The Future of Internal Communication

In February 2025, the IoIC launched its AI ethics Charter for internal communication. As GenerativeAI adoption goes mainstream, there are many moral and ethical considerations that require contemplation and resolution. Its implementation requires human care, stewardship and oversight. The goal of the AI Charter is to present some of the most pressing points for organisations to reflect and agree on and to catalyse a live and ongoing membership conversation about how best to adopt AI while sustaining access to good, purposeful work for colleagues. In this conversation, we are joined by AI taskforce members Adele McIntosh and Joe McMann. As VP Internal Communication and Community for Arm (Adele) and Director of Internal and Executive Communication (EMEA) for Marriott International (Joe), they were expertly placed to help evaluate what an AI ethics Charter might include. We discuss what drew them to the taskforce and the role internal communication can play in helping organisations harness the full potential of AI. Takeaways AI is a significant part of organisational development. The AI Ethics Charter aims to address ethical and human-centered AI adoption. Internal communicators play a crucial role in AI integration. The charter will evolve as technology progresses. AI presents both risks and opportunities for organizations. Community building is essential in navigating AI challenges. Transparency and ethics are vital in AI communication. Understanding AI's impact on jobs is crucial for employee engagement. Internal communication can help demystify AI for employees. A strategic narrative around AI is necessary for effective communication. AI presents a significant opportunity for internal communicators. Maintaining human connection is crucial in the age of AI. The roles of communicators will evolve with AI integration. Authenticity and trust may be at risk with automation. Organizations must embrace AI to thrive in the future. Disengagement and loneliness are pressing issues in communication. AI can enhance efficiency but should not replace human insight. Ethical considerations are paramount in AI adoption. Communication about AI is essential to mitigate risks. Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary for success. +++++ Find Adele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelekmcintosh/ Find Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-mcmann-364a1b11/ Download the AI ethics Charter

AI and associated technologies are changing the work people do and the way business gets done. As work becomes increasingly digital, scant few of us can remain complacent with our current skills and expertise – we must all upskill to remain relevant and future-ready. This raises interesting questions. We are rapidly shifting away from an era where organisations trained their staff for efficiency and compliance. Instead, we must all become continuous learners – learning in the flow of work we do each day. Simply put, the skills that upheld business as usual up until now are no longer sufficient to navigate today’s challenges. In this episode Cat, Jen and Dom chat with learning designer Beth Salyers to understand how we best learn and, more poignantly, what role communication plays in social learning.   Takeaways Continuous learning should be integrated into daily work. Traditional education models are outdated and need rethinking. Identity plays a crucial role in how we learn. Creating safe spaces is essential for effective learning. Learning experiences should be designed for engagement. Trusting learners is key to fostering a learning culture. Curiosity should drive our approach to learning. Organizations must meet learners where they are. Engagement is critical for effective learning outcomes. Reluctant learners can be engaged through shared agendas. Meeting people where they are is essential for effective communication. Engagement in learning is often a challenge due to preconceived notions. Curiosity is a key driver for meaningful learning experiences. Continuous learning should be integrated into the fabric of organisations. The focus should shift from skills to capabilities in learning design. Learning is inherently social and should be treated as such. Organisations must navigate the future of work with a focus on empathy and understanding. Internal communicators play a crucial role in facilitating learning. Communication strategies should guide and support continuous learning. A collaborative approach between L&D and internal communication is vital. About Beth Salyers Beth Salyers, Ph.D. is a former public school classroom teacher and current learning experience designer for social impact organisations, including for-profits, nonprofits, and schools and universities through her consulting business, Custom Learning Atelier. She knows herself and the world first and foremost through the arts and music, is a practitioner of human-centered circular design thinking methodologies, and a big soccer fan. In 2025 she's embarking on an external-facing personal creative project called #CuriosityTour2025 as a way to regeneratively navigate (another trump administration) whatever in the hell is happening in the U.S. right now. (thought I'd make you laugh).

