Sharon McIntosh, Author at FIR Podcast Network

Episode #49 – From the inside: A pair of IC experts write the book on internal comms

October 15, 2020 by Sharon McIntosh and Sharon Phillips Leave a Comment

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In 2018, when comms pros Mark Dollins and Jon Stemmle were first wading into the research for their forthcoming book on internal communications, they couldn’t have anticipated the seismic change we would all soon experience. Their timing will serve us well as we move forward in a post-COVID-19 world.

Drawing from their ongoing research and their careers in the field and in the classroom, Mark and Jon joined us for the latest episode of EE Voice to discuss the foundational and emerging core competencies of internal comms, the personal stories behind the successes, and the thru-line of those who are charting a new course in an altered landscape.
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Episode #48: Steve Crescenzo on becoming a strategic advisor during the pandemic

September 18, 2020 by Sharon McIntosh and Sharon Phillips Leave a Comment

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We love talking to Steve Crescenzo because where else can you gain practical, actionable comms advice through a conversation that includes a pet rabbit on the loose, (not) tolerating our spouses under COVID-19 quarantine, and leadership communications hostage videos? Steve and his wife and partner Cindy have had front row seats to the comms-coronavirus crisis response through their business, Crescenzo Communications. Steve joined the EE Voice podcast to talk about all they’ve learned – from the two things you must do to step up your internal comms leadership to the office culture shifts we’re witnessing that he predicts are irreversible.

Links referenced in the podcast:

Whitepaper: 7 steps to futureproof your internal communications strategy
Gallup study on the need for internal communications during the pandemic
Crescenzo Communications upcoming webinars (happy hour included!):
- Employee Communication Master Class
- Writing Master Class

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Episode #47 – Laura Field on how to beat burnout

June 23, 2020 by Sharon McIntosh Leave a Comment

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Laura Field, a colleague, friend and fellow communicator, joined the Sharons to discuss how vital it is that we listen to our internal beings—particularly given all we are dealing with in this moment.

Laura has an intriguing background — being both a communications expert and a spiritual director — and offers us intriguing insights about self-care and burnout.

Laura distills the reasons communicators are more susceptible to burnout, from our natures as thoughtful, nuanced and sensitive people to the oftentimes difficult reality of the environments where we operate. Sound familiar? Hang in for the second half of the broadcast when Laura outlines concrete practices we can put in place, beginning today, that will help us care for ourselves, humanize each other, and be in a better place to share our gifts and talents.

You can learn more about Laura at Soul Play Online.
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Episode #46 – Stephanie Bickel on creating engaging virtual internal events (and speakers)

June 11, 2020 by Sharon McIntosh and Sharon Phillips Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 18:48 — 21.6MB) | Embed

Amid health, economic and social crises, our leaders are being asked communicate like never before…. and almost all virtually.

For today’s comms pros, creating and facilitating engaging virtual town halls, conferences and important meetings is possible – and even culturally rewarding. Plus, you’re also helping your leaders communicate from their home offices.

Need some solid tips and advice? Enter virtual virtuoso Stephanie Bickel of Speak by Design. She shares her expertise on delivering compelling content with strategies that cover everything from engaging attendees in the virtual waiting room to closing on a note that will have people clapping at their computers.

Other resources:

Follow Speak by Design on LinkedIn.
Speak by Design is adds daily tips on Instagram. Please follow, comment, and let us know what you think
Download this whitepaper – Own the Zoom – for tips on virtual meeting excellence.

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Episode #45: EE Voice CLIP – Broadening your leadership listening channels

May 4, 2020 by Sharon McIntosh and Sharon Phillips Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 7:04 — 8.1MB) | Embed

[Today’s episode: 7 minutes]

Can you hear them now?

For a solid eight weeks, we’ve been working with managers on how best to communicate with their teams remotely during the COVID-19 crisis. This week—at your request—we turn that question on its head: How can leadership teams make sure they’re really hearing from staff and directing feedback effectively?

In today’s episode, we talk through our best strategies for expanding listening channels to make space for all this new traffic and keep it moving in the right directions. From surveys and focus groups to informal listening sessions, we cover approaches to soliciting feedback ― and offer you ideas on how to execute.

Give it a listen, and then let us know what questions are keeping you up at night. We’re listening.

