Winning IR

S6E06: Megan Light from NextDecade on Energy IR: Shrinking Investor Pools, Self-Planned NDRs, and Writing for AI

Between shrinking pools of specialist capital, growing political risk, and a sector that now spans everything from LNG to renewables, telling a clear and compelling energy story can be tricky. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken speaks with Megan Light, a 20-year energy IR veteran, about what it takes to run a high-performing IR program in one of the most dynamic sectors in the market. Drawing on her experience across upstream, midstream, LNG, and renewable natural gas, Megan shares the practical strategies she uses to cut through the noise, expand her investor base, and earn a seat at the table. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: How reputation, political risk, and a shrinking specialist investor pool have reshaped energy IR How to tell a simple story in an industry that is anything but How Megan's team plans and runs NDRs entirely in-house, and the access that buys them Why Megan writes disclosures with AI in mind and what that means in practice Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

S6E05: Francesca DeMartino from Pfizer on Science Meets Story: Inside the IR Program at One of the World's Biggest Pharma Companies

At a company as large and complex as Pfizer, investor relations isn't just about answering questions. It's about architecting a story that works for a PhD and a generalist in the same room. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken speaks with Francesca DeMartino, Chief Investor Relations Officer at Pfizer, about what it takes to run a world-class IR program inside one of the most scientifically complex, brand-recognizable, and closely scrutinized companies on the planet. Drawing on over 25 years of experience across pharma, med tech, investment banking, and corporate communications, Francesca shares how she builds her bench, controls the narrative, and earns her seat at the table. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: Why pharma IR is unlike any other sector and what IROs everywhere can learn from it How to tailor your story for generalist and specialist investors, sometimes in the very same meeting Why Francesca abandoned traditional Q&A documents in favor of message maps and why you should too How to build an IR team that is truly fit for purpose, and what skill sets matter most The three pillars of a great IR program: storytelling, consensus management, and targeting — and how to master all three Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

S6E04: Sarah Willett from CCEP on Building a Credible Investment Story with the World's Most Recognizable Brand

Having the world's most famous brand behind you is a head start. Not a strategy. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken speaks with Sarah Willett, Head of IR and Corporate Strategy at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, about what it takes to build a rigorous, credible investment case when your company spans 31 markets, 90 factories, and one of the most iconic consumer brands on the planet. Sarah shares how deep business immersion — from factory floors to supermarket shelves — has shaped her IR approach, earned her a seat at the strategy table, and made her team one of the most sought-after in the market. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: How to build one consistent investor narrative across multiple geographies and investor audiences Why business immersion is the foundation of IRO credibility How to tell a growth story within a stable, well-understood consumer business What the IR-plus-strategy model looks like in practice — and how to earn it How CCEP is approaching AI adoption and productivity inside the IR function Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

S6E03: Samir Jain from Orange Group on Going Beyond the Institutional Playbook: IR in the Age of Bitcoin, Retail, and AI

The rules of investor engagement are being rewritten — and the IROs who see it coming are the ones getting ahead. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken speaks with Samir Jain, a seasoned IR advisor with two decades of experience as a buy-side investor and IRO, about what it takes to communicate a compelling story when your company operates at the frontier of emerging technology. Drawing on his work with companies in the Bitcoin, crypto, and AI infrastructure space, Samir shares how IR professionals can bridge the gap between traditional finance and novel asset classes, engage the growing influence of retail investors, and future-proof their careers in the face of rapid technological change. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: How to build credibility with institutional investors around emerging and misunderstood asset classes Why retail investors are the tip of the spear — and what every IRO needs to learn from the crypto playbook How to engage retail communities on Reddit, X, and beyond in a meaningful and compliant way What AI will replace in IR — and what it absolutely will not Why the IROs who thrive will be the ones who expand their remit, own proprietary information, and position themselves as peer advisors — not proxies Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

S6E02: Soham Bhonsle from Compass Building Credibility at the Intersection of Tech and Real Estate

IR professionals are expected to do far more than communicate — they're expected to lead. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken speaks with Soham Bhonsle, Head of IR and FP&A at Compass, about what it takes to tell a compelling story when your company sits at the intersection of two very different investor worlds: real estate and technology. Soham shares how his decade-long career as a sell-side analyst shaped the way he engages investors, manages narratives through major M&A, and earns a genuine seat at the table in a founder-led, high-growth company. Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