As we enter another year of instability and uncertainty, it behoves all organisations to keep one eye on the future for successful innovation and evolution. But shifting out of survival mode to examine the long game remains a challenge for many. Horizon scanning and scenario planning to mitigate risk and leverage opportunity ought to be in every business strategist’s toolkit. However, all too often boards and senior leadership teams are stressed and overwhelmed by firefighting and conflicting priorities. What are the benefits of future-gazing? In this episode, Dom, Jen and Cat chat with IoIC festival keynote speaker Rohit Talwar. They explore some underlying trends that are set to reshape business in 2025 and look at how can internal communicators help their organisations become more future-ready. Takeaways Futurists explore trends and shifts rather than predict the future. Organisations need to develop agile and adaptive mindsets. AI is a significant force that organisations must engage with. Large corporations often struggle with transformation due to their size and conservatism. The SME community is more focused on future-proofing their operations. Cultural shifts in attitudes towards work are changing organisational dynamics. The rise of generative AI is reshaping how businesses operate. Effective communication is crucial for fostering a learning culture. Organisations must prepare for uncharted territories and unknown unknowns. Budget constraints may impact internal communication and training initiatives. The demand for GenAIi prompts is increasing among professionals. Organisations must navigate the triangle of human challenges, tech opportunities, and financial pressures. Forming alliances with key stakeholders is essential for internal communicators. Spotting and promoting mindset shifts can drive innovation. Internal communicators should connect employees with organisational changes and external trends. Continuous learning is vital for personal and organisational growth. No one cares more about your future than you do. Learning helps combat fear and confusion in a complex world. Internal communication must adapt to the changing landscape of work. Highlighting successful examples of innovation can inspire others.   About Rohit Talwar Rohit Talwar is a global futurist, award-winning keynote speaker, author, and the CEO of Fast Future. He has a particular focus on helping clients develop ‘ready for anything’ leadership mindsets and capabilities to understand and respond to critical forces and developments shaping the future – ranging from geo-political and economic shifts through to sustainability and disruptive technologies such as AI. His keynote speeches and immersive executive education sessions are all highly tailored to the needs and context of the client organisation.    His key current speaking topics include: Global forces, shifts, and disruptions shaping the future Futureproofing - developing ‘ready for anything’ leadership The AI stepchange – accelerating insight, capability, and performance with AI. Rohit has advised over 2,000 clients in global businesses, technology providers, professional service firms, governments, international agencies, NGO’s, and industry associations across a wide range of sectors in 80+ countries around the world. He uses his insights, experience, and inspirations to help clients build sustainable and future proofed organisations through virtual and in person speaking, executive education, research, consultancy, and publishing. Fast Future www.fastfuture.com Fast Future is a foresight agency led by futurist Rohit Talwar with a prime focus on helping clients explore and prepare for future shifts and uncertainties. Key services include keynote speaking, executive education, foresight research, scenario planning, strategy consultancy, event design and book publishing. Critical themes covered include leading in uncertainty, disruptive technologies such as AI, innovation and new business models, global shifts and shocks, new economic thinking, socio-demographic developments, sustainability, and the environment. Fast Future has published seven books and over 20 reports on different aspects of the emerging future.  Find Rohit on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohit-talwar-futurist-keynote-speaker/ Fast Future: https://fastfuture.com/

Have we shifted from polycrisis to permacrisis? As geopolitical tensions, extreme weather events and societal discord show no sign of abate, the pressure builds for organisations to end unsustainable business practices and reduce carbon emissions. In addition to regulatory demands, a rising tide of employee activists expect business to act as a force for good. Organisational purpose seems to have become a misappropriated buzzword in recent years, one that all-too-often lacks depth and resonance. What part can and should business play in a more equitable, well-functioning society and what role can internal communication play in bringing that to life? In this episode Jen, Dom and Cat talk with Sarah Gillard, CEO of the charity Blueprint for Better Business to hear her views on the opportunity for business to address the pressing challenges of our times.   Takeaways The role of business is to create value for society. Profit should be an outcome, not the primary goal. Human beings have inherent value and dignity. Organisations must create conditions for meaningful engagement. Navigating business decisions requires listening to diverse perspectives. Purpose and values must resonate with all employees, not just leadership. A human-centric approach unlocks creativity and innovation. Business leaders face a complex and contested landscape today. Engagement should not be imposed but discovered collectively. Rethinking purpose can lead to more authentic organisational cultures. Intent is crucial in how employees perceive organisational initiatives. Transparency in decision-making fosters trust and engagement. Organisations must shift from efficiency to adaptability to thrive. Communication plays a vital role in shaping organisational culture. Fear can stifle creativity; a growth mindset is essential. Finding meaning in work enhances motivation and engagement. Leaders should focus on what matters to them as humans. Building a listening organisation is key to internal communication. The future of work requires new skills and adaptability. Shared humanity can unite people in organisations.   About Sarah Gillard Sarah is the CEO of Blueprint for Better Business, a charity that helps businesses to be inspired and guided by a purpose that benefits society and respects people and planet. She is a passionate advocate for making business “more human” - places where people flourish, communities prosper, and long-term sustainability is the driving force. She has over 25 years’ experience leading in fast-paced commercial environments at some of the UK’s largest retail companies, including the John Lewis Partnership where she was responsible for rearticulating and embedding the organisation’s  purpose so that it continues to be a source of inspiration, innovation, and strategic differentiation.  Sarah has a degree in PPE, is a fellow of the RSA and a Trustee of the BGF Foundation. She is a member of the Advisory Panel for the British Standards Institute on “PAS 808: a standard for purpose-driven organization”, which is being developed into an internationally-recognised ISO. Sarah is a qualified executive coach and speaks publicly on topics including purpose, leadership, organisational transformation and culture.   Find Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahgillardpurpose/ Blueprint for Better Business: https://www.blueprintforbusiness.org/  