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Episode #44 – (Special edition) THE VALUE OF EMPLOYEE COMMS DURING COVID-19

March 29, 2020 by Sharon McIntosh and Sharon Phillips Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:05 — 31.0MB) | Embed

Today we have a special episode of EE Voice: Mark Dollins (friend, comms pro and a former EE Voice guest) and I recently conducted a webinar to discuss the value of employee communications during COVID-19 — as well as share best practices and helpful hints during this crisis. We wanted to offer another way for you to access this information, so this is the slimmed-down audio of the main presentation. You can view the full webinar — including slides and audience polling — at biznology.com.

The webinar was hosted by Consultants Collective and moderated by its manager director, Jen McClure.

Please let us know if Sharon and I can provide any additional help or advice during this challenging time.

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Episode #43 – Andy Gilman on Coronavirus Crisis Communications

March 3, 2020 by Sharon McIntosh and Sharon Phillips Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 13:37 — 15.6MB) | Embed

Talk of COVID-19, or Coronavirus, is dominating the headlines, your timeline ― and probably your headspace. On top of your own family’s health and wellbeing, you have your business, customers and employees to worry about.

As you navigate the fine line between information-sharing and fear mongering, what’s the right message to send? Andy Gilman – a well-known crisis comms expert — has the answers in today’s episode of EE Voice – in less than 15 minutes. (As anyone can now tell you, that’s equivalent to time spent on about 45 hand-washings).

Whether you are adapting an existing crisis communications plan or starting from scratch, you’ll want to tune in for Andy’s expertise. You can learn more about Andy and his company at CommCore Consulting.

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Episode #42: EE Voice Clip – How can I create the best videos with my iPhone?

February 28, 2020 by Sharon McIntosh and Sharon Phillips Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 7:57 — 9.1MB) | Embed

If you’re like most people, you have a high-tech video camera right at your fingertips ― and you’re not making the most of it. Why let that potential go to waste?

Grab your smartphone and take in these recording tips from our video maestro, EE production manager Ed Gilbert, who shares his deep audio/visual expertise for our latest EE Voice Clip.

In less time than it takes to download the typical iPhone update, Ed covers advice from how to hold your phone to improving lighting and audio. It’s like an eight-minute master class in smartphone recording.

Whether you’re considering video as a way to capture that employee interview or you want to feature an executive, this EE Voice Clip is well worth a listen.
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Episode #41: EE Voice CLIP – How can I create an effective 2020 employee comms strategy?

January 15, 2020 by Sharon McIntosh and Sharon Phillips Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 5:36 — 6.4MB) | Embed

Welcome to our second EE Voice CLIP – our Quora for communicators — where we answer a listener’s question in less than 8 minutes.

Today’s question is: How can I create an effective 2020 employee comms strategy?

Sharon and I are always surprised how many companies we speak to don’t have a full year communications plan – and it’s critical. A solid strategy gives you the journey map to success – both personally as a leader and for your employees — and done right – ultimately to drive business success.

So here are some quick tips and tricks to start or improve upon your 2020 comms plan … wrapped up in just 5 minutes.
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Episode #40: Go global (and local) with employee comms in 2020

December 17, 2019 by Sharon McIntosh and Sharon Phillips Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:22 — 25.6MB) | Embed

Strengthening relationships with employees in global settings is a topic near and dear to my heart, as I spent many years at PepsiCo working with our regional teams. For communicators, launching a global initiative can be an exciting career opportunity. Yet, despite advances in technology, significant gaps still exist that can hinder your success.

To help us better understand some of these challenges and get real-world solutions—we (well, Sharon did, since I was with a client) hosted Ray Walsh, a communications consultant for multinational companies, on the latest episode of the EE Voice Podcast. Based in Prague, Ray has deep expertise in helping global organizations with communications and content. In addition, Ray’s experience living and working in Europe both in-house and as a consultant provides valuable insight and perspective for communicators looking to increase their global acumen in 2020.
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Episode #49 – From the inside: A pair of IC experts write the book on internal comms

Episode #48: Steve Crescenzo on becoming a strategic advisor during the pandemic

Episode #47 – Laura Field on how to beat burnout

Episode #46 – Stephanie Bickel on creating engaging virtual internal events (and speakers)

Episode #45: EE Voice CLIP – Broadening your leadership listening channels

Episode #44 – (Special edition) THE VALUE OF EMPLOYEE COMMS DURING COVID-19

Episode #43 – Andy Gilman on Coronavirus Crisis Communications

Episode #42: EE Voice Clip – How can I create the best videos with my iPhone?

Episode #41: EE Voice CLIP – How can I create an effective 2020 employee comms strategy?

Episode #40: Go global (and local) with employee comms in 2020

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