Masters of Comms

Designed for HQ. Broken for the Frontline?

Why do so many digital workplace projects struggle to gain traction with frontline employees? Is the problem really the technology... or is it the assumptions behind the design? In this episode of Masters of Comms, we sit down with Suzie Robinson, Consultant and Analyst at ClearBox Consulting, to explore one of the biggest blind spots in internal communications: the frontline experience. Drawing on her own experience as a frontline employee and years of advising organizations on digital workplace strategy, Suzie explains why so many communication initiatives are designed around assumptions rather than reality. From mobile-first myths and adoption challenges to the hidden costs of overlooking frontline workers during digital workplace projects, Suzie shares what happens when organizations fail to understand how people actually work and what communication leaders can do differently. This episode will give you practical ideas to build digital experiences that work for everyone, not just the people behind a desk. Suzie advised us to read "Black Box Thinking" by Matthew Syed.

"Everything, Everywhere, All At Once" is not a channel strategy

Why do so many internal communications strategies create more noise than clarity? Is the problem really a lack of channels? Or a lack of purpose behind them? In this episode of Masters of Comms, we sit down with Collin Noronha, Head of Regional Practices in Internal Communications at Amdocs, to unpack why "everything, everywhere, all at once" is not a strategy, and how many organizations end up automating chaos instead of creating clarity. Tune in to find out more!

Your Frontline Isn’t Disengaged. Your Comms Are.

Why do so many companies say their frontline is disengaged, when the real issue might be the way they communicate? In this episode of Masters of Comms, we sit down with Pinaki Kathiari, CEO of Local Wisdom, to unpack why internal comms adoption does not fail because of the platform, but because too many organizations still rely on an old broadcast mindset. From meeting employees where they are to building real participation beyond likes and comments, Pinaki explores what it takes to create communication that feels relevant, human, and useful for frontline teams. He shares practical examples of how stronger community, better listening, and small changes in approach can improve trust, belonging, and adoption. Whether you’re a communication director or a C-level leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you move from pushing messages to creating communication people actually want to engage with. Pinaki advised us to read "Don't Believe Everything You Think" by Joseph Nguyen. Lamar advised us to read "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek.

Want Better Employee Engagement? Start With Recognition.

How do you turn a reward program into a culture-building tool? In this episode of Masters of Comms, Rochelle Oakley, Internal Comms, Culture & Engagement Partner at Beazley, shares how her team successfully rolled out a shared incentive plan, boosting participation, recognition, and trust across a global workforce. From tailoring communications for different cultural contexts to ensuring leadership buy-in and meaningful non-monetary rewards, Rochelle gives us all her tips and tricks. Whether you're building a culture of recognition or launching a new incentive program, this episode is packed with real-life tactics and global insights you can use right away. Rochelle advised us to read "Successful Employee Communication: A Practitioner's Guide to Tools, Models and Best Practice for Internal Communication" by Sue Dewhurst & Liam Fitzpatrick.

The 3 Pillars of Internal Comms: How to Make Them Work Together?

Are you ready to level up your internal communications? Masters of Comms is pleased to welcome Pravin Patil, VP-Corp Comm & Head-IC at Axis Bank. In this epsisode we dive into understanding the 3 key pillars for successful internal comms and how to best align them for superior results. Join us as Pravin reveals how when branding, content & technology join forces, internal communications shine bright. Pravin advised us to read "Ikigai: Japanese Art of staying Young.. While growing Old" by Keira Miki.

Inside Domino’s: Aligning Franchisees & Employees Through Change

Most internal comms teams have a tough enough job aligning employees. But what if the people wearing your brand don’t actually work for you? In this episode of Masters of Comms, we sit down with Stacie Barrett, Director of Internal Communications at Domino’s, to unpack how the global pizza giant keeps franchisees, frontline workers, and corporate teams aligned—even through massive transformations. It's the perfect episode to learn how to cut through the noise and drive real engagement. Stacie advised us to read "How the word is passed" by Clint Smith.

What Is Organizational Culture? Create, Celebrate, and Lead It!

What is culture, really? Is it something you can define, or does it live in the unseen moments of our teams? In this episode of Masters of Comms, we sit down with Shane Hatton—global author, leadership coach, and culture expert—to dive into the heart of workplace culture. From navigating the “Leadership Dilemma” to creating “team memes” that stick, Shane unpacks the conversations every leader needs to celebrate what matters and challenge what doesn’t. Discover how to make culture explicit, align your teams, and design a workplace where people truly belong. Shane advised us to read The Moment of Lift, by Melinda Gates. 00:00 Welcome to Masters of Comms 00:37 Meet Shane Hatton 01:39 Defining Culture 04:27 Challenges in Building Culture 07:43 The Importance of Explicit Culture 09:46 Conversations to Foster Engagement 13:55 Using Language to Shape Culture 21:54 Measuring and Tracking Culture 24:49 Final Thoughts and Recommendations 27:50 Conclusion and Farewell

How to Make Internal Communication More Inclusive?

