The Trending Communicator

How many times have you heard that career paths in PR and Communications are full of options and opportunities? Maybe that's true when you're just getting started, but for many of us, as we progress in our careers, we start to notice fences and guardrails rising ever higher as the path itself becomes narrow and steep. What does it take to jump the fence or take it down? Or are we in a communications cage?

In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle connects with corporate communications executive Emily York, a communications veteran whose journey spans journalism, agency work, consulting, and senior leadership roles at global companies. Emily shares her experiences transitioning from a corporate role at Beam Suntory (now Suntory Global Spirits) to starting her own consultancy and ultimately leading global communications at executive search powerhouse Russell Reynolds Associates. Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with career transitions, the evolving nature of the communications profession, and the critical role of soft skills and strategic thinking in an AI-driven future.

Emily and Dan discuss approaches and attitudes toward navigating career changes, the importance of staying curious and adaptable, and how to leverage relationships and trust to thrive in ambiguous environments. They also explore the impact of technology on the communications landscape and the need for communicators to stay ahead of trends, from AI to media consumption habits.

Whether you're contemplating a career shift or seeking to enhance your strategic communication skills, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice from two industry experts. Tune in to discover how to embrace change, build meaningful connections, and position yourself for success in the ever-evolving world of communications.

 

Listen in and hear about...

• The evolving role of communications professionals in a dynamic and uncertain marketplace.
• Insights into the importance of soft skills and relationship-building in the age of AI and technology.
• Strategies for staying engaged and inspired in a communications role, even when facing routine or challenges.
• The significance of understanding media consumption trends and adapting communication strategies accordingly.
• Navigating career transitions and the value of networking and continuous learning in professional growth.

 

Notable Quotes

On the Role of Communications:

"Comms and marketing have always been two facets of the same diamond. So when I think about the comms profession and my career within it, I think that's been a differentiator." — Dan Nestle [00:00 - 00:30]

On the Nature of Corporate Jobs:

"Corporate job seems like a corporate job. And aren't they all the same? And you're asked to do similar things, but they're really different." — Emily York [08:01 - 09:56]

On Career Growth:

"You have to figure out how to right size, either the load or the directions your brain are going in and how deep you can go when you're spreading out." — Emily York [11:27 - 13:17]

On Career Development:

"People who have so excelled in their career across all the areas of comms and developed really deep relationships with partners, whether that is your vendors or your executives. And you develop this really strategic thought partnership type relationships where those people can then see the value of you in other areas of the business." — Emily York [19:21 - 20:29]

On Embracing Change:

"Sometimes you can have loved a job and a place so much that you can be aware of both things and still not be fully committed to leaving." — Emily York [25:44 - 27:01]

On the Importance of Soft Skills:

"The contributions that we humans are going to be able to make are really in the soft skills and how we make people feel and how we sell those ideas and how we think strategically and pull things together and bring groups of people together and solve problems." — Emily York [46:26 - 47:38]

On the Future of Work:

"The future is ambiguous and it's going to be an increasingly important skill and agility. So adapting in those situations and trying to thrive in those situations." — Emily York [1:05:59 - 1:06:44]

 

Resources and Links

Dan Nestle

• Inquisitive Communications | Website
• The Trending Communicator | Website
• Communications Trends from Trending Communicators | Dan Nestle's Substack
• Dan Nestle | LinkedIn
• Dan Nestle | Twitter

Emily York

• Emily York | LinkedIn

 

Timestamped key moments from this episode (as generated by Fireflies.ai)

🎙️ Daniel's Transition to Consultancy (00:00 - 02:10)

• Daniel Nestle reflects on his career transition from corporate communications to running his own consultancy.
• He emphasizes the need for curiosity and exploration in this new role.

🤝 Emily York's Career Journey (02:10 - 10:14)

• Emily York shares her background in journalism and her transition to corporate communications and consulting.
• She discusses her current role as the global head of communications at Russell Reynolds Associates and the challenges of leading communications in a service-oriented industry.

🔄 Challenges in Corporate Communications (10:14 - 18:00)

• Both Daniel and Emily discuss the narrow focus of corporate communications roles and the temptation to seek breadth over depth.
• They highlight the importance of staying engaged and inspired in one's role to avoid complacency.

📊 Navigating Career Changes (18:00 - 27:00)

• Emily discusses the importance of networking and relationship-building during career transitions.
• She emphasizes the significance of understanding the evolving nature of work and the necessity of adaptability.

🌐 Future of Communications (27:00 - 37:00)

• Daniel and Emily explore the impact of technology, particularly AI, on the communications profession.
• They stress the need for communicators to stay updated on media consumption trends and the responsible use of technology.

🔍 Skills for Future Communicators (37:00 - 49:00)

• Emily identifies essential skills for future communicators, including strong writing abilities, technological proficiency, and analytical skills.
• She emphasizes the importance of soft skills and relationship-building in a technology-driven landscape.

💡 Comfort with Ambiguity (49:00 - 55:00)

• Emily highlights the necessity for communicators to be comfortable with ambiguity and to adapt to changing circumstances.
• She reinforces the importance of trust and collaboration in professional relationships.

🌱 Final Thoughts on Career Development (55:00 - 1:07:00)

• Daniel and Emily conclude by discussing the importance of continuous learning and personal growth in navigating career paths.
• They agree on the value of human connections and the need for communicators to maintain their unique perspectives amidst technological advancements.

📅 Wrap-Up and Future Outlook (1:07:00 - 1:12:18)

• Daniel expresses excitement about the future for both himself and Emily, encouraging listeners to stay engaged and proactive in their careers.
• Emily shares her positive experiences in consulting and the importance of collaboration in her work.

 

Timestamps for your convenience (as generated by Flowsend.ai)

0:00 Intro

5:42 Emily York's Role at Russell Reynolds

11:04 Challenges in Corporate Communications

17:54 Career Transitions and Opportunities

24:31 Recognizing Career Change Signs

31:13 Consulting and Career Decisions

38:04 Balancing Work and Keeping Up with Trends

45:29 Future of Communications Roles

51:49 Importance of Human Skills in AI Era

57:55 Soft Skills and Relationship Building

1:05:59 Comfort with Ambiguity and Agility

 

(Notes co-created by Human Dan and a variety of AI helpers, including Fireflies.ai and Flowsend.ai)

Take a look at any job description today--either in your organization or posted to a job board--and you might notice that it's not entirely accurate, especially for communications and marketing roles. It's almost as if they're created to fit into a system of some kind....oh wait, they are. Job descriptions, from the simple to the complex, are often nothing more than checklists designed for ease of processing and evaluation. They're meant to be a set of shaped holes; our experiences are the pegs that must fit. But what happens when AI fills some of those holes? Or when AI-enabled employees expand their roles and contributions in new, innovative directions, and their pegs no longer fit? What happens to employee engagement and corporate culture as disruption becomes the norm?

In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle sits down with tech entrepreneur-turned-communicator Pinaki Kathiari, CEO of digital communications agency Local Wisdom, to explore the evolving landscape of work in the digital age. As AI continues to revolutionize industries, Dan and Pinaki discuss the obsolescence of conventional job descriptions and the potential for AI to serve as a co-creator in our professional lives.

Pinaki shares his unique journey from a UX and web design specialist to a leader in digital transformation, emphasizing the intersection of technology, employee experience, and corporate culture. He and Dan examine how AI can empower individuals to transcend traditional roles, fostering creativity and innovation in unexpected ways.

Together, they explore the potential effects of AI on recruitment, performance reviews, and organizational structures, questioning how companies can adapt to a future where roles are fluid and dynamic. Pinaki also highlights the importance of internal communications and employee engagement in building a resilient corporate culture that thrives amidst change.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a communications professional, or simply curious about the future of work, this episode offers valuable insights into how AI is reshaping our professional landscape. Tune in to learn how you can harness these changes to enhance your career and contribute to a more human-centric workplace.

 

Listen in and hear about...

• The evolving nature of job descriptions and roles in the age of AI, challenging traditional career paths.
• How AI serves as a co-creator and innovation engine, reshaping work efficiency and creativity.
• The critical role of internal communications in boosting employee engagement and creating a thriving corporate culture in the age of AI.
• The impact of AI on intellectual workers and the potential for redefining roles and responsibilities.
• Challenges and opportunities in adapting corporate structures to accommodate new technologies and employee-driven innovation.
• The importance of mindfulness and proactive communication in leadership to prevent burnout and foster a supportive work environment.

 

Notable Quotes

On Job Descriptions and AI: "Job descriptions and roles as we know them are obsolete. That's right, I said it. They're obsolete. I'm talking about comms and marketing roles. But I think the same thing can be said for most of the so-called knowledge workers today."

— Dan Nestle [00:00 - 00:20]

On AI's Role in Work: "AI is an innovation engine. It should enable us to not only be more efficient, it should and will increasingly be a co-creator and co-explorer, helping us to change the way we work and what we produce and even the nature of what we can contribute."

— Dan Nestle [00:28 - 00:45]

On the Transition to Internal Comms: "We saw that they're just not getting the same amount of love from a resourcing perspective as external communications and marketing."

— Pinaki Kathiari [08:17 - 08:27]

On the Impact of AI: "The amount of power that we've had before AI in our back pockets was astounding compared to like 10 years ago, 20 years ago. Now with the advent of AI on top of that stuff, it's, it's. We could code on the fly, we could design on the fly, we could write on the fly, we could ask questions and learn on the fly without having to do much."

— Pinaki Kathiari [20:07 - 20:30]

On the Future of Work: "I think it's going to get much, much more messier before it gets better. And you got to kind of like learn things. And it's going to take some people, you know, some companies who are like leading to kind of push through and test things out."

— Pinaki Kathiari [35:50 - 36:02]

On Being Human at Work: "I hope having a machine intellect might help us be more human and treat each other more like humans and not machines, which we've been doing all this time."

— Pinaki Kathiari [39:25 - 39:45]

On Corporate Culture: "I think we have to be careful of just how we treat people. So I think if I kind of go with it as, like, whether you're performing high or performing low, we want to work with you to get to where we think you should be or you think you should be."

— Pinaki Kathiari [50:14 - 50:36]

 

Resources & Links

Dan Nestle

• Inquisitive Communications | Website
• The Trending Communicator | Website
• Communications Trends from Trending Communicators | Dan Nestle's Substack
• Dan Nestle | LinkedIn
• Dan Nestle | Twitter

Pinaki Kathiari

• Pinaki Kathiari | LinkedIn
• Local Wisdom | Website
• Resource Hero | Website
• Pinaki Kathiari | Twitter

 

Timestamped key moments from this episode (as generated by Fireflies.ai)

🎙️ Job Descriptions and Roles (00:13 - 01:14)

• Daniel Nestle asserts that traditional job descriptions in communications and marketing are becoming obsolete.
• Emphasizes that AI acts as an innovation engine, enabling new ways of working beyond fixed job roles.

🤝 Employee Engagement and Culture Change (01:43 - 04:01)

• Pinaki Kathiari, CEO of Local Wisdom, discusses his background in UX and how it led him to focus on employee experience and internal communications.
• Highlights the importance of connecting employee experience with brand outcomes.

💡 Transformation of Internal Communications (08:08 - 10:01)

• Pinaki Kathiari explains the evolution of internal communications roles and the need for better resource allocation compared to external communications.
• Discusses his personal experience in implementing culture change within Local Wisdom.

🔄 Changing Nature of Work and AI's Role (19:16 - 22:15)

• Daniel Nestle discusses how AI can handle baseline tasks, allowing employees to focus on more creative and strategic work.
• Stresses the importance of adapting corporate structures to accommodate these changes.

📊 Performance Reviews and Accountability (44:15 - 46:10)

• Daniel Nestle critiques traditional performance reviews and the challenges of holding employees accountable in a rapidly changing work environment.
• Suggests that organizations need to rethink how they measure success and contributions.

🌱 Future of Corporate Culture (56:57 - 59:53)

• Pinaki Kathiari emphasizes the need for organizations to support employees' passions and interests rather than confining them to rigid job descriptions.
• Advocates for a more flexible approach to career development, allowing employees to explore various roles and responsibilities.

🔍 Mindfulness in Leadership (1:05:00 - 1:07:21)

• Pinaki Kathiari highlights the importance of mindfulness for leaders to ensure they are not overwhelming employees with new initiatives.
• Encourages leaders to check in with their teams before implementing changes to avoid burnout.

📅 Planning for Change (1:03:20 - 1:04:22)

• Daniel Nestle suggests that organizations should shift from annual planning to shorter, more agile planning cycles to adapt to rapid changes in the workplace.
• Emphasizes the need for flexibility in goals and accountability as technology evolves.

 

Timestamps for your convenience (as generated by Flowsend.ai)

0:00 Intro

5:12 Early Career Insights

7:39 Career Path

12:45 Transition Challenges

18:16 Job Descriptions

23:30 Evolving Roles

27:10 AI's Impact

33:47 Creativity and Technology

39:25 Human Experience

45:08 Workplace Culture

50:13 Team Dynamics

56:22 Leadership Styles

1:02:01 Mindfulness in Leadership

1:07:30 Future Outlook

1:11:55 Conclusion

 

(Notes co-created by Human Dan and a variety of AI helpers, including Fireflies.ai and Flowsend.ai)

So many of us--especially communicators--struggle to make the case when it counts.  Sure, you may have all the facts at your fingertips, and there's no doubt you feel strongly about your point of view. But when you get to the boardroom, the interview, or any meeting for that matter, are you in the conversation or on the sidelines? Are your contributions making an impact? Do you have a seat at the table? 

Perhaps you're missing a key ingredient in your leadership cocktail: Influence.

Join host Dan Nestle as he welcomes author, teacher, strategist, and recognized authority on influence in PR and Communications, Deirdre Breakenridge, back to the show to help us understand what influence means to our profession - and how we can cultivate this critical quality. Discover how Deirdre's FEEL model (Face your fears, Engage with empathy, live with Ethics, unleash the Love) has transformed into the Influential Communicator framework, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ), authenticity, and ethical conduct in building trust and relationships.

Deirdre shares practical insights on the critical skills needed to wield influence effectively, the challenges communicators face in adopting new technologies like AI, and the importance of maintaining core human skills amidst digital advancements. She and Dan talk about the potential for AI to support and augment our ability to influence and what that might mean for the future of work, especially in communications. As an example, she talks about Facial Impact Quotient (FIQ), her innovative AI tool that analyzes facial expressions to enhance communication effectiveness, and how it can be a game-changer for professionals seeking to improve their presentation skills.

Whether you're a seasoned communicator or new to the field, this episode is relevant. It offers valuable lessons on enhancing your influence, building trust, and confidently navigating the future of communications. Tune in to understand how you can leverage your unique skills to lead--and influence--in the ever-evolving landscape of AI and Communications.

  Listen In and Hear About....

• The evolving role of communications professionals in the context of AI and technology, emphasizing the need for leadership in its adoption.
• The importance of influence over self-promotion, focusing on building trust and credibility within organizations.
• Introduction of the "Influential Communicator" model, highlighting its components of empathy, ethics, and effective communication.
• Challenges faced by communicators in adapting to new technologies and the significance of emotional intelligence, authenticity, and ethical conduct.
• The impact of technology, particularly AI and facial recognition, on communication, and the limitations of AI in interpreting emotional cues.
• Development of human skills to enhance relationships and influence, including the use of tools to understand emotional signals.
• Resources and training opportunities for developing emotional intelligence and influence skills, aligning personal priorities with organizational goals.

 

Notable Quotes

• "You can't have a relationship if you don't feel. If you're in PR and communications, the relationship is everything. How do you advance conversations?" — Deirdre Breckenridge [03:58 - 04:03]
• "Influence is your ability to move someone in the direction that you desire, an action that you'd like them to take, a way that they're going to participate with you." — Deirdre Breckenridge [13:27 - 13:34]
• "You're not going to influence many people if you don't have confidence in who you are or what you're doing. You have to be fully present, aligned, and believing." - Deirdre Breckenridge [00:16:52]
•  "Emotional intelligence plays a part of it, your authenticity. I also think your contribution score when you're speaking, how much value do you add?" — Deirdre Breckenridge [19:21 - 19:30]
• "Empathy is on different levels. And I think you have to break down the levels of empathy to truly understand where you are with the person who you're trying to influence." — Deirdre Breckenridge [22:56 - 23:05]
• "You certainly can't even get to a place of empathy. You don't have the deep listening. Listening is always the number one." — Deirdre Breckenridge [29:53 - 30:00]
•  "Technology, as helpful as it is, can be a huge distraction because the screen time, we're constantly getting stimulated by what we see." — Deirdre Breckenridge [36:12 - 36:20]
• "Your brain has to be calm in order for you to be verbally fluent. If your brain is spinning because of all the technology and the excitement and the dopamine hits, you can't get the words out." - Dan Nestle [00:37:37]
•  "You don't want somebody building trust with the CEO for you. You're going to do that. So using it to our benefit." — Deirdre Breckenridge [42:01 - 42:08]
• "We need more work on our human skills because better relationships are built on trust, and trust gets you to influence." - Deirdre Breckenridge [00:46:04]

 

Resources & Links

Dan Nestle

• Inquisitive Communications | Website
• The Trending Communicator | Website
• Communications Trends from Trending Communicators | Dan Nestle's Substack
• Dan Nestle | LinkedIn
• Dan Nestle | Twitter

Deirdre Breakenridge

• Deirdre Breakenridge | LinkedIn
• Deirdre Breakenridge | Website
• The Influential Communicator | Newsletter
• Facial Impact Quotient | AI Facial Expressions Tool
• Deirdre Breakenridge Books | Amazon Author Page

 

Timestamped key moments from this episode (as generated by Fireflies.ai)

🎤 AI Adoption in Communications (00:13 - 01:39)

• Discussed insights from a recent conference on AI adoption in organizations.
• Emphasized the role of AI in enhancing the communications remit and raising the profile of the communications team.
• Noted the importance of building trust and credibility within organizations.

