Shows
The Navigating Disruption PodcastCould AI be Comms Secret Weapon? with Tarek KamilIn this episode of Navigating Disruption, Mike Klein & Janet Hitchen sit down with Tarek Kamil, CEO & Founder of Cerkl, to explore how AI, machine learning, and natural language processing are revolutionizing internal communication and employee engagement.What You’ll Learn:- How AI-driven personalization improves employee communication- Why internal communicators must embrace AI as a tool, not a threat- The risks of AI-powered employee monitoring – where should companies draw the line?- Why return-to-office mandates might backfire on businesses- How internal comm...2025-03-201h 19The Navigating Disruption PodcastTrusted Brilliant Partnerships with Susan JacksonIn this episode of Navigating Disruption, Mike and Janet sit down with Susan Jackson, an accomplished leader who transitioned from chemical engineering into corporate communications and sustainability leadership at BASF.With over 30 years at the company, Susan shares her unique career journey—from engineering and business roles to leading communications in a major global industrial company. She discusses the importance of business acumen in communications, the evolving role of sustainability in corporate strategy, and how effective internal communication can drive both engagement and impact.This conversation dives into:...2025-03-1359 minThe Navigating Disruption PodcastThe Communications Warrior with Shan ChatooIn this episode of Navigating Disruption, we sit down with Shan Chatoo, a self-described communications warrior who has mastered the art of making meaningful connections, speaking truth to power, and navigating disruption with resilience. With a background in both internal communication and personal training, Shan shares how her passion for strength training has shaped her professional mindset—empowering her to build confidence, develop resilience, and take bold, purpose-driven action.
From workplace challenges like navigating mergers, overcoming resistance, and influencing senior leaders, to strategies for gaining access to critical data, breaking down silos, and proving the value of internal communications, this co...2025-03-061h 13The Navigating Disruption PodcastOwning your "seat at the table" with Amanda ToddIn this episode of Navigating Disruption, hosts Janet Hitchen and Mike Klein sit down with Amanda Todd, Senior Director of Communications at Expel, to discuss the evolving role of communications in organizations today. From internal communications to corporate communications, Amanda shares how strategic clarity can transform both employee engagement and business outcomes.We explore:- The shift from internal communications to corporate communications—and why it shouldn’t be rare- How Amanda developed the Clarity Index, a proprietary system that ties communication clarity to business performance- The...2025-02-271h 23The Navigating Disruption PodcastDeeds Not Words - Managing Risk and Reputation with Natasha PlowmanHow should businesses approach communication in an era of constant disruption? In this episode of Navigating Disruption, hosts Mike Klein and Janet Hitchen sit down with senior consultant and strategic advisor Natasha Plowman to discuss the evolving role of corporate communications, reputation management, and sustainability in today's shifting landscape.
About Natasha:
Natasha has worked across communications, corporate and public affairs disciplines in wide-ranging businesses and sectors from Financial Services to FMCG. Her early career was built on a foundation of NGO and political campaigning.
A campaigner at heart, Natasha has...2025-02-051h 09The Navigating Disruption PodcastMaking Local Sense of Global Communication with with Giedrė Simanauskaitė & Vija Valentukonyte UrbanavicieneIn this episode of Navigating Disruption, hosts Mike Klein and Janet Hitchen welcome Giedrė Simanauskaitė and Vija Valentukonyte Urbanaviciene, co-founders of Partners in Comms and pioneers in internal communication in Lithuania. They discuss the evolution of internal communication, their journey in writing the first Lithuanian IC book, and the challenges of translating global communication models to fit local markets.
Key Takeaways:
✅ The shift from newsletters to strategic internal communication
✅ How companies can adapt communication for diverse, multilingual teams
✅ Practical approaches to embedding company culture across global organizations
✅ The challenges and opport...2025-01-2954 minThe Navigating Disruption PodcastNotes from the C-Suite with Christopher WadeJoin hosts Mike Klein and Janet Hitchen as they speak with Christopher Wade, VP of Internal Communication and Employee Engagement at Fresenius Medical Care. With over 20 years of global experience, Christopher shares actionable insights on aligning communication with business goals, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of engagement.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategic Alignment: Link internal communication to revenue, risk reduction, and operational success.
- Tech-Driven Solutions: Use AI and intranets to engage global, diverse teams.
- Culture Building: Embed values-driven strategies to drive employee connection and performance.
2025-01-2356 minThe Navigating Disruption PodcastEmployee Experienced: How to drive underwater with square tires with Jason AnthoineWelcome to the first episode of Navigating Disruption with co-hosts Mike Klein and Janet Hitchen.
In this episode, we sit down with Jason Anthoine, the self-styled "Employee Experienced," to unpack the evolving challenges and opportunities for leaders and communicators during disruptive times.
From exploring the nuances of employee engagement to rethinking how organizations can align communication with business priorities, Jason shares actionable insights that will leave you inspired and equipped to face today's workplace complexities.
Key Topics Covered:
- Understanding Employee Experience...2025-01-151h 14The Navigating Disruption Podcast9. Janet Hitchen - Navigating DisruptionIn this special bonus episode, hosts Mike Klein and Janet Hitchen dive into the challenges and opportunities facing organizations and communicators in today’s volatile landscape.
