The Internal Comms Podcast

If you have ever found yourself circling back, touching base, breaking down silos or leveraging strategic synergies — then these guests are speaking your language. Charles Firth and James Schloeffel are the Australian comedy duo behind Wankernomics. Their brilliantly sharp satire holds a mirror up to the strange, slippery and often nonsensical language we only use at work. What started as a comedic side project has become a global phenomenon, with their reels and live shows resonating around the world. In this gloriously unfiltered conversation, we discuss vertical slices, Human-Centred Design and the curious art of “North Starring” — even in the Southern Hemisphere. We examine how certain phrases allow us to deflect responsibility, sound impressive without committing to anything, and quietly opt out of saying what we really mean. But this is about more than buzzwords. At its heart, this is a conversation about belonging — about how language helps us fit in, how it masks insecurity, and why it’s so hard to speak plainly in a world that rewards waffle. Share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. Thank you for listening.

What does it take to make one of the most scrutinised leaders in the world feel relatable? And how do we build internal comms that truly include everyone — especially the quieter voices? In this episode, Katie Macaulay is joined by personal brand expert, storytelling strategist and award-winning filmmaker Richard Etienne. Richard shares the remarkable story of being summoned to 10 Downing Street and handed a single-line brief: make the Prime Minister more personable. As Theresa May’s official videographer, he used empathy, authenticity and storytelling to reveal the human behind the headlines. But this episode goes beyond politics. Richard explores how to build a bold career in comms, why speed and trust matter more than ever, and how storytelling remains a vital leadership tool. He also shares the mission behind The Introvert Space, his community interest group and his mission to ensure even the quietest voices are heard in the workplace. Expect honest reflections, practical insights — and a timely reminder that powerful communication starts with listening. Share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. Thank you for listening.

Fred Cook’s career proves success doesn’t require a straight line. Now Chairman Emeritus of global PR agency Golin, Fred has spent 35+ years advising world-famous brands – Amazon, McDonald’s, Disney – and visionary CEOs like Jeff Bezos and Steve Jobs. But his journey began far from the boardroom. Fred’s early resumé includes being a pool hustler, cabin boy and chauffeur for drunks. He describes his life as a “series of experiments” and in this episode, he shares what they taught him. Fred explains how to stand out in a crowded job market, the evolving role of internal communication, and why the best comms pros are brilliant relationship builders. He also shares insights from his role as Director of the USC Center for Public Relations and his book Improvise: Unconventional Career Advice from an Unlikely CEO. This is a conversation about courage, curiosity and embracing the unexpected. Share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. Thank you for listening.

Inspiration is everywhere when you stay curious. That’s the thread running through this episode of The Internal Comms Podcast, where Katie Macaulay welcomes communication, creativity and leadership consultant Beth Collier. The author of the brilliant Substack newsletter Curious Minds, Beth takes Katie on a journey from her early days working in Hollywood to her role today as a respected comms pro. Digging into the origin stories of some of life’s everyday items has helped keep Beth curious across the years, and the tales can be astounding. Did you know, for example, that duct tape was invented to save lives? Not only do Beth and Katie explore these unlikely stories of creativity, they unpack the imposter syndrome phenomenon, which Beth suggests is a complete myth, and dive into how you can strengthen your curiosity muscles to get ahead. A treasure trove of unique inspiration top tips on how to stay curious, this is one for all the curious comms pros out there. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.

What does it mean to be a credible leader? And just how important is that credibility to your team? In this episode of The Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay welcomes back leadership and internal communication expert Jenni Field to unpack all this and more. Jenni is the author of Nobody Believes You: Become a Leader People Will Follow, and former president of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. She is also the host of the Redefining Communications podcast and an international leadership coach. She’s recognised as a leading influencer in the way leaders and organisations communicate with their teams. In this episode, Katie and Jenni dig into the leadership research that forms the basis of Jenni’s latest book. They discuss what it means to be truly credible, and why that matters, and delve into the eight practices Jenni has identified that make a truly effective leader. As always, share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. And thanks for listening.