200 ONA projects worldwide, enhancing organizational dynamics and performance through innovative network strategies.

Connect with Andras:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andras-vicsek/

Follow me for more content here:

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

Changing The Terms Website:⁠ ⁠https://changingtheterms.com/

Feel free to engage with us through comments and share the episode with peers interested in organizational development and communication strategies.

Keywords: Organizational Network Analysis, Change Management, Social Capital, HR Innovations, Strategic Communication, Digital Transformation, AI in Organizational Development, Leadership Communication, Internal Networks, Business Agility.

In this episode of The Changing The Terms Podcast, I sit down with Tan Sukhera, CEO of Piar.Co, which specializes in PR data analytics. Tan delves into the importance of integrating data across PR, marketing, and sales functions to create cohesive, impactful communication strategies in the B2B sector.

Key Discussion Points

- Blue Ocean Strategy: Tan shares how his company identifies and capitalizes on underserved niches in media intelligence, avoiding saturated markets.

- Data Integration: Learn the critical need for breaking down organizational silos to unify data and create a more accurate, actionable overview.

- PR and Sales Connection: Tan challenges the misconception that PR doesn’t contribute directly to sales, emphasizing the hidden connections that can be uncovered through integrated data.

- Data Governance:Tan highlights the emerging need for a dedicated role to oversee the integration and governance of data within organizations.

- AI and Emerging Tech: Explores how AI and machine learning are revolutionizing the media intelligence landscape, pushing agencies to stay ahead.

- Customer Journey Mapping: Tan describes the process of tracking customer touchpoints to align communication strategies with business objectives, driving measurable results.

- Internal Comms and ROI: Tan argues for the critical role of internal communications in influencing organizational outcomes, stressing the importance of demonstrating its impact to leadership.

- Future of PR: Tan warns of the potential decline of traditional PR roles if they fail to adapt to data-driven approaches, advocating for a shift toward a more analytic, results-focused mindset.

Timestamps

00:00: Introduction and guest overview

01:23: Tan’s career and Blue Ocean Strategy

03:24: Breaking data silos in organizations

06:42: Common PR misconceptions

09:31: The role of data governance

12:45: Market position of PR data providers

15:12: Integrating AI in media intelligence

18:22: Mapping the customer journey

23:05: Linking PR efforts to sales

28:38: Leveraging LinkedIn data for insights

31:59: Internal communications and ROI

35:19: Future challenges and opportunities in PR

About Tan:

Tan Sukhera is the CEO of PR Company, a media intelligence consultancy based in New York. With extensive experience in media intelligence, Tan focuses on using data to drive impactful communication strategies and break down organizational silos.

Tan’s Contact Details:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tan-sukhera

PR Company: https://www.piar.co/

Follow me for more content here:

LinkedIn:

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

Changing The Terms Website:⁠

https://changingtheterms.com/

Subscribe to The Changing The Terms Podcast on your favorite platform. Leave a review and share your thoughts!

Keywords:

Media Intelligence, Data-Driven PR, Communication Strategies, PR and Sales Integration, Breaking Down Data Silos, Blue Ocean Strategy, AI in PR, Customer Journey Mapping, Internal Communications ROI, Data Governance in Communication, Emerging Technologies in Media.

In this premiere episode of The Changing The Terms Podcast, I sit down with Darren Briggs, a veteran in the communication field. Darren discusses how communicators can enhance their effectiveness by focusing on risk mitigation rather than just demonstrating value. He shares practical examples from his extensive career and provides actionable insights on building stronger business cases and engaging leaders more effectively.

Key Discussion Points

- Empathizing with Leaders: Darren emphasizes the importance of understanding leaders' priorities and pain points to build trust and influence.

- Effective Listening and Questioning: Learn the critical role of listening and asking insightful questions to uncover leaders' real issues.

- Risk-Based Business Cases: Darren explains why framing communication efforts in terms of risk mitigation is more compelling for leaders, particularly CFOs and CEOs.

- AI and Communication: The dual role of AI in transforming communication practices and the importance of communicators adapting to these changes.

- Technological Disruptions: Exploring upcoming technological advancements like the metaverse and 6G technology that could revolutionize internal communications.

- Advice for Senior Comms Leaders: Practical advice for communication professionals on staying relevant and differentiating themselves in a competitive job market.

01:07: Darren’s career overview and core communication philosophies

02:42: Engaging leaders effectively by understanding their pain points

06:20: Moving beyond transactional relationships in communication

09:06: Creating risk-based business cases for communication initiatives

14:01: Practical examples of risk mitigation in communication

18:20: Communicating with different C-suite portfolios

23:30: AI and its impact on communication roles

28:26: Broader technological disruptions in internal comms

31:39: Advice for senior communication leaders

Darren Briggs is the Managing Director of Flametree Communication, Ltd. With over 30 years of experience, Darren has worked with leading companies like Vodafone, PepsiCo, Nike, Microsoft, and British Airways in various roles within HR, Marketing, and Corporate Communications. His mission is to simplify organizational communication and help leaders influence through their words and actions.

Follow me for more content here:

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

Changing The Terms Website: https://changingtheterms.com/

Subscribe to  The Changing The Terms Podcast, on your favorite podcast platform. Leave us a review and let us know your thoughts on this episode.

Keywords:

Internal Communication, Communication Leadership, Risk Mitigation, Business Case, Empathy in Leadership, AI in Communication, Technological Disruption, Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, Organizational Communication