Why it matters: Communications leaders face constant change—from evolving technology to shifting workplace dynamics. Staying ahead means mastering new skills, tools, and strategies.

The big picture: Trey Sarten CCO at Anywhere, and a communications veteran, joins us to explore:

• The evolving role of communicators as strategic business partners.
• How to nurture curiosity and adaptability in a remote-first world.
• Why leveraging AI is no longer optional.

What’s next: Hear Trey’s practical advice on navigating challenges, building trust, and positioning your team for long-term success.

What’s engagement, really?

In this episode of WordBirds, Doreen Maciak from Takeda challenges the buzzword “engagement” and dives into what it truly means.

Why it matters: Engagement isn’t just about clicks and opens—it’s about aligning employees to purpose and business goals.

What you’ll learn:

• How to move beyond vanity metrics.
• Why authenticity and leadership are key to meaningful connections.
• Practical strategies to measure and improve real engagement.

🎧 Listen now to rethink your approach to engagement.

Cut the jargon. Boost the clarity.

Jolene Peixoto, Relex Solutions’ anti-marketing comms leader, joins WordBirds to challenge buzzwords and embrace plain English messaging.

Why it matters: Clear, concise communication builds trust, drives engagement, and sets your brand apart.

Key takeaway: Prove your value with data and authenticity—not empty claims.

🎧 Listen now to sharpen your message.

This special episode brings you the top insights from WordBirds Season 6, hosted by AI voices Lance and Audrina (from NotebookLM).

Why it matters: This AI-powered and hosted recap dives into must-hear lessons on intentional communication, bridging generational gaps, and building trust.

Catch up: Perfect for anyone who missed an episode—but don’t stop here. Go back and listen to each conversation in full for the stories behind the insights.

Why it matters: Communicators often get stuck in tactical roles, but real value comes from strategic influence. In this episode, Bronagh Hanley, Partner & CCO at Preface Global, shares how she built influence at companies like Netflix and Discovery, and how you can too.

Key takeaways:

• Ask "why" to uncover the strategy behind every communication.
• Build C-suite relationships by proving the business value of comms.
• Learn how one strategic move can shift your entire career.

Go deeper: Listen to Bronagh’s insights on shaping corporate communication into a business-driving force.

In this episode (part 2 of 2), we talk with Joanna Parsons about the power of measurement in internal communications. Joanna, author of Innovative Internal Communications, explains why many comms teams avoid measurement, how to align goals with business strategy, and practical ways to demonstrate value. We also explore how measuring impact can elevate internal comms from a tactical function to a strategic partner.

Why it matters:
Without clear metrics, internal comms risks being undervalued. Measurement shows leadership the real business impact — from reducing attrition to improving alignment.

The big picture:
Effective measurement connects comms to outcomes that matter: savings, revenue, or employee engagement. It's not just about people listening — it’s about showing how comms moves the business forward.

What’s next:
Learn how to build a measurement framework, communicate value to leadership, and start experimenting with data-driven strategies to strengthen your comms career.

Chris Willis and guest Michael Franklin, founder and executive director of Speechwriters of Color, dive into the complexities of communicating across a multi-generational workforce and navigating evolving workplace expectations.

Why it matters: Understanding how different generations interact in the workplace is crucial to fostering collaboration, increasing engagement, and driving organizational success.

The big picture: Good communication is universal, but tailoring messages to resonate with diverse audiences—across generational, geographical, and ideological lines—makes the difference between connection and miscommunication.

What’s next: Leaders and communicators must work together to bridge these gaps, ensuring every voice is heard while maintaining cohesion within the workforce.

Chris Willis and guest Monique Zytnik author of Internal Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, and Chairman of IABC EMEA as they explore the changing landscape of internal communications in an AI-driven world.

Why it matters: Internal communicators are pivotal in aligning communication strategies with organizational goals, fostering engagement, and reducing costs.

• AI offers tools to enhance, not replace, human communicators, reinforcing their strategic role.

The big picture: Leadership must champion effective communication to shape company culture.

• Strategic internal communications are key in navigating tech-centric environments.

What’s next: Discover practical examples of AI integration and the future of storytelling in leadership.

• Monique Zytnik challenges communicators to influence leadership and question the status quo.