🗣️ The Influential Communicator Model (04:00 - 05:56)

• Deirdre Breakenridge introduced her "Influential Communicator" model, which builds on her previous "feel" framework.
• Stressed the significance of tuning in and aligning verbally and nonverbally to connect better with others.

📈 Leadership and Influence in Communications (06:09 - 12:18)

• Discussed the evolving landscape of leadership and influence within the communications profession.
• Highlighted the need for communicators to embrace AI and other trending areas to enhance their influence.
• Suggested that communicators often view AI as someone else's responsibility rather than taking the lead.

🔍 Defining Influence (13:20 - 19:21)

• Defined influence as the ability to move someone toward a desired action or participation.
• Identified key factors for building influence, including emotional intelligence, authenticity, and effective communication.
• Noted that confidence plays a crucial role in being perceived as influential.

🧠 Empathy and Listening Skills (23:06 - 30:29)

• Explored the different levels of empathy: cognitive, emotional, and compassionate.
• Emphasized the importance of deep listening as a key component of influence.
• Suggested that being fully present and aware enhances the ability to influence others.

📊 Training for Influence (31:44 - 34:07)

• Deirdre outlined her training program, focusing on becoming calm, clear, concise, and confident.
• Discussed the importance of aligning verbal and nonverbal communication to enhance influence.

🤖 AI and Communication Skills (36:08 - 39:01)

• Addressed the potential distractions of technology on communication skills.
• Encouraged professionals to develop human skills alongside technological advancements to maintain effectiveness in communication.

🔬 Facial Recognition Tool for Emotion Analysis (47:10 - 50:26)

• Deirdre introduced her AI facial recognition tool designed to analyze emotions during presentations.
• The tool captures micro-expressions and provides feedback on emotional responses, aiding in improving communication effectiveness.

🌟 Future of Communication and Influence (57:06 - 59:38)

• Highlighted the growing recognition of emotional intelligence and empathy as critical skills in leadership.
• Encouraged professionals to cultivate their influence skills to adapt to the evolving landscape of communication and technology.

 

Timestamps for your convenience (as generated by Flowsend.ai)

0:00 Influence and Leadership in the Communications Industry

13:27 The Role of Confidence and Emotional Intelligence in Influence

16:24 Human Skills and Trust Building

19:21 Emotional Intelligence as a Critical Skill

27:29 Forensic Listening Framework

29:53 The Art of Deep Listening and Influence

32:00 The Influential Communicator Program

34:07 The Impact of Technology on Communication Skills

36:12 The Role of Calmness in Effective Communication

47:10 Developing Analytics for AI Tools

49:56 AI Tools and Accuracy Challenges

53:40 Advancements in Facial Recognition Technology

57:48 AI's Role in Enhancing Communication Teams

 

(Notes co-created by Human Dan and a variety of AI helpers, including Fireflies.ai and Flowsend.ai)

What do corporate communications leaders know about the businesses they serve? Chances are they know quite a lot. They know the stories, the narratives, and the CEO's various points of view; they know the strategies, the values, and the culture; they know the audiences and stakeholders and (should) how to calm them in times of crisis; sometimes they know where all the bodies are buried and which closets hold the most skeletons. Their job is, fundamentally, to know things. But do they understand The Business? Do they understand balance sheets? Do they speak the language of financial performance? Do they grasp everything in the Annual Report? Some do, but many still don't. How can they become the trusted advisors their companies and clients need, especially in these challenging and changing times?

In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle reconnects with David Albritton, the former Naval Public Affairs officer who built a stunning career in Communications before becoming an executive coach and strategic advisor. Currently Managing Director at CRA, David may be the only person to have made the leap from PR flack to global CEO (at least according to Dan), giving him a unique perspective on the need for communicators to develop business acumen and leadership skills to build thriving careers. Even in the age of AI.

As the world grapples with the implications of AI, misinformation, and shifting workplace dynamics, David shares his perspective on what it means to be a communicator today. He emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships, understanding the business beyond the communications function, and the critical role of communicators as strategic advisors.

David also discusses his journey to becoming a board member at Embecta and the unique skills communicators can bring to the table in these roles. He highlights the necessity for communicators to be business partners first, leveraging their unique position to influence and drive organizational success.

He and Dan spend some time on the impact of AI on personal and professional development, revealing insights into how communicators can use these tools to enhance their understanding of business operations and improve their strategic influence. 

Whether you're a seasoned communications professional or just starting your career, this episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, the evolving role of communications, and the skills needed to thrive in today's fast-paced environment. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in strategic communications.

 

Listen in and hear about...

• The evolving role of communications professionals in the face of AI, misinformation, and declining institutional trust.
• Insights into the unique challenges and opportunities for communicators seeking board positions.
• The importance of building authentic relationships in hybrid and remote work environments.
• Strategies for communicators to become trusted business partners and influence organizational success.
• How generative AI can enhance personal career growth and understanding of business operations.
• The enduring qualities of effective leadership amidst technological and societal changes.

 

Notable Quotes

• "COVID changed the world in terms of what we accept in terms of how we engage with people. It all really comes down to relationships—who knows you, who do you know, do they trust you, do they have confidence in your abilities?" - David Albritton [10:34]

• "If we only think about our value proposition through the lens of communications, we are failing the organization and ourselves. We need to become business partners who by the way, do communications." - David Albritton [16:26]

• "If you aspire for greatness going forward, then how are you sharing your voice in that room when you have the opportunity? That's a critical skill for communicators that we don't develop." - David Albritton [21:05]

• "I've been that person who comes into the room and is reluctant to offer an opinion or advice because they're talking about finance now, and I don't want to get over my skis." - Dan Nestle [22:01]

• "The preparation you put in before you get to the meeting is going to make all the difference in the world because now you're educated, now you're confident, now you can raise your hand and ask a smart question." - David Albritton [28:29]

• "Managing what people are saying about you when you're not in the room is hugely important for career growth." - David Albritton [41:54]

• "I believe that corporate structure itself is obsolete and doesn't know it yet." - Dan Nestle [47:12]

  Resources and Links

Dan Nestle

• The Trending Communicator | Website
• Daniel Nestle | LinkedIn
• Dan Nestle | Twitter/X

David Albritton

• David Albritton | LinkedIn
• CRA | Admired Leadership
• ALEX, the Virtual Leadership Coach

 

Timestamped key moments from this episode (as generated by Fireflies.ai)

🎙️ Introduction and Background (00:00 - 06:46)

• Daniel Nestle introduces David Albritton as a guest
• David's background: Naval Academy graduate, former naval officer, communications career
• David's current roles: Managing Director at CRA, independent board director at Embecta

🏢 Corporate Structure and Communication (07:55 - 20:22)

• Discussion on the changing nature of work and communication
• Importance of building authentic relationships in remote/hybrid work environments
• Communicators need to be business partners first, communicators second
• Importance of understanding company financials and business operations

📊 Business Acumen for Communicators (21:29 - 32:15)

• Need for communicators to understand business basics
• Recommendation to develop relationships with Investor Relations
• Importance of preparation before meetings
• Discussion on using AI tools for learning and preparation

🤖 AI in Communication and Leadership (32:21 - 44:38)

