Brenda is an established communications professional for the U.S public sector. Prior to her role with the Los Angeles County, she held several positions throughout journalism, media, and communications domains.  Brenda graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism). She later worked as a staff reporter and writer for major U.S news and journalism organisations including: The Southern California News Group US Weekly; and The North County Times. Later in her career, Brenda served as the Senior Associate Editor for MPA Media and went on to become the Head of Communications for the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder. Brenda has also garnered several prestigious communications awards throughout her career. These include the FOLIO Award for feature writing, the North American ‘Excellence in Communications’ Award, and multiple accolades for her work in public relations and public affairs. Discussed in this episode: Why communicators need a love for people and storytelling Brenda’s process for simplifying complex information The latest digital insights: going mobile Making post-campaign data a bigger part of pre-campaign decisions Governments going social: the power of social media Brenda’s advice for government communicators Learning to use modern citizen engagement techniques Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shannon Kenna is an experienced communications professional, specialising in strategic communications for the public sector. She joined the Treasury in 2015 to manage a major government advertising campaign and has since managed the delivery of five federal budgets. As Division Head of Communications and Parliamentary, she manages a broad program of work, including oversight of a full suite of communication functions. These include media relations, social media, stakeholder engagement, corporate communications, speechwriting, graphic design, publications and web management. Shannon is also responsible for all ministerial and parliamentary business for Treasury. Since beginning her public sector career at the Department of Immigration in 1994, Shannon’s career has included diverse roles in communication and program management. Shannon has also worked in the private sector in Australia and the United Kingdom. Shannon holds a Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) degree, majoring in Management, from the University of Canberra. Discussed in this episode: Using internal face-to-face discussions to approach key message building The Intergenerational Report, featuring Dr Karl Factoring risk into campaigns and handling unexpected setbacks How technology is impacting the demand for tailored content The duties, timelines and challenges of communicating a federal budget (five times) The efficacy of a whole-of-government communications approach Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Olga Stankova is Special Assistant to the Director of the International Monetary Fund's Communications Department. She currently leads technical assistance and conducts research on economic policy communications, and manages outreach on the Fund’s strategy and policy work. Previously, she was responsible for communications on the World Economic Outlook and the Global Financial Stability Report. Prior to that, she was Senior Press Officer for all of the countries of the Former Soviet Union, along with several countries in Europe and the Middle East. She also worked at the European Central Bank during the global financial crisis. Olga previously served as Director of Marketing with Russian investment bank Troika Dialog and as Chief of the Banking and Investment Division of the United States Agency for International Development in Moscow. She has recently released her latest work: Frontiers of Economic Policy Communications, which highlights the emerging importance of effective communication to successful policy making and implementation. Discussed in this episode: Olga’s early career in communications The importance of communications in a crisis The IMF’s approach to outreach A typical day in the IMF’s communications team: the communications cycle The modern marketplace and ‘digital citizens’ Addressing cultural differences in communications Changing technologies: the opportunities and challenges Getting communicators a larger seat at the policy table Why cutting through the noise will only get more difficult A look at Olga’s report: the need for cross-department collaborations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caroline Fisher is the Assistant Professor in Journalism at the University of Canberra. In 2014, she completed her PhD, which examined the career transition between journalism and parliamentary media advising. Prior to perusing further studies at the university, Caroline was a producer, reporter and presenter for ABC News and Radio National. She has also acted as a ministerial media advisor to Anna Bligh, the former Premier of Queensland. Caroline is an expert in journalism and political communication. In 2018, she received the Anne Dunn Scholar Award for her research work in communications. She also received the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in teaching in 2014 and again in 2017. Caroline is the co-author of the annual Digital News Report-Australia, and has published several peer-reviewed articles on her research into politics, media, trust and communications. Discussed in this episode: Why it’s harder than ever to earn trust Journalism suffering the trust deficit Defining trust: the many pieces of the puzzle Why we will continue to consume news we don’t trust Addressing the negative bias in media The importance of authenticity Caroline’s advice for government communicators Back to old methods: putting relationships at the heart of trust Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caroline Fisher is the Assistant Professor in Journalism at the University of Canberra. In 2014, she completed her PhD, which examined the career transition between journalism and parliamentary media advising. Prior to perusing further studies at the university, Caroline was a producer, reporter and presenter for ABC News and Radio National. She has also acted as a ministerial media advisor to Anna Bligh, the former premier of Queensland. Caroline is an expert in journalism and political communication. In 2018, she received the Anne Dunn Scholar Award for her research work in communications. She also received the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in teaching in 2014 and again in 2017. Caroline is the co-author of the annual Digital News Report-Australia, and has published several peer-reviewed articles on her research into politics, media, trust and communications.  Discussed in this episode: Australia: now the lightest news consumers The factors leading to a low news satisfaction What the latest trends mean for government communicators What’s making citizens choose Netflix over news The links between political orientation and news consumption Repackaging the news: a new take to re-engage audiences The power of television Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tanya is a communications and brand professional with over 20 years’ experience. Her wide range of skills relate to communications and branding strategy, public relations, issues management, stakeholder communications and government liaison. Tanya has led communications for organisations in both public and private sectors. Prior to managing corporate affairs at the CSIRO, Tanya was the General Manager of Communications at Destination NSW. Her prior roles have also seen her lead functions across Japan, Asia Pacific, the United Kingdom and Europe, working both client and agency side. Discussed in this episode: Making the shift from private to public Advice on managing ministerial transitions Tanya’s take on the most effective communications channels The importance of having a clear purpose Dealing with message saturation Using powdered broccoli lattes to achieve strategic objectives The benefits of collaboration and how to identify valuable opportunities Capitalising on the demand for video How Tanya measures campaign success: lead and lag measures Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conrad is Director of the GREAT Britain campaign. GREAT is the government’s most ambitious international campaign ever run, uniting the efforts of both public and private sectors to generate jobs and growth for Britain. Conrad also leads the UK Government’s Year of Marketing initiative, which aims to inform and prepare communicators across departments.  