The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

Internal communications is not about messages. It’s about alignment. In this episode, Chris Willis talks with Keith Berman about how internal communications creates real business impact, even when attribution is messy. They unpack why alignment drives retention, productivity, and customer experience, how communicators act as the connective tissue of the business, and what leaders actually listen f...

The people closest to your customers are often the last to know what’s happening inside your business and it’s costing you. In this episode, Chris Willis sits down with Victoria Dew , CEO of Dewpoint Communications and author of the new report Connecting the Frontline , to explore why organizations still struggle to reach and engage their frontline workers. They unpack: The urgent workforce crisis...

Big idea: Product and comms are converging—fast. Why listen: Paperflite’s CPO Yega Kumarappan shows how to move from “we shipped the message” to “it landed,” using data, plain English, and AI (as a partner , not a press release machine). You’ll learn:  How to turn 30-minute content into 5-minute winners  The one doc that keeps Sales/Marketing/Support on the same story  Guardrails for AI so you kee...

The big picture: This episode gives you something rare: the comms strategy and the CEO’s take on its impact. Why it matters: Michael Passanante at Capital Rx is proving that in a long sales cycle, communication isn’t a support function, it’s the strategy. His team built a program that educates the market, aligns the business, and drives attributed revenue. Then we bring in the CEO. AJ Loiacono sha...

The big picture: AI is already better at writing, summarizing, and mimicking tone. So what does that mean for internal comms? Why it matters: If your value is built on turning chaos into copy, you’re replaceable. But if you lead with strategy, trust, and human nuance—you’re untouchable. Go deeper: Regine Nelson , Internal Communications and Employee Engagement Lead at Couchbase joins to unpack her...

Trust in leadership is broken. But it’s not just a leadership crisis. It’s a communication failure. In this episode, Forbes journalist Julia Korn joins Chris to unpack her viral piece on the erosion of employee trust in today’s workplace, and why so many leaders are getting it wrong. They explore: – Why layoffs during record profits are shattering loyalty – How toxic leadership thrives on fear, no...

Too many marketing and comms leaders are stuck proving their worth with outputs:  Flashy dashboards  Sexy slide decks The call for ‘making it pretty'  In this episode, Elliott Bundy and Becca Chambers lay out a better path: lead like an operator. We unpack what it means to own the business narrative, treat trust as a metric, and stop asking for a seat at the table—because you’re already in th...

🔍 It’s a tough market. But if you're in comms and looking for your next job, this episode is your playbook. 💥 In this episode, recruiter Brooke Kruger breaks down: The top resume red flags and why design ≠ substance What actually makes you stand out on LinkedIn Why clarity > cleverness in a job search The rise of consulting-as-career in comms How to stop being invisible — and get noticed...

Oscar Trimboli – best-selling author, award-winning podcast host, and workplace listening expert is on the show! 1 big thing: Most of us listen poorly and that has a surprising impact on leadership, meetings, and productivity. Why It Matters: Better listening means more effective communication, shorter meetings, and stronger organizational alignment. Simple, research-backed strategies to shift fro...

1 big topic: We're exploring the nuanced difference between proactive planning and reactive responses. In a world where every comms moment counts, understanding when to lead the narrative, and when to pivot, is crucial. Jennifer Kaplan, CEO of Evolve PR and Marketing , shares her 25+ years of expertise on turning potential PR disasters into brand victories. What to expect:   Real-Life Example...

Trust in media, institutions, and corporate comms is eroding. Neil Brown , president of Poynter Institute and founder of PolitiFact , knows why—and how to fix it. 🔹 The danger of clickbait & why credibility wins 🔹 How relationships & transparency build trust 🔹 AI’s role in comms & why ethics matter 🔹 Fact-checking: accountability, not censorship Trust is hard to earn, easy to lose....

Why it matters: Communication is broken. Messages are too long, unclear, and ignored. Smart Brevity is the fix. And Axios HQ's Emily Inverso is here to talk about it.  The big picture: Smart Brevity isn’t just a writing style—it’s a movement reshaping how professionals, executives, and businesses communicate. With over 250,000 copies of the book in circulation and thousands of companies adopt...