In this first episode of 2025, Jen, Dom and Cat review their favourite conversations of 2024. They also discuss the topics, trends and themes they most want to explore in 2025, as shaped by what IoIC members have said they want to learn more about. This episode explores some of the primary risks and opportunities for internal communicators in the coming year. Tune in to hear about up and coming guests and conversations.   Follow on LinkedIn 

Deborah Hale MBE has spent her career developing high profile global campaigns. She knows the importance of building brands, navigating complex stakeholders and making change happen by creating enhanced audience engagement.   As employers across the board struggle to resume pre-pandemic levels of organisational performance, Jen, Dom and Cat chat with Deborah to hear what she has learned about creating the conditions that build loyalty and goodwill across diverse audiences. This conversation is a must-listen for any internal communicator looking to drive colleague engagement and imbue a sense of community within increasingly distributed workplaces.   Takeaways   Patience is essential in leadership and communication. Successful campaigns require thorough planning and a clear framework. Engagement is built through consistent and transparent communication. Listening to stakeholders is crucial for effective leadership. Pride in an organisation can be cultivated but not mandated. Personal touches, like handwritten notes, can significantly impact morale. Milestones should be celebrated to maintain momentum in campaigns. Campaigns can lead to movements when they resonate with the public. Cross-functional collaboration enhances the effectiveness of campaigns. Change communication must reflect the realities of employees' experiences.   About Deborah Hale MBE Deborah has a proven track record of developing high profile UK and global campaigns that achieve brand growth, awareness and audience engagement. In all her projects, her starting point is: “what is the change you want to see?” After several years spent promoting the creative industries, she became Head of International Marketing for London, in charge of positioning the capital as a centre of excellence for inward investment, tourism, education and culture. This led to her role as Producer of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays, in charge of what would become one of the UK’s largest public engagement campaigns. She was awarded an MBE in the 2013 New Year’s Honours List. As an independent consultant, she has worked with numerous commercial and not for profit organisations such as the Design Council, Permian Global, BBC Children in Need, and the Global Goals campaign.   Find Deborah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-hale-mbe-370bb7/

As the climate crisis worsens and social inequality escalates, legislation to monitor the sustainability efforts of organisations abounds. But mandatory reporting is often undertaken by executives who don’t socialise their data in a way that helps internal stakeholders feel their employer is taking proactive steps to improve its impact. In this episode, Jen, Dom and Cat chat with strategic communications consultant Debra Sobel to learn more about the vital role of internal communication in sustainability reporting. Takeaways Sustainability is shifting from aspiration to activation and transformation. Companies must provide evidence for their sustainability claims to avoid greenwashing. Internal communicators play a crucial role in translating sustainability strategies for employees. Effective communication about sustainability requires digestible and engaging storytelling. There is a need for consistency in language and alignment across leadership regarding sustainability. Organisations must integrate sustainability into their overall communication strategy. Data should be used to tell compelling stories about sustainability efforts. Internal communicators should connect sustainability initiatives with organisational goals. Leaders need tools and resources to effectively communicate sustainability strategies. The return to growth narrative may conflict with sustainability goals. The reappointment of Trump may galvanise grassroots activism. Younger generations feel they have little to lose, prompting activism. Internal stakeholders must be included in sustainability discussions. Sustainability should be integrated into business strategies, not treated separately. The circular economy is essential for sustainable growth. Internal communication must adapt to blurred organisational boundaries. Communicators need to balance storytelling with data in sustainability efforts. Sustainability communication requires cross-departmental collaboration. Internal communicators should engage with sustainability teams proactively. The future of internal communication hinges on sustainability integration.   About Debra Sobel – Strategic Communications Consultant Debra is an experienced strategic communications strategist, with specialist knowledge in all things sustainability and purpose. Over 18 years in business she has partnered and consulted with national and multinational brands helping them navigate the purpose landscape, shape strategy and deliver clarity when it comes to stakeholder communications and embedding responsible business into culture. Debra is an ex-BBC prime TV producer / director who worked on programmes including Crimewatch, Watchdog and political and environmental documentaries. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-sobel-verity-london/