• Potential of AI tools in enhancing communication and leadership skills
• Importance of human interpretation and nuance in communication
• Discussion on the changing expectations for communicators in companies

👥 Leadership Qualities and Relationships (44:38 - 54:27)

• Core leadership qualities remain unchanged despite technological advancements
• Importance of adaptability, accountability, and relationship-building in leadership
• Discussion on the challenges of building relationships in remote work environments

🔍 Leadership Behaviors and AI Coaching (55:35 - 01:06:27)

• Introduction of Alex, an AI-driven leadership coaching tool
• Based on study of 15,000 admired leaders over 40 years
• Focuses on 100 leadership behaviors across various areas
• Designed for personalized, situation-specific coaching

🔗 Closing Remarks and Resources (01:07:29 - 01:11:22)

• Importance of developing leadership skills for communicators
• Information on how to access David's newsletter and the Alex tool
• Emphasis on sharing valuable content to foster relationships

 

Timestamps for your convenience (as generated by Flowsend.ai)

0:00 David Albritton's Journey from Military to Board Director

6:34 Evolving Role of Communications Professionals

9:11 Empowering Communicators to Find Their Voice

10:34 Impact of Remote Work on Professional Relationships

13:17 The Role of Communications in Building Organizational Trust

16:26 Transitioning from Communicators to Business Partners

24:05 The Evolving Role of Communicators in Fast-Paced Industries

25:22 The Secret Sauce to Career Advancement

28:04 The Importance of Preparation in Meetings

30:39 Business Acumen for Strategic Communicators

39:36 The Human Element in Communication

54:25 The Essence of Leadership

57:28 The Importance of Authentic Relationships in Leadership

1:00:37 Strategic Relationship Building for Career Growth

1:02:38 Alex: A Leadership Tool with Personality

1:05:11 AI-Driven Leadership Coaching Tool 'Alex'

(Notes co-created by Human Dan and a variety of AI helpers, including Fireflies.ai and Flowsend.ai)

Is it wrong to be future-focused in your career? At what price should you pursue innovation or push boundaries in your organization? Are you aware that there could be a growing urgency gap between you and your employer that may eventually be too wide to cross?

In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle sits down with award-winning communications and marketing strategist, CX-UX-DX innovator, social media OG, and quite possibly one of the originators of the field of integrated marketing and communications as we know it, David Armano. A self-described "weird unicorn" currently serving a to-be-determined term as CEO of TBD, David shares his evolved perspective on the present and future of work in today's ever-changing career landscape. Together, he and Dan tackle the challenges and opportunities that arise from balancing future-focused innovation with present-day realities. David shares his unique insights on career transitions, the impact of generative AI on entry-level roles, and the implications of an increasingly multi-generational workforce.

Digging into what it means to be CEO of TBD, they address the cultural shifts redefining the workplace and how professionals can and should leverage AI to stay relevant - not to mention enhance productivity and creativity. Their conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and the need for a historical perspective in understanding current trends and preparing for future challenges. From the rise of the contingent workforce to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, this episode offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to thrive in today's unpredictable and occasionally ageist environment.

Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting your career, tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to harness the power of technology and adapt to the changing demands of workers of all stripes. Don't miss this extremely relevant discussion that challenges conventional thinking and will inspire you to take control of your professional journey.

 

Listen in and hear about...

• Balancing future-focused thinking with present-day priorities in marketing and communications.
• Navigating career transitions and the concept of being the "CEO of TBD."
• The impact of generational differences on workplace dynamics, especially with Gen Z's unique work attitudes.
• AI's role in transforming entry-level tasks and its implications for the workforce.
• The evolving nature of work, including the rise of fractional roles and the contingent workforce.
• The importance of historical perspective in adapting to technological and societal changes.
• Opportunities for expanding roles in communications through AI and data-driven insights.

 

Notable Quotes

On Leadership Under Pressure:

"I've noticed the best leaders always do well under pressure. That's how you tell if you ever want to know the difference between, like, a really good leader and a not so good leader, watch them when things are not going well for them."

— David Armano [00:17:05 → 00:17:20]

On Navigating Career Changes:

"I think it's a healthy experience to go through, to go through a crisis of some kind in your life, and it sucks when it happens to you and you're suddenly without an employer or without a lifeline or without a safety net or whatever motivates you."

— Dan Nestle [00:17:54 → 00:18:10]

On Grief and Growth:

"Grief is both ugly and beautiful. It's ugly in the sense that it's painful... But there's a lot of gifts that do come with grieving."

— David Armano [00:20:59 → 00:22:20]

On Ageism in the Workplace:

"Age is actually sort of, you know, in most white collar cultures, it's something they kind of want to stay away from because of everything that we're talking about, because it's the one acceptable ism in the world of white collar work."

— David Armano [00:28:31 → 00:28:45]

On the Evolution of Work:

"The thing is, though, that there are so many, there's so much happening around us now that I think that the nature of work and the nature of this framework that almost all of corporate America at least functions within, which is that you age out, it's got to change, and it's changing in some places, but it really needs to change."

— Dan Nestle [00:31:38 → 00:31:54]

On AI and Entry-Level Work:

"AI does what likes, like someone coming into the workforce with no experience or very little experience. The tasks that you would give to those employees is what AI excels at."

— David Armano [00:35:20 → 00:35:30]

On the Future of Work:

"It's never been such a good time to be a CEO of TBD."

— David Armano [00:42:28 → 00:42:31]

On the Role of AI:

"One thing that AI is great at and should get better at is that is that first draft, that first draft of a business plan, that first draft of any written communication, that first draft of a data, to use your example, like first draft, the data analysis, it's really good at that."

— David Armano [01:00:14 → 01:00:30]

  Resources and Links

Dan Nestle

• The Trending Communicator | Website
• Daniel Nestle | LinkedIn
• Dan Nestle | Twitter/X

David Armano

• David Armano's Website
• David Armano | LinkedIn
• David By Design | David Armano on Substack

 

Timestamped key moments from this episode (as generated by Fireflies.ai)

🎙️ Introduction and Career Reflection (00:00 - 11:37)

• Daniel Nestle introduces the podcast and the guest, David Armano
• Discussion on the challenge of balancing future-thinking with present needs in communications
• David's background in integrated communications and marketing
• Reflection on David's first layoff experience

💼 Career Transitions and Workforce Trends (12:02 - 23:13)

• David's experience as 'CEO of TBD' after leaving a startup
• Discussion on the changing nature of work for Gen X professionals
• Exploration of hybrid work models and their impact on different generations
• Emphasis on the need for adaptability in the face of employment uncertainty

🔄 AI and the Future of Work (24:45 - 34:38)

• Analysis of AI's impact on entry-level work and its role as a virtual intern
• Discussion on the changing dynamics of hiring and team structures due to AI
• Exploration of how AI can enable professionals to expand their roles and skills

👥 Generational Dynamics in the Workplace (35:58 - 45:56)

• Examination of different generational attitudes towards work, especially Gen Z
• Discussion on the challenges of managing a multi-generational workforce
• Analysis of how hybrid work models affect different age groups differently

🚀 Evolving Roles in Communications and Marketing (46:05 - 58:01)

• Exploration of how AI is changing traditional roles in communications and marketing
• Discussion on the need for professionals to become 'spectacular' at their craft
• Analysis of how AI can help professionals expand their skillsets and roles

🔍 Historical Perspective and Future Outlook (59:15 - 01:06:56)

• Emphasis on the importance of learning from historical technological revolutions
• Discussion on balancing the potential benefits and societal impacts of new technologies
• Encouragement to view current changes through the lens of past transformations

🧠 Final Thoughts and Career Advice (01:07:54 - 01:12:58)

• Emphasis on being an observer and synthesizing information for decision-making
• Discussion on the importance of balancing detailed work with big-picture thinking
• Encouragement to be curious and inquisitive in navigating career changes

 

Timestamps for your convenience (as generated by Flowsend.ai)

0:00 Intro

5:28 David Armano's Career Journey and the Concept of TBD

7:32 Navigating Career Uncertainty as Gen X

12:01 The Role of Energy in Workshop Facilitation

15:05 Embracing Honesty During Layoffs

23:12 The Grief Cycle in Communications

26:13 Aging Out in the Corporate World

28:02 Ageism in White Collar Work

34:50 AI's Impact on Entry-Level Jobs

45:53 The Evolution of Employment Benefits

55:36 Rethinking Work in the Age of AI

57:49 The Rise of AI in Creative Industries

1:04:25 The Importance of Historical Perspective

1:06:53 Three Lenses of Time

(Notes co-created by Human Dan and a variety of AI helpers, including Fireflies.ai and Flowsend.ai)

Let's face it, dealing with the future isn't something we can kick down the road. And at the intersection of people, technology, and brand, change is coming faster than ever before. We could blame Generative AI. Or we can embrace it and use it as an accelerant for our teams, employers, customers, and brands...