Why it matters: Internal communicators often feel like they’re working alone—overwhelmed and under-resourced. But the truth? You’re surrounded by potential contributors who can help extend your reach and impact. What’s happening: In this episode, Chris Willis talks with Thereasa Roy, Director of Product and Content Marketing at OffSec, about how internal comms teams can: Activate leaders and depar...

Why it matters: Communications professionals are struggling to keep their seats at the table in a challenging job market. Becca Chambers, a comms exec with a flair for straight talk, joins WordBirds to explore why comms teams are being cut and how they can shift from "cost center" to "business driver." Key takeaways: Post-pandemic priorities have deprioritized brand and engagem...

Alignment fuels business success—but it’s hard to achieve. In this episode, Janet Hitchen shares how she used internal comms to: Build alignment across teams. Simplify complex ideas into clear stories. Drive revenue and growth at Apple, Nespresso, and beyond. 💡 Why it matters: Internal comms aren’t just newsletters. They’re the key to smarter, faster, and more strategic business outcomes. 🎧 Tune...

Why it matters: Communications leaders face constant change—from evolving technology to shifting workplace dynamics. Staying ahead means mastering new skills, tools, and strategies. The big picture: Trey Sarten CCO at Anywhere, and a communications veteran, joins us to explore: The evolving role of communicators as strategic business partners. How to nurture curiosity and adaptability in a remote-...

What’s engagement, really? In this episode of WordBirds , Doreen Maciak from Takeda challenges the buzzword “engagement” and dives into what it truly means. Why it matters: Engagement isn’t just about clicks and opens—it’s about aligning employees to purpose and business goals. What you’ll learn: How to move beyond vanity metrics. Why authenticity and leadership are key to meaningful connections....

Cut the jargon. Boost the clarity. Jolene Peixoto, Relex Solutions’ anti-marketing comms leader, joins WordBirds to challenge buzzwords and embrace plain English messaging. Why it matters: Clear, concise communication builds trust, drives engagement, and sets your brand apart. Key takeaway : Prove your value with data and authenticity—not empty claims. 🎧 Listen now to sharpen your message.

This special episode brings you the top insights from WordBirds Season 6, hosted by AI voices Lance and Audrina ( from NotebookLM ). Why it matters: This AI-powered and hosted recap dives into must-hear lessons on intentional communication, bridging generational gaps, and building trust. Catch up: Perfect for anyone who missed an episode—but don’t stop here. Go back and listen to each conversation...

Why it matters: Communicators often get stuck in tactical roles, but real value comes from strategic influence. In this episode, Bronagh Hanley, Partner & CCO at Preface Global, shares how she built influence at companies like Netflix and Discovery, and how you can too. Key takeaways: Ask "why" to uncover the strategy behind every communication. Build C-suite relationships by proving...

In this episode (part 2 of 2), we talk with Joanna Parsons about the power of measurement in internal communications. Joanna, author of Innovative Internal Communications , explains why many comms teams avoid measurement, how to align goals with business strategy, and practical ways to demonstrate value. We also explore how measuring impact can elevate internal comms from a tactical function to a...

Chris Willis and guest Michael Franklin, founder and executive director of Speechwriters of Color, dive into the complexities of communicating across a multi-generational workforce and navigating evolving workplace expectations. Why it matters: Understanding how different generations interact in the workplace is crucial to fostering collaboration, increasing engagement, and driving organizational...

Chris Willis and guest Monique Zytnik author of Internal Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, and Chairman of IABC EMEA as they explore the changing landscape of internal communications in an AI-driven world. Why it matters: Internal communicators are pivotal in aligning communication strategies with organizational goals, fostering engagement, and reducing costs. AI offers tools to...

Chris Willis sits down with Rachel Adam, Head of Brand and Communications at Sonar, to explore the critical role of strategic communications in shaping and amplifying brand identity. Why it matters: Strategic communications are vital for aligning brand and comms to drive business success. Effective storytelling can command the narrative and elevate your brand. Navigating internal and external mess...

In this episode of WordBirds, Chris Willis interviews Dave Guarino, Head of Global Communications at Wolters Kluwer. What it's about: Understanding the journey to a C-suite position in communications provides invaluable lessons for aspiring leaders. Dave shares his transition from stick-ball fanatic to financial compliance to corporate communications. Offers practical advice on building a car...