This episode features an interview with Natalie Ridsdale, Director of Internal Communications at Levi Strauss & Co. Natalie has spent the last 21 years refining her communication skills, starting out as a copy editor at newspapers and now managing employee experience at Levi’s. 

In this episode, Amanda and Natalie discuss how internal and external communications can work better together, collecting employee feedback, and how Levi’s is making space for employees to have tough conversations.

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“My number one piece of advice when I talk to people is, don't ask a question if you're not going to act on the answer. People need to know that you're going to take this feedback and do something with it. So, if you're asking something that gives people a sense that you might take steps to address it and you never planned on it, I think you're harming some of that trust in the relationship between you and the people that you're surveying. So make sure that you're asking about things you're actually going to take action on.” – Natalie Ridsdale

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Episode Timestamps:

*(01:47): Natalie’s background

*(06:12): Segment: Story Time

*(06:34): How internal and external comms can work better together

*(07:49): Segment: Getting Tactical

*(18:05): Dos and don’ts of employee surveys and feedback

*(21:35): How Levi’s holds tough conversations internally

*(24:27): Segment: Seat at the Table

*(26:57): How Natalie recommends change to leaders

*(28:27): Segment: Asking for a Friend

*(28:44): Natalie’s advice to a first time IC leader

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Links:

Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn

Levi Strauss & Co.

Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn

www.simpplr.com/podcast