On this episode of the GovComms Podcast, contentgroup CEO David Pembroke speaks to the President of PA Social, Italy’s National Association for ‘new communication’, Francesco Di Costanzo. Joining us from Florence, Italy, Francesco is an expert in government communications, having over 16 years’ experience in the sector, as well as authoring many books discussing ‘new communication’ within the Italian government. In this conversation Francesco discusses how government communicators in Italy have adapted and changed their roles to help quickly and effectively communicate emergency information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Francesco discusses the tools that these communicators have utilized to do this, as well as how they have worked with different social media channels to help relay information from the government to the citizens. Following on from this, Francesco draws on his experience and insights to share some of his top tips for social media managers who work within government departments around the world and how it is vital now more than ever that we know how to use social media to our advantage. In the episode, Francesco also discusses the work that he and the team at PA Social do and how them and their members work together to help improve digital communications for government. David and Francesco finish off their conversation looking into the future, reflecting on where they see PA Social going in the next few years. To get in contact with Francesco and the team at PA Social, visit their website or alternatively connect with Francesco on LinkedIn. Discussed in this episode: How COVID-19 shaped and changed government communications in Italy. Why Social Media is an essential tool to government in 2021. What is PA Social and what role do they play in Italian government communications. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the GovComms Podcast, contentgroup CEO David Pembroke speaks to the Founding Director of Social Marketing @ Griffith, Sharyn Rundle-Thiele. Joining us from Queensland, Sharyn is an expert in all things social marketing. Drawing from her background in commercial marketing, her current research focuses on applying marketing to benefit both people and the planet. In this conversation Sharyn discusses the true meaning of marketing and explains to us why it is one of the most misunderstood terms in the corporate world, and how we as communications professionals can learn to explain marketing to the world in the correct way. Sharyn also explains how effective good social marketing can be, using as an example a project that her and the team at Social Marketing @ Griffith worked on where they used social marketing to successfully reduce the death rate of Koala’s by dogs. Following on from this example, Sharyn shares with David and the audience some tips for creating a successful social marketing campaign, and how these steps can be incorporated into the work of all communications professionals. In the episode, Sharyn also shares with us how she feels digital technology has changed and evolved the communications professions. David and Sharyn finish off the episode focusing on the future of Social Marketing @ Griffith, and where Sharyn sees the organisation 12-18 months from now. To get in contact with Sharyn and the team at Social Marketing @ Griffith, visit their website where you can learn about all the courses that they offer on Social Marketing and find all their contact details. Discussed in this episode: Why is marketing such a misunderstood term? How social marketing can create behaviour change. Tips for creating a successful social marketing campaign. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the GovComms Podcast, contentgroup CEO David Pembroke speaks to Agile Delivery Adviser and Digital Delivery Transformation expert, Sonia Irwin. Sonia has worked in Canberra for over 25 years and is currently working with the Department of Agriculture, Water and Resources as well as directing her very own practice, Redgrass Communications. In this conversation Sonia discusses the role that Agile Delivery plays in Communications and explains to David how it is different from strategic communications. She explains that being ‘Agile’ is all about keeping a flexible mindset and rebranding yourself or your organisation. Sonia also shares her view on company vision and mission statements, and what steps you should take to create not only a good, but effective one. Your vision should be an ‘elevator’ that helps bring those in your organisation to where you want them to be. Using her insights gained from user testing and research, Sonia also speaks to her love of IT, however acknowledges that people can sometimes get lost with it, particularly when it becomes a bit intense with tools such as coding. As a result, she tells us the important role she plays in translating ‘tech speak’ to publics, and how she goes about doing so. In the episode, Sonia also shares her advice to government communicators at a time where the industry is going through rapid change due to the result of the COVID-19 pandemic. David and Sonia finish off their conversation looking into the future, discussing what Sonia hopes to achieve in her career in the next few months