Communication Strategy That Works

𝐴𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝐴𝑙𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑚𝑠 & 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑠 𝑆𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 - 𝐸𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑜𝑑𝑒 3 Welcome to the final part in the series.  Why are newsletters growing? Why are podcasts continuing to thrive? Why are people spending 20 minutes reading a LinkedIn article or listening to an hour-long conversation when we're constantly told that attention is disappearing? The answer reveals something important about communication in 2026. Because...

𝑨𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑨𝒍𝒈𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒎𝒔 & 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒔 - Episode 2 In the last episode, I looked at why some ideas stick by reviewing 𝑀𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑆𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑘. It gave us a powerful reminder: clear, emotionally resonant messages survive. But in 2026, there's another layer to the story, one that didn't exist when that book was written. Today, attention itself is mediated by algorithms. Before a human ever sees your digital message,...

I am kicking off the 2026 podcast with a new series where I'm exploring what it really takes to communicate well in 2026.  Attention, Algorithms & Formats is a three-episode series and your guide to crafting messages that cut through the noise, land with clarity, and actually get seen. These three episodes will shape your thinking in the first quarter of the year ahead. Why? Because 2025 was a yea...

Hey everyone, it's good to be back. Welcome to the refreshed version of the podcast: new rhythm, same depth, and a lot more inspiration. We've taken a little time to reset and rethink what this show could be. And from this month, we're moving to one episode every three weeks - slower, more intentional, and packed with real takeaways. You can expect a mix of in-depth insights and learnings, the kin...

This episode was sparked by a recent chat I had with Helen Neal from HN Communications. We covered loads of ground around sustainability and transparency, but one theme really stood out to me - and that was humility in brand communication. It got me thinking: in the built environment, we're often working on big, complex, long-term change. That makes messaging tricky because let's face it, not ever...

I read Sustainable Marketing by Michelle Carvill a while back.  It seemed the right time to review it right after my podcast conversation with Helen Neal this month. In our discussion, Helen talked about the importance of humility, the value of "progress over perfection," and why it's so critical to bring sustainability experts into the conversation early. These ideas were still echoing in my mind...

Today, I'm joined by Helen Neal, founder of the multi-award-winning HN Communications and a leader in sustainability communications. Named Professional of the Year at the PRCA Dare Awards 2024 and invited to speak at COP16 in Riyadh, Helen is redefining how businesses integrate sustainability into their strategies. With a background spanning politics, corporate leadership, and communications, Hele...

Welcome back to the final episode in February's productivity series.  Today, I want to share how I've tried to transform my workspace into a mindful environment that boosts efficiency using a couple of simple approaches. Whether you work from home, in an office, or somewhere in between, our surroundings have a massive impact on our ability to stay focused and creative.  Let's dive into some practi...

With the bulk of winter behind us, I find that February is the perfect time to start being proactive and setting the tone for a productive year ahead.  If you've been waiting for the right moment to shake off the post-holiday slump, this is it! Now is the time to reset, refocus, and build momentum that will carry you into Spring and the rest of the year.  In today's episode, we're diving into some...

Feb is all about bringing you some productivity hacks, and we kick off tackling overthinking, which has always been a struggle for me. If you've ever found yourself caught in an endless loop of worry, anxiety, and self-doubt like I have, then How to Stop Overthinking: The 7-Step Plan to Control and Eliminate Negative Thoughts, Declutter Your Mind and Start Thinking Positively in 5 Minutes or Less...

As we step firmly into 2025, the communication landscape continues to evolve at a breakneck pace. For PR and marketing professionals, staying ahead of trends while effectively connecting with audiences requires not just strategy but precision execution. In my latest podcast episode, I provide a comprehensive communication strategy for 2025, complete with actionable tips and key takeaways. Let's di...

As we dive into 2025, I know how challenging it can feel to keep pace with the constant changes in communication and PR. The rapid shifts in technology, platforms, and audience expectations can sometimes feel overwhelming—believe me, I get it. That's why I've put together this list of tips. They're not a blueprint (more on that another time!) but rather a set of ideas to inspire and guide you. Bef...