In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle welcomes award-winning digital innovator, public speaker, and agency executive Rob Davis, the Chief Digital Innovation Officer at MSL, for an engaging conversation on the future of communications and marketing. Rob, a digital pioneer with a career spanning broadcast TV and leading agencies, shares his journey of invention and innovation (and his good fortune at attaining a role that Dan not-so-secretly covets).

From his early days at MTV, where he developed the world's first interactive game show, to his groundbreaking work at Ogilvy and now MSL Global, Rob has consistently been at the forefront of digital innovation. His accolades, including the Provoke Media Innovator 25 and two consecutive appearances in the PRWeek Dashboard 25, merely scratch the surface of his influence and expertise.

He and Dan explore how Generative AI is reshaping how we approach communications and marketing and what that means for brands. They cover the importance of understanding and utilizing AI prompts, the evolving nature of authority in content, and the critical need for brands to adapt to the rapid advancements in technology.

They address how AI impacts brand communication—shifting the dynamics between brands, media, and consumers. Rob stresses the need for brands to curate content that directly engages AI models to enhance discoverability and relevance.

Moving on to the future of work, Rob notes that AI is reshaping job paths in communications, offering opportunities to integrate new talent and innovative roles. He encourages professionals to embrace AI to remain competitive in the workforce.

Whether you're a communications novice or a seasoned professional, this episode offers lessons on embracing change, leveraging technology for enhanced communication strategies, and staying ahead in a fast-paced digital world. There's no doubt that AI will significantly impact the future of communications and marketing - listen in to hear what you can do about it for your future and the brands you represent.

 

Listen in and hear about...

•  How generative AI is revolutionizing communications and marketing.
•  Mastering AI prompts to boost content creation and engagement.
•  AI search algorithms reshaping content discoverability and relevance.
•  Workforce dynamics shifting with AI, creating new job opportunities.
•  Brands adapting content strategies to thrive in an AI-driven world.
•  Opportunities and challenges of AI and emerging technologies in business.

  Notable Quotes

On the Evolution of Technology and Career:

- "I came out of college at a time in the early nineties when everything was starting to change and everything I was passionate about, music, photography, video, storytelling, all individual passions, all of a sudden had a place to go, and I've just kind of let the industry take me along."

— Rob Davis [00:03:42 → 00:04:02]

On the Thrill of Innovation:

- "The thrill of that. It's funny, it wasn't an ego building thrill. It was a hunger building thrill. I said, I got to find more of this. Where does this come from? How do I tap into this bucket over and over again? And that's kind of what's driven me all along."

— Rob Davis [00:06:24 → 00:06:42]

On the Acceleration of Technology:

- "I look at the years between advances from that era and it's like those advances are happening in months, if not weeks."

— Rob Davis [00:09:31 → 00:09:47]

On the Power of AI and Prompting:

- "You can go to chat GPT the first time and you're probably going to treat it like this is a fortune telling arcade game. Zoltan. Zoltar, you're asking a question and you're going to get an answer, and as you said, you say, oh, that's cool, and you're going to walk away without realizing that you can start a chain of prompts that's going to develop something much deeper than that."

— Rob Davis [00:16:38 → 00:16:58]

On the Creativity in AI:

- "You are creating every prompt you write, no matter how basic or complex it is, are creating something. And I think that that's part of the adrenaline rush for me."

— Rob Davis [00:21:01 → 00:21:14]

On the Future of Content Creation:

- "We don't have to wait. We can do more than we can possibly imagine right now, and it's only going to get better, but we don't have to wait for the next piece. We can revolutionize almost everything that we're doing right now."

— Rob Davis [00:22:14 → 00:22:31]

On the Changing Nature of Authority in Content:

- "The judge of authority is the consumer. So if the content, to your point, is not appealing to the consumer, it's not in their vernacular, it's not something that they feel ready to consume, they're not going to interact with it, and it is not going to get that algorithmic importer of authoritative."

— Rob Davis [00:41:08 → 00:41:34]

On the Power Shift in Content Creation:

- "Because the consumer is now, or the customer…is getting more and more answers from AI, from generative AI. Well, now that puts a little bit more power in the hands of the brands, doesn't it?"

— Dan Nestle [00:45:49 → 00:46:09]

On the Future of Communication:

- "The roles that are going to be created, the tasks that are going to be created are very different. It's going to create a whole bundle of new tasks. Those new tasks will have to be apportioned to somebody which become new jobs also."

— Dan Nestle [00:54:27 → 00:54:59]

  Resources and Links

Dan Nestle

• The Trending Communicator | Website
• Daniel Nestle | LinkedIn
• Dan Nestle | Twitter/X

Rob Davis

• Rob Davis's Website
• Rob Davis | LinkedIn

 

Timestamped key moments from this episode (as generated by Fireflies.ai)

🎙️ Introduction and Background (00:00 - 09:12)

• Dan Nestle introduces himself as the host of the Trending Communicator podcast
• Guest Rob Davis is introduced as Chief Digital Innovation Officer at MSL Global
• Rob's career spans from broadcast TV to leading agencies
• Rob's accomplishments include Provoke Media Innovator 25 and PR Week Dashboard 25
• Rob shares his early career experiences, including work at MTV and developing the first interactive TV game show

🚀 Digital Innovation and AI (09:18 - 14:40)

• Rob discusses the rapid acceleration of technology advancements
• Ethan Mollick's video on LinkedIn showcasing AI recreating the game Doom
• Discussion on the need for proper AI prompting and understanding LLMs
• Critique of PR professionals' lack of understanding in AI prompting

💡 AI in Communications and Marketing (16:17 - 28:44)

• Importance of understanding how to use AI tools effectively
• Discussion on the power of prompts and the creative thinking involved
• Custom GPTs and their potential in various functions
• The changing nature of authority in content creation due to AI

🎯 Brand Communication and AI (30:24 - 42:11)

• Impact of AI on brand discoverability and content relevance
• Importance of creating content that influences AI models
• Shift in power dynamics between brands, media, and consumers
• Need for brands to become their own publishers and create the right kind of content

👥 Career Paths and AI (43:15 - 56:10)

• Discussion on how AI is changing career paths in communications and marketing
• Opportunity to reshape the workforce and bring in new talent
• Importance of embracing AI to remain valuable in the job market
• Potential for new roles and tasks created by AI and emerging technologies

🔮 Future Outlook and Closing Remarks (57:30 - 01:01:18)

• Mention of other emerging technologies like NFTs, metaverse, and near-field communication
• Rob's optimism about the future of connecting with audiences
• Importance of capitalizing on audience behaviors and trends
• Rob's contact information and social media presence

Timestamps for your convenience (as generated by Flowsend.ai)

0:00 Intro

2:07 Rob Davis' Journey in Digital Innovation

3:42 The Evolution of Media and Technology

5:08 Developing the World's First Home Play Game Show

6:24 Pioneering Digital Content at Ogilvy

9:58 AI's Rapid Evolution and Its Impact

16:38 The Power of the Prompt

18:24 Challenges in AI Adoption in PR and Communications

22:31 The Evolution of Custom GPTs

30:41 The Evolution of Media Relations

42:09 AI's Impact on Discoverability and Content Creation

43:15 The Shift in Power Dynamics in Marketing

49:35 AI's Impact on the Workforce

52:22 Abundance Mentality in Business

53:57 Brands' Procrastination on AI Integration

57:02 Generative AI and Future Skills

(Notes co-created by Human Dan and a variety of AI helpers, including Fireflies.ai and Flowsend.ai)

All of us know we're in an age of disruption. If you want to thrive and grow as a communicator or marketer, it's not AI you have to worry about. What should keep you up at night is the prospect of succumbing to the Dull. AI can do dull better than you can. You have to flee the dull and be bold. You have to be audacious.

In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle finally, after countless name drops, references, and bold claims to be friends with a particular marketing legend, puts his money where his mouth is and welcomes to the show his mentor, confidant, friend, and arguably his man crush, the one and only Mark Schaefer.

