SIMPPLR - Podcast Details

Shows

Cohesion Building Belonging in a Hybrid Healthcare WorkforceIn this episode of the Cohesion Podcast, Miriam Connaughton speaks with Jim O’Gorman, Chief People Officer at Included Health, about designing belonging and connectedness in a distributed healthcare workforce. Jim shares how his team reinvested office savings into ERGs and in-person experiences, how they separate orientation from onboarding, and why psychological safety matters more than ever in a dispersed workforce. From playlists and Slack channels to leadership development and DEI strategy, this episode offers practical guidance on how to build a people-first culture—with intention. Episode Segments: 1. Getting to K...

2025-08-0643 min

Cohesion Why Performance Management Needs a Rethink — and What Comes Next, with Edie GoldbergIn this insightful episode of the Cohesion Podcast, Miriam Connaughton (Chief People Officer at Simpplr) sits down with Edie Goldberg, Ph.D., founder of E. L. Goldberg & Associates and renowned future of work thought leader. With over 30 years of experience in HR strategy, talent management, and organizational effectiveness, Edie has helped countless organizations evolve how they attract, engage, and retain talent. Edie shares why traditional performance management systems fail both employees and organizations — and offers a vision for what she calls performance enablement. Drawing on research, her own practice, and her forthcoming book, she explains why ratings do...

2025-07-2242 min

Cohesion Is the Employee Engagement Era Over? With Gianna DriverIn this thought-provoking episode of the Cohesion Podcast, Miriam Connaughton (Chief People Officer at Simpplr) sits down with Gianna Driver, Chief People Officer at Lattice. A serial CPO with deep experience in the tech sector, Gianna brings a fresh perspective to one of HR’s most persistent questions: how should we really be measuring employee experience and performance? With engagement scores stagnating for decades and workforces becoming more distributed and diverse, Gianna challenges conventional wisdom on employee engagement—and explores what might come next. Drawing on data, lived experience, and her people-first philosophy, she shares what she beli...

2025-07-1045 min

Cohesion Bridging Art and Strategy: Redefining internal comms in a growing company, with Sarah KaplanIn this inspiring episode of the Cohesion Podcast, Carolyn Clark (VP of Employee Experience Strategy & Transformation at Simpplr) sits down with Sarah Kaplan, Director of Internal Communications at Smarsh. With a unique background in opera performance and a keen instinct for people-first storytelling, Sarah has led major internal transformation at Smarsh—starting from scratch just before a company acquisition and CEO transition. Sarah shares how she evolved the internal comms function from a team of one to a strategic partner to executive leadership. From ruthless prioritization to launching a global employee event across time zones, Sarah’s stor...

2025-06-2434 min

AdvoCast Daily 6-2-25 Simpplr Wins 6 Awards for its AI-Powered Employee Experience PlatformSimpplr Wins Six Awards, Setting New Standard for AI-Powered Employee Experience Platforms"These awards validate our approach to employee experience and signal Simpplr’s growing influence in the market. As organizations continue to navigate complex workplace transformations, our AI-powered platform is proving instrumental in helping them create more engaging, productive, and connected employee experiences."— Jason Klein, Director of Communications, Simpplr FEATURED LINKSOfficial Website: https://www.simpplr.comNewsroom: https://lnkd.in/g2Bu_42KPODCAST INFOHosted By: Shawn P NealShawn's LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/guGDdC55Reco...

2025-06-0304 min

Cohesion Endurance, Empathy & Executive Presence: Leading through Change, with Kelly ClarkeIn this episode, we sit down with Kelly Clarke, a seasoned internal communications leader with experience at Cisco, Meta, and Gong, to explore how endurance and empathy power executive presence in times of transformation. With a foundation in PR and a heart for human-centered leadership, Kelly shares how she’s guided companies through crises, culture shifts, and massive change—always with transparency and trust at the core. Simpplr’s Carolyn Clark, VP of Employee Experience Strategy & Transformation, joins the conversation to uncover how internal comms can drive clarity, connection, and courage at every level...

2025-05-0746 min

Cohesion Balancing Art and Science: Crafting Powerful Leadership Communication with Lisa Colella, Managing Director at CRA Admired LeadershipThis episode features an interview with Lisa Colella, Managing Director of Strategic Communications & Leadership Advisory at CRA Admired Leadership. With more than 18 years of professional experience, Lisa has worked with clients across agency, consultancy, and in-house settings. Her portfolio spans multiple industries, including fast-moving consumer goods, financial services, healthcare, and more. Previously, she was the Founder and CEO of a boutique consultancy and Global Head of Talent Communications and Marketing at Philips. In this episode, Simpplr’s Vice President of Corporate Communications and Employee Experience Strategy, Carolyn Clark, and Lisa discuss balancing formal and informal communication for ef...

2025-04-0146 min

Cohesion EX through a Marketing Lens: Elevating Brand Stories & Employee Experiences with Matt Rivera & Gary SevountsThis episode features an interview with Matt Rivera, Chief Marketing Officer at Day & Zimmermann and Gary Sevounts, Chief Marketing Officer at Simpplr. Matt has worked for Day & Zimmermann for 34 years, from payroll administrator to the first person in the marketing department. He leads a diverse team of marketers and communications professionals who contribute to a cohesive, professional and high-performing marketing organization. Gary is a veteran CMO with a track record of building high-growth demand and revenue engines, effective marketing teams, differentiated brands, and establishing categories. Previously, he was CMO at Malwarebytes, Socure, and Equifax’s Identity and Fraud Division....

2025-03-0447 min

Cohesion Once Upon a Career: Navigating Work & Leadership Through Fables with Pat Wadors, Chief Human Resources Officer at IntuitiveThis episode features an interview with Pat Wadors, Chief Human Resources Officer at Intuitive, where she leads a global organization responsible for all aspects of the company’s employee experience. Prior to joining Intuitive, Pat was the Chief People Officer at UKG and Procore Technologies. She also held multiple leadership roles at ServiceNow, LinkedIn, and Yahoo! In this episode, Miriam sits down with Pat to discuss her book Unlock Your Leadership Story, the evolution of DEI in the workplace, and the importance of storytelling for fostering connection among employees. ------------------- “ Words may change, but th...

2025-02-1847 min

Cohesion The Secret Sauce of High Engagement with Keri-Lynn Pajer, VP of HR Business Partnerships & Change Initiatives at AgeroThis episode features an interview with Keri-Lynn Pajer, Vice President of HR Business Partnerships and Change Initiatives at Agero. Keri-Lynn is a Strategy and Planning Executive with expertise in aligning organizational needs to the delivery of complex business solutions and expanded capabilities. At Agero, she previously served as the Senior Director of Internal Communications and Change Initiatives, and was the Director of Transformation Strategy at Staples. In this episode, Miriam and Keri-Lynn discuss the importance of listening to employees, the balancing act of integrating AI while maintaining human connections, and the continuous effort to maintain a culture o...

2025-02-0441 min

Humans In AI Season 2 Episode 3 | Ben Elder on Sales Leadership: From IT to Simpplr, Mentorship, Culture, and Growth StrategiesIn this conversation, Ben Elder, Regional VP of Sales, EMEA at Simpplr, shares his journey from IT sales to management. He discusses the value of early career experiences, managing inside and field sales teams, and the cultural impact of successful organisations like Rackspace. He emphasizes the value of coaching, empathy, and the need for strong foundational skills in sales while reflecting on his experiences at Symantec and the impact of company culture on performance. In this conversation, Ben Elder shares his journey from working at Meta to joining Simpplr, discussing the various roles he held, the challenges...

2025-01-3051 min

Cohesion Priorities for the Year Ahead: AI, Connectivity, and Return-to-Office with Laura Wall Klieves, VP, Head of People at MalwarebytesThis episode features an interview with Laura Wall Klieves, Head of People at Malwarebytes. Laura’s career began in automotive advertising before she pivoted to Learning & Development. At Malwarebytes, Laura leads L&D and drives internal communications initiatives by weaving together her knowledge of visual storytelling and learning to elevate the organization's leadership and management teams. In this episode, Simpplr’s Chief People Officer, Miriam Connaughton and Laura discuss HR trends for 2025. They explore strategies for improving employee engagement post-pandemic, the balance between remote work and return-to-office mandates, and the responsible integration of AI in HR processes.