As a new year approaches, there's no better time to start something fresh and exciting. 2025 is the year to take that idea you've been mulling over and turn it into something meaningful — something that connects, inspires, and resonates. Podcasts are a powerful way to do just that, and I created the Start and Launch Your Audio Podcast Coached Programme to guide you through every step of the proces...

If there's one thing I'm truly passionate about, it's the built environment. I believe that developments aren't just about bricks and mortar—they're about creating spaces where people feel at home, where communities grow, and where memories are made. That's why I love what I do. Some of you who listen may know that Placemaking Communications is my passion, and it's all about helping developers and...

Why Reading Business Books Matters: Kicking Off a Monthly Book Review episode In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel like there's never enough time to step back and invest in learning. But here's the thing: staying sharp and innovative in any field, especially communications, requires fresh ideas and new perspectives. And one of the best ways to get those? Reading business books. Sure, som...

Recently I gave a talk at a communications conference with a colleague, a filmmaker, on how film can change the narrative for a topic or issue and highlight your brand in a new and unusual way- in this case, the housing agenda in the UK.  As some of you who listen regularly will know, my consulting business focuses on providing communication strategies for built environment projects and firms.  Ou...

I've worked with a number of startups both inside and out of the built environment sector.  One thing they have in common is an infatuation with media coverage.  Don't get me wrong this is essential for a startup, but it's not the only tool in the toolkit.  But, public relations isn't just about media coverage—it's about building credibility and trust. For a startup, positive profile-raising activ...

I wanted to conclude September's focus on Crisis Comms by focusing on In the world of Public Relations and Comms, and how overwhelming the fast-paced, high-pressure environment can often feel. From managing client expectations and navigating media relations to dealing with crisis communications, the challenges can be relentless.  This conversation was raised in my recent 'deep dive' with crisis ex...

I wanted to unpack in more detail a topic that I am also very passionate about in my everyday work—issues management. Having worked extensively in communications, I've seen firsthand how vital it is to identify and manage potential problems before they escalate into full-blown crises. It's an area I've dedicated much of my focus to, helping organisations develop proactive strategies to address eme...

Welcome to today's episode, where we're diving into the world of crisis communication with an expert who's been on the front lines. Amanda Coleman shares her incredible journey, starting as a journalist and transitioning into key roles in the public sector, including her time at the Environment Agency and Merseyside Police. Amanda brings valuable insights from her extensive experience, including t...

As someone who started life in Corporate Communications for a famous American credit card brand, I lived through the pain of Internal Communications as posters and internal launches through to a strategic function. Comms under Corporate Comms, but got moved to HR and back again, even 25 years ago. Reflecting on these complexities and inspired by Jenny Field's insightful "Chaos to Calm" model, and...

In the ever-evolving landscape of public relations and corporate communication, data analytics has emerged as a game-changer. In this podcast, I share five ways data can transform your communication strategies, making them more effective and impactful. So let's dive in!    Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap  to get more strategic with communication activity in your busine...

This week we reflect on a recent 'Deep Dive with Adam Driver to unpick a bit more around what SEO is, highlight its numerous benefits for comms folk and businesses, and emphasise how it should be integrated into a broader marketing strategy for optimal results. Why? Well in today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any business looking to succeed. SEO is one of the most e...

I work with lots of Senior leaders directly, often providing guidance and expertise when there is no in-house resource to do so.  This means that I am often rating the brief as well as taking the briefing about it!  This is fine but today I wanted to spend some time outlining more about why effective briefs are so important. Creating effective briefs is a cornerstone of successful projects and sol...

Following on from the topic of self-help coaching and mentoring this month, I thought I would talk a bit this week about how embarking on new projects in podcasting and how self-doubt has impacted this, and how coaching helped unblock me. These challenges, dominated by the whispers of imposter syndrome, have been a significant part of my professional journey. And has led me to talk to you here on...