S6E01: Brett Feldman from AT&T on The Real Job of Investor Relations: Aligning Perception With Reality

What does it take to run investor relations for one of the most recognized brands in America — a company that's been public for nearly 150 years, serves tens of millions of customers, and is under constant scrutiny from investors, regulators, and the public alike? Today's guest, Brett Feldman, has the answer. As Senior Vice President — Investor Relations and Treasurer at AT&T, Brett oversees IR for a company with a market cap north of $175 billion and a retail investor base that makes up roughly a third of its shareholders — many of whom are also AT&T customers. Brett brings a perspective that's genuinely rare in IR: he started his career in IR, spent 20 years as a sell-side equity analyst, and returned to the corporate side. That full-circle experience shapes how he thinks about everything from analyst relationships to internal communications to the fundamental purpose of an investor relations function. In this conversation, Brett and Mark Fasken go deep on what it really means to align perception and reality — and why getting that wrong has a measurable cost to your company's shareholders. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: The financial case for investor relations — and why volatility is the metric that matters How AT&T communicates consistently across investors, regulators, employees, and customers The internal IR work that most companies overlook What the sell side actually cares about (and what IROs misunderstand) Why smaller companies should build relationships with analysts who are obsessed with their business — not just the ones with the biggest brand names Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

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S5E05: Jack Riehemann from Robinhood on What It Takes to Build Global Investor Relationships at Scale

In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Jack Riehemann, Head of International Investor Relations at Robinhood, to explore the company’s remarkable surge in international investor interest. Jack shares how Robinhood’s global mission, product expansion, and disciplined execution have attracted investors from Europe, Asia, and beyond—even as the company’s revenues remain largely US-based. He offers practical insights into building strong international investor relationships, understanding regional nuances, and structuring an IR team for global success. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: The key drivers behind Robinhood’s explosive international investor engagement How product innovation and brand recognition fuel global demand Navigating cultural, regulatory, and competitive differences across markets Leveraging sell-side partnerships and technology to scale global IR efforts Tips for effective meeting preparation and adapting to regional investor expectations Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

S5E04: Craig Marks from Sandoz on Navigating International Investor Engagement in Today’s Globalized Financial Markets

In today's increasingly globalized financial markets, international investor engagement is more important than ever. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Craig Marks, Head of Investor Relations at Sandoz, to discuss the practical realities of planning and executing successful international roadshows. Drawing on two decades of experience across major pharma companies, Craig shares his hands-on insights for navigating logistics, targeting the right investors, and maximizing the impact of every meeting. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: How to tailor outreach strategies for different regions and investor types The importance of detailed logistics planning, from city-by-city travel tips to private lunches Approaches for targeting, engaging, and policing brokers to ensure the right investors are reached Myths and realities about regional differences in investor engagement and conversation style The evolving role of ESG in investor relations and why its focus may be shifting Building long-term relationships by revisiting key markets and leveraging local knowledge Craig's personal tips for making investor meetings productive and memorable Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

S5E03: Damian Perry from Phoenix IR on Bridging Borders: Consulting on IR Across Regions

In today’s increasingly globalized investment landscape, North American companies are looking beyond domestic borders to grow their investor base. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken speaks with Damian Perry, co-founder of Phoenix IR, about the unique challenges and opportunities of investor relations across Europe. Damian shares his decades of experience advising North American companies on European corporate access strategies, highlighting what it takes to succeed in international markets and how independent firms like Phoenix IR offer a distinct advantage. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: The benefits of working with independent IR advisors Key factors for North American companies to successfully market themselves in Europe Which European cities offer the greatest ROI for investor meetings Navigating the impact of MiFID II regulations on corporate access and investor engagement Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

S5E02: Salwa Gradl from du on Investor Relations in the Middle East: Attracting Global Capital Amid Vision 2031

In the rapidly evolving Middle Eastern capital markets, investor relations professionals face unique opportunities and challenges. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Salwa Gradl, Head of Investor Relations at du, to explore the current state of IR in the region and how global capital is being attracted amid ambitious national strategies like UAE Vision 2031. Salwa shares her insights on building effective IR programs in a dynamic market, the impact of national transformation agendas, and the skills required to thrive as an IR leader in the Middle East. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: Navigating a fast-growing IPO landscape and increasing market liquidity Building IR processes and automating workflows with limited resources Educating internal stakeholders about the strategic value of IR Proactive outreach and transparent communication to build investor trust Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