Episode Highlights
0:01 – Welcome and Introductions
3:13 – From Disruption to Navigation
6:36 – Organizational Complacency vs. Communication Challenges
10:08 – Emerging Risks for Communicators
13:35 – Political and Regulatory Shifts
20:28 – The Say-Do Gap and Trust
28:19 – Adapting Communication Channels
33:16 – Global Divergences and Lessons from Regional Operations
37:14 – Grounding Communication Teams for Resilience
41:50 – Defining Shared Language and Values
50:08 – Shifts in Le...2024-11-221h 04The Navigating Disruption Podcast8. Monique Zytnik - Comms and Leadership in the AI ageIn this episode, we sit down with Monique Zytnik, a global internal communication leader and author of Internal Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. Together, we explore how AI is reshaping internal communications, why strategy matters more than ever, and how communicators can empower leaders in a rapidly changing landscape.
What You’ll Learn:
- The role of AI in transforming internal communications and what this means for comms professionals
- How immersive communication can make internal messaging more engaging and impactful
- Why strategy and data ar...2024-11-0452 minThe Navigating Disruption Podcast7. EX - A Revolution or More of the Same?In this episode of Changing the Terms: The Comms Disruptors, Mike Klein is joined by internal communications and employee experience experts Lee Smith and Emma Bridger. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of employee experience (EX), employee engagement, and the role of internal communication in shaping modern workplaces. They also discuss the importance of designing human-centered workplaces and the powerful impact of intentional communication on organizational performance.
Emma and Lee share how EX is more than a buzzword—it’s about understanding the entire employee journey, from onboarding to daily interactions. They dive into the...2024-10-241h 01The Navigating Disruption Podcast6. Preston Lewis - Technology and DisruptionIn this episode of Changing the Terms, host Mike Klein sits down with Preston Lewis, founder of Intactic and a communication expert with nearly 25 years of experience working with global brands. They dive deep into the evolving role of communication professionals in a world increasingly driven by AI and technology. From AI-powered platforms like Microsoft Viva to the importance of storytelling and employee experience, Preston shares key insights on how organizations can successfully integrate emerging technologies to enhance internal communication.
If you're a communication leader looking to stay ahead of the curve, this episode...2024-10-0750 minThe Navigating Disruption Podcast5. Ambuj Dixit - Shaping the Future in IndiaIn this episode of Changing the Terms, Mike sits down with Ambuj Dixit, Founder and CEO of ThoughtCom, to discuss the evolving role of internal communications in a rapidly changing world.
In this conversation, Mike and Ambuj dive deep into the opportunities and challenges facing global communicators today, with a focus on aligning the workforce, employee advocacy, and the need for internal comms professionals to stand up for what is right. Ambuj emphasizes the importance of leadership communication, tech integration, and the role of internal communicators as advisors to the C-suite.
Whether you’re navigating the complex landscape of corporate cu...2024-09-2346 minThe Navigating Disruption Podcast4. Andras Vicsek - From Broadcast to Network: Rewiring the OrganizationIn this episode, we delve into the transformative power of Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) with Andras Vicsek, Chief Innovation Officer at Maven7 and OrgMapper. Explore how ONA is revolutionizing change management, HR practices, and boosting organizational performance through strategic insights into social capital and internal networks.
Key Discussion Points:
- Innovation in HR and Organizational Development: Andras discusses his pioneering work in leveraging ONA to drive significant changes within traditional and emerging industries, including the automotive sector.
- Strategic Applications of ONA: Discover the crucial role ONA plays in mergers...2024-09-1248 minThe Navigating Disruption Podcast3. Adedoyin Jaiyesimi - Community and Connection
In this episode, we are joined by Adedoyin Jaiyesimi and we discuss the strategic roles of communication professionals worldwide and the challenges they face within organizations.
In this episode:
- Strategic Influence: Adedoyin emphasizes communication professionals' role in guiding top management and enhancing organizational trust.
- Recognition Barriers: We address the undervaluation of communication roles and clarifying common misconceptions.
- Essential Skills: Adedoyin outlines crucial skills like strategic thinking, influence, and writing for communication success.
- Senior Leadership Dynamics: We explore the importance of emotional intelligence and business literacy for engaging senior stakeholders.
- Communication Expansion: We discuss strategic...2024-09-0332 minThe Navigating Disruption Podcast2. Tan Sukhera - Show Me The DataIn this episode of The Changing The Terms Podcast, I sit down with Tan Sukhera, CEO of Piar.Co, which specializes in PR data analytics. Tan delves into the importance of integrating data across PR, marketing, and sales functions to create cohesive, impactful communication strategies in the B2B sector.
Key Discussion Points
- Blue Ocean Strategy: Tan shares how his company identifies and capitalizes on underserved niches in media intelligence, avoiding saturated markets.
- Data Integration: Learn the critical need for breaking down organizational silos to unify data and...2024-08-2543 minThe Navigating Disruption Podcast1. Darren Briggs - From Value To Risk: Disrupting the Business CaseIn this premiere episode of The Changing The Terms Podcast, I sit down with Darren Briggs, a veteran in the communication field. Darren discusses how communicators can enhance their effectiveness by focusing on risk mitigation rather than just demonstrating value. He shares practical examples from his extensive career and provides actionable insights on building stronger business cases and engaging leaders more effectively.
Key Discussion Points
- Empathizing with Leaders: Darren emphasizes the importance of understanding leaders' priorities and pain points to build trust and influence.
- Effective Listening and Questioning: Learn the critical...2024-08-1641 min