COMMSversations Podcast With Enrico Dinges

The Intersection of Change Management and Communications

In Episode 4, we dive into a compelling conversation with Julie Ann Whitten [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewhitten/], change management consultant and author of the insightful new book, The People Stack: Why Change Fails (and What Actually Fixes It). Available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H18SB1P1 [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H18SB1P1] For a deep dive into the story behind the book visit: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/i-didnt-set-out-write-book-survive-julie-ann-whitten-ytb8e [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/i-didnt-set-out-write-book-survive-julie-ann-whitten-ytb8e] For help with organizational change or speaking opportunities visit: Julie Whitten Consulting | Empower Change Today [https://www.juliewhittenconsulting.com/] The conversation delves into the challenges of organizational change and the factors that contribute to the success or failure of change initiatives. It explores the importance of understanding the human side of change, the role of leadership, communication, and the significance of resistance as valuable data. The discussion covers the challenges of change management, including recognizing resistance, change fatigue, and the impact of technology on people. It also explores the importance of the people stack framework, user experience, and the role of communications in driving behavior change. Trust, leadership, and the key behavior for leaders to adapt are also discussed. Takeaways * Understanding the human side of change is crucial * Visible sponsorship and leadership are key to successful change initiatives Recognizing resistance is crucial * Trust and transparency are essential for successful change management. Chapters * 00:00 Understanding Change Management * 07:17 Visible Sponsorship and Leadership * 17:32 The Role of Communication in Change * 23:27 Resistance as Data and Information * 30:01 Tech Stack vs. People Stack * 41:37 Communications and Behavior Change * 47:25 Trust and Leadership

The Intersection of Communication and Sustainability

In this episode of the COMMSversations podcast, host Enrico Dinges talks with John Friedman, a business consultant and sustainability strategist, about the intersection of sustainability and communications. They explore how companies can authentically lead with purpose, the challenges of embedding sustainability into corporate strategy, and the role of communication in driving sustainability initiatives. John shares insights from his career, including his work with Sodexo and his book on managing sustainability. John’s Profile: linkedin.com/in/johnfriedman [http://linkedin.com/in/johnfriedman] Website: huffpost.com/author/jtfkrf-769 [http://huffpost.com/author/jtfkrf-769]  [https://www.huffpost.com/author/jtfkrf-769](Personal) Book: https://www.amazon.com/Managing-Sustainability-First-Steps-Class/dp/1951527747 [https://www.amazon.com/Managing-Sustainability-First-Steps-Class/dp/1951527747]     Links to data: ·        www.diversityresources.com/98-of-shareholders-say-no-to-anti-dei-proposals-in-2025/ [http://www.diversityresources.com/98-of-shareholders-say-no-to-anti-dei-proposals-in-2025/] ·        https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/sri-socially-responsible-investing/ [https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/sri-socially-responsible-investing/] ·        https://www.ga-institute.com/research/ga-research-directory/sustainability-reporting-trends/2024-sustainability-reporting-in-focus/ [https://www.ga-institute.com/research/ga-research-directory/sustainability-reporting-trends/2024-sustainability-reporting-in-focus/] ·        https://www.ga-institute.com/research/ga-research-directory/sustainability-reporting-trends/2024-sustainability-reporting-in-focus/ [https://www.ga-institute.com/research/ga-research-directory/sustainability-reporting-trends/2024-sustainability-reporting-in-focus/] ·        https://fortune.com/article/dei-winning-shareholder-votes-coca-cola-apple-costco-berkshire-hathaway/ [https://fortune.com/article/dei-winning-shareholder-votes-coca-cola-apple-costco-berkshire-hathaway/]

Don't Sleep on Radio

In this episode of COMMSversations, host Enrico Dinges speaks with Tom Sweeney, president of North American Network, about the enduring power of radio in the digital age. They discuss Tom's journey in audio communications, the evolution of radio campaigns, and the importance of storytelling in creating compelling radio content. The conversation also touches on the role of radio in crisis communications, the impact of AI, and the significance of local voices in building trust with audiences. Tom emphasizes that radio remains a vital tool for communicators and should be integrated into strategic communications plans alongside social media.

The Intersection of Leadership and Communication

In this inaugural episode of the Commsversations podcast, host Enrico Dinges engages with Steve Cox, CEO of Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, to explore the critical intersection of leadership and communications. The conversation delves into Steve's early influences, military experiences, and the lessons learned in crisis management, particularly during his time at Guantanamo Bay. They discuss the importance of transparency, adaptability, and emotional intelligence in leadership, as well as the role of community engagement in organizations like Goodwill. The episode concludes with reflections on leading through personal tragedy and the evolving dynamics of the workplace.