Dear comms...

When you think politician, you don't often think "honesty, transparency, straight answers"... but that doesn't mean that there's nothing to learn from our political friends.  In this episode, we’re joined by Daisy Powell-Chandler, political strategist turned corporate comms adviser and host of Why Everybody Hates You . Daisy shares what decades in campaigning have taught h...

Some people excel at making choices. Others freeze. Or, worse, overthink their decision to death. In the world of comms, too often we're stuck in an endless feedback loop with no one willing to actually give the ok. But it doesn't have to be this way!  In this episode, we’re joined by journalist, author, and decision coach Nell Wulfhart to talk about how to cut through the noise and choo...

Now that you've got that Cliff Richard classic in your brain... The TL;DL (too long; didn't listen) is that we're taking some holiday time. But this short announcement also contains some tantalizing teasers as to some upcoming episodes of Dear Comms... Imogen Hitchcock and Amanda Pierce  have a clear purpose: creating communications (and communicators) that spark action, drive growt...

Working for a company with a difficult reputation (or thinking about it)? You’re not alone.  In this episode, Imogen and Amanda dig into the reality of saying yes to jobs in industries like pharma, tobacco, military, or alcohol. They talk ethics, opportunity, and how to know if it’s worth the trade-offs. They share personal stories, practical questions to ask before you accept, and advice for when...

Giving feedback might give you the ick, but it’s part and parcel of a leadership role.  In this episode of Dear Comms , Amanda and Imogen dig into the art of giving feedback that’s honest and helpful. From clumsy delivery to vague advice, we talk through the pitfalls and share practical ways to say what needs saying—without losing your nerve or your team’s trust.  Links you didn't ask for but...

 You asked for feedback but you’re not sure why you bothered? We hear you.  In this episode of Dear Comms , Amanda and Imogen explore what to do when feedback is bad, blurry, or simply not there. We talk about how to stay grounded, get what you need from feedback, and develop a feedback culture you want to work in. Whether you’re craving clarity, or need help dodging a curveball, we’ve got you cov...

Whisper it... there's going to be a restructure. Leaders are already talking about "cost-efficiency" and "synergies". And the role of comms? Make it all make sense without sending employees into an existential crisis spiral.  In this episode of Dear Comms, we're looking at the mess that can be change communications. We discuss why it's important to translate lead...

Leading a global comms team sounds exciting... until it all goes wrong. What works in Frankfurt might fall flat in Tokoyo. Expectations from your team in Cape Town could be drastically different from your colleagues in Mexico. So how do you bridge that cultural divide? In this episode of Dear Comms, we look at how comms teams can better communicate across borders. We'll also touch on how, as...

Burnout in your comms team? Not on our watch! In this episode, we break down (or should that be breakdown?) how to put an end to burnout before it takes over your team. We look at everything from identifying burnout to providing the right culture and support to ensure your team remains healthy, motivated, and productive.  Imogen Hitchcock and Amanda Pierce  have a clear purpose: creating communica...

Now with sound! The podcast gremlins ate half the audio on the original upload of this episode. We've had a word. Voila! A full episode for you (with both parts of the dialogue!) Onboarding a new CEO? In this episode, we dive into the key steps you’ll need to take to welcome a new CEO and raise their profile – internally and externally. From strategy to style, we’ll help you set them up for s...

Is it time to take the leap? In this episode, Imogen and Amanda discuss when it might be time to make a career change. From burnout to disconnect, they’ll look at how you’ll know to start looking for your next challenge. Tune in for practical advice on when and how to make a meaningful career shift in communications.  Imogen Hitchcock and Amanda Pierce  have a clear purpose: creating communication...

Stepping into a leadership role in communications (or, frankly, any leadership role)?  In this episode, we outline a roadmap for your first 100 days. From understanding your team to aligning with leadership. We’ll break down the steps you need to take to make a meaningful impact from day one.  Imogen Hitchcock and Amanda Pierce  have a clear purpose: creating communications (and communicators) tha...

A journalist is coming. People are panicking. In this slightly longer-than-normal episode of Dear Comms… , Amanda is grilled by Imogen on how to survive a media visit without losing your cool (or your CEO). We cover the must-haves and the mistakes, from briefing frontline teams to crafting a story that actually sticks. Whether you’re hosting a camera crew, a curious blogger, or the entire national...

Leadership wants updates, but do they really listen ? In this episode, we explore how to give leaders the information they need – without the blank stares. We break down how to keep leadership engaged, help them understand the impact you’re having, and balance being thorough without overwhelming them.  Follow us on Linkedin: Imogen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imogenhitchcock/ Amanda: https://www....

Delegation is essential, but what if your team isn't ready? In this episode, we explore strategies to delegate effectively when your team lacks experience. Learn how to assess strengths, communicate expectations, and provide support to balance immediate needs with long-term development.  Here's the article referenced: https://hbr.org/2016/05/for-delegation-to-work-it-has-to-come-with-coa...

Navigating a change maze? In this episode of Dear Comms…, we look at how you strike the balance between informed and overwhelmed. We explore the what’s in it for me, striking out jargon, and listening to your employees.  John P Kotter article in Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/1995/05/leading-change-why-transformation-efforts-fail-2  Kotter’s 8 steps for leading change: https://www.kotter...

Caught between a rock and a hard place? Leadership refusing to take off their rose-tinted glasses? Today we look at how to be realistic while remaining optimistic.  Here’s the GM / Toyota analysis mentioned in today’s podcast: https://www.finn.agency/crisis-communication-case-toyota-gm-product-recall/  Here’s some more information on Steve Denning’s storytelling theory: https://hbr.org/2004/05/tel...

Is your CEO a self-proclaimed comms genius? Maybe. But probably not. In this episode, we look at how best to manage up and speak truth to power.  Imogen Hitchcock and Amanda Pierce  have a clear purpose: creating communications (and communicators) that spark action, drive growth, and build lasting influence. Between them, there’s not a question or crisis they haven’t faced. From the everyday “coul...

May the odds be ever in your favour! Drowning in newsletters? Not if you follow our quick tips. We’ll look at how you can tackle information overload, streamline your comms, and make sure the important bits get through.   Imogen Hitchcock and Amanda Pierce  have a clear purpose: creating communications (and communicators) that spark action, drive growth, and build lasting influence. Between them,...

 Feel like you’re on an episode of 911, stuck in a cycle of never-ending fires? This week, we talk about the need to put aside time for thinking. From your calendar to saying no, we share some actionable tips to move from reactive to proactive.  Imogen Hitchcock and Amanda Pierce have a clear purpose: creating communications (and communicators) that spark action, drive growth, and build lasting in...

Comms. It’s just poster after email after powerpoint presentation, right? No. In this episode of Dear Comms…, we dive into how to help leadership see the value and effort behind comms. We’ll look at how we can move the perception of comms from easy to essential. We’ll give some tips on how we can showcase your work in driving business results, engaging employees, and hitting company goals.  Imogen...

 Feel like you’re always the last to know? In this episode of Dear Comms…, we consider how comms can secure a seat at the table before the chaos commences. Tune in for practical ways to make comms an essential part of crisis planning – a trusted advisor, not clean-up crew.   Imogen Hitchcock and Amanda Pierce  have a clear purpose: creating communications (and communicators) that spark action, dri...

Does your CEO wither at the sight of a camera? In this episode of Dear Comms…, we look at how we can help leaders shine on video. From choosing the right format to getting delivery right, Imogen and Amanda share practical tips to help your CEO go from awkward to awesome on screen.  Imogen Hitchcock and Amanda Pierce  have a clear purpose: creating communications (and communicators) that spark acti...