2025-01-2141 min

Cohesion The Ripple Effect: Leading with Empathy, Insights and Innovation with Donald Knight & Miriam ConnaughtonThis episode features an interview with Donald Knight, Venture Partner at Valor Ventures and Miriam Connaughton, Chief People and Experience Officer at Simpplr. Donald’s expertise is in creating a culture where employees thrive and has a proven track record of constructing scalable global strategies that support international expansion. Miriam utilizes her three decades of HR consulting experience to shape and deliver a great employee experience, through dynamic HR strategies and AI-powered technology. In this episode, Shawn, Donald, and Miriam discuss the concept of high-performance cultures, how fostering human connection and empathy in the workplace can combat lo...

2025-01-071h 02

Cohesion Authentic Leadership Strategies for Building a Compassionate Workplace with Britt Byers, EVP, Human Resources North America at Kyowa KirinThis episode features an interview with Britt Byers, Executive Vice President of Human Resources North America at Kyowa Kirin. With three decades of experience, Britt has held senior roles in Pharmaceuticals like Sanofi and Novartis, as well as in financial services at Bank of America. She has deep expertise in R&D and global functions as well as Shared Service leadership with oversight for HR Operations. In this episode, Shawn and Britt discuss the importance of authentic and inclusive leadership, strategies for easing employee anxieties, and the power of showing kindness in the workplace. -------------------

2024-12-1736 min

Cohesion Rethinking Communication: The Benefits of an Email-Free Environment with Ellen Maier, Human Resources Director at ZignalyThis episode features an interview with Ellen Maier, Human Resources Director at Zignaly. Ellen is an experienced HR leader committed to enhancing remote work settings and empowering employees. With a strong background in HR and organizational psychology, she fosters an inclusive and growth-focused culture for the Zignaly team. In this episode, Shawn and Ellen discuss creating trust within a remote team, the importance of personal connections in the workplace, and benefits and practices of being an email-free organization. ------------------- “When you say email-free, it's equal to clutter-free. When you consider you're wasting so mu...

2024-12-0345 min

Cohesion Redefining L&D for Global Workforces with Sarah Lovelace, VP of People at AirbaseThis episode features an interview with Sarah Lovelace, Vice President of People at Airbase. Prior to this role, Sarah served as VP of People at Plenty, held various roles at Box, and was a Recruiting Coordinator at Google. In this episode, Shawn sits down with Sarah to discuss adapting leadership to different organizational stages, realistic and meaningful leadership development programs, and challenges and trends in global workforce management. ------------------- “You have to go through all of the seasons and you have to go through the reviews, you have to go through having a fi...

2024-11-1245 min

Cohesion Relentless Forward Progress: Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders with Brady Pyle, Chief HR & Inclusion Officer at Space Center HoustonThis episode features an interview with Brady Pyle, Chief HR & Inclusion Officer at Space Center Houston. Over a 30-year federal career, Brady held various HR leadership roles at NASA, including HR Director for the Johnson Space Center and Director of HR Services, earning two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals. In 2013, Brady created his leadership blog, OutOfThisWorldLeadership.com, which now ranks among Feedspot’s Top 100 Leadership Blogs. In this episode, Shawn and Brady discuss how space exploration's unique challenges shape forward-thinking organizational strategies, strategies for cultivating internal talent and establishing robust leadership pipelines, and utilizing AI in leadership and em...

2024-10-2951 min

Cohesion The Role of Cooperation in Surviving Apocalyptic Times with Athena Aktipis, Author & ProfessorThis episode features an interview with Athena Aktipis, author of A Field Guide to the Apocalypse: A Mostly Serious Guide to Surviving Our Wild Times. She is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Arizona State University, director of the Cooperation and Conflict Lab and co-director of the Human Generosity Project, the first large-scale collaborative project to investigate the interrelationship between biological and cultural influences on human generosity. Athena also created and co-hosts the Zombified Podcast. In this episode, Shawn sits down with Athena to discuss the dynamics of need-based transfers in societies, the...

2024-10-1551 min

Cohesion Navigating the AI Revolution in Comms with Shaun Randol, Founder of Mister EditorialThis episode features an interview with Shaun Randol, Founder of Mister Editorial, a mixternal communications newsletter. Shaun has spent a large portion of his career piloting communications for international companies such as Bloomberg and BlackRock. In this episode, Shawn and Shaun discuss the myth of planning in storytelling, the importance of adapting to new technologies, and maintaining a strategic perspective on the evolution of communications work. ------------------- “I think those of us who have 10 to 15 years left in their career, can't ignore [AI]. They should embrace it, learn to use it. Dial in to...

2024-10-0139 min

Cohesion Shifting Paradigms: How Trust Transforms Teams and Leadership with Stephen M.R. Covey, Author of The Speed of TrustThis episode features an interview with Stephen M.R. Covey, author of The Speed of Trust and Co-founder of FranklinCovey’s Global Trust Practice. He is a sought-after international speaker, who has taught trust and leadership to business, government, military, education, healthcare, and NGO entities. As the former President and CEO of the Covey Leadership Center, Stephen increased shareholder value by 67 times and grew the company to become the largest leadership development firm in the world. In this episode, Shawn sits down with Stephen to discuss the foundational concepts of trust and leadership, practical strategies for enabling aut...

2024-09-171h 02

Cohesion Why Control is for Amateurs with Rachel Happe, Founder of Engaged OrganizationsThis episode features an interview with Rachel Happe, Founder and Digital Workplace, Organization, and Community Strategist at Engaged Organizations. She started Engaged Organizations to focus on helping organizations adapt to new technologies and accelerate knowledge supply chains while improving trust, transparency, and agility. She is a sought after speaker and expert on the impact of technology on engagement, relationships, and culture and has keynoted at several digital workplace conferences. In this episode, Shawn and Rachel discuss treating employees as assets rather than machines, rewarding human contributions, and valuing emotional and social aspects in the workplace. ...

2024-09-0349 min

Cohesion Unleashing Employee Superpowers and Leader Authenticity with Sandy Gould, Chief People Officer at PinwheelThis episode features an interview with Sandy Gould, Chief People Officer at Pinwheel. Sandy has nearly three decades of experience in human resources and talent acquisition. He has worked for companies like Disney and Yahoo where he led recruitment and diversity efforts. Sandy’s mission in life is to help people unleash their super powers and lead with authenticity. In this episode, Shawn sits down with Sandy to discuss strategies for building company culture, insights into building trust and fostering psychological safety, and injecting humanity into HR. ------------------- “There is one mission for HR, a...

2024-08-2059 min

Cohesion Digital Alchemy: Building Human Connection in a Tech World with Kosheno Moore, VP & Digital Community Leader – Regional Center Satellite, Fidelity InvestmentsThis episode features an interview with Kosheno Moore, Vice President and Digital Community Leader for Regional Center Satellite at Fidelity Investments. Prior to joining Fidelity, she served as the Manager of CX Communications at Workday, Head of Communities at Aurea Software, Principal of Employee Communications at Jive Software, and spent 7 years at Agilent Technologies in various roles. In this episode, Shawn and Kosheno discuss strategies for creating meaningful digital connections, the future of D&I within corporate culture, and how to foster a sense of belonging among employees. ------------------- “In order to create a...

2024-08-0751 min

Cohesion Enhancing Employee Engagement in a Distracted World with Elizabeth Baskin, CEO & Executive Creative Director of Tribe, Inc.This episode features an interview with Elizabeth Baskin, CEO of Tribe, Inc., an internal communications boutique working with global brands. Before launching Tribe, she was the CEO of consumer branding agency MATCH, and held management and creative positions at several other ad agencies. In this episode, Shawn sits down with Elizabeth to discuss the effectiveness of editorial boards and content training for global communications, strategies for maintaining employee engagement and motivation, and the need for honest communications during times of change and uncertainty. ------------------- “The very most important best practice for internal comms is...