S5E01: Karen Bodner from BNY on Telling Your Equity Story Across Borders: What Global Investors Want

In today's global investment landscape, a compelling equity narrative is essential for attracting international investors. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Karen Bodner of BNY to discuss findings from BNY's recent global investor study and what truly makes an equity story resonate across borders. Karen shares insights from interviews with 40 investors managing $2 trillion in assets, highlighting the elements that build credibility and drive investment decisions worldwide. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: The must-have elements of an effective equity narrative for global investors Why clarity, simplicity, and segmentation are key to investor engagement Common mistakes in international investor communications-and how to avoid them Why "getting back to basics" is the top trend for IR teams heading into 2026 Practical tips for presenting strategic shifts and complex information Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

Gregg Lampf, Fatma Sardina, and Krishna Rangarajan on The Role of AI in Modernizing Investor Relations

Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

S4E12: Danielle Collins from Shell on The Art of Investor Communications: Tailoring Strategies for Diverse Investor Bases

In today's complex energy sector, effective communication is crucial for investor relations professionals. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken speaks with Danielle Collins, Senior Investor Relations Director at Shell, about how to successfully communicate complex technical information to diverse investor audiences. Danielle shares her expertise in adapting communication strategies and building meaningful investor relationships. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: Simplifying technical energy sector concepts for both specialist and generalist investors Being an "IR chameleon" - adapting communication styles for different investor types Regional differences in investor priorities, particularly between European and North American markets Building effective investor relationships through detailed note-taking and meeting preparation Strategies for targeting and engaging investors on any budget Using memorable "hooks" to make company stories stand out The future potential of AI in streamlining IR workflows Creating consistent yet adaptable core messaging Getting valuable feedback from investors through direct engagement Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

S4E11: Ken Goff from Vimeo on Video Innovation: Transforming IR Communications for the Digital Age

Video is transforming how companies communicate with investors and stakeholders. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Ken Goff, Head of IR at Vimeo, to explore the evolving role of video content in investor relations. Ken shares his journey from a traditional IR approach to embracing innovative digital communication methods, drawing from his experience at companies like Facebook, eBay, and now Vimeo. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: The shift from conventional IR communication to video-first content Practical examples of using video in IR programs, from earnings calls to investor thank-you messages Strategies for maintaining consistent messaging across various communication channels Tips for IROs looking to adopt new technologies and formats Cost-effective solutions for implementing video content The future impact of AI on video creation and searchability in IR Best practices for starting small and scaling video communications effectively Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

S4E10 - Inside the Acquisition: How Irwin's Vision Aligns with FactSet's Growth Strategy

In this special episode of Winning IR, co-founders Mark Fasken and David Whyte discuss Irwin's recent acquisition by FactSet and reflect on the company’s evolution from a startup addressing gaps in IR technology to becoming a leading player in the space. The conversation offers unique insights into the founding story, growth journey, and strategic rationale behind the acquisition. Listen to learn about: The inspiration behind Irwin and how the company identified opportunities in the evolving IR landscape Key milestones in Irwin's growth, from challenges to building relationships and product development The strategic alignment between Irwin and FactSet developed through an ongoing partnership since Irwin’s inception Why the timing was right for the acquisition and what it means for customers and the community Mark & David’s commitment to maintaining Irwin's culture of innovation and customer service Their vision for the future of IR technology and capital markets connectivity Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

S4E09: Zane Keller from Affirm on The Investor's Perspective: Leveraging Buy-Side Experience in Investor Relations

About the Episode In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Zane Keller, Head of Investor Relations at Affirm, to discuss how his decade-long experience as a buy-side investor in global financial services companies has shaped his approach to IR. Zane shares how his understanding of investor priorities has influenced his strategies for effective communication and engagement with the investment community. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: Zane's career journey from the buy-side to leading investor relations at Affirm The typical decision-making process on the buy-side and where IR can have the most impact Implementing effective IR processes and communication strategies Non-traditional interactions for building stronger relationships with investors Hosting successful investor days and roadshows The importance of gathering and utilizing investor feedback systematically Engaging management teams in investor relations activities Leveraging technology and tools like CRM systems for better IR outcomes This episode provides valuable insights for IR professionals looking to enhance their strategies and create more meaningful engagements with the investment community. About our Guest Zane Keller is the Head of Investor Relations at Affirm, a leading financial technology company. Before taking on his current role, he built an extensive background in financial services, with over a decade of experience on the buy-side. He previously served as a Director and Equity Research Analyst at Barrow Hanley Global Investors, where he invested in global financial services companies across various sectors, including banking, consumer finance, and payments. Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

