Earning Your Seat

Meltwater

The role of communications has changed. The expectations are higher. The margin for error is smaller. Earning Your Seat is a podcast for communications leaders operating under changed expectations without a clear playbook. Hosted by Dino Delic, Stephanie Lerdall, and Genevieve Brammall, the show places the hosts inside an experience many communicators recognize. Smart, capable leaders learning in real time how influence is earned, tested, and sustained. Each episode features candid conversations with leaders across communications, data, media, and technology. Alongside those conversations, the hosts test ideas in real time, question what they have been taught, and confront where common advice breaks down under organizational pressure. This is not aspirational thought leadership. It is a practical look at growth as it happens. How communicators earn trust, collaborate across functions, and lead with authority in a world moving faster than the role itself. Pull up a chair. The work begins now.

  1. 30 APR

    Becoming a Trusted Advisor in Communications by Challenging Assumptions

    Hear more from Johna Burke by listening to her full episode of Earning Your Seat here! Most communications leaders think credibility with leadership comes from better data, stronger dashboards, and more polished reports. But what if the opposite is true? In this bitesize episode of “Earning Your Seat,” Dino Delic is joined by Johna Burke, CEO of AMEC, to challenge one of the most common assumptions in communications. Johna argues that credibility isn’t built on the certainty of your data, it’s built on your willingness to question it. Johna shares practical ways communicators can move from simply reporting numbers to becoming trusted advisors. From auditing past reports and challenging flawed methodologies to inviting contrarian perspectives, she explains how intellectual honesty and scrutiny can strengthen both your data and your influence. We also hear a real-world example of how small inconsistencies in measurement can lead to misleading results, and how applying the right discipline can transform the way teams evaluate success, especially in areas like social media and influencer engagement. This episode is a must-listen for communications leaders and practitioners who want to build credibility, challenge assumptions, and earn greater trust at the leadership table. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights:(00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat(00:16) The credibility question every comms leader faces (00:31) Why more data doesn’t build leadership trust (00:41) Credibility comes from challenging your data (01:03) Shift from reporting data to advising leaders (01:19) Stop being overly attached to your data (01:30) Audit your last five reports for credibility gaps (01:50) Why “perfect” data isn’t realistic (02:12) Connect data to real business outcomes (02:28) Use contrarians to pressure-test your data (03:40) Example: flawed campaign measurement (04:30) Fix inconsistent methods and briefings (05:27) Why reach fails for social and micro-influencers (06:24) Move from reporting numbers to owning the truth  Connect with Johna Burke: Follow Johna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gojohnab/Discover AMEC: https://amecorg.com/Follow the Hosts of “Earning Your Seat” on LinkedIn: Dino Delic, Head of the Research Lab at Meltwater: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/Genevieve Brammall, Head of Consumer PR & Talent Relations at News Corp Australia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/Stephanie Lerdall, Head of Corporate Communications at Morningstar, Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/Resources: Take the Data-Driven Communications free Maturity Assessment: https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessmentJoin the Data-Driven Communications Meltwater Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddcSign up for the weekly “Now What” newsletter: https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribeGet in touch with us: If you have any questions about this interview, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com

    7 min

  2. 6 APR

    Why Business Acumen Is the Missing Skill in Communications with Katie James

    In communications, many teams are highly skilled at creating content and managing channels. But what does it really take to move from being a tactical executor to a trusted strategic advisor? In this episode of Earning Your Seat, Katie James joins us to discuss the capability gaps holding communications teams back and the skills that help leaders earn real influence inside their organizations.  Katie is the Commercial Director at Kademy, where she helps upskill communications teams through training, assessments, and advisory support. Bringing insights from surveying thousands of communicators, she explains the capability gaps holding teams back and what it takes to become a more strategic, trusted advisor inside the business. Katie talks about what separates high-performing teams from reactive ones, why communicators often fall into the trap of jumping straight to outputs, and how asking better questions can change the role communications plays across the business.  We also dive into how AI is reshaping the profession, where human judgment still matters most, and why building stronger internal relationships may be one of the most practical ways to earn a seat at the table. This episode is a must-listen for communications leaders and ambitious practitioners who want to become more strategic, more proactive, and more valuable to the business. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights:(00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat(02:07) The critical skills holding communicators back from strategy(06:52) Why leaders aren't coming to you and how to fix it(11:13) The default role that keeps comms teams stuck(14:22) Why asking the right question is a superpower in comms(19:33) Why slowing down first pays off later(23:53) The stat that changed how Dino thinks about AI adoption(27:20) How a comms leader used AI agents to reclaim her time(29:36) Why one big announcement beats six small ones every time(34:35) How Kademy built a custom AI readiness survey with a client(38:36) The surprising truth about comms teams and AI confidence(45:23) The one competitive advantage AI can't replicate(49:43) One thing you can start doing today to earn a seat at the table(50:44) Map your stakeholder stack not just your tech stack Connect with Katie: Katie James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-james-35abb723/Discover Kademy: https://kademygroup.com/Take the Data-Driven Communications Free AssessmentReady to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the DDC Assessment and get your personalized report to explore the framework at https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/Sign up for the weekly “Now What” newsletter: https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc See DDC LIVE at Meltwater Summit in NYC on May 5-6, 2026: https://bit.ly/ddc-summit-26 (Save $100 using code: MSDDCRC) Get in Touch With UsIf you have any questions about this interview, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com