2024-07-2345 min

Cohesion The Emotional Labor of Modern Work with Steven T. Hunt Ph.D., Work Techno-Psychologist & Author of Talent TectonicsThis episode features an interview with Steven T. Hunt Ph.D., Work Techno-Psychologist & Author of Talent Tectonics. Steve is an industry expert who has had a pivotal role in developing systems that have improved productivity and engagement of millions of employees around the globe. He is a well-known speaker, author, and thought leader on strategic human resources. In this episode, Shawn and Steve discuss how the nature of work is evolving, the cause of burnout, and how we should be using AI to make work better. ------------------- “You cannot provide excellent customer service, yo...

2024-07-0945 min

Cohesion Unlocking Workplace Magic with Trust and Engagement with Aniisu K. Verghese, Founder of IntraskopeThis episode features an interview with Aniisu K. Verghese, Founder of Intraskope, a boutique internal communications and personal branding consultancy serving global markets. Aniisu is an award-winning internal communications expert with over two decades of experience in change and transformation initiatives. He started India's first blog on internal communications in 2006 and is now the author of three books. In this episode, Shawn and Aniisu discuss inclusive internal communications, strategies for building organizational trust, and how AI is streamlining employee experience. ------------------- “I think the traditional model of doing these surveys six months, one ye...

2024-06-2550 min

Cohesion The Premium on Human Connection in the AI Era with Mike Robbins, Motivational Speaker & AuthorThis episode features an interview with Mike Robbins, motivational speaker and author. As an expert in teamwork, leadership, and emotional intelligence, Mike delivers keynotes and seminars that empower people, leaders, and teams to engage in their work, collaborate, and perform at their best. He teaches important techniques that allow individuals and organizations to be more appreciative, authentic, and effective. In this episode, Shawn and Mike discuss the limits of authenticity, how AI is affecting teams, and the difference between recognition and appreciation. ------------------- “We seek and fear change at the same time. That's pa...

2024-06-1145 min

Cohesion Navigating Organizational Blind Spots & Maximizing AI with Monique Zytnik, Global Employee Communication ExpertThis episode features an interview with Monique Zytnik. Monique is an award-winning, global internal communication leader who presents on best-practice communication at world conferences and guest lectures at universities. Her campaigns have been recognized by Gartner and the Digital Communication Awards. In this episode, Shawn sits down with Monique to discuss the misconception of authenticity, the challenge of creating culture, and why AI will never replace human creativity and connection. ------------------- “I don't have a car anymore, but when I did, that little blind spot that you have when you're trying to go aro...

2024-05-2854 min

Cohesion Ethical AI, Automation, and the Future of Employment with Christina Kucek, Executive Director of Intelligent Automation at CAIThis episode features an interview with Christina Kucek, Executive Director of Intelligent Automation at CAI. She has over 15 years of consulting experience in delivering cutting-edge implementations in Conversational AI, natural language processing, and robotics process automation. At CAI, Christina guides clients through their automation journeys while delivering innovative solutions. In this episode, Shawn and Christina discuss the impact of AI on employee experience: from onboarding to accelerating workflows to building in ethics. ------------------- “Employee retention a lot of times can be impacted by their first week or two of employment. They get their ma...

2024-05-1448 min

Cohesion Building Better Workplaces with Human Centricity with Hamza Khan, Future of Work & Leadership ExpertThis episode features an interview with Hamza Khan, Future of Work and Leadership Expert. He is the best-selling author of Leadership Reinvented and The Burnout Gamble and is a two-time TEDx Speaker. Hamza challenges organizations to rehumanize their workplaces to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth. His clients include Microsoft, Deloitte, and TikTok. In this episode, Shawn sits down with Hamza to discuss why work is not working, how to make employees owners, and the no day work week. ------------------- “If you invest in employee engagement and well-being, then it turns all the other pr...

2024-04-3049 min

Cohesion The Future of Employee Experience with Jordan Katz, Chief Insights Officer at SimpplrThis episode features an interview with Jordan Katz, Chief Insights Officer at Simpplr. Jordan advises organizations on the influential use of data and analytics to develop strategies that predict outcomes and increase performance. Prior to Simpplr, he was one of the Heads of Employee Experience Strategy at Qualtrics and has consulted hundreds of SaaS companies and global organizations. In this episode, Shawn and Jordan dive into Simpplr’s Future of Employee Experience Report. They discuss the importance of personalized and efficient communication platforms, analyzing diverse data sources to create a seamless employee experience, and taking a human-centered ap...

2024-04-1655 min

Cohesion The State of Internal Communications with Jordan Katz, Chief Insights Officer at SimpplrThis episode features an interview with Jordan Katz, Chief Insights Officer at Simpplr. Jordan advises organizations on the influential use of data and analytics to develop strategies that predict outcomes and increase performance. Prior to Simpplr, he was one of the Heads of Employee Experience Strategy at Qualtrics and has consulted hundreds of SaaS companies and global organizations. In this episode, Shawn and Jordan dig into Simpplr’s 2024 State of Internal Communications Report. They discuss the most surprising results, creating highly effective teams, and using AI to tailor messages. ------------------- “We're creating not a ti...

2024-04-0252 min

Cohesion Evolving HR Practices in the Age of AI with Josh Bersin, Founder & CEO of The Josh Bersin CompanyThis episode features an interview with Josh Bersin, Founder and CEO of The Josh Bersin Company. Josh is an analyst, author, educator, and thought leader focusing on the global talent market and the challenges and trends impacting business workforces. He studies the world of work, HR and leadership practices, and is often cited as one of the leading HR and workplace industry analysts in the world. In this episode, Shawn and Josh discuss the post-industrial workforce, building dynamic organizations, and creating superpowered HR through AI. ------------------- “AI is not magic. It's not going to...

2024-03-1944 min

Cohesion The Cohesion Podcast is Back!The Cohesion podcast is back with more exciting episodes! Shawn Pfunder, Communications and Employee Engagement Director extraordinaire is taking over the role of host. Previously this season, we had some amazing guests including CEOs, Founders, and Chief People Officers. They shared valuable tips on creating a world-class employee experience, transforming culture, rebuilding trust after layoffs, and empowering every employee to be a leader. In the second half of the season, we're bringing new voices into the mix! We'll be talking to consultants, motivational speakers, and future of work experts. We'll dive deep into the intersection...

2024-03-1201 min

Employee Engagement Examples of Excellence 2024: What’s next for IC and EX?This episode features an interview with Carolyn Clark, VP of Employee Experience Strategy at Simpplr. Carolyn is a seasoned leader and expert in all facets of communication; from producing broadcast news, to consumer and product public relations, media relations and corporate communications. With experience at major tech companies such as Yahoo, Pandora, GoDaddy and Opendoor, Carolyn has led countless transitions, navigated more crises than she can count, and shepherded thousands of employees through complex acquisitions and integrations. At Simpplr, Carolyn drives innovation and reimagining how employee communication is delivered in today's world In this...