After Dan perpetrates some gushing, he and Mark go straight into the chaotic "Now" and the need for a clear vision of the future. They talk about the impact of AI on communications and marketing, and Mark offers his sobering perspective: yes, AI can be terrifying for anyone creating content because it's "good enough" to generate boring, compliant corporate messaging. He says that AI will "unleash a pandemic of dull" - and if we want to succeed in the future, we'll need to be bold, crazy, and audacious. He goes on to say that the result could be spectacular work by those of us who can rise above the dull.

They also get into the significance of personal branding, both internally within companies and externally. Mark reinforces the idea that being Known and trusted, especially in an era where deepfakes and misinformation are rampant, is critical to future success.

Throughout the episode, Dan and Mark explore the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements, urging communicators to embrace bold, audacious strategies to stay relevant. The conversation concludes with remarks about Mark's upcoming book, tentatively titled "Audacious: A Rebel's Guide to Disruptive Marketing," set to release in January.

Listen in and hear about...

• Mark's new book!
• How marketing and communications are merging in today's chaotic landscape.
• AI's transformative role in marketing and communication strategies.
• The importance of authenticity and grit in content creation.
• AI's impact on entry-level jobs and the future of onboarding new talent.
• Why building a personal brand within organizations is crucial for career growth.
• Challenges that large companies face in adapting to rapid cultural and technological changes.
• The necessity of community and collaboration to stay updated with fast-paced industry trends.

  Notable Quotes  

On the Role of Marketing in Companies:

- "I think in this day and age, almost everybody's in marketing, everybody in your company that influences your conversation with your customer, your reputation with your customer." — Mark Schaefer [00:04:37 → 00:04:47]

On the Intersection of Marketing and Communications:

- " We're talking about reaching out to audiences and creating that market, creating a market either for your goods or for your ideas or for your message and all the above." — Dan Nestle [00:05:53 → 00:06:09]

On the Impact of AI on Jobs:

- "I think it will eliminate a lot of lower level jobs and it'll eliminate, you know, some entry level jobs." — Mark Schaefer [00:11:19 → 00:11:27]

On the Future of Content Creation:

- "In the next twelve months, you'll be able to make a full length motion picture on your laptop computer, including the script and the, you know, the dialogue and the score and the art and everything you would want." — Mark Schaefer [00:14:55 → 00:15:11]

On Authenticity in Marketing:

- "The key to creating a video that connects on an emotional level is to leave mistakes in. Maybe some of the video is a little blurry, maybe a little of the audio is a little scratchy, but it makes you feel like you're right there." — Mark Schaefer [00:17:28 → 00:17:40]

On the Pandemic of Dull:

- "AI is going to be very capable. That's also going to unleash this pandemic of dull. And every communicator out there is going to be fighting against this pandemic of dull." — Mark Schaefer [00:26:14 → 00:26:27]

On the Future of Corporate Content:

- "If you're writing content that's easily approved by legal, you're going to be gone. You've got to start reaching into more communications that can't be ignored, that cannot be commoditized." — Mark Schaefer [00:26:14 → 00:26:27]

On the Role of Personal Branding:

- "Anybody, any employee, any person anywhere should be building their own personal brand. And I think people are confused. They think, oh, that means I want to be solo and be on my own. Not necessarily, but if somebody is in a company and doesn't have the influence, they don't have a personal brand." — Dan Nestle [00:47:37 → 00:47:55]

On the Role of Community in Staying Relevant:

- "I cannot be relevant without a community behind me in our rise community. We have people from all around the world helping each other, nurturing each other, talking about, this works. This doesn't, I tried this, use this." — Mark Schaefer [01:04:41 → 01:05:00]

On the Importance of Grit and Authenticity:

- "Grit, a little crazy and a lot of audacity." — Mark Schaefer [01:06:51 → 01:06:54]

On the Importance of Community:

- "I can with 1000% certainty say that my understanding of AI and my joy of it is absolutely due to my involvement with the rise community and just that whole process of helping to build that community and being part of it." — Dan Nestle [01:05:00 → 01:05:15]

  Resources and Links

Dan Nestle

• The Trending Communicator | Website
• Daniel Nestle | LinkedIn
• Dan Nestle | Twitter/X

Mark Schaefer

• Mark Schaefer's Website
• Mark Schaefer's {grow} Blog
• The Marketing Companion Podcast (on Apple Podcasts)
• Mark Schaefer's Books on Amazon
• Mark Schaefer | LinkedIn

 

Timestamped key moments from this episode (as generated by Fireflies.ai)

🎙️ Introduction and Personal Brand (00:00 - 15:00)

• Daniel Nestle introduces Mark Schaefer as a marketing expert and communicator
• Mark emphasizes the importance of personal brand in the age of AI
• Discussion on the blurring lines between marketing and communications
• Mark highlights the need for authenticity and 'grit' in content creation

🤖 AI and Content Creation (15:00 - 30:00)

• Exploration of AI's impact on lower-level jobs in marketing and communications
• Mark discusses the need for human creativity and 'crazy' ideas to stand out
• Emphasis on the importance of authenticity in a world of AI-generated content
• Discussion on the future of corporate communication in the age of AI

🏢 Corporate Culture and Innovation (30:00 - 45:00)

• Mark talks about the challenges of innovation in large corporations
• Discussion on the importance of internal personal branding
• Emphasis on the need for quick experimentation and 'pilots' in companies
• Mark introduces his upcoming book 'Audacious' on disruptive marketing

🌐 Future of Marketing and Communications (45:00 - 60:00)

• Discussion on the importance of community in staying relevant
• Mark emphasizes the need for human touch in marketing strategies
• Talk about the rise of AI tools and their impact on content verification
• Mark's prediction: 'The most human company wins'

🎬 Wrap-up and Resources (60:00 - 01:07:06)

• Daniel provides information on Mark's blog and podcast
• Discussion on the RISE community and its benefits
• Mark's final thoughts on the importance of humanity in business

(Notes co-created by Human Dan and a variety of AI helpers, including Fireflies.ai and Flowsend.ai)

Is the Communications function, as many in our profession claim, an organization's nerve center? Where messages and stories are the electric impulses that cause synapses to fire, muscles to move, and hearts to beat? Or is this understating the case? Are we missing the bigger picture?

In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle welcomes back thought leader, educator, and dear friend Ethan McCarty, the CEO of Integral. Known for his innovative approach to employee experience and communications technology, Ethan has been a guiding force in shaping how organizations communicate internally and externally. while devoting nearly as much time to giving back to the profession as he has spent building his successful agency. 

Dan and Ethan have a wide-ranging conversation that touches on the essence of effective communication within organizations, and the critical impact of communications on corporate health. They explore Ethan's approach to viewing employees as public: By treating employees with the same strategic importance as external audiences, companies can foster a more engaged and productive workforce. 

The discussion also delves into the impact of AI and CommsTech on the future of corporate communications. Ethan shares his thoughts on how technology can enhance communication strategies, streamline operations, and create a more dynamic corporate environment. He emphasizes the importance of ethical frameworks and the need for organizations to invest in listening and understanding their employees' needs and perspectives.

Ethan's insights are not just theoretical; they are grounded in practical experience and real-world applications. He discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with leading a communications agency and offers valuable advice for both seasoned professionals and those new to the field. From the importance of continuous learning and adaptation to the role of strategic intelligence in communications, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

Tune in to learn how you can elevate your communication efforts, embrace technological advancements, and create a more engaged and effective workforce.

Listen in and hear about...

• The influence of key mentors and colleagues on professional growth.
• The importance of employee experience in modern communications.
• How AI and technology are reshaping content creation and workflows.
• The role of internal communications in shaping organizational culture.
• The impact of political and social issues on workplace dynamics.
• Strategies for integrating employee feedback into business decisions.
• The evolving expectations of employees in a personalized work environment.

