The Internal Comms Podcast

In this episode of The Internal Comms Podcast, host Katie Macaulay sits down with alignment strategist and leadership coach Zora Artis to explore a crucial question: how can internal comms teams unite people around what matters most? It’s no easy task, but Zora brings three decades of in-the-trenches experience. As CEO of Artis Advisory, co-founder of the Alignment People and a partner at Mirror Mirror Alignment, her work focuses on getting leaders and teams unstuck and helping organisations untangle competing priorities, find common ground and move forward with confidence. As Zora’s research shows, only 13% of organisations achieve real alignment and she explains why diagnosing the real problem matters more than simply turning up the volume on messaging. Misalignment often hides in plain sight, masked by polite nods, surface-level agreement and subtle misunderstandings, she says. Meaningful, facilitated dialogue – not broadcast communication – is often the missing piece. She also introduces her ‘3C+’ model and cohesion cycle: practical frameworks to help teams stay agile, find purpose and work as one. Along the way, Zora shares lessons from elite sport, psychology and her own leadership journey, where curiosity, courage and a little discomfort all play a role. As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Use the hashtag #TheICPodcast to join the conversation, and thank you for listening.

If the platforms you use at work were built by Microsoft, this episode is essential listening. Katie is joined by Alex Graves, Chief Visionary Officer at Silicon Reef — the people-first Microsoft experts — for a fast-paced, plain-speaking conversation on making technology work for people. Alex shares practical strategies for rolling out new digital channels on a shoestring — including what corners you can cut, and the one you absolutely must not: discovery. He explains why Viva Engage is a philosophy, not just a platform, and how it can break down silos, surface expertise and build genuine communities. Expect sharp insight on improving the often-fractured relationship between internal comms and IT, how to avoid information sprawl, and why early advocates, not all-staff rollouts, are the key to success. Alex also reveals underused Microsoft features — from AI agents that act as personal researchers to the future potential of AI-generated daily podcasts summarising internal news based on individual interests. Whether you're migrating from Workplace, refreshing your channel mix, or exploring Viva for the first time, this episode is packed with practical advice and fresh thinking. Share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. Thank you for listening.

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.