Winning IR

In today's global investment landscape, a compelling equity narrative is essential for attracting international investors. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Karen Bodner of BNY to discuss findings from BNY's recent global investor study and what truly makes an equity story resonate across borders. Karen shares insights from interviews with 40 investors managing $2 trillion in assets, highlighting the elements that build credibility and drive investment decisions worldwide. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: 

• The must-have elements of an effective equity narrative for global investors 
• Why clarity, simplicity, and segmentation are key to investor engagement 
• Common mistakes in international investor communications-and how to avoid them 
• Why "getting back to basics" is the top trend for IR teams heading into 2026 
• Practical tips for presenting strategic shifts and complex information 

Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin.

For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts.

For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin.

For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts.

For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

In today's complex energy sector, effective communication is crucial for investor relations professionals. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken speaks with Danielle Collins, Senior Investor Relations Director at Shell, about how to successfully communicate complex technical information to diverse investor audiences. Danielle shares her expertise in adapting communication strategies and building meaningful investor relationships. 

Listen to the full episode to learn more about:

• Simplifying technical energy sector concepts for both specialist and generalist investors
• Being an "IR chameleon" - adapting communication styles for different investor types
• Regional differences in investor priorities, particularly between European and North American markets
• Building effective investor relationships through detailed note-taking and meeting preparation
• Strategies for targeting and engaging investors on any budget
• Using memorable "hooks" to make company stories stand out
• The future potential of AI in streamlining IR workflows
• Creating consistent yet adaptable core messaging
• Getting valuable feedback from investors through direct engagement

Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin.

For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts.

For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

Video is transforming how companies communicate with investors and stakeholders. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Ken Goff, Head of IR at Vimeo, to explore the evolving role of video content in investor relations. Ken shares his journey from a traditional IR approach to embracing innovative digital communication methods, drawing from his experience at companies like Facebook, eBay, and now Vimeo.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about:

• The shift from conventional IR communication to video-first content
• Practical examples of using video in IR programs, from earnings calls to investor thank-you messages
• Strategies for maintaining consistent messaging across various communication channels
• Tips for IROs looking to adopt new technologies and formats
• Cost-effective solutions for implementing video content
• The future impact of AI on video creation and searchability in IR
• Best practices for starting small and scaling video communications effectively

Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin.

For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts.

For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

In this special episode of Winning IR, co-founders Mark Fasken and David Whyte discuss Irwin's recent acquisition by FactSet and reflect on the company’s evolution from a startup addressing gaps in IR technology to becoming a leading player in the space. The conversation offers unique insights into the founding story, growth journey, and strategic rationale behind the acquisition. Listen to learn about:

• The inspiration behind Irwin and how the company identified opportunities in the evolving IR landscape
• Key milestones in Irwin's growth, from challenges to building relationships and product development
• The strategic alignment between Irwin and FactSet developed through an ongoing partnership since Irwin’s inception
• Why the timing was right for the acquisition and what it means for customers and the community
• Mark & David’s commitment to maintaining Irwin's culture of innovation and customer service
• Their vision for the future of IR technology and capital markets connectivity

Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin.

For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts.

For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

About the Episode

In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Zane Keller, Head of Investor Relations at Affirm, to discuss how his decade-long experience as a buy-side investor in global financial services companies has shaped his approach to IR. Zane shares how his understanding of investor priorities has influenced his strategies for effective communication and engagement with the investment community. Listen to the full episode to learn more about:

• Zane's career journey from the buy-side to leading investor relations at Affirm
• The typical decision-making process on the buy-side and where IR can have the most impact
• Implementing effective IR processes and communication strategies
• Non-traditional interactions for building stronger relationships with investors
• Hosting successful investor days and roadshows
• The importance of gathering and utilizing investor feedback systematically
• Engaging management teams in investor relations activities
• Leveraging technology and tools like CRM systems for better IR outcomes

This episode provides valuable insights for IR professionals looking to enhance their strategies and create more meaningful engagements with the investment community.

About our Guest

Zane Keller is the Head of Investor Relations at Affirm, a leading financial technology company. Before taking on his current role, he built an extensive background in financial services, with over a decade of experience on the buy-side. He previously served as a Director and Equity Research Analyst at Barrow Hanley Global Investors, where he invested in global financial services companies across various sectors, including banking, consumer finance, and payments.

Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin.

For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts.

For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

About this episode

Investor days are crucial events for companies to showcase their strategic vision and build trust with the investment community. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Helene Dina, President and Strategy Partner at HD Strategies, to discuss best practices for planning and executing impactful investor days. Helene shares her extensive experience in strategy, operations, and investor relations, offering practical and actionable advice for running best-in-class investor days. Listen to the full episode to learn more about:

• The importance of investor days and what management aims to achieve
• Key elements for planning an impactful investor day
• Best practices for developing content and preparing speakers
• Engaging formats and creative approaches to maintain audience interest
• Common pitfalls to avoid when organizing investor days
• Measuring the success of an investor day and maintaining momentum
• Strategies for consistent communication with investors post-event

About our guest

Helene Dina is the President and Strategy Partner at HD Strategies, a unique advisory practice that provides strategic planning and communications for high-growth companies. With over 20 years of experience in strategy, operations, investor relations, and digital transformation, she has served in senior roles at various firms, including as VP of Investor Relations at The Walt Disney Company. Helene works with clients to design bold growth strategies, shape their investment narratives, and create best-in-class investor communications programs. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley.

Additional Resources

• Helene's blog
• The Three T's of Investor Presentations

Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin.

For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts.

For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

About the episode

Your time as an IRO helps instill skills that can set you up for a successful transition into executive leadership. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Michaella Gallina, Chief Financial Officer at Wave, to discuss how her time in investor relations, investment banking, and on the buy-side helped to develop the necessary skills and position her to take on the role of CFO. Michaella shares how her time in IR and the ability to position companies to drive value helped her to become a strategic partner within the leadership team and set her up for success. Listen to the full episode to learn more about:

• Michaella’s career journey from investment banking and the buy-side to IR and then ultimately to CFO
• The importance of cross-functional IROs and becoming a strategic contributor
• How to identify companies that value IR
• The IRO as a strategic thought partner
• Mentorship and career development
• Ongoing learning and professional growth

About our guest

Michaella Gallina is the Chief Financial Officer at Wave and the Vice President of Investor Relations, ESG, and productivity at H&R Block. Before taking on the CFO role, she built an impressive track record in investor relations, managing through acquisitions, activist investors, and restructuring. She was previously a consumer and technology analyst on the buy side and worked in investment banking. 

Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin.

For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts.

For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

IR is about more than just numbers–what turns an IR program from good to great is the ability to transform the numbers into narrative. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Tiffany Willis, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations at Starbucks, to discuss the art of storytelling in investor relations. Tiffany shares insights from her extensive experience in IR and offers advice to IROs looking to build their storytelling abilities, successfully manage stakeholders, and become the bridge between corporates and The Street.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about:

• Developing storytelling skills
• Crafting a compelling narrative in IR
• Aligning with executives
• Consistency in messaging
• Balancing proactive and reactive communication
• Owning your narrative
• Advice to aspiring IROs

Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin.

For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts.

For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

Retail investors are on the rise–both in volume and in assets, so how should IR teams approach their retail investor strategy? And should all public companies engage and mobilize their retail audience? In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Jeff Lambert, CEO and Founder of TiiCKER, an innovative software company that enables companies to engage, verify, and reward consumer shareholders. They discuss the importance of developing a well-thought-out retail investor strategy and the benefits it can bring, such as increased shareholder loyalty and consumer engagement. 

Listen to the full episode to learn more about:

• What shareholder loyalty programs are
• The importance of retail investor engagement
• Strategies for small-cap vs large-cap companies
• Misconceptions about retail investors
• Measuring the impact of shareholder loyalty programs
• Best practices and common mistakes
• Practical steps for IROs to start loyalty programs
• Securing budget for retail engagement

Jeff Lambert is the Founder & CEO of TiiCKER, an intelligent software platform that engages, verifies, and rewards individual investors through integrated content, shareholder rewards, and zero-commission training. Jeff is also the CEO of Lambert, a national public relations, investor relations, and marketing services firm based in Michigan. 

Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin.

For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts.

For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir