History of Internal Communication Joe Chick

On 14 May 2024, Meta announced the closure of Workplace, the work comms platform that it had launched in 2016. In Episode 18, we talk about history as it unfolds, as we are joined by Simon White, a former employee of Meta’s predecessor Facebook. Now the HR leader for the intranet and communication application Blink, Simon shares with us his wealth of experience of digital communication and how this sector is evolving.

In the seventeenth episode, we are joined by Michael Ellender, the Internal Channels Lead at the BBC. Michael shares his journey in internal communication, reflecting on the shifts from traditional methods to digital platforms and the impact of these changes on organisational culture and employee engagement. His unique perspective highlights the challenges and innovations within the BBC’s internal communication strategies. Tune in as we explore how internal communication shapes organisational identities and adapts to the digital age.

The sixteenth episode of the History of Internal Communication podcast features Sue Dewhurst, the former Director of The SD Group, and Liam Fitzpatrick, the Co-Founder of Donhead Consultants. In 2001, Sue and Liam developed the first competency framework for internal communication practitioners in the UK. Their model marked a turning point, providing a structured approach to professionalising this growing field. In this interview, they discuss the enduring importance of strategic leadership, the ongoing quest for professional recognition, and the potential impacts of AI.

In Episode 15, we are joined by Isabel Hull, the Research and Content Director at Kademy. Isabel shares invaluable insights on mastering change communication in today's workplace environment. She talks about maintaining a coherent message across channels, navigating the pitfalls of unofficial channels, and bridging the skills gap in communication teams in the fact of technological advancements. Isabel tells us the key messages from Kademy’s latest report entitled What’s changed about change communication?

In the fourteenth episode, we are joined by Mike Klein, an internal and social communication consultant at Changing the Terms. With a career that began in political PR in the US, Mike has worked in internal communication in many different countries and held posts at Shell, Cargill, and Maersk Oil. Join us as we explore Mike’s insights from measurement to leadership, offering valuable perspectives on the evolution and future trajectory of internal communication.

The thirteenth episode of the History of Internal Communication podcast features David Macleod, the Co-Chair of Engage for Success. David co-authored the hugely influential 2009 Engage for Success report. In this interview, David looks back at how internal communication has developed in the 14 years since he and Nita Clarke wrote the report. He reflects on the monumental shifts he's witnessed during his career and talks to us about a wide range of topics from the challenges of working with senior managers to employee engagement.