    54 min

  3. 6 APR

    Using Data to Drive Strategic Communications Decisions with Philippe Barillon

    In communications, we often focus on data, but how can we use it to make better decisions and drive real impact? In this episode of Earning Your Seat, Philippe Barillon, Executive Director, Predictive Platforms and AI Enablement at Novartis, breaks down how to use data more effectively. He walks us through a simple, four-step process that takes us from looking at past results to giving actionable recommendations for the future. Philippe also dives into the role AI is playing in communications, how to manage relationships with key stakeholders, and why it’s important to build trust, especially in times of crisis. He shares valuable lessons from his own experience, like why learning the language of business is essential for communicators who want to be seen as trusted advisors. If you’re looking for practical ways to use data, build your influence, and drive better communication strategies, this episode is for you. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights:(00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat(01:00) Philippe’s Background and Career in Communications(04:00) AI and the Future of Communication Roles: A Bold Statement by Stephanie(05:00) The Role of Critical Thinking in AI-Driven Decision Making(08:00) Descriptive vs. Diagnostic Analytics: Understanding the "Why"(13:00) Moving from Predictive to Prescriptive Analytics: A 4-Step Methodology(17:00) The Importance of Audience Understanding in Communications(20:00) Building Reputation: Why Trust and Consistency Matter(23:00) How Data Can Link Communication Efforts to Business Outcomes(28:00) The Super Bowl Ad: A Case Study in Effective Communication Strategy(34:00) The Value of Stakeholder Management and Building Trust(37:00) Learning the Language of Business to Earn a Seat at the Table Connect with Philippe:  Philippe Barillon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippebarillon/Discover Novartis: https://www.novartis.com/Take the Data-Driven Communications Free AssessmentReady to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the Maturity Assessment and get your personalized report to explore the framework at https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/Sign up for the weekly “Now What” newsletter: https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribeJoin the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc See DDC LIVE at Meltwater Summit in NYC on May 5-6, 2026: https://bit.ly/ddc-summit-26 (Save $100 using code: MSDDCRC) Get in Touch With UsIf you have any questions about this interview, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com

    53 min

  4. 30 MAR

    Leadership Lessons from Five-Time CCO Becky Edwards

    Communications leadership requires trust, initiative, and knowing when to let go of the “doing” to empower others.  In this episode of Earning Your Seat, Becky Edwards, a five-time Chief Communications Officer (CCO) and a renowned leadership advisor, shares her insights on how to rise to the highest levels of comms leadership. Becky’s career journey, from foreign service to becoming a trusted CCO, has equipped her with a unique perspective on leadership. She talks about the importance of trusting your team, encouraging curiosity, and how good leaders find new problems to solve for the company. Becky also discusses how self-promotion, empathy, and building alliances are key to breaking through barriers, especially for women in leadership roles. This episode will give you the tools to rethink leadership and embrace the trust and creativity necessary for success. This episode is essential for aspiring leaders, communications professionals, and anyone interested in making an impact in the evolving world of corporate communications. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights:(00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat(02:34) The Importance of Trust in Leadership(03:09) Self-Promotion: Balancing Humility with Advocacy(08:11) Occupying White Space to Solve Unarticulated Problems(09:51) Leading with Curiosity and Empathy(15:24) How to Build Alliances and Break Through Barriers(18:12) Measurement as a Leadership(22:59) Building a Data Nutrition Plan(27:21) Measurement Cadences: Daily, Monthly, Quarterly(31:59) Dashboards: Shame vs. Strategic Tool(37:23) Becky’s Approach to Effective Communications Leadership(41:11) CCOs Are Business People First Connect with Becky: Becky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rledwards/Take the Data-Driven Communications Free AssessmentReady to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the DDC Assessment and get your personalized report to explore the framework at https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/Sign up for the weekly “Now What” newsletter: https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribeReady to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the free maturity assessment and get your personalized report: https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment Join the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc See DDC LIVE at Meltwater Summit in NYC on May 5-6, 2026: https://bit.ly/ddc-summit-26 (Save $100 using code: MSDDCRC) Get in Touch With UsIf you have any questions about this interview, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com

    46 min

  5. 23 MAR

    Transforming Brand Measurement from Metrics to Meaning with Evan Escobedo

    In the fast-paced world of brand measurement, the focus has traditionally been on numbers, reach, and impressions. But is that enough to truly influence business decisions? In this episode of Earning Your Seat, Evan Escobedo, founder of Measured.io and author of Reputation Intelligence: A Practitioner's Guide from Data Provider to Strategic Advisor (launching Q1 2026), takes us through the evolution of brand measurement and how communications leaders can move beyond basic metrics to drive meaningful insights. With years of experience in media analytics at Western Union, Evan shares his expertise in creating the Brand Equity Score, a revolutionary way to quantify brand reputation and impact. Evan discusses how AI can accelerate research but emphasizes that strategic decisions still rely on human intelligence. He also dives into the importance of understanding stakeholder needs, building a center of excellence in brand measurement, and the shift from volume to valuable, actionable insights. This episode is perfect for communications leaders and marketers looking to rethink how they measure success and use brand intelligence to shape business outcomes. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights:(00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat(03:00) The Shift from Volume Metrics to Brand Intelligence(06:30) Building a Center of Excellence in Brand Measurement(12:00) The Role of AI in Brand Measurement and Strategy(18:00) Moving Beyond Data to Drive Business Impact(25:00) How to Build Smarter, Actionable Insights for Stakeholders(30:00) Evan’s Approach to Evolving Brand Measurement Connect with Evan: Evan Escobedo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-escobedo/Explore Measured.io: https://measuredio.com/Take the Data-Driven Communications Free AssessmentReady to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the DDC Assessment and get your personalized report to explore the framework at https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/Sign up for the weekly “Now What” newsletter: https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribeReady to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the free maturity assessment and get your personalized report: https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment Join the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc See DDC LIVE at Meltwater Summit in NYC on May 5-6, 2026: https://bit.ly/ddc-summit-26 (Save $100 using code: MSDDCRC) Get in Touch With UsIf you have any questions about this interview, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com

    52 min

  6. 16 MAR

    Leadership Strategies from a Female Founder in Communications with Natalie Moran

    In communications, work often speaks for itself. But does it? Many women leaders in communications—especially those working behind the scenes—struggle with visibility. The key to earning credibility is simpler and more uncomfortable than most might think. In this episode of Earning Your Seat, Natalie Moran, Founder of Comms Futurist and an experienced communications strategist, challenges the idea that the work will speak for itself. As a leader who works closely with executive teams, Natalie shares her experience advocating for visibility, leveraging personal wins, and connecting communications efforts to business outcomes. Leadership in communications involves more than reporting metrics and crafting the perfect message. It’s about building trust in a world where audiences are skeptical of polished corporate messaging. Natalie discusses how leaders can balance humility with the need to self-promote, why authenticity is essential in leadership, and how to embrace AI without losing human connection. In this episode, we celebrate the power of women who are breaking through the noise, advocating for their value, and leading with authenticity. This conversation is a must-listen for communications professionals who want to step out of the shadows, communicate their worth, and build trust in an increasingly skeptical era. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat(01:00) The Importance of Self-Promotion in Communications Leadership(03:07) Documenting Wins and Making Them Visible to Decision Makers(07:15) The Gendered Experience of Self-Promotion in Leadership(12:30) The Impact of AI on Communications and the Importance of Human Oversight(18:00) Building Trust in a World Skeptical of Corporate Messaging(24:00) Managing Burnout While Leading Communications Teams(28:00) Addressing the Challenges of Team Culture and StandardsConnect with Natalie: Natalie Moran on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliemoranDiscover Comms Futurist: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comms-futurist/Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/Subscribe to the Earning Your Seat Newsletter: Ready to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the free maturity assessment and get your personalized report: https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment Join the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc Sign up for the weekly “Now What” newsletter: https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribe See DDC LIVE! At Meltwater Summit in NYC on May 5-6, 2026: https://bit.ly/ddc-summit-26 (Save $100 using code: MSDDCRC) Get in Touch With UsIf you have any questions about this interview, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com