Have you been procrastinating making your internal communication more inclusive? Not anymore. Masters of Comms is pleased to welcome Aniisu Verghese, founder of Intraskope. In this episode, we dive into what it means to have inclusive internal communication, why it is so important in the post-pandemic workplace, and how to make employees' voices heard in your organization. Join us to uncover practical steps to create an inclusive internal communication strategy. Aniisu advised us to read "The Best Place to Work: The Art and Science of Creating an Extraordinary Workplace" by Ron Friedman, PhD. 00:00 Welcome to Masters of Comms 00:45 Meet Aniisu Verghese, Founder of Intraskope 02:02 Understanding Inclusivity in Internal Communications 04:44 The Importance of Inclusivity Post-Pandemic 06:30 Challenges in Implementing Inclusive Communications 08:15 Real-World Example: Tesco's Inclusive Storytelling 10:36 Measuring Success in Inclusive Communications 11:43 Top Recommendations for Inclusive Internal Comms 12:49 Aniisu's Books on Communication 14:27 Aniisu's Book Recommendation 15:20 Conclusion

Takeda: Crafting a World-Class Employer Brand

Join us for a riveting episode of Masters of Comms featuring Diana Macovei from Takeda, where we delve into the nuanced world of employer branding. Explore how Takeda has mastered the art of fostering a vibrant workplace culture that not only attracts but also retains top talent on a global scale. From aligning internal stakeholder visions to effective storytelling that resonates worldwide, uncover the strategies that position Takeda as a top destination for pharmaceutical professionals. Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies that will help you transform your workplace into an environment where employees are empowered to succeed and thrive. Diana advised us to read "Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead" by Sheryl Sandberg.

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Who Is Responsible for Internal Communication?

Are you struggling to determine who is responsible for internal communication? Master of Comms is pleased to welcome Nandini Chatterjee, ex-CMO of 21 years at PwC, India. In this episode, we dive into which departments are responsible for which parts of internal communications and understand how best they can work collaboritively. Join us as we finally reveal the secret answer to "who is responsible for internal communication" and help you elevate your internal communications in the process. Nandini recommends us to read Booming Digital Brands, written by Harsh Pamanani.

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Navigating Change: Elevating Global Initiatives Through Communication

Tune into this episode of Masters of Comms for a deep dive into the art of change management with Hannah King, Head of Global Employer Brand and Recruitment Operations, at Straumann Group. Discover how a global leader in dental solutions navigates the complex dynamics of introducing new technologies and processes across varied cultural landscapes. We'll explore the strategies that ensure smooth transitions, foster employee buy-in, and align internal communications to drive successful organizational change. Join us to learn about the tools and techniques that make change management at Straumann Group a blueprint for success in any industry. Hannah recommends us to watch the Mr. & Mrs. Smith TV series, created by Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane.

Video at the Heart of your Internal Communication Strategy

Are you ready to smartly integrate videos into your internal communication strategy? Master of Comms is pleased to welcome Asha Panicker, independent consultant in content strategy & corporate communication. In this episode, we dive into the role of videos in business communication, real life use cases of the use of video in internal communication, the rise of smart videos and ways to measure effectiveness of video communication. Join us as we reveal the power of videos to make your internal communications future ready. Asha recommends to watch the drama series "One Day" and the movie "12th Fail" directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

How to communicate with employees during a merger

Is your organization heading for a merger? Effective employee communication is key to ensure its success. Master of Comms is pleased to welcome Preeti Sharma to guide us on the subject. Join us to reveal a step by step guide on how to ensure successful employee comms before, during and after a merger! Preeti' advised to read "Winning Minds: Secrets from the Language of Leadership" by Simon Lancaster.

Managing internal communication for a fast-growing organization

Is your organization undergoing a season of fast growth? Are you struggling to keep up with your internal communications? Master of Comms is pleased to welcome Anshul Sharma, Head of Communications & PR at Schbang. In this episode he spills the beans on how Schbang leaned in on transparency, brutal honesty and clarity to scale their internal comms as the company has been growing at an incredible pace. Join us to learn how to successful scale up your internal communications in a fast growing environment! Anshul recommends us to watch "Interstellar" directed by Christopher Nolan.

EVP: Building Stronger Employer Brands with Effective Communication

Join us on 'Masters of Comms' as we unravel the intricacies of Employee Value Propositions (EVPs) with Alastair Atkinson from ScarlettAbbott, a leading expert on the subject. Discover how a well-crafted EVP not only prevents costly employee turnovers but also becomes a magnet for attracting ideal talent, blending tangible benefits with the unique cultural ethos of your company. Alastair demystifies the difference between EVP and employer brand, emphasizing the need for authenticity in your EVP to resonate with both current and prospective employees. Tune in for an episode that transforms your perspective on EVPs, making them a cornerstone of your employer branding strategy. Alastair advised us to read "The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle" by Stuart Turton. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Employee Value Proposition (EVP) 00:37 Welcome to Masters of Comms Podcast 00:54 Guest Introduction: Alastair Atkinson 01:20 Alastair's Journey in Communication and Engagement 02:33 Overview of ScarlettAbbott 04:14 Understanding the Concept of EVP 05:08 The Importance of a Strong EVP 07:49 EVP and Employer Branding 10:35 The Importance of Articulating EVP Clearly 12:33 Examples of Companies with Effective EVP 15:14 Strategies for Conveying EVP 19:54 Resources and Tools for Developing and Communicating EVP 23:38 Keeping EVP Relevant and Resonating 26:20 Final Advice and Best Practices for Strengthening EVP 28:23 Alastair's Book Recommendation