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S4E08: Helene Dina from HD Strategies on Mastering Investor Days: Essential Strategies for Impactful Events

About this episode Investor days are crucial events for companies to showcase their strategic vision and build trust with the investment community. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Helene Dina, President and Strategy Partner at HD Strategies, to discuss best practices for planning and executing impactful investor days. Helene shares her extensive experience in strategy, operations, and investor relations, offering practical and actionable advice for running best-in-class investor days. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: The importance of investor days and what management aims to achieve Key elements for planning an impactful investor day Best practices for developing content and preparing speakers Engaging formats and creative approaches to maintain audience interest Common pitfalls to avoid when organizing investor days Measuring the success of an investor day and maintaining momentum Strategies for consistent communication with investors post-event About our guest Helene Dina is the President and Strategy Partner at HD Strategies, a unique advisory practice that provides strategic planning and communications for high-growth companies. With over 20 years of experience in strategy, operations, investor relations, and digital transformation, she has served in senior roles at various firms, including as VP of Investor Relations at The Walt Disney Company. Helene works with clients to design bold growth strategies, shape their investment narratives, and create best-in-class investor communications programs. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley. Additional Resources Helene's blog The Three T's of Investor Presentations Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

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S4E07: Michaella Gallina from Wave on The Path to CFO: Leveraging IR Skills for Leadership Roles

About the episode Your time as an IRO helps instill skills that can set you up for a successful transition into executive leadership. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Michaella Gallina, Chief Financial Officer at Wave, to discuss how her time in investor relations, investment banking, and on the buy-side helped to develop the necessary skills and position her to take on the role of CFO. Michaella shares how her time in IR and the ability to position companies to drive value helped her to become a strategic partner within the leadership team and set her up for success. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: Michaella’s career journey from investment banking and the buy-side to IR and then ultimately to CFO The importance of cross-functional IROs and becoming a strategic contributor How to identify companies that value IR The IRO as a strategic thought partner Mentorship and career development Ongoing learning and professional growth About our guest Michaella Gallina is the Chief Financial Officer at Wave and the Vice President of Investor Relations, ESG, and productivity at H&R Block. Before taking on the CFO role, she built an impressive track record in investor relations, managing through acquisitions, activist investors, and restructuring. She was previously a consumer and technology analyst on the buy side and worked in investment banking. Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

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S4E06: Tiffany Willis from Starbucks on Owning the Narrative and Compelling Storytelling in IR

IR is about more than just numbers–what turns an IR program from good to great is the ability to transform the numbers into narrative. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Tiffany Willis, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations at Starbucks, to discuss the art of storytelling in investor relations. Tiffany shares insights from her extensive experience in IR and offers advice to IROs looking to build their storytelling abilities, successfully manage stakeholders, and become the bridge between corporates and The Street. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: Developing storytelling skills Crafting a compelling narrative in IR Aligning with executives Consistency in messaging Balancing proactive and reactive communication Owning your narrative Advice to aspiring IROs Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

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S4E05: Jeff Lambert from TiiCKER on Investing in Loyalty: The Business Case for Engaging Retail Investors

Retail investors are on the rise–both in volume and in assets, so how should IR teams approach their retail investor strategy? And should all public companies engage and mobilize their retail audience? In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken sits down with Jeff Lambert, CEO and Founder of TiiCKER, an innovative software company that enables companies to engage, verify, and reward consumer shareholders. They discuss the importance of developing a well-thought-out retail investor strategy and the benefits it can bring, such as increased shareholder loyalty and consumer engagement. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: What shareholder loyalty programs are The importance of retail investor engagement Strategies for small-cap vs large-cap companies Misconceptions about retail investors Measuring the impact of shareholder loyalty programs Best practices and common mistakes Practical steps for IROs to start loyalty programs Securing budget for retail engagement About our guest Jeff Lambert is the Founder & CEO of TiiCKER, an intelligent software platform that engages, verifies, and rewards individual investors through integrated content, shareholder rewards, and zero-commission training. Jeff is also the CEO of Lambert, a national public relations, investor relations, and marketing services firm based in Michigan. Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

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