The volume of digital tools and platforms available to improve how we work expands by the day. But how effectively are we, as users of those products, integrating them into our daily work habits? What provision is made by organisations to make sure their internal stakeholders are skilled to optimally use these tools? And what is the long-term impact on the users trying to keep up with increasingly digital workplaces? In this episode, Jen, Dom and Cat chat with Elizabeth Marsh who researches the effect of all-digital on organisational health. A keynote speaker at the IoIC’s 2021 festival, Elizabeth specialises in digital upskilling and digital health. This conversation explores the intersection between new workplace technology and the future-readiness of internal stakeholders to embrace increasingly AI-fuelled operating environments. Takeaways Techno stress is a psychological and physiological strain from technology use. Organisations have a responsibility to provide effective digital tools. The rapid pace of technology changes can lead to feelings of disempowerment. Availability expectations contribute to increased techno stress. Different age groups experience techno stress differently. Good communication practices are essential for managing digital overload. Internal communicators play a crucial role in fostering conversations about technology use. Digital mindfulness can help individuals manage their technology interactions. Organisations should prioritise employee wellbeing in digital transformations. Asking questions about technology use is vital for understanding and improvement. About Elizabeth Marsh Elizabeth Marsh is an expert on workforce skills and wellbeing in digital contexts. She has over 20 years of experience in the digital workplace industry, working in range of organisations and roles - as a practitioner, consultant and researcher. Her consulting and research span topics such as digital dexterity including AI readiness, protecting wellbeing in context of issues such as technostress and overload, and the role of digital workplace and communications professionals in mitigating them. She supports organisations with digital skills audits and recommendations for raising digital dexterity and protecting wellbeing. In 2014 she co-authored 'The Digital Renaissance of Work' book and in 2018 released 'The Digital Workplace Skills Framework' report. Now in the latter stages of an ESRC 'Digital Society' PhD at the University of Nottingham, she has recently published to peer reviewed journals on the 'dark side' of technology and optimising digital worker well-being.   Find Elizabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethmarsh/ Elizabeth’s website: https://digitalworkresearch.com/

Tracey Camilleri is the co-founder of the leadership and organisational development consultancy Thompson Harrison. In 2023, her book The Social Brain, co-authored with Samantha Rockey and Robin Dunbar was published to widespread acclaim. In this episode we hear from Tracey as she shares what she’s learned about team dynamics and communicating within groups. As organisations across the board become ever more digitally enabled, location-agnostic and asynchronous, Cat learns about how to embrace human connection and build community for enhanced organisational outcomes Takeaways The leader's role is to create a thriving environment. Social interactions are essential for workplace efficiency. Small groups foster better relationships and performance. Communication is key to team coherence and success. Organisations need to prioritise social strategies. The health of small groups is crucial for innovation. Internal communicators are vital to organisational success. People's sense of belonging impacts their performance. Leadership should focus on relational aspects of work. Understanding team dynamics can enhance workplace culture.   Tracey Camilleri Tracey Camilleri is the co-founder of Thompson Harrison, along with Sam Rockey and is an Associate Fellow at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School (OSBS). At OSBS, she has designed and directed the flagship Oxford Strategic Leadership Programme (2012-2022) as well as bespoke senior development programmes. She is known for her innovative design approach, her focus on the dynamics and practice of successful groups and what it means to lead healthy, thriving organisations in a world increasingly dominated by process and machines. Earlier in her career she variously ran her own consulting company, WMC Communications, worked as an associate for the private investment bank, Allen and Company, as new business director for the publishing company, Marshall Cavendish, a teacher of English literature at St Paul’s Girls’ School, and as a research associate at Bain and Company. Her book, 'The Social Brain: The Psychology of Successful Groups’, written in partnership with Sam Rockey and evolutionary psychologist, Professor Robin Dunbar, was published by Penguin Random House in Spring 2023. Tracey has an MA from Oxford University.   Find Tracey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-camilleri/ Tracey’s website: https://www.thompsonharrison.com/

Beatrice Ngalula Kabutakapua is a business storytelling coach who uses the power of story to help organisations and their leaders improve their communication styles. In a commercial world that is increasingly data-driven and preoccupied by measurement, how do we create emotional connection that sustains colleague engagement, builds trust and improves communication at work? A two-time speaker at the IoIC festival, Beatrice chats with Jen, Dom and Cat and shares why storytelling is such a compelling communication technique, particularly in times of ongoing and profound change.   Takeaways Storytelling is a powerful method of communication that engages and connects with employees. Stories create an emotional connection and make messages more memorable and impactful. Creating a storytelling culture in the workplace allows employees to feel safe to share their stories. Storytelling is crucial in change and transformation communication, helping employees understand and care about the change. Internal communicators should work on their own storytelling skills and use storytelling as a coaching tool to help leaders share their stories effectively. About Beatrice Ngalula Kabutakapua Beatrice Ngalula Kabutakapua is a professional storyteller, having worked as a journalist and documentary maker for a decade, she now supports international organisations as a business storytelling coach. Beatrice applies storytelling to engage, retain and develop internal audiences so that employees advance in their careers, are more productive, and lead with clarity of communication.   LinkedIn |  https://www.linkedin.com/in/beatrice-ngalula-kabutakapua/