  Notable Quotes   "Thinking of employees as a public is... of great strategic value." — Ethan McCarty [00:07:07 → 00:07:10]

"If you can optimize that set of relations at work for strategic value and for positive experiences for the humans involved, that feels like a lot of good outcomes." — Ethan McCarty [00:07:39 → 00:07:50]

"Employees have much more agency and voice and ability to affect reputation and the ability to affect customer outcomes." — Ethan McCarty [00:10:43 → 00:10:50]

"The way you communicate constitutes the entity." — Ethan McCarty [00:15:06 → 00:15:10]

"Comms is like the nerve center of a company, and I think it is. But now it sounds, from what you're saying, it's more like the circulatory system." — Dan Nestle [00:29:31 → 00:29:39]

"The sophistication of what's available is light years ahead of where we were five years ago." — Ethan McCarty [00:31:18 → 00:31:24]

"Make your friends before you need your friends, my friends." — Ethan McCarty [01:02:28 → 01:02:32]

"If you do not respect my rights and I'm a high performing employee in an environment where there is 4% unemployment, what do you think I'm gonna do? I'll probably get a raise." — Ethan McCarty [01:05:00 → 01:05:10]

  Resources and Links

Dan Nestle

• The Trending Communicator | Website
• Daniel Nestle | LinkedIn
• Dan Nestle | Twitter/X

Ethan McCarty

• Integral - Employee Experience Agency
• Ethan McCarty | LinkedIn
• Read Ethan in Forbes: When Communications Teams Become The Organization

 

Timestamped key moments from this episode (as generated by Fireflies.ai)

🎙️ Introduction and Background (00:00 - 06:32)

• Daniel Nestle introduces Ethan McCarty as a leading voice in communications
• Ethan is CEO of Integral, an employee experience agency
• Discussion on the influence of mentors and colleagues in professional development

🏢 Integral and Employee Experience (06:32 - 16:51)

• Ethan explains Integral's focus on employees as a public
• Emphasis on managing relationships with employees intentionally
• Discussion on the importance of culture in organizational change
• Exploration of Conway's law and constitutive theory of communications

🔄 Organizational Communication Design (16:54 - 29:31)

• Analysis of how communication configuration affects company identity and products
• Importance of redesigning internal communications teams for better employee experience
• Discussion on the need for more robust sensing and listening in organizations

💡 Intelligence and Strategy in Communications (29:32 - 36:39)

• Importance of communications teams as sources of business intelligence
• Need for upskilling and technology adoption in communication roles
• Challenges in transforming communication teams into business intelligence units

👥 Value of Communication Professionals (37:34 - 45:06)

• Discussion on the evolving role of communication professionals
• Importance of being a strategic advisor and intelligence gatherer
• Value of relationship-building and understanding in communication roles

🚀 Future of Communications and Junior Staff (45:27 - 58:54)

• Debate on the future need for junior staff in communications
• Emphasis on self-enabled, experimental, and entrepreneurial employees
• Discussion on the changing skill sets required in the communications industry

🗳️ Political Issues in the Workplace (58:54 - 01:07:12)

• Upcoming global elections and their impact on workplace communications
• Challenges of managing political discussions in the workplace
• Importance of creating guidelines for discussing social issues at work

 

(Notes co-created by Humans and a variety of AI helpers, including Fireflies.ai and Flowsend.ai)

Let's face it: it's getting worse out there.

Trust in institutions, brands, and even people seems to be spiraling ever downward.  What can we, as communicators, do to break this cycle, protect our brands, and build a culture of trust? 

In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle once again travels into the dark world of misinformation and disinformation, this time with Lisa Kaplan, founder and CEO of Alethea, to uncover the strategies and technologies that can help you identify and mitigate misinformation and disinformation.

Lisa, a recognized leader in PR and digital risk mitigation, shares her journey from Senate campaign staffer to founder of a company that recently secured $20 million in Series B funding. Her extensive experience in policy, communications, and national security provides a unique perspective on the challenges and solutions in combating online threats.

Dan and Lisa explore the critical role of early detection in managing online risks and the importance of proactive measures to safeguard brands and organizations. They discuss how Alethea's technology platform identifies emerging narratives, assesses their potential impact, and offers actionable insights to mitigate risks before they escalate. Lisa emphasizes the need for ethical practices in information dissemination and the role of AI in enhancing strategic communication efforts.

The conversation also touches on the broader implications of misinformation, including its impact on corporate culture and employee engagement. Lisa shares practical advice on how organizations can leverage their internal communications to build a resilient culture of trust, even in the face of digital threats. They also discuss the importance of staying true to core values and maintaining consistent messaging to preserve credibility and trust.

This episode is a must-listen for communicators, marketers, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, security, and public relations. Gain valuable insights from Lisa Kaplan on effectively combating digital threats and fostering a culture of trust within your organization. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that can help you be a champion of truth and trust for your organization.

Listen in and hear about...

• The escalating trust crisis in media and its impact on public relations and brand defense strategies
• Roles of PR professionals in combating misinformation and disinformation to protect brands and clients
• The founding and mission of Alethea, a company specializing in online risk mitigation and its approach to managing digital threats
• How recent political and social events influence corporate brand management and the necessity for proactive digital defense strategies
• Why the evolution of communication strategies from traditional methods to digital platforms requires rapid and informed responses to misinformation
• The importance of early detection in managing online risks and the benefits of technology in identifying potential threats before they escalate
• Effective strategies for leveraging employee communications and internal culture to reinforce brand integrity and manage crisis communication

Notable Quotes  

On the Reality of Digital Threats:

"The reality is, and what I tell everybody is like, listen, if you're not at the table, you're on the menu. And so, welcome to our digital environment."

— Lisa Kaplan [00:04:06 → 00:04:16]

On the Importance of Early Detection:

"Our role is to be able to identify these risks and threats early and be able to give you those insights and great recommendations for what you can actually do about it, so that you're finding stuff out when it's a level one, not a level ten."

Lisa Kaplan [00:05:07 → 00:05:22]

On the Evolution of Influence Operations:

"What started as a government tactic is now anybody can do it situation. So we do see more than just state actors. We see these criminal groups, we see these lone individual operators."

Lisa Kaplan [00:15:59 → 00:16:13]

On the Role of Fact-Checking:

"A fact check alone doesn't work. Oftentimes you have to... It worked in that specific instance because it was a narrative caught early that was new, and because they were able to leverage fact checkers who had a very high following to get that information out early, that the narrative was false altogether."

Lisa Kaplan [00:17:13 → 00:17:34]

On the Challenge of Disinformation:

"Disinformation targets our fear, our anxieties, our uncertainties... And so, because I was scared, because there was an information vacuum, which is the consistent area where disinformation really thrives... I fell for it."

— Lisa Kaplan [00:23:33 → 00:23:54]

On the Role of Employees in Communication:

"You want your employees being the one saying, yes, this is a great place to work. You don't want to be the one coming out saying, I promise this is great. Like, people aren't going to trust management on that."

— Lisa Kaplan [00:28:01 → 00:28:15]

On the Importance of Consistency:

"My advice is always, don't flip flop. Know where you stand. If it's core to your business to say something, say something."

— Lisa Kaplan [00:30:35 → 00:30:45]

On the Role of Technology in Communication:

"Embrace technology and know how it works... It's automating the grunt work of our jobs. It's automating. It's being able to rapidly deploy counter messaging."

— Lisa Kaplan [00:46:41 → 00:46:55]

On the Ethical Use of AI:

"It is perfectly appropriate to use AI or an LLM to potentially play around with drafting a response. Make it the first draft. It's way faster. That's totally fine. What you also have to know, though, is that you are assuming the responsibility of whatever goes out the door."

— Lisa Kaplan [00:55:29 → 00:55:49]

On Building Trust:

"The best thing you can do is invest in trust. It's a lot easier to protect a strong amount of trust than to try to build trust when no one trusts you."

— Lisa Kaplan [00:52:14 → 00:52:24]

On the Power of Conversation:

"Conversation is the communicator's superpower."

— Dan Nestle [00:48:33 → 00:48:56]

On the Importance of LinkedIn:

- "LinkedIn is a major center for especially B2B, but certainly for person-to-person contact. And in my humble opinion, it is the most solid of all business platforms and the most real, like the most authentic for business people."