2024-02-2131 min

Cohesion A Special Message From Cohesion Host, Amanda BerryIn this short episode, Amanda Berry has a special message for the Cohesion Podcast audience. After two years and speaking with over 50 employee experience experts, Amanda is moving on from the host position. For now, Cohesion is taking a short break to prep for Season 3 of the show. Thank you for listening to and watching the Cohesion Podcast! Take care and we’ll see you soon! ------------------- Links: Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn www.simpplr.com/podcast

2023-12-1902 min

Data Driven - Learn essential data literacy, AI and storytelling skills to future proof your career and fuel data informed decisions Personalizing Employee Relationships with AI -- Carolyn Clark // SimpplrCarolyn Clark, Vice President of Employee Experience Strategy at Simpplr, discusses AI in employee engagement. Forward-thinking businesses recognize internal communications as a key strategic asset, acknowledging its role in fostering retention, revenue growth, and heightened productivity. Yet, quantifying the direct influence of communication initiatives on business results poses a challenge. Today, Carolyn shares her insights on measuring the impact of internal comms on employee engagement.Connect With: Carolyn Clark: Website // LinkedInData Driven Podcast: Email // LinkedIn // TwitterDominic Bohan: Website // LinkedIn // Twitter

2023-12-1523 min

Data Driven - Learn essential data literacy, AI and storytelling skills to future proof your career and fuel data informed decisions AI-Driven Employee Engagement -- Carolyn Clark // SimpplrCarolyn Clark, Vice President of Employee Experience Strategy at Simpplr, discusses AI in employee engagement. Using AI, companies can efficiently analyze vast amounts of data, anticipate employee needs, and deliver tailored experiences. This contrasts with manual engagement efforts that often rely on limited data interpretation, resulting in a less efficient approach to boosting employee morale and satisfaction. Today, Carolyn shares her insights on AI-driven engagement.Connect With: Carolyn Clark: Website // LinkedInData Driven Podcast: Email // LinkedIn // TwitterDominic Bohan: Website // LinkedIn // Twitter

2023-12-1428 min

Cohesion Transforming the Flawed Nature of HR Tech with William Tincup, President & Editor-at-Large at RecruitingDaily.comThis episode features an interview with William Tincup, President and Editor-at-Large of RecruitingDaily.com. William is a writer, speaker, consultant, and investor at the intersection of HR and technology. He has spent the last 20 years studying all aspects of HR and talent acquisition, including practitioners and the tech that serves them. In this episode, Amanda sits down with William to discuss the excessive amount of tech in HR, user satisfaction versus adoption, and why the ROI of tech is flawed. ------------------- “What I learned when I was studying user adoption years ago, is th...

2023-12-121h 18

Cohesion Partnering With Product and Tech for a Better Employee Experience with Shawnee Irmen-De Anda, Chief People Officer at ThriveworksThis episode features an interview with Shawnee Irmen-De Anda, Chief People Officer at Thriveworks. Shawnee has two decades of experience serving as a human resources strategic business partner for growing and well-established healthcare organizations. At Thriveworks, Shawnee leads a first-class people strategy, focusing on expanding team potential and empowering sustainable growth. In this episode, Amanda sits down with Shawnee to discuss creating brand awareness while recruiting, incorporating tech into the employee experience, and fighting burnout during times of crisis. ------------------- “I think in healthcare, technology should always enhance but not replace that human-to-human co...

2023-11-2830 min

Cohesion Why Every Employee Should Be a Leader with Betsy Leatherman, Global President of Consulting Services at Leadership CircleThis episode features an interview with Betsy Leatherman, Global President of Consulting Services at Leadership Circle. Betsy has 10 years of experience transforming executives and middle managers into exceptional leaders. In her current role, Betsy helps clients become more effective leaders so they can make decisions that engage and motivate members of their organizations and customers they serve. In this episode, Amanda and Betsy discuss leadership development, common mistakes leaders make during layoffs, and the two leadership orientations. ------------------- “The rubber meets the road at the middle manager. Because, even if you've got a gre...

2023-11-1452 min

Cohesion Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Transforming Culture with Brian Brockman, VP of Communications, US & Canada at Nissan Motor CorporationThis episode features an interview with Brian Brockman, VP of Communications, US & Canada at Nissan Motor Corporation. At Nissan, Brian is responsible for telling the brand’s transformation story, protecting company reputation, and promoting strong product messages to both internal and external audiences. Previously, he served as the Director of Communications where he led efforts around new vehicle launches, product lifecycle, and regional operations. In this episode, Amanda sits down with Brian to discuss transforming work culture, crafting an equitable employee experience, and how internal and external communications can flow together. ------------------- “Once you g...

2023-10-3132 min

Cohesion Investing in Team Upskilling and Technology to Improve Efficiency with Preston Lewis, Founder & CEO of IntacticThis episode features an interview with Preston Lewis, Founder and CEO of Intactic, a modern communications company focused on creating human-centric experiences for people at work. Over the last 20 years, Preston has partnered with respected companies to develop and implement communication and behavior change campaigns. He is a sought after employee engagement, internal communications, and enterprise transformation expert and can often be found speaking about the future of work. In this episode, Amanda sits down with Preston to discuss the modern employee experience, investing in technology and upskilling teams, and how to create a human-centric work experience.

2023-10-1746 min

Cohesion Rebuilding Trust After Layoffs, Mergers & Acquisitions with Julia Christenson, U.S. Employee Experience Chair at EdelmanThis episode features an interview with Julia Christenson, U.S. Employee Experience Chair at Edelman. Julia has over 15 years of experience helping clients design employee engagement programs to drive stability and connection. She has developed employee sentiment dashboards, manager trainings, go-to-market message plans, and culture roadmaps. Prior to joining Edelman, Julia led the People Advisory Services at EY and organizational change management at IBM. In this episode, Amanda and Julia discuss the sticky factor of employee experience, the power of employee recognition, and how to establish trust in difficult times. ------------------- “I think on...

2023-10-0348 min

Cohesion Enabling HR Through AI with Rajamma Krishnamurthy, Senior Director of Enterprise AI Strategy at MicrosoftThis episode features an interview with Rajamma Krishnamurthy, Senior Director and Leader of Enterprise AI Strategy at Microsoft. Rajamma has over two decades of experience empowering human resources through technology at Fortune 100 companies. She has led large scale digital transformations and has managed teams across the globe. In this episode, Amanda sits down with Rajamma to discuss enabling HR through AI, tackling biases, and improving the employee lifecycle with AI. ------------------- “Think of AI as your caddie that's going to walk in with all of your golf clubs. They will even tell you wh...

2023-09-1936 min

Cohesion Keeping Company Values Fresh with Ann Melinger, CEO & Owner of Brilliant InkThis episode features an interview with Ann Melinger, CEO and Owner of Brilliant Ink, an agency dedicated to designing meaningful employee experiences. Ann has spent the last two decades counseling organizations on improving business results and employee engagement. In this episode, Amanda and Ann discuss refreshing company values, engaging with hands-on employees, and how language factors into inclusivity. ------------------- “Typically, we see companies refresh their values every five to 10 years. But, what we really encourage is that companies should revisit their values, intentionally, at least once a year. Sit back, take a look at...

2023-09-0547 min

Cohesion Me, We, & World Dimensions of Employee Experience with Nell Derick Debevoise, Founder of 3D PerformanceThis episode features an interview with Nell Derick Debevoise, Founder of 3D Performance. She has spent her career helping purpose-driven leaders expand their impact, grow their businesses, and build powerful legacies. Nell is also a Partner at PurposeFused, author of Going First, and a Senior Contributor for Forbes. In this episode, Amanda sits down with Nell to discuss purposeful leadership, implementing a growth mindset, and the Me, We, and World dimensions of employee experience. ------------------- “There has to be a willingness and investment in self-awareness and reflection as a starting block. But without th...

2023-08-221h 05

Cohesion Work-Life Harmony, Not Balance with Marla J. Albertie, Owner & Founder of Truth Speaks GroupThis episode features an interview with Marla J. Albertie, Owner and Founder of Truth Speaks Group, a multimedia coaching company that helps women create strategies for work-life integration. She is also the Founder and President of I/O for Teens, a program that teaches adolescents transferable life and career skills. Marla is a certified life, career, and executive coach and has authored several books on work-life harmony. In this episode, Amanda and Marla discuss why cultural fit is a myth, how to brag about yourself, and what we’re getting wrong about DE&I. -------------------...