In 2014, Conrad’s role at the Prime Minister’s Office on 10 Dowling St expanded to include responsibility for delivering major cross-government campaigns, and ensuring Government’s spending on communications is efficient and cost-effective. Conrad has also previously worked at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office as Head of Public Diplomacy and Strategic Campaigns; and the Central Office of Information, on issues such as consumer rights and international export. He later joined the Cabinet Office as Director of Strategic Communications. Here, he launched a new approach to Government Communication and was responsible for campaigns to counter terrorism and other societal issues. Prior to his career in government, Conrad spent 18 years in advertising, working with both national and international businesses, and established his own communications consultancy which he ran for 8 years. Discussed in this episode: Addressing the stigma of government ‘marketing’ The future of government marketing in the UK: a look at 2025 A new, UK Government definition for marketing Why the skills of the modern marketer are needed now more than ever A new approach to marketing budgets Catering to a millennial audience The responsibility of government in thinking ahead Why it’s good to see an empty office: the importance of curiosity and relationship building Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conrad is Director of the GREAT Britain campaign. GREAT is the UK Government’s most ambitious international campaign ever run, uniting the efforts of both public and private sectors to generate jobs and growth for Britain. The GREAT brand has a current value of 271 million pounds and has received 69 national and international awards to date. In 2014, Conrad’s role at the Prime Minister’s Office on 10 Downing St expanded to include responsibility for delivering major cross-government campaigns, and ensuring government’s spending on communications is efficient and cost-effective. Conrad has also previously worked at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office as Head of Public Diplomacy and Strategic Campaigns; and the Central Office of Information, on issues such as consumer rights and international export. He later joined the Cabinet Office as Director of Strategic Communications. Here, he launched a new approach to government communication and was responsible for campaigns to counter terrorism and other societal issues. Prior to his career in government, Conrad spent 18 years in advertising, working with both national and international businesses, and established his own communications consultancy which he ran for 8 years. Discussed in this episode: What sparked the GREAT campaign Leveraging a name, and the power of keeping things simple What drove cooperation across departments How public perceptions changed throughout the campaign A moment in the spotlight: the London Olympic Games How Conrad approached ROI and measuring key success indicators Employing a ‘soft power’ approach to communications What’s next for the GREAT campaign Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Craig has 25 years’ experience in the digital industry and is passionate about boosting organisational performance through the use of digital strategies and tools. Craig has previously managed and created start-up companies, and served in a variety of senior roles in both government and private sectors. Throughout his professional career, Craig has led national digital projects, designed innovative products, hosted stakeholder engagement initiatives, and coordinated the development of hundreds of websites. He has also trained thousands globally on how to maximise their social media engagement. Craig’s current role with Accenture focuses on supporting clients to respond, manage and create value from digital disruptions. His previous work as an advocate for Digital Government (Gov 2.0) has given him an appreciation for work relating to government and health industries. Discussed in this episode: Craig’s background and passion for digital The role of data in modern communications Room for improvement regarding government data use The different roles of data: comparing public and private sectors Managing the issue of citizen privacy Viewing privacy and data as a ‘transaction’ Craig’s thoughts on introducing government incentives for data sharing What the government will look like in 5 years’ time The shift towards agile and multifunctional teams Craig’s take on the skills government communicators should be learning now The future of digital and the implications for businesses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick is the Head of Strategy and Communications at The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA). Nick graduated from the University of Melbourne with his Postgraduate Diploma of Editing and Communications in 2008. He has since filled a range of communications roles within the medical and pharmaceutical industry. Nick has worked in a range of areas, from communications research to media and strategy. He has recently been recognised by the International Association of Business Communicators for his campaign with the SHPA. Nick received a Gold Quill Merit Award for change communication, relating to his campaign titled ‘A New Prescription: Elevating Australia’s Leading Pharmacists’. The campaign involved multiple communication channels including social media, email and radio; and produced a range of positive outcomes for the SHPA. Discussed in this episode: The importance of having a clear objective Driving organisational change The challenges and learnings from Nick’s campaign The power of tone in message framing The role of visual ques in Nick’s strategy The value of face-to-face interaction in achieving outcomes Making the most of consultations and interviews The power of people and advocacy programs Leveraging third-party voice Effective communication: Nick’s tips for success Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brent joined the South Australian Tourism Commission in November 2015 as a marketing communications specialist with experience in advertising, digital, public relations, sponsorship and communications across the banking, retail and telecommunications sectors. Brent has been responsible for overseeing $1.6 billion growth in the visitor economy. He played a key role in launching the new global brand for South Australia and coordinated two global television campaigns and multiple digital programs that now see the southaustralia.com attracting over 6 million visitors annually. Brent has also managed several successful marketing partnerships with platforms such as the Project, MasterChef Australia and Sports Illustrated. In 2018, Brent was recognized as #21 on the CMO50 list of Australia’s