— Dan Nestle [00:51:02 → 00:51:32]

Resources and Links

Dan Nestle

• The Trending Communicator | Website
• Daniel Nestle | LinkedIn
• Dan Nestle | Twitter/X

Lisa Kaplan

• Alethea - Online Risk Mitigation Technology
• Lisa Kaplan | LinkedIn
• Lisa Kaplan | Twitter/X

Timestamped key moments from this episode (as generated by Fireflies.ai)

🎙️ Introduction and Trust Crisis (00:00 - 11:25)

• Dan Nestle introduces the podcast and discusses the ongoing trust crisis
• Lisa Kaplan, founder and CEO of Alethea, is introduced as the guest
• Alethea is an online risk mitigation technology company
• Lisa's background includes working with US legislators, think tanks, and National Laboratories
• Alethea detects and mitigates instances of online risks for organizations

🔍 Online Risk Detection and Mitigation (11:53 - 18:52)

• Alethea's platform uses boolean logic and machine learning models
• The platform identifies coordinated behavior rather than focusing on content
• Early detection of threats is crucial for effective risk management
• Fact-checking alone is not sufficient in combating misinformation
• Peer-to-peer communication is more effective in deradicalization efforts

🌐 Disinformation and Corporate Strategy (20:05 - 27:08)

• Companies need to consider their stance on emotionally charged issues
• Internal communication is crucial, but every internal communication is potentially external
• Companies should stay true to their core values and messaging
• Employees can be valuable assets in combating misinformation
• Companies should invest in culture to foster positive employee communication

📊 Predictive Analysis and Communication Skills (28:23 - 42:59)

• Early detection of potential risks is crucial for effective crisis management
• Communicators need to understand technology and embrace new tools
• Communication is now interactive and conversation-based
• Every interaction is an opportunity for person-to-person communication
• Deepfakes and other technological risks are emerging challenges

💬 Building Trust and Leveraging Social Media (43:32 - 52:09)

• Conversation is a key skill for communicators
• LinkedIn is a valuable platform for business communication
• Executives should actively engage in social media conversations
• Building trust is easier than trying to regain it during a crisis
• Authentic communication from executives is more effective than outsourced content

🤖 AI in Communication and Ethical Considerations (52:14 - 58:39)

• AI can be used ethically to draft responses and automate workflows
• Human expertise is crucial in the AI loop
• AI should not be used to create bot networks or engage in unethical practices
• Communicators should use AI as a tool to enhance their work, not replace human judgment

(Notes co-created by Humans and a variety of AI helpers, including Fireflies.ai and Flowsend.ai)

For years, we've been talking about upgrading the communications function - or at least modernizing it, bringing comms into parity with their Marketing colleagues. Embracing technology is the most visible part of this journey. But what good is technology - project management tools, social media management tools, intelligence and analytics software, email automation, and now Generative AI - without the people to drive it? You can't conquer the frontier of CommsTech without capable pioneers.   In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle reconnects with award-winning strategic communications leader and all-around CommsTech pioneer Megan DiSciullo, Senior Managing Director of US and Mexico Communications for PwC. Megan shares her extensive experience in communications, her journey from Edelman to PwC, and her insights on ethically integrating technology, particularly Generative AI, into corporate communications.

Join us as Megan shares her journey from the ground up in the world of strategic communications as she and Dan explore the transformative role of generative AI and CommsTech in today's corporate landscape. From her early days at Edelman to her ever-expanding remit at PwC, Megan has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, advocating for the ethical use of AI while enhancing strategic communications across the board.

This episode delves deep into how AI is reshaping the way we think about internal and external communications, the importance of ethical frameworks, and the potential of AI to streamline operations and create a more dynamic corporate environment. Megan's insights provide invaluable lessons on embracing change, leveraging technology for enhanced communication strategies, following an ethics-first approach, and AI's critical role in driving corporate narratives forward.

Whether you're a communications novice or a seasoned professional, this episode offers a treasure of knowledge and inspiration, showcasing how embracing technological advancements can significantly elevate your strategic communication efforts. Don't miss out on this insightful exploration of AI's impact on the future of corporate communications and how you can be part of this evolution in the industry.

Listen in and hear about...

• The evolving role of communicators in shaping internal culture and driving organizational change
• Strategies for integrating AI into corporate communications and the importance of secure, enterprise-specific tools
• How ethical considerations and policy development are important in AI deployment to maintain trust and data security
• AI's impact on productivity and efficiency, freeing up communicators to focus on higher-level strategic activities
• The necessity for ongoing learning and adaptation within the communications field to leverage new technologies like AI
• The collaborative approach required to implement AI across various organizational functions effectively
• The potential of AI to democratize learning and innovation within organizations, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and engagement

 Notable Quotes   On the Value of Kindness in Business:

"One of my mentors told me early on, Megan, always be direct, so people know where you stand and there's no misinterpretation. But always be kind, because you never know when you will need people or just, this is a business of teaming. And so, you know, people want to work with people who are kind."

— Megan DiSciullo [00:08:43 → 00:09:05]

On the Role of Data in Communications:

"Data is the ultimate neutralizer. Whether the data is coming from the comms team, the marketing team, or from our client insights team. The data is telling us key insights about our audience that we need to know."

— Megan DiSciullo [00:27:19 → 00:27:35]

On the Importance of Change Management:

"It makes for sometimes an uphill battle. And that's where change management culture change really needs to happen. And there's no amount of money, I think, that you can put down on the value of pilots and tests and stuff to kind of use that data and sort of show examples and gain permission and gain buy in over time."

— Dan Nestle [00:31:15 → 00:31:35]

On the Importance of Change Management:

"If you put out, even if it's a tech product that's in the 1.0 version and it's not a good experience, you've lost people. So it doesn't matter how many times you communicate about it if the experience isn't great, especially in today's world where people have little appetite and little patience."

— Megan DiSciullo [00:35:22 → 00:35:42]

On the Role of AI in Enhancing Productivity:

"Once you understand, okay, all prompting, and this is what it is, and this is what it means. That's that kind of first initial wall to get through with the user with the AI partner. And once they get through that wall, then it's about, oh, my goodness, I'm going to save all this time."

— Dan Nestle [00:45:39 → 00:46:00]

On the Future of AI in Communications:

"I see Gen AI, at least in its current function and form, to be a productivity and efficiency tool. There is still a need for really great counsel, really great crisis management skills, really great relationship building skills, really great dot connecting skills."

— Megan DiSciullo [00:48:39 → 00:48:55]

On the Future of Communications:

"AI is an enabler with that, of course, because a lot of the fundamental tasks that people associate with typical traditional comms can be essentially handed over to, at least at the first level, to these brilliant, co creative, co intelligent platforms, and then brought back to the human to make sure that it's all good to go, but it saves a lot of time, much more productive."

— Dan Nestle [01:02:13 → 01:02:35]

On the Evolution of the Communications Profession:

"I started faxing press releases. I am so far from a fax machine and loving it. But I'm now learning the next skill, and in ten years, I'm going to learn something that we haven't even started to think about. And that is the beauty of this profession."

— Megan DiSciullo [01:04:47 → 01:05:00] 

Resources and Links

Dan Nestle

• The Trending Communicator | Website
• Daniel Nestle | LinkedIn
• Dan Nestle | Twitter

Megan DiSciullo

• Megan DiSciullo | LinkedIn

Timestamped key moments from this episode (as generated by Flowsend.ai)

00:00:01: Introduction and Welcome

00:01:41: Megan DiSciullo Joins the Conversation

00:02:19: Early Career and First Impressions

00:03:21: Transition from Edelman to PwC

00:04:22: Predictive Analytics Project

00:05:25: First Meeting with Megan

00:06:08: Megan's Reaction to Predictive Analytics

00:08:43: Megan's Philosophy on Kindness and Teaming

00:10:16: Importance of Kindness in Business

00:11:06: Megan's Career Journey

00:12:07: Early Interest in Purpose and Ethics

00:13:09: Work with Business Roundtable Post-Katrina

00:14:10: Transition to PwC and Building Internal Change

00:15:12: Merging Internal and External Communications

00:16:14: Introduction to Comtech

00:17:15: Commtech vs. Commstech

00:19:41: Data and Analytics in Communications

00:21:13: Building the Tech Stack

00:22:15: Embedding Technology into Workflows

00:23:17: Audience-Centric Approach

00:24:05: Partnership Between Marketing and Communications

00:27:19: Navigating Conflicts Between Teams

00:30:13: Change Management and Culture Change

00:32:16: Integrating Marketing and Communications

00:33:22: Expanding Teams and Data Science

00:35:26: Importance of Pilots and Feedback

00:37:33: AI Implementation and Upskilling

00:39:21: Team Effort in AI Training

00:40:31: Hands-On Training and Gamification

00:42:02: Democratization of Learning

00:43:03: Bespoke Tools for Marketing and Comms

00:45:07: Mass Personalization with GenAI

00:47:12: Empowering Teams with AI

00:48:39: Encouraging Innovation and Experimentation

00:50:49: Framing AI as a Co-Intelligence

00:54:46: Ethical Implications of AI

00:57:02: Building Trust in AI

00:59:15: Transparency and Validation in AI

01:00:43: Future Focus for Communicators

01:02:13: Role of Communicators in Culture Building

01:03:53: Embracing Curiosity and Learning

01:04:48: Final Thoughts and Farewell

 

 

(Notes co-created by Humans and a variety of AI helpers, including Fireflies.ai and Flowsend.ai)