The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

Axios HQ
  • 5.0 (8)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

Words build relationships, ignite interests, and power epic journeys in the business world. Why it matters: Effective communication is like the secret sauce for strengthening brands, reinforcing viewpoints, and generating revenue. It's about savoring quality and making an impact with every word. Words are the magical glue between your business and your customers, capturing interest and driving action. Great communication opens doors to opportunities and builds stronger connections. The big picture: Tune into each episode of WordBirds podcast where we shine a light on the power of impactful messaging, featuring executives, experts, and thought leaders. Discover the art of personalization and the need for standout, engaging messaging. Learn how to sprinkle some magic into your communication, engaging employees and attracting loyal customers. What’s next: This season, we're taking a deep dive into corporate communications with insights from CCOs and communication leaders. Get the lowdown on strategies to elevate communications and position pros as strategic partners. Host Chris Willis, Axios HQ’s Chief Marketing Officer, and his guests share valuable tips on reigniting your impact with fun, actionable discussions. 

  1. How to Listen: Oscar Trimboli's Method to Better Communication

    MAR 6

    How to Listen: Oscar Trimboli's Method to Better Communication

    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 from hearing words to understanding true meaning.Tune in to start transforming how you lead and c...

    35 min
  2. Plan for the Best, Prepare for the Worst: Mastering Proactive vs Reactive Comms

    FEB 27

    Plan for the Best, Prepare for the Worst: Mastering Proactive vs Reactive Comms

    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 Examples: From pre-launch buzz for museum exhibits to crisis pivots that save reputations, Jennifer bre...

    24 min
  3. It's Now or Never: Six Fundamentals to Winning Back Trust

    FEB 13

    It's Now or Never: Six Fundamentals to Winning Back Trust

    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. Learn how to get it—and keep it. 🎧 0xWCEYFuHu268Js3PyyQ

    34 min
  4. Say Less to Say More: How Smart Brevity is Changing the Way We Communicate

    FEB 6

    Say Less to Say More: How Smart Brevity is Changing the Way We Communicate

    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 adopting the methodology, it’s proving that less is more. What’s next: How Smart Brevity started—and w...

    27 min
  5. You’re Not Alone: Expanding Internal Comms by Engaging the Business

    JAN 23

    You’re Not Alone: Expanding Internal Comms by Engaging the Business

    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 department heads to contribute meaningful content.Transition from content creators to strategic editor...

    22 min
  6. Surviving the Comms Crunch: Lessons in Strategic Positioning

    JAN 16

    Surviving the Comms Crunch: Lessons in Strategic Positioning

    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 engagement efforts.Communicators need to tie their work to outcomes, not outputs.Building alignment internally is critical t...

    29 min
  7. Align to Thrive: Unlocking the Business Power of Internal Communications

    JAN 9

    Align to Thrive: Unlocking the Business Power of Internal Communications

    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 in for insights you can put into action today.

    24 min
  8. Future-Proofing Communications: Staying Ahead in a World of Constant Change

    12/12/2024

    Future-Proofing Communications: Staying Ahead in a World of Constant Change

    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-first world.Why leveraging AI is no longer optional.What’s next: Hear Trey’s practical advice on n...

    26 min
See All (70)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Words build relationships, ignite interests, and power epic journeys in the business world. Why it matters: Effective communication is like the secret sauce for strengthening brands, reinforcing viewpoints, and generating revenue. It's about savoring quality and making an impact with every word. Words are the magical glue between your business and your customers, capturing interest and driving action. Great communication opens doors to opportunities and builds stronger connections. The big picture: Tune into each episode of WordBirds podcast where we shine a light on the power of impactful messaging, featuring executives, experts, and thought leaders. Discover the art of personalization and the need for standout, engaging messaging. Learn how to sprinkle some magic into your communication, engaging employees and attracting loyal customers. What’s next: This season, we're taking a deep dive into corporate communications with insights from CCOs and communication leaders. Get the lowdown on strategies to elevate communications and position pros as strategic partners. Host Chris Willis, Axios HQ’s Chief Marketing Officer, and his guests share valuable tips on reigniting your impact with fun, actionable discussions. 

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