top marketers and will be speaking about public sector strategic communication in Canberra this May. Discussed in this episode: Getting recognised as a top 50 CMO Being digital native, and taking risks in government Creating a point of difference The power of authenticity Pushing the creative limits of social media Informing instead of promoting Making content ‘snackable’ Using data to increase consumer value An insight into the ROI metrics used by South Australia Tourism Commission. Brent’s tips for effective communication within government Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Hocknell has over 25 years of experience in corporate management, consulting and academia. He has completed his Masters degree in Business Administration at the Queensland University of Technology and has developed two business courses which he has now been teaching for 8 years. Beyond Mark’s experience teaching and consulting, he is also a member of the Industry Advisory Board Griffith University. Mark has an established skill-set relating to performance measurement processes and evidence-based leadership. In 2015, Mark was appointed the Australasian partner for PuMP, a performance measurement process employed globally by over 40 organisations. Mark consistently runs workshops and speaks publicly about the importance of evidence-based approaches to outcome measurement. He will be in several cities throughout May, hosting workshops on how communicators can better measure outcome-based approaches in Government. Discussed in this episode: The essential steps required for measuring an outcome Learning to define a vague concept or objective An introduction to the PuMP methodology Focusing on improvements over outcomes and setting measurable targets The 8 steps of PuMP Why what is observable is measurable The challenges of adopting any new methodology Where to learn more about PuMP and upcoming workshops Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eleanor is the General Manager of Outreach and Capacity Building at the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). She has worked in a range of management roles, from strategic marketing and communication to Director of public affairs. Her previous places of employment include the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Australian Tax Office and Department of Environment and Heritage. A communications honours graduate from the University of Canberra, Eleanor has worked in public affairs and communications for the Australian Government for more than 23 years, on a range of issues including heritage, pollution, natural resource management, biodiversity, arts, education and training and superannuation. One of Eleanor’s more recent campaigns has been broadcast on the SBS Food Network, aiming to promote awareness about the ACIAR. The television program titled "The Good Cooks" sent influencers to key ACIAR sites and aimed to promote current initiatives. The program was massively successful reaching over 2 million people, leveraging media platforms and influencers. Discussed in the episode: Building a big public profile for a small government department Rallying ministerial support for a high-risk campaign The importance of communicating without advertising Getting the balance right: editorial control and entertainment value How social media and influencers helped Eleanor reach over 2 million people Evaluating the campaign: reach vs awareness Weighing up the risk and reward of ambitious, creative campaigns Managing social media backlash Current ACIAR work and where you can check out Eleanor’s program: "The Good Cooks’’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jenny is an experienced producer of data management systems and data dashboard solutions for social change. Her skills relate to co-design, delivery and evaluation of collaborations, working with complex and wicked social problems. These include poverty, homelessness, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and development, school to work transitions and school readiness in vulnerable communities. Jenny has over 20 years’ experience in the social sector and has previously worked for leading NGO’s such as Oxfam and Plan International. She currently works as a Digital Transformation Lead at Clear Horizon, and is a Non Executive Director at Eating Disorders Victoria. She is trained in a range of reporting and communication formats to engage and mobilise communities and stakeholders. She is also a sought-after facilitator and trainer working to improve knowledge and skills in the areas of design and evaluation, especially in cross-sector collaborations. Discussed in this episode: The importance of simplicity in communication Preparing an evaluation checklist The qualities of a good evaluator The shifting focus from output to outcomes The impact of technology on change measurement Making data work for us (and not vice versa) Developing a toolkit for social change Avoiding data overwhelm Resources for those who want to learn more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jo’Anne Langham is an experienced independent consultant with a strong background working in public policy. Her capabilities include human-centred design, statistical data analysis, and public administration. Jo’Anne holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) focused on economic psychology - tax compliance at the University of Queensland. She formerly worked as a Senior Director of Corporate Research and Intelligence at the Australian Taxation Office where she created a professional social research capability. She has also acted as a Governance Review Lead responsible for managing stakeholder relationships and the design of new operating models. Jo’Anne’s latest Ph.D. work has investigated citizen experience measurement from a public sector perspective. Her framework titled ‘XE Heuristics’ looks at measuring the effectiveness of client and citizen focussed design. Discussed in this episode: The origins of citizen focused experience design Government adoption of a citizen-focussed approach The importance of measuring and modifying design Developing metrics for client experiences An introduction to Jo’Anne’s experience measurement framework Creating customer journey maps Using the framework to improve public sector outcomes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew Abbott, Senior Executive Leader – Corporate Affairs. Matthew is head of media, government relations, internal communications, publications and the internet at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Before joining ASIC in 2010, Matthew was a director of a public affairs consultancy, held a senior corporate affairs role with global shopping centre company, the Westfield Group, been an adviser to Joe Hockey in the Howard Government and worked for several NSW Liberal leaders. He has also worked as a financial journalist in the United Kingdom and started his career as a staff reporter with the Australian Financial Review. Matthew has a Bachelor of Commerce (UNSW) and a Master of Public Affairs (Sydney University). He also lectures on media and political campaigning in a masters program at Sydney University. Discussed in todays episode: Influencing behavior from a corporate affairs position How self-sufficient regulators are regarding media and communications output Measuring communications progress towards a strategic objective How is the regulatory communications environment is changing The shared challenges amongst regulatory communicators Managing the media spotlight on the Royal Banking Commission The right stories to tell Advice for government communicators Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sheena Ireland is the founder and director of communications consultancy: Specialists in Communications. She has held senior communications positions in government and industry, including areas such as science and research, automotive, arts and sport. Her 16 years’ experience working with government and industry includes working as the Director of Stakeholder Relations at the Australian Research Council, Media Adviser to a Federal Government Cabinet Minister and Communications Manager for the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. Sheena has spoken at government and small business conferences and seminars on the importance of communications strategy, the power of social media and the need for stakeholder engagement in any communications plan. She has also facilitated panel and ‘in-conversation’ discussions on meaningful connection, our quest for happiness, and mental health and wellbeing. Discussed in this episode: The impact of changing technology on government communications How pace and efficiency are impacting communication Why communicators should always have a seat at the table An introduction to Sheena’s new platform: Our Comms Network Sheena’s advice for all government communicators The future direction of government communications Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barbara Walsh is a Senior Lecturer and Program Director in the Faculty of Arts and Design at the University of Canberra. Her specialised teaching and research interests lie in areas of integrated learning, social responsibility and corporate and strategic communication. Barbara’s 25-year career in public relations and corporate communications, also includes working as an Account Director for PR Consultancies in Sydney and London, managing her own consultancy in Sydney and several senior-level roles in the Australian Public Service. Discussed in this episode: Is effective social media engagement a litmus test for how well communicators can do their job? And how this reflects on the intent of an organisation to engage with citizens. Social media is a fast way to directly engage with citizens. But requires two-way trust and access to the right people for approval and support. The characteristics of good communicators are those who are agile, opportunistic, have strong personal characteristics, and can engage at senior levels. How entrenched views in senior levels of bureaucracy coupled with an increasing demand for transparency with citizens, means communicators need to argue their case for social media channels as part of the suite of channels. UC is helping create career ready graduates with practical integrated learning, providing students with relevant education while embedding them in practical industry environments. Academics need to stay on top of changes and stay ahead of students, and industry needs to stay relevant and continue moving towards specialisations. This changes the way academics teach and the way degrees are built as students move into evolving communications roles. And, the age-old challenge of embedding communications at the start of the process. Speaking the language of senior executives - risk appetite, governance, benefits – and the need to reshape how we talk about the role of communicators. For example, look at how behavioural scientists are taking on a communications role and establishing credibility. Can communicators create credibility using tools or methodology?   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor Mark Evans (PhD) is Director of Democracy 2025 and Professor of Governance at the Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis. Mark is an expert in the study and practice of governance and policy analysis. He has a long track record of achievement in developing high quality, values-driven, knowledge institutions built around outstanding research with policy impact, relevant professional development programs, and creative partnerships with governance actors with a common commitment to delivering policy and leadership which delivers genuine public value. “Democracy 2025 – bridging the trust divide” is a unique collaboration between MoAD and foundation partner UC-IGPA that will see a centre established at the spiritual home of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House, that will generate research, education and practice to enhance the quality of democratic engagement. It will bring together academic study and debate with public engagement opportunities such as events and exhibitions to investigate and experiment with what works in terms of renewing our representative system of government and facilitate evidenced-based cross partisan conversations on how to improve our democratic practices. Discussed in this episode: Communication is the oxygen of any organisation The complexity for modern government, is that there is no one audience We’re in a different era of government and it’s so important for the Australian Public Service to win hearts and minds and  engage in better storytelling about the great work that it does We need a great diversity in the workforce in order to understand the different channels of communication that will have any impact If current trends continue no more than 10% of Australians will trust their politicians and political institutions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Troeth is Director – Media at the Minerals Council of Australia. He has a long and distinguished career in both the media and politics.      Simon started his career as a print journalist, working for the Herald Sun and several other newspapers before moving in to politics where he spent 15 years working for state and federal politicians and was the Principal Media Adviser to the Premier of Victoria. He has also had several roles as media and policy advisers and was the Director of Strategic Communication for the Victorian Department of Justice. Simon has worked for three industry and has also worked as a consultant specialising in communications and government relations strategies. Discussed in this episode: How communication has changed over the last 30 years The growing nature of immediacy and personalization in how we consume media Government has acknowledged the need to get closer with their audience Important behaviours to follow when interacting with journalists How to make an effective pitch What’s more important, getting your own channels right or interacting with the media effectively? Government sometimes operate inside out, they think ‘this is important, they need to hear this’ instead of asking ‘what do they need to hear?’ The importance of understanding how your audience perceives your organisation Why evaluation is one of the best investments you can make as a communicator How to attract and retain audience attention Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shawn Callahan is the founder of Anecdote and one of the world’s leading business storytelling teachers and advisors. He started his career in technology with companies including Oracle and IBM, before he founded Anecdote in 2004. Anecdote helps leaders and sellers be better oral storytellers and assists corporations deliver on their strategies using stories. Most recently Shawn published his book PUTTING STORIES TO WORK. At its heart, this book provides a process for becoming a good business storyteller. Discussed in this episode: Why storytelling is an effective communication approach What makes a good story Three focus areas for organisations to use storytelling How you can become better at telling stories in an organisational setting How to decide what information you should put in a story Why you should never use the word story How to measure the impact of the value of storytelling in your organisation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josie Khng joined the contentgroup team in January 2018 as one of its strategists. Prior to her move to Australia, she was head of social media at global creative agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty in Singapore. She has a wealth of global brand experience and has led award-winning creative campaigns for IKEA. Now she focuses on developing creative strategies and content for her government and public sector clients. Discussed in this episode: The future of social media and how the entertainment in storytelling can guide government communication Ways to capture your audience’s time Why personas are a must Examples of successful creative government campaigns How to structure your communication team Key takeaways for government storytelling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Bell is an ABC producer and reporter in the ACT. He worked for the BBC and commercial radio in Wales before moving to Australia in 1988. In Australia, he has reported and produced news bulletins and documentaries for regional and metropolitan commercial television, Reuters and the ABC in Sydney and Melbourne.  Andrew discusses the evolving world of media and how technology is changing the profession. Discussed in this episode: What are reporters looking for when you call to pitch them your story? What time of the day is best? How is technology changing the way newsrooms behave? What will give you your best chance of having your story run?     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stuart Howie, author, communications and media consultant, journalist and speaker shares with us insights and strategies from his latest book, The DIY Newsroom. Stuart draws on the principles and practices of newsrooms. Why newsrooms? Well, newsrooms are at the top of the content food chain - information is their reason for being. Stuart knows a thing or two about newsrooms, having transformed newsrooms across a 30-year career as an editor and journalist, including time as editorial director for Fairfax Regional Media. Discussed in this episode: What editorial operations that impacts a nation looks like. And the parts you can take and tailor to your own operations. The power of acting SMART™. What it is and how you can control your message for maximum impact. Future proofing your comms strategy for 2019 Essentials for authentic stakeholder engagement Building diversity into an engaging strategy that converts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As one of the leading and most experienced communicators in Australia, Adrian Cropley shares with us the growing functionality of combining communication and business and the role that plays in successful leadership. With over 20 years’ experience, Adrian has worked with a number of Fortune 500 companies in areas such as change management, crisis management and strategic communication. From this, he has perfected the skills required to be a professional communicator and build strong teams. Described as the “friendliest man in the [comms] game”, this a great listen to better your leadership skills, working towards creating a healthy, functioning and strong comms team! Discussed in this episode: The functionality of strategic communication in the late 2010s Turning everyone in your organisation into a pro communicator The evolution of communication and leadership When two worlds collide - business and communication Building the ‘comms team of tomorrow’ The damage of the 24/7 news cycle on comms in government Building authenticity, stability and trust into your comms strategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we present an exclusive interview with Geoff Fisher, contentgroup’s Client Services Manager, about the application of Phase One and Two of our Content Communication Framework. Taking you behind the scenes of how contentgroup operates, we explore the future of strategic communication and what it means for government. This week’s episode breaks down myths that surround comms teams, injecting project management and strategic thinking into communication and increasing your stakeholder engagement. Most importantly, Geoff outlines not only the ‘why’ but also ‘how’, through the Framework, this is achievable. If you enjoyed today’s episode or have any questions email: [email protected] Also discussed in this episode: The future of government communication How to successfully start a communication strategy Why communication is important throughout, not just at the end Injecting comms into the policy team Comms as more than the ‘Colouring-in Department’ Keeping the audience involved and informed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TAKE PART IN OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY AND WIN! This week we are excited to release Part 2 of our interview with Robert Rose, a leader in the content marketing space. As well as leading a consultancy firm of his own, most recently Robert Rose was the host of Content Marketing World. Continuing from Part 1, in this episode Robert shares with us the creation of strategic content, focusing on the implementation of empathy and storytelling to capture your audience’s attention. Alarmingly, the tools and solutions Robert provides are a lot simpler than you may think! If you missed Part 1 make sure to find it wherever you listen to podcasts. Discussed in Part 2: Putting your content strategy to use, effectively Creating goals and actually reaching them The power of stepping away from technology Finding empathy and following it through Learning what your audience wants and delivering that Learn more and register to our Masterclass.    Discussed in Part 1: Driving emotion and empathy to break through the noise Creating scalable content Creating an evidence-based case for a content strategy The tools to build and evaluate your content strategy Distributing content in a timely manner “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TAKE PART IN OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY AND WIN! This week we are excited to share with you Part 1 of our interview with Robert Rose, a founder and guru in the content marketing space. Through the release of his book ‘Managing Content Marketing’, co-written with Joe Pulizzi, the concept of strategic media came to be. In this episode, Robert shares insights into how the world of content marketing is changing, the tools for us as communicators to stay ahead and the growing role of content in organisations. Make sure to subscribe for Part 2 when we explore implementing your content strategy, furthering our discussion on empathy and the importance of taking a break while everything changes so rapidly. Discussed in Part 1: Driving emotion and empathy to break through the noise Creating scalable content Creating an evidence-based case for a content strategy The tools to build and evaluate your content strategy Distributing content in a timely manner “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”   Learn more and register to our Masterclass. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To let your communication strategy flourish, you need to get everyone involved. On this week’s episode, we talk with leading social media specialist Stephanie McCormick from the Australian Catholic University (ACU) on how to get your whole organisation involved in communication. A big part of Stephanie’s role is to find how to get everyone involved and break down traditional silos. Learn how she expressed the worth of comms and used all resources available, using digital communication to solve problems. This week is a very valuable listen for all social media managers and specialists. Stay till the end for Stephanie’s advice on removing yourself from social media and step away from the computer! Discussed in this episode: Digital communication to solve problems Applying law skills to the practice of communication Breaking down silos – telling your company story is everyone’s role University tactics applicable to the public sector Combining traditional media with digital Making the most of free digital tools and platforms Top 5 tips for all social media managers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you know about ‘gamification’? This week on GovComms we talk with Kerstin Oberprieler, a leading expert in the field, about what it means for the future of government communication and audience engagement. While it may appear as an odd concept, it’s something that's always been around us. Whether it’s frequent flyer miles, points at your favourite retailer or your Fitbit, gamified systems are all around you. And what Kerstin and her company PentaQuest are trying to achieve is integrating it into much more than just a loyalty system and audience engagement. More than just sharing photos and videos, gamification engages your audience and embeds them into your content giving them a personal, hands-on experience. Find out how the inner-workings of gamification fit perfectly into strategic communication by looking at specific Australian Government examples. Discussed in this episode: Government and gamification, where two worlds collide The similarities between strategic gamification and communication What gamification looks like in the real world – online and offline Government examples of gamification to reach niche, specific audiences Gamification as a tool to enhance external and internal communication Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another episode in our solo masterclass series, this week David takes you through the processes of ‘measurement and evaluation’ within the contentgroup Content Communication Methodology. Though the benefits are apparent, this process is often left till last minute or left out completely. This episode addresses a variety of the misconceptions that are held against measurement and ways to start implementing measurement in your own projects. Some benefits include the ability to target your audience better, communicate with stakeholders effectively, create and track goals and objectives, and using the information gathered to improve future projects. “We test, and we learn, in service of our audience.” Liked today's episode? Register to our Content Communication Masterclasses to learn firsthand the value of measurement and evaluation in government communication. Discussed in this episode: The growing streams for communication Measurement and evaluation as a tool to increase capability A step-by-step guide to implementing M&E Audience as priority one, two and three M&E as spending more time now to spend less time later Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While today they might just be at school or mastering streaks on Snapchat, one day the youth of today will be the leaders of tomorrow. And unlike the generations before them, 70% of these future professions and career paths don’t even exist yet. But what’s more shocking is they’re more than prepared for such an occurrence and ready to face this task as it comes. While there is uncertainty in what this change will bring, they already know what change looks like and how to navigate it. This week we’re joined by Claire Madden, author of Hello Gen Z and social researcher on generational engagement. Claire explores with David the technological cultural shift and what we as communicators can learn from these leaders of tomorrow though still young today. Discussed in this episode: Generational change and how Gen Z broke the mould The material and technological impact on Gen Z What technology has done to how people learn, research and communicate Ways government and the public sector can utilise the skills and abilities of Gen Z Gen Z are born knowing the rules of social media engagement Advice to effectively communicate and talk with Gen Z Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Todd Wheatland is no stranger to the world of content; he’s had leading roles in strategy for agencies such as Isentia, KellyOCG and King Content as well as a variety of boutique operations for over a decade. As an early player in the game, this week Todd shares with us the insights he’s gathered from years of experiences and provides you with the tips you need to become the best content communicator you can be. If you’re lucky enough to be heading to Content Marketing World in Cleveland, Ohio next week keep an eye for him and say g’day and tell him you enjoyed the episode! Discussed in this episode Case study: how content drives change management Thinking outside the box and breaking the rules to achieve the best outcome How to measure stories The power of the media to reach your greater audience Using data and measurement to create content that grabs attention Skills from the private sector that are applicable for public Insights into what to expect from Content Marketing World 2018 You can find Todd Wheatland no LinkedIn here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Supporting an audience of over half a million people is a gigantic task, especially when you have such a diverse crowd following you. For the University of Sydney, this is the exact challenge they face daily; students, international visitors, alumni and academics all coming for a unique experience. The secret of managing it all? Jenna Bradwell, the one woman social media team. This week on GovComms, Jenna Bradwell, their Social Media Specialist, takes you behind the scenes of the University of Sydney’s social media ‘team’ and shares with us how she alone manages their entire social presence. Sometimes less is more; a must listen for all social media managers and directors. Discussed in this episode: Building a social media skillset Importance of knowing your audience and how to find out Ways to get your whole organisation involved in content creation How to control and listen to a large, diverse audience Creating a strong social media presence, mastering one channel at a time Skipping social media tools and measuring yourself, FOR FREE Find contentgroup on Twitter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on GovComms we explore the biggest problems being faced in government communication, but more importantly, we provide answers to solve them. Through a research partnership at the Australia National University and the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, contentgroup has been developing an evidence-based methodology to solve governments biggest communication challenges. Designed to increase capability internally, this special episode takes you behind the scenes of contentgroup and how we plan to change government communication. Discussed in this episode: The biggest challenges in government communication The purpose of effective communication in the public sector From Sydney to Vienna, how our methodology went international Restoring trust one government at a time The power of storytelling in communication and policy development You can learn more by visiting our website or getting in touch [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As communicators, we should all know by now that internal communication is the beating heart of any healthy organisation. Because without it, everything falls apart. And though that may sound scary there are plenty of tools available to introduce smooth internal communication to your department or agency. This week on the podcast we explore the implementation of enterprise social media, or large-scale internal communication, with Rita Zonius, an international leader in internal communication. With a rich career in the bank sector, Rita was the Head of Internal Communication for ANZ for more than a decade. One of her biggest achievements was the implementation of an enterprise social network to connect over 60,000 ANZ employees around the world. After leaving ANZ in late-2017, Rita has become a leading consultant in the field and recognised internationally for her work in enterprise social networking. Under the alias The Enterprise Social Engineer she now works with brands around the world assisting them with all their internal comms needs! Discussed in this episode: What is enterprise social networking and why is important? The increased efficiency from implementing internal social networks Measuring risks and challenges in internal communication Training your team in teamwork, not technology Perfecting internal content, creating an internal narrative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on GovComms we talk with Caroline Fisher,an Assistant Professor in journalism at the University of Canberra. Caroline is a member of the News & Media Research Centre and co-author of the annual Digital News Report-Australia. Caroline is the recipient of the 2018 Anne Dunn Scholar Award and the 2017 Early Career Researcher Excellence Award in Humanities and the Creative Arts. In 2014 and 2017 Caroline was the recipient of a Vice Chancellor’s Award for excellence in teaching. Today we discuss how to navigate changes in the digital landscape and what that means for communication professionals in government.  Discussed in this episode: The changes in the way Australians communicate digitally News literacy and consumption continues to rise in Australia How to overcome the fear of not knowing what works Social media remains as a popular tool for news consumption The new skills for government communicators to engage citizens Expanding your presence to assure you reach your whole audience How to give citizens the information they want Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on GovComms we talk with Neryl East, an experienced government communicator, about how to successfully and positively navigate change in our industry. Starting her career in the late 1990s, Neryl has encountered many dramatic shifts in communication. Following the introduction of the internet and social media, Neryl was an early advocate for governments using online tools to connect directly with citizens and residents. Today she shares tips with you on how to navigate such changes and approach your communication strategies to producing the best outcome. Discussed in this episode: Why the ability to write efficiently is the key tool to online communication How to use curiosity to your own advantage Tricks to keep up with changing digital trends The connection between traditional media and modern communication Don’t be reluctant to try new tools or technology Seeking inspiration from local governments   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recently David presented at ComCAN, an event by the Department of Finance that explores communication challenges faced in the public sector and ways they can be solved. Held quarterly, ComCAN is an opportunity for government communicators to network and work together to coordinate efforts in the communication space; this includes digital communication, social media and advancements in communication technology. In this episode of GovComms we’re excited to share with you David’s presentation, providing you with the tools and information to assist you in navigating government communications in the 21st century.   For more updates on government communication find contentgroup on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we bring you a special episode of GovComms; a free masterclass on how-to pitch to the media. We provide you with the tools and know how to approach the media confidently. No stranger to this practice, David spent ten years pitching stories as a journalist and several more doing the same thing from the other side. In this masterclass he shares this perfected approach and how you can now successfully get your story and your message in front of the media. Be sure not to miss any future masterclasses and subscribe today. Discussed in this episode: The key steps to creating a great media pitch What makes a good story? Common mistakes to avoid when preparing your pitch The right questions to create a successful media strategy How to build a strong relationship with the media For more updates on government communication find contentgroup on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Damian Carmichael is from the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science and leading in the development of a framework that will change how the Australian Government operates. Supporting the 2016-2018 and 2018-2020 Open Government National Plan, his role is to design and implement tools that will enhance public engagement and participation in policy development and delivery. According to Damian, step one was to understand what problems that currently underly the Australian Government. His advice for such a large task? Google it. Find the experts of the field, find the papers that explore these problems and track these changes over time. What Damian and his team found was the growing complexity in Australia’s political landscape specifically in policy and trust. So, what has Damian done to combat this? Find out in this week’s episode as David explores his four-step approach to engage citizens. Discussed in this episode: The importance of initial research Looking to local and state level governments to find the answer to federal level problems A four-step approach to engage citizens and restore trust Breaking through barriers, whether they are culturally or capability based The Ontario Provincial Government Engagement Framework Tracking the prototype product What this means for the future of the Australian Public Sector Make sure to rate and subscribe! If you'd like to learn more, get in touch via Twitter and LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2015 Peter Timmins led the establishment of the Australian Open Government Partnership Network, an organisation designed to assist the government in their approach to open governance. As part of the multilateral Open Government Partnership, Peter shares with us behind-the-scenes of our involvement with the partnership and Australia’s open government future. With a career spanning close to 30 years as a freedom of information lawyer, Peter has played significant roles in assisting government departments, both state and federal, in law and policy. These efforts were recognised in 2017 and was awarded the Press Freedom Medal by the Australian Press Council. Discussed in this episode: The history of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and how Australia became involved What the OGP is aiming to achieve and how Australia is moving towards those goals The direction Australia is taking and shortcomings in our approach How we can perfect this approach and using champions to do so The use of storytelling to engage citizens and build trust in the community Learn more about Australia's involvement with the Open Government Partnership. Learn more about the Australian Open Government Partnership Network. Make sure to rate and subscribe. If you'd like to learn more, get in touch via Twitter and LinkedIn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our rebranded GovComms podcast has launched and now's the time to share what's in store for you, the listener. In this episode your host, David Pembroke, tells the story of contentgroup. Our Story. From small beginnings, David shares how contentgroup took an idea and created a thriving government communication hub that serves municipal, state and federal governments, as well as governments worldwide. Discussed in this episode: How did we get here? From political journalism and a spark of an idea to a thriving communications agency. What differentiates us at contentgroup and how our level of excellence in creating compelling content serves government agencies and departments. Ways we can help you deliver a successful communication strategy that connects you with your citizens and community. What our dedicated team of professionals are delivering to meet your objectives and requirements. Big plans. What we are working on now and for the future.   Be sure to subscribe to GovComms, so you catch all our new episodes. Find contentgroup on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Read more about best industry practices from our blog and weekly newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our InTransition Podcast has been sharing insights and innovations in government communication with global audiences since 2015. In this episode your host, David Pembroke, shares some exciting news about the growth of the InTransition podcast. We've had a makeover and it's not just cosmetic. You'll hear a little about why we rebranded and the exciting changes in store for future episodes. Previous episodes from InTransition are archived and still available for you to listen to. Be sure to subscribe to GovComms, so you catch all our new episodes.     Find contentgroup on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Read more about best industry practices from our blog and weekly newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the podcast this week we talk to Mike Pritchett, CEO and co-founder of Shootsta, a video production agency in Sydney. Designed to empower brands and agencies to produce high-quality video, Shootsta supplies clients with an all-in-one visual studio in a single hard case and offers a 24-hour turnover. Understanding the importance of delivering consistent and timely content, Mike shares with David the value of video production in 2018 and the power it has to connect brands with their audience. With humble beginnings in Sydney, Shootsta is slowly taking over the world with a presence in Southeast Asia, North America and Europe. It’s no secret anymore that video is the future of marketing and Shootsta has taken a complex idea and simplified it. Learn more! Discussed in this episode: What is Shootsta and why is it important The future of video production The role of video to connect brands and agencies with their audience While attention spans get smaller, video can only become more influential Reasons to consider introducing video production to your media/publishing team Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After recently celebrating Open Gov Week 2018 we thought we’d revisit this episode with Helen Owen, the then Principle Advisor on Public Data Policy at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Helen shares with David the importance of Australia joining the Open Government Partnership and what it means for citizens. Aiming to connect governments with their citizens, it’s a tool necessary to increase transparency, fight corruption and harness new technologies to increase efficiency. Discussed in this episode: How the Open Government Partnership increases stakeholder engagement Involving policymakers in open governance Managing citizen expectations and increasing participation The Open Government Partnership and their presence overseas The open data agenda and what it means for freedom of information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the world of communication, there’s one rivalry bigger than them all: internal vs external communication. The common belief is that external is superior simply because it’s what you use to communicate with your audience. But something we often forget is the crucial role internal plays. It may not be pleasing your audience, and instead gratifying your staff. This week we talk with Kate Powl, Communications Manager at Data61. As a young agency attached to the CSIRO, Kate’s role has been to build a strong team internally to ensure a strong external presence. When your team is organised on the inside, the external output improves. Discussed in this episode: Storytelling through data and building Data61’s narrative Building a strong audience though a young agency The importance of incorporating digital and data experts into your teams How crucial internal communications is for strong external results Internal communications, more than just house keeping   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Public participation (P2) is a core principle of contemporary politics and policy and is used to involve people and communities in problem-solving and decision-making discussions. In order to understand the importance of P2, we talk with Kylie Cochrane this week on the role it plays in infrastructure projects, the future of P2 in the digital age and ways governments can do public participation effectively. Both an International Board Member for the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) and the Global Lead for Communication and Stakeholder Engagement at Aurecon, Kylie is a bit of a rock star in the world of public participation. Discussed in this episode: Social Triangle Theory at the heart of infrastructure projects Trust decreasing in Australia and how public participation can save it Building a community and making them stay Effectively using storytelling and creating a strong narrative The future of IAP2 Australasia working with the United Nations Find contentgroup on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Read more about best industry practices from our blog and weekly newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally nicknamed the ‘Hay Capital of the World’, the City of Gilbert is now a leading example of what it means for a government to go digital. Wanting to engage their residents, they struck gold finding one crucial aspect of their demographic – the average age of Gilbert is 32. Why is that important? Well, because they’re young and digitally aware. Dana Berchman, Chief Digital Officer for the City of Gilbert, attributes this one factor to the success of Gilbert’s digital transition. Understanding where her audience was lead to using resources in a more efficient, measurable way and increased government transparency. The City of Gilbert now boasts over 25 channels across all major platforms and over the last five years has even reached viral success. By giving her residents the ability to directly contact their government for news and updates has been a major success and an example of effective government communications. Listen to David and Dana go into great detail of how the City of Gilbert turned into a digital hub known throughout North America. Discussed in this podcast: The demographics of Gilbert and how it pushed for digital reform Building a digital roadmap – “Willing to try, willing to fail” The importance of transparency and accountability in government and how social media helps Drawing inspiration from New York City and their digital presence How storytelling strengthened Gilbert’s community A local governments responsibility to its residents Read Case Study: The City of Gilbert. Find contentgroup on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Read more about best industry practices from our blog and weekly newsletter.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.