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Experience Architects: Building Engagement in the Real & Virtual Worlds

Dive into the future of work with Paul Bennun on our latest episode! As we embrace the era of hybrid working, the workplace undergoes a dynamic shift. Join Paul as he unravels the secrets behind crafting an exceptional employee experience at DAZN, where digital channels and physical spaces seamlessly blend. Discover the challenges faced and how to strike the perfect balance between the virtual and real realms. Paul recommended the following book: "Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder" by Nicholas Taleb. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:58 Guest Introduction: Paul Bennun 01:54 Understanding DAZN 02:57 The Impact of Hybrid Working on Employee Experience 06:39 Balancing Physical and Digital for Inclusion 09:27 The Role of Leadership in Employee Experience 17:10 Measuring the Impact of Employee Experience Initiatives 18:11 Key Recommendations for Improving Employee Experience 19:26 Closing Remarks and Book Recommendation

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Elevating Your Brand: The Strategic Role of Thought Leadership

Are you struggling to set up a successful thought leadership program? Masters of Comms is pleased to welcome Peter Yorke from SunTec. In this episode, he shares their success story with clear tips on how to identify, nurture and motivate thought leaders in an organization. Join us to learn how to start and expand a successful thought leadership program and help distinguish your brand!

How to Manage the Blending of Internal & External Comms

Are you struggling to navigate the blurring lines between internal and external comms? Masters of Comms is pleased to welcome Amit Govind, Head of Internal Communication & Social Media at Tata Consultancy Services. In this episode we talk about the role of social media, mobile and storytelling in internal comms and unpack what goes into the practical process of making it a reality. Join us as we uncover the secrets to successful blended communication! 00:30 Introduction of Amit Govind 01:27 Understanding Tata Consultancy Services 04:16 Blurring Lines Between Internal & External Comms 05:53 The Role of Social Media in Internal Comms 06:14 The Importance of Employee Engagement in Internal Comms 07:49 The Impact of Mobile & Social Media in Communication 10:05 The Power of Storytelling in Internal Comms 10:23 Successful Vaccination Campaign – A Case Study 13:04 The Role of Different Departments in Communication 15:43 Challenges and Solutions in Blended Communication 21:13 The Importance of Measurement in Blended Communication 24: 21 Top 3 Recommendations for Successful Blended Communication 27:45 Conclusion & Final Thoughts

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The Power of Influence: How Effective Communication Fuels Social Selling Success

Join us in this exciting episode as we delve into "The Power of Influence: How Effective Communication Fuels Social Selling Success." We sat down with industry expert, Sandy Adam of Quest Software to uncover the secrets of building a thriving social selling strategy that has the potential to transform your business. Discover the journey of a company that initially took the leap into social selling, faced challenges, and reaped incredible rewards. 00:38 – Introduction of Sandy Adam, Global Sales Enablement Senior Manager. 00:52 – Sandy's Career Journey and Role at Quest Software 2:59 – Understanding Quest Software and Its Impact 4:28 – The Genesis of a Social Selling Strategy 7:37 – Integration of Social Selling within Existing Sales Strategy 10:48 – Content Strategy and Communication Tailoring 14:59 – Engaging and Training Sales Teams 20:30 - Measuring ROI and Success of the Program 23:21 - Key Recommendations & The future evolution of the program at Quest 27:15 - Sandy's Book and Film Recommendations

Challenges = Opportunities: Uncover How to Turn Brand Hurdles Into Success Stories!

Join us in this exciting episode, as we delve into the world of employee advocacy and its profound impact on building a strong brand reputation. Discover the secrets to harnessing the power of internal team members and external partners to take your brand to new heights. From uncovering the missing elements in your content strategy to creating consistent and fun experiences, we'll explore proven strategies to turbocharge your brand reputation. Get ready to revolutionize your brand's image. Tune in now and embark on a journey towards building a rock solid reputation through the strength of your internal & external allies. 00:30 – Introduction of Daniela Delgado, Marketing & Communications Manager at SolidCAD 1:04 – What is SolidCAD? 2:24 – Why Employee Advocacy was selected to transform communications 4:04 – The challenge of Brand Consistency 5:10 – Who gets to participate in the program? 6:48 – What's the importance of training? 9:17 – Partners are the future! 12:02 - 3 Recommendations on implementing Advocacy to improve brand reputation 14:08 - Daniela's Film Suggestion