    54 min

  7. 9 MAR

    The Hidden Power of Social Listening Revealed by Nathan Carpenter

    The landscape of influence is constantly evolving, and understanding who’s shaping the conversation is key to crafting effective strategies. But how do you tap into this ever-shifting dynamic? In this episode of Earning Your Seat, Nathan Carpenter, the visionary behind Atlas Lab, takes us inside the world of social media influence. With over 20 years of experience, Nathan has been at the forefront of studying how networks drive communication and how to listen beyond the surface noise to uncover the real drivers of change. Nathan shares his insights on why traditional methods of social media tracking often miss the bigger picture, how influence is mapped in the digital age, and why understanding the ecosystem is essential for creating smarter, data-driven strategies. This episode is perfect for marketers, communicators, and anyone looking to decode the complexities of influence in today’s digital world and use that knowledge to lead with purpose. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights:(00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat(02:30) The challenge of understanding influence in today’s digital landscape(06:15) How Nathan’s lab is mapping influence and what it reveals(12:00) Why traditional social media listening methods fall short(16:30) The importance of knowing the ecosystem, not just the data(21:00) Why influence is more about networks than followers(25:00) Practical steps to listen smarter and stay ahead of trends(30:00) Nathan’s advice for communicators looking to stay relevant in an ever-evolving digital world Connect with Nathan: Nathan Carpenter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-carpenter-phd-654140aExplore Atlas Lab: https://www.jou.ufl.edu/atlas-lab/Take the Data-Driven Communications Free AssessmentReady to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the DDC Assessment and get your personalized report to explore the framework at https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/Join the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddcGet in Touch With UsIf you have any questions about this episode, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com

    46 min

  8. 2 MAR

    Building a Winning Social Media Strategy with Kirsten Echeverry

    Social media waits for no one. Social was the Wild West. Now, it’s one of the most powerful tools for business growth. The question is: how do you keep up and craft a social strategy that actually wins? In this episode of Earning Your Seat, Kirsten Echeverry reflects on the unique challenges of running social media marketing globally. Kirsten is the Director of Social Media and Influence at IBM, a leading voice in B2B marketing for tech with a decade’s worth of experience in communications roles for consumer brands. A successful social media strategy rests on finding the right balance between building brand equity and promoting products. Behind the scenes, marketers must learn how to navigate the friction between marketing and comms teams, translate executive vision into content that sticks, and manage corporate caution to drive creativity. Kirsten comes with a wealth of valuable insights on the most effective social media plays today, from the professionalization of content creators to using social listening as a tool for building data-driven comms strategies and navigating crises. This episode is for anyone who is looking to step into marketing leadership roles and build a playbook for owning social media in today’s fast-paced landscape.   Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat (03:16) Balancing Marketing and Comms Priorities on Social Media (07:16) Navigating Risk on Social (12:30) Juggling the Different Pieces of a Corporate Social Media Strategy (23:55) Driving the Conversation About Your Brand (26:02) How Creators are Shaping Social (45:23) The Science and Business of Social (47:28) Using Data to Build a Social Media Strategy (55:45) How Social Listening Insights are Driving a Different Marketing Strategy Connect with Kirsten: Kirsten Echeverry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenmberg/Get a Glimpse of IBM’s Social Media Strategy: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ibm/ Take the Data-Driven Communications Free AssessmentReady to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the DDC Assessment and get your personalized report to explore the framework at https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/Join the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddcGet in Touch With UsIf you have any questions about this episode, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com

    59 min
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About

The role of communications has changed. The expectations are higher. The margin for error is smaller. Earning Your Seat is a podcast for communications leaders operating under changed expectations without a clear playbook. Hosted by Dino Delic, Stephanie Lerdall, and Genevieve Brammall, the show places the hosts inside an experience many communicators recognize. Smart, capable leaders learning in real time how influence is earned, tested, and sustained. Each episode features candid conversations with leaders across communications, data, media, and technology. Alongside those conversations, the hosts test ideas in real time, question what they have been taught, and confront where common advice breaks down under organizational pressure. This is not aspirational thought leadership. It is a practical look at growth as it happens. How communicators earn trust, collaborate across functions, and lead with authority in a world moving faster than the role itself. Pull up a chair. The work begins now.

Information

  • Creator
    Meltwater
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Meltwater

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