2023-08-081h 02

Cohesion Personalizing Employee Wellbeing With Technology With Tan Le, Founder & CEO of EMOTIVThis episode features an interview with Tan Le, Founder and CEO of EMOTIV. Tan is an innovator, entrepreneur, speaker, and award-winning industry leader. Founded in 2011, EMOTIV is a bioinformatics company that uses electroencephalography (EEG) to better understand the human brain and accelerate brain research globally. EMOTIV’s braintech is cited by more than 19,000 research papers, representing breakthroughs in research for a range of diseases, brain impairments, and educational modalities. In this episode, Amanda and Tan discuss using science to improve employee experience, personalizing wellbeing, and the cost of task switching. ------------------- “The nice thin...

2023-07-2541 min

Cohesion AI Tools, Concerns, and Possibilities with Carolyn Clark & Shaun RandolThis episode features an interview with Carolyn Clark and Shaun Randol. Carolyn is the VP of Employee Experience Strategy and Transformation at Simpplr, where she elevates the employee experience by driving innovation and revitalizing how employee communication is delivered. Prior to Simpplr, she led internal and HR communication at companies like Yahoo, Pandora, and GoDaddy. Shaun is the Editor-in-Chief of Digital Publications at Lam Research and the Founder of Mister Editorial, a mixternal communications newsletter. Previously, he spent 13 years leading communications at Bloomberg, BlackRock, and Splunk. In this episode, Amanda, Carolyn, and Shaun take on the vast...

2023-07-111h 10

Cohesion Improving Trust and Employee Experience Through Pay Transparency with Lexi Clarke, Chief People Officer at PayscaleThis episode features an interview with Lexi Clarke, Chief People Officer at Payscale, a leading provider of compensation data, software and services. Lexi leads the company’s internal HR strategies for over 600 employees around the world. With over 14 years of experience at companies like Convoy, Redfin, and Boeing, she is an expert in people-first HR leadership, workforce growth strategy, and compensation best practices. In this episode, Amanda sits down with Lexi to discuss pay transparency, measuring your worth as an employee, and discussing salary in the interview process. ------------------- “I think overall, we're starti...

2023-06-2045 min

Cohesion If You Want a Better Employee Experience, Listen to Employees with Ephraim Freed, Customer Growth Manager of Reality Labs at MetaThis episode features an interview with Ephraim “Phrai” Freed, Customer Growth Manager of Reality Labs at Meta. Phrai helps growing companies create impactful experiences through community, productivity, and performance while enriching the lives of employees. His digital strategist and communications expertise has been shaped at companies like Magic Leap and Riot Games. In this episode, Amanda sits down with Phrai to discuss AI’s impact on internal communications, the value of cross-functional relationships, and why an equitable employee experience is critical. ------------------- “You should be spending time in your stores, in the back room, wa...

2023-06-0645 min

Cohesion Advancing Careers Through an Inclusive Employee Experience with Pratiksha Patel, Chief People Officer at BranchThis episode features an interview with Pratiksha Patel, Chief People Officer at Branch. Pratiksha has more than two decades of experience driving employee engagement in hybrid, office-based, and remote cultures. Prior to Branch, she served as the Senior Vice President of People at CB Insights and as a Talent Expert at McKinsey & Company. In this episode, Amanda and Pratiksha discuss meeting workers’ expectations, inclusivity, and upskilling employees. ------------------- “To create conditions where a highly diverse company and team works well together, can bring all of their ideas, bring the varied perspective that we so d...

2023-05-1633 min

Conversations with Women in Sales 153: Keep Your Personal Brand Positive, Katherine Andruha, SimpplrKatherine Andruha has been leading sales teams for 14 years at brands like Aruba Networks, Anaplan, Sugar CRM, Cloudflare, and now at Simpplr. Katherine's advice, "Focus on your job, and hit your numbers - you'll be OK" - She also advises to speak up about your career goals and be intentional. Katherine is now focused on strategy in her leadership roles. She encourages women to not just settle for a position - "life is too short to work for a crappy boss" - words to live by.

2023-05-0919 min

Cohesion Communicating with Respect and Empathy During Turbulent Times with Barbara Massa, Simpplr Board MemberThis episode features an interview with Barbara Massa, board member of Simpplr. Barbara has over 25 years of experience as a business operations leader driving workforce strategy and organizational effectiveness. Previously, she served Mandiant as the Executive Vice President and Chief of Business Operations, where she implemented the company’s first global HR system. Before joining Mandiant, Barbara led Talent & Diversity at McAfee, Inc. and was recognized for establishing a global talent management organization. In this episode, Amanda sits down with Barbara to discuss leading through turbulent times, advising companies to be more human, and thoughtfully aligning internal pa...

2023-05-0246 min

Cohesion Fostering Employee Trust Through Authentic Tone of Voice with Katherine King, Director of Employee Communications at EtsyThis episode features an interview with Katherine King, Director of Employee Communications at Etsy. She has been with the global ecommerce company since 2018, serving the internal communications function through Etsy’s massive growth. Previously, Katherine was a dialogue strategist where she developed brands’ customer-facing tone of voice for clients like American Express, Gerber, and Southwest Airlines. In this episode, Amanda and Katherine discuss the spectrum of tone and voice, key business relationships that improve employee communications, and helping leaders develop empathetic messages. ------------------- “A reliable tone breeds familiarity, and familiarity is the precursor to tru...

2023-04-1849 min

Cohesion Improving Business Outcomes Through Psychological Safety with Will Leahy and Layla Kajer of GreenhouseThis episode features an interview with Will Leahy, VP of People Development and Business Partners at Greenhouse; and Layla Kajer, Director of People Experience at Greenhouse. Will leads people development, focusing on optimizing performance, career growth, and driving culture. Layla spearheads people experience where she creates productive, connected, and empowering work environments for employees. In this episode, Amanda sits down with Will and Layla as they dive into psychological safety, vulnerability, and leading by example. ------------------- “The power of vulnerability is limitless and it takes bravery and it takes courage. [...] That vulnerability from a l...

2023-04-0457 min

Cohesion Balancing Cognitive and Emotional Culture for a Harmonious Employee Experience with Laila Tarraf, Author of “Strong Like Water”This episode features an interview with Laila Tarraf, author of Strong Like Water. After losing her parents and husband, Laila learned that compassion was essential in her personal and professional life. Prior to writing her book, Laila served as the Chief People Officer for Allbirds and Peet’s Coffee, and was the Vice President of HR for Walmart.com. In this episode, Amanda sits down with Laila to discuss leading with love, harmony between company values and felt experience, and psychological safety. ------------------- “It matters more that what your stated values are mirror the f...

2023-03-2138 min

Cohesion Building a Better Employee Experience for Frontline Workers Through Mobile-First Technology with Hannah Bolte, Director of Marketing & Communications at Lozier CorporationThis episode features an interview with Hannah Bolte, Director of Marketing and Communications at Lozier Corporation. Starting as a print and television reporter, Hannah uses her journalism expertise to craft internal, external, and crisis communications strategies and content. In this episode, Amanda and Hannah discuss Lozier’s mobile-first employee experience platform, reaching deskless workers, and intentional communications. ------------------- "The bulk of our employees work in a manufacturing facility. They don't have email access and their jobs are in the plant, it's not sitting at a desk. We approached the intranet in finding an in...

2023-03-0738 min

Cohesion Cohesion Highlights: Employee Feedback, Building Culture, a Seat at the Table, Advice, and ROI

2023-02-2114 min

Human Capital Leadership S43E14 - The Findings of Simpplr’s Anywhere Work Survey, with Mike BagliettoIn this HCI Podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Mike Baglietto about the findings of Simpplr's Anywhere Work survey. Mike Baglietto (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebaglietto/) is senior director of product marketing at Simpplr, the leading AI-powered employee experience platform. Mike has 15+ years experience developing marketing strategies, campaigns and content for addressing the needs of targeted audiences. His experience spans from product management and product marketing to demand generation and social media. He excels at distilling complex technical concepts into understandable, relatable materials and discourse, fueling conversations and motivating buyers. Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon...

2023-02-1524 min

Cohesion Improving The Remote Work Experience with Chase Warrington, Head of Remote at DoistThis episode features an interview with Chase Warrington, Head of Remote at Doist, a leading remote-first company. Having worked remotely since 2009, Chase has managed teams across all timezones and is passionate about the future of work. He has been named a LinkedIn Top Voice for Remote Work, a Global Top 50 Remote Enabler by Remote.com, and is a frequent contributor to the world’s top remote-work outlets such as Forbes, BBC, and AP. In this episode, Amanda and Chase dive into remote work; discussing challenges, experience, and what companies get wrong. ------------------- “What I wo...

2023-02-0741 min

Cohesion The ROI of Employee Recognition with Pinaki Kathiari, CEO & Owner of Local WisdomThis episode features an interview with Pinaki Kathiari, CEO and owner of Local Wisdom, a digital communications agency. Pinaki’s experience spans two decades serving global Fortune companies, startups, and multi-industry agencies. He’s also the co-founder of Resource Hero, Vice President of Professional Development for the IABC Tristate Area Chapter, and a Business Mentor for WOMEN Unlimited, Inc. In this episode, Amanda sits down with Pinaki to discuss his communications team maturity model, the ROI of employee recognition, and the value of a digital communications presence. ------------------- “If people don't know how they're...

2023-01-2445 min

Cohesion Internal Comms Mistakes, Perceptions, and Inspirations with Carolyn Clark, Julie Miller, & Paralee JohnsonThis episode features a roundtable discussion with Carolyn Clark, VP of Employee Experience Strategy and Transformation at Simpplr; Julie Miller, Senior Internal Communications Specialist at Simpplr; and Paralee Johnson, Senior Manager of Community and Content at Simpplr. In this episode, Carolyn, Julie, and Paralee discuss how they wish Internal Comms to be perceived, learning from their mistakes, and trends they’re looking forward to in 2023. ------------------- “We could do everything possible in our tool belt of tools for comms and something can still fail in the eyes of stakeholders. It's really important not to t...

2023-01-1058 min

Cohesion Driving Engagement Through Communications with Olga Skouteli, Head of Culture & Engagement at LiliumThis episode features an interview with Olga Skouteli, Head of Culture and Engagement at Lilium, a high-growth scale-up revolutionizing aviation. Olga specializes in developing and delivering engagement, internal communications, and Diversity and Inclusion strategies. Olga previously served as an employee experience consultant for global organizations like Rolls-Royce, Visa, and Nestlé where she transformed their culture and employee experience to drive business results. In this episode, Amanda and Olga discuss breaking down silos, nuances of language, and their hopes for internal communications in 2023. ------------------- “I would like to see communicators be part of the con...

2022-12-2030 min

Cohesion Coaching Leaders To Be Effective Communicators with Tyler Muse, CEO & Founder of Lingo LiveThis episode features an interview with Tyler Muse, CEO and Founder of Lingo Live, a one-on-one leadership coaching program. Prior to starting Lingo Live, Tyler worked as an analyst for GE Energy Financial Services, where he focused on underwriting and portfolio management of energy investments. He also founded an internationally-focused mentorship program for multilingual youth in New York City. In this episode, Amanda sits down with Tyler to discuss work trends like “quiet quitting”, how to motivate leaders to invest in coaching, and the inspiration he draws from Maya Angelou. ------------------- “Maya Angelou famous...

2022-11-2946 min

Cohesion Establishing a Grassroots Communication Strategy with People Managers with Laura Borland, TA and Clinical Communications Director at WatersThis episode features an interview with Laura Borland, TA and Clinical Communications Director at Waters. Unlike most communications professionals, Laura has a PhD in Analytical Chemistry and began her career as a science consultant and government project manager. She found her passion in supporting scientists and communicating their stories to drive business outcomes. In this episode, Amanda and Laura discuss manager-led communications, strategies for reaching people globally, and helping leaders become better communicators. ------------------- “Executives need to identify that the managers are your best representatives of the employee base. They're the ones that ar...

2022-11-0836 min

Cohesion Strategic Thinking is More Important Than Wordsmithing with Tina Hawkins, Senior Director of Internal Communications at the NBAThis episode features an interview with Tina Hawkins, Senior Director of Internal Communications at the NBA. Tina partners with business leaders to enhance employee performance through change management with a focus on workplace experience. In this episode, Amanda and Tina discuss aligning values externally and internally, keeping communication casual, and how to hold space for employees and leaders to have critical conversations. ------------------- “Don't over emphasize the writing. Things like the wordsmithing, the grammar, et cetera. That's table stakes. It's the strategic thinking that's the most important. What are we trying to achieve wi...

2022-10-1136 min

Cohesion Connecting the Dots to Build a Thriving Workplace with Victoria Dew, CEO of Dewpoint CommunicationsThis episode features an interview with Victoria Dew, CEO of Dewpoint Communications. Victoria is a leader of employee experience and future of work, with more than 15 years of global internal communications expertise. In this episode, Amanda sits down with Victoria to discuss how the pandemic affected DE&I, what we can learn from Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and why to stop waiting for a seat at the table. ------------------- “When we talk about what does the ideal employee experience look like, it's a way that accounts for all the factors that help a human...

2022-09-2741 min

Cohesion Turning Words into Actions with Natalie Ridsdale, Director of Internal Communications at Levi Strauss & Co.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. ------------------- “My number one piece of advice when I talk to people is, don't ask a question if you're not goi...

2022-09-1335 min

Cohesion Remaining Creative in The Face of Pushback with Beth Collier, Founder of Beth Collier ConsultingThis episode features an interview with Beth Collier, founder of Beth Collier Consulting. She has spent 20 years helping people and companies become better, more connected leaders through communication. In this episode, Amanda sits down with Beth to discuss what pop culture can teach us about communications, the impact of creativity, and how to turn leaders into effective communicators. ------------------- “You've got to be courageous if you want to be creative, because it is hard to put ideas in front of people that by definition, they're going to be new and different. Be...

2022-08-3041 min

Cohesion Innovation in Internal Comms and Why We Have to Set an Example with Kristin Hancock, VP of Community and Engagement at ICologyThis episode features an interview with Kristin Hancock, Vice President of Community and Engagement at ICology. Kristin’s passion for communications fueled her career at organizations like Ronald McDonald House and Children’s Wish Foundation. Kristin has over a decade of experience connecting humans through meaningful messages. She also has a flair for astrology and offers birth chart readings for people and pets! In this episode, Amanda and Kristin discuss how ICology improves culture, how to make connections instead of network, and Kristin reads Amanda’s birth chart. ------------------- “We carry with us experienc...

2022-08-1636 min

Cohesion Creating a Better Employee Experience During a Merger with Michelle Press, Director of Corporate Communications at Envoy SolutionsThis episode features an interview with Michelle Press, Director of Corporate Communications at Envoy Solutions. Michelle has over 25 years of experience leading merger and acquisition communications, community relations, and change management. Previously, Michelle’s leadership roles include KemperLesnik, UL Solutions, and Golin. In this episode, Amanda and Michelle open their playbooks on mergers and acquisitions. They discuss the dos and don'ts of a communications plan, the channels and tech that help navigate this shift, and what Michelle has learned throughout her career. ------------------- “If you think about it from an acquisition standpoint, the thin...

2022-08-0240 min

Cohesion Creating an Equitable Workplace Culture with Suman Gopalan, Chief HR Officer at FreshworksThis episode features an interview with Suman Gopalan, Chief HR Officer at Freshworks. Suman has spent her entire professional career in HR, holding positions at publicly traded companies like The Nielsen Company, Dell Technologies, and Whirlpool. At Freshworks, Suman pilots the global people strategy to develop and engage their employees. In this episode, Amanda and Suman examine diversity in the workplace. They discuss Suman’s passion for women in the workforce, key elements of workplace culture, and why it's better to hire people that add to that culture versus fitting in. ------------------- “There is n...

2022-07-1939 min

Cohesion The Ideal Employee Experience, with Stephanie Briggs, Director of Employee Experience at ivantiThis episode features an interview with Stephanie Briggs, Director of Employee Experience at ivanti. She has over ten years of experience in digital and social media marketing, where she puts storytelling at the forefront. Stephanie’s passion for storytelling doesn’t stop there. She is also a published horror author of the “Sophia Rey” series, in which the main character goes undercover in a cult. In this episode, Amanda and Stephanie discuss who owns employee experience in an org and how storytelling makes for powerful communications. ------------------- “Employee experience, overall, either you’ll have a subse...

2022-07-0544 min

Cohesion How a Good Employee Experience Shapes a Better Customer Experience with Mary Poppen, Chief Strategy and Customer Officer at involve.aiThis episode features an interview with Mary Poppen, Chief Strategy and Customer Officer at involve.ai. With over 2 decades of experience in customer success, executive leadership, and business consulting, Mary is dedicated to advancing the next generation of CX leaders. In this episode, Amanda sits down with Mary to discuss how a great customer experience can lead to happy employees and how to measure employee and customer satisfaction. ------------------- “Early in my career, I realized that our most happy customers had a really strong relationship with an employee or employees in our organization. Wh...

2022-06-2131 min

Cohesion The Modern Onboarding Experience with Debbie Gunning, Vice President of People at Human InterestThis episode features an interview with Debbie Gunning, Vice President of People at Human Interest. Debbie has spent the last 24 years building powerful business teams through talent acquisition, employee relations, and workplace culture. In this episode, Amanda and Debbie dive into employee onboarding. They discuss the relationship between onboarding and employee retention, the importance of culture during this time, and how Debbie’s team transitioned to a virtual onboarding experience. ------------------- “If you are a first-time HR leader entering into this, my takeaways from the last three years of having this huge scope that...

2022-06-0737 min

Cohesion Creating an Equitable Employee Experience with Danielle Tabor, Chief People Officer at EmburseThis episode features an interview with Danielle Tabor, Chief People Officer at Emburse. Danielle has over 15 years of human resources experience in the biomedical, architecture, and financial industries. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in Education from Clark University. In this episode, Amanda sits down with Danielle to discuss work-from-home burnout, HR’s ability to adapt, and the importance of an equitable employee experience. ------------------- “I really think the future of work is all about employee experience. Everything shifted with the pandemic. And as leaders, what we need to unde...

2022-05-2431 min

Cohesion Simpplr’s Live EX and The Future of Employee Experience with Parag Kulkarni, Chief Technology Officer at SimpplrThis episode features an interview with Parag Kulkarni, Chief Technology Officer at Simpplr. Parag has nearly 25 years of experience as a technology industry leader. Previously, Parag was the Senior Vice President of SaaS Engineering at Nutanix where he developed modern SaaS applications covering the customer and partner lifecycle. Parag is now heading Simpplr’s engineering and technology teams to create more value for its customers. In this episode, Amanda and Parag discuss Simpplr’s new employee communication software Live EX, intranets and employee engagement, and the personalization of communications. ------------------- “When we talk...

2022-05-1032 min

Cohesion The Modern Employee Experience with Annette Reavis, Chief People Officer at EnvoyThis episode features an interview with Annette Reavis, Chief People Officer at Envoy. Annette is an HR and business leader with over 20 years of experience. After spending 10 years at Facebook as the Vice President of HR, Annette retired. But not for long. She soon became the Chief People Officer of Root Inc. and now, Annette holds the same position at Envoy. In this episode, Annette and Amanda dive into work-life blend versus work-life balance, the modern employee experience, and how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion functions can improve. ------------------- “I know it’s controversial to sa...

2022-04-2642 min

Cohesion Building Your Brand From the Inside Out with Sophie Hamersley, Manager of Internal Communications at HubSpotThis episode features an interview with Sophie Hamersley, Manager of Internal Communications at HubSpot. With over a decade of experience under her belt, Sophie has held positions at fully integrated agencies such as RF|Binder and Image Unlimited Communications. Sophie joined HubSpot in 2018 as the Communications Manager of the Culture Team where she helped attract talent through storytelling. In this episode, Sophie and Amanda dive into all things related to company culture. They discuss why HubSpot treats culture like a product, who the best brand ambassadors are, and why communications should be delightful. -------------------

2022-04-1237 min

Cohesion Connecting the Dots of the Employee Experience with Jill Stracko, Director of Global Executive and Internal Comms at UberThis episode features an interview with Jill Stracko, Director of Global Executive and Internal Communications at Uber. Jill’s impressive career spans from Washington D.C. all the way to Silicon Valley. Jill led President Barack Obama’s writing team in the White House and once served as Senior Legislative Correspondent to then-Senator Joe Biden. On this episode, Jill sits down with Amanda to discuss her 3 principles of Internal Communications: informing and inspiring, connecting the dots, and exclusivity. They also discuss keeping PR and internal comms aligned and their love of the Oxford Comma. -------------------

2022-03-2945 min

Cohesion The Value of Understanding the Employee Experience with Ben Matthews, Senior Director of Internal Communications at NVIDIAThis episode features an interview with Ben Matthews, Senior Director of Internal Communications at NVIDIA. Ben has spent his entire career in communications. He is a recognized industry leader and speaker who has previously worked for Google, eBay, and Crown Castle. In this episode, Ben and Amanda discuss building an internal comms program from scratch, how to prove value to leaders, and why internal communicators are the imagineers of business. ------------------- “10 years ago, everyone that was saying they were internal communications, suddenly changed to be head of employee engagement. And now, I think yo...

2022-03-1540 min

Cohesion The Role of Internal Communications in Changing Workplace Culture with Andréa Topper, Director of Internal Communications at Guardant HealthThis episode features an interview with Andréa Topper, Director of Internal Communications at Guardant Health. Andréa’s path to internal comms has been anything but conventional. Starting out as a journalistic reporter and editor for publications like The Associated Press and Central Penn Business Journal, Andréa realized her passion for communicating with an audience. That passion took her to fitness company CrossFit, where she was in charge of content marketing. On this episode, Andréa sits down with Amanda to discuss how she built an internal communications function from scratch, the dos and don'ts of alt...

2022-03-0151 min

Cohesion How HR is Responsible for the Workplace Human Experience with LaToya Lyn, Chief People Officer at Help ScoutThis episode features an interview with LaToya Lyn, Chief People Officer at Help Scout. Fascinated by the connection between employee and employer, LaToya has wanted to be an HR practitioner since she was 16. Her impressive career spans multiple executive and leadership roles in HR and Talent Strategy at publicly traded billion-dollar companies like LivePerson, Compass, and Oscar Health. On this episode, LaToya sits down with Amanda to discuss how HR leaders influence the human experience in the workplace. She also shares how Tina Turner influenced her career and why CEOs are responsible for Diversity and Inclusion.

2022-02-1534 min

Cohesion ROI in 3 Steps: How Comms Plans Drive Business Outcomes with Jason Anthoine, Managing Founder at AudacityThis episode features an interview with Jason Anthoine, Managing Founder (or Head Honcho as Jason puts it) at Audacity. With more than 32 years of experience, Jason’s career includes leading global communications at GE, Newell Brands, and Verint. On this episode, Jason shares his three step process for building a successful Internal Comms plan that’s proven with ROI. He also gets into why he started his own comms consulting company and how he handles Imposter Syndrome. ------------------- “It’s so important to have your comms strategy built off your business strategy because as good a...

2022-02-0147 min

Cohesion Empathy, Advocacy, & Truth with Carolyn Clark, Head of Internal Communications and Employer Brand at OpendoorThis episode features an interview with Carolyn Clark, Head of Internal Communications and Employer Brand at Opendoor. Previously, Carolyn was the senior director of internal communications at GoDaddy and held senior internal comms roles at Pandora and Yahoo!. On today’s episode, Carolyn shares what it was like working on SNL & Late Night with Conan O’Brien, why she started her own comms consulting company, and valuable case studies from her career and teachings in crisis comms. ------------------- “In order to speak the language of engineering leaders, or even your CEO and your C-suite...

2022-01-1850 min

Cohesion A Global Comms Playbook with Leslie Quinton, VP of Comms at UbisoftThis episode features an interview with Leslie Quinton, VP of Communications at Ubisoft, a gaming company with over 20,000 employees and 40 office locations worldwide. With over 20 years of communications experience across multiple industries at companies big and small, Leslie is a walking comms playbook. On this episode, Leslie shares her must-do’s for doing global communications right, what the secret ingredient is for improving company culture, and her advice for comms leaders struggling to get company buy-in. --------------- “So one of the things that I think that companies did at the beginning and now have rea...

2022-01-0443 min

B2B Leadership Podcast Making Yourself Visible as a Leader with Dawn FarhiIn this episode of The B2B Leadership Podcast, best-selling author and leadership coach Nils Vinje speaks with Dawn Farhi, VP of Customer Success at Simpplr. Podcast highlights: 0:58 - Dawn's background - Dawn explains her current role at Simpplr. 2:36 - The concept of the intranet - How has it changed today? 7:06 - Dawn's first leadership role - How did her first role come about? 8:10 - Why you? - What did Dawn do to stand out as a candidate for her leadership role? 11:48 - Practical leadership advice...

2021-12-1431 min

Cohesion Building Trust with Executives with Guido Ditto, Sr. Manager of Internal Communications & Employer Brand, CourseraThis episode features an interview with Guido Ditto, Senior Manager of internal communications and employer brand at Coursera. Guido works with Coursera executives and teams to inform, engage, and connect colleagues around the world. Since joining the company in 2019, he has optimized information sharing with a new intranet, helped employees stay aligned to the company’s lofty mission during hypergrowth, supported the company's transition to remote work, and led comms during Coursera’s IPO. Previously, Guido led creative strategy at New York University. On today’s episode, Guido shares his takeaways and advice from scaling Coursera’s comms te...

2021-12-1445 min

Cohesion The Convergence of IT & Comms For a Better Employee Experience with Robin Merritt, SVP, Chief of Staff & Community, & Karl Mosgofian, CIO of GainsightThis episode features an interview with two distinguished executives from Gainsight, the leader in Customer Success software. Robin Merritt is the SVP and Chief of Staff & Community, and previously served as Global Head of Internal Communications at Box. Karl Mosgofian is the Chief Information Officer. He comes to Gainsight after previously serving as CIO of Harmonic, the publicly-traded leader in virtualized cable access and live video streaming. On this episode, Robin and Karl dive into best practices for how IT and Comms can work together. They also share why the roles of CIO and Chief of Staff w...

2021-11-3041 min

Cohesion Technology’s Role in Shaping Company Culture with Wendy Pfeiffer, CIO of Nutanix“I would say that one of the most important things these days is to understand that as knowledge workers, we have the ability to learn anything we need to know. You should never let lack of knowing something be a barrier. Even if you’re slower than everyone else...take the time you need. You have the ability to learn this. It’s a bit of a journey. New technology will come along. There’ll be new things to learn. There’ll be new norms. And you know what? It’s not a race. You will be able to figure this...

2021-11-1644 min

Cohesion The Critical Components of Storytelling with Laura Klieves, Senior Director of L&D & Comms at Malwarebytes“When you think about internal communications, It's so much about change management. It's about bringing people along on the journey that the CEO or the executive team have created in multiple meetings. They already know it, but now they have to turn around and communicate it. And so they have to make that their own. They have to believe it. And we as humans can really smell when somebody doesn't believe what they're saying. And so you have to just own it and practice it and know it inside and out and bring your own stories and examples to it...

2021-11-0245 min

SaaS Marketing Makeover SaaS Marketing Makeover for Webflow with Director of Brand and Communications at Simpplr, Brian BrannonIt's makeover time. In this live show, CEO and Co-founder of Directive, Garrett Mehrguth, and a SaaS marketing leader work together to build a strategy for a recognizable SaaS brand - as quickly as possible. The company will be randomly selected by spinning a wheel at the beginning of the show, and together, the two will craft a strategy for SaaS marketing leaders everywhere. Today's guest... Director of Brand and Communications at Simpplr, Brian Brannon

2021-10-2736 min

Cohesion Using Data to Improve Technology & the Human (Employee) Experience with Rajamma Krishnamurthy, Sr. Director HR Technology at Microsoft“What we forget is all of these physical and digital experiences are what you call the culture. Culture is not something that you separately write down and then everybody's like, ‘oh, this is culture.’ It is this amalgamation of all of these beautiful experiences that you have." — Rajamma Krishnamurthy -------------- Episode Timestamps: *(1:50) - How Rajamma got into human resources *(3:20) - Rajamma’s current role as senior director of HR technology at Microsoft *(4:55) - Focusing on the individual user experience at such a large scale *(7:55) - Storytime *(13:50...

2021-10-2638 min

Cohesion Recognizing & Excelling in Ambiguity with Katie Miserany, VP of Communications at Momentive“Being young and not knowing how things are supposed to go created in me this real comfort with ambiguity and the acknowledgement that there's a ton of opportunity in ambiguity. So if you can embrace that and lean into it and accept that there's no right way to do anything. Everybody's just trying to chart their own path together. And as long as you're aligned on the goals and you're organized and you're going to stay focused on the objectives that the company is trying to achieve, you can learn a lot and get a lot of responsibility really ea...

2021-10-1248 min

Cohesion TrailerYou want to create an exceptional employee experience. You want the right technology stack, the right processes in place, and you want your people to have the right information at their fingertips when they need it most. Why not learn from the best of the best? On the Cohesion podcast, you’ll hear from internal comms, IT, and HR leaders who are innovating and leading the industry forward. These visionaries are changing how things are done at some of the most innovative companies in the world. Listen in as these leaders open their playbooks and te...

2021-09-2900 min

Augment Simpplr, Unybrands,Cybereason, Flymachine,Untitled Ventures, Railsbank, Cardless, The Moot Group (TMG), Great Question, BHyve, Mobile.dev, Acelerate, Stytch, Multiplier and Proper raise funds | Clubhouse has launched its direct messaging feature | Microsoft has unveiled Windows 365 | Deskimo has launched in Singapore and Hong Kong | Bevy has acquired EventtusInvite-only social audio app, Clubhouse, has launched its direct messaging feature- Backchannel- for all users, which allows them to slide into a one-on-one chat mode or a group text format.Microsoft has unveiled Windows 365 that takes the OS to the cloud to offer a personalized PC experience for users and organizations, a new approach to cloud computing amid hybrid working.Simpplr has raised a $32M Series C from Tola Capital. Simpplr will use the new funds to develop its platform, expand its development team, and scale up to serve worldwide commercial clients.Crayhill...

2021-07-1505 min

The Empathy Edge Patrick Morrissey: How Empathy Leads to Sales and Marketing SuccessToday I have a great conversation with Patrick Morrissey, whose previous and current experience gives him an insight into how empathy can lead any sales and marketing team to success. In this episode, we talk about how empathy is a success trait in marketing and sales, what role it plays in effective storytelling, and how empathy is required to adapt to your customer’s changing needs, as well as how marketers can leverage empathy to more effectively support salespeople. He also shares how to flip the model of selling to one that is more customer-centric, and what executives need to...

2021-01-1936 min

PodCatalyst: The Official Podcast of IABC Are you sitting comfortably? Then let me tell you a story connecting with emotions and feelings. Ep. 227Welcome to episode 227 of the IABC International Podcast. On this episode Gabrielle Dolan - the highly sought-after international keynote speaker and educator on real communication and business storytelling is our guest. Gabrielle has extensive leadership experience, and is a bestselling author on business and storytelling. Along with her Jargon Free Fridays movement/global revolution (jargonfreefridays.com), Gabrielle has some of the most engaging social content that you will find online - Instagram. Here is Gabrielle's latest newsletter. Gabrielle was very excited and honoured to be announced as the winner of the inaugural IABC APAC Communicator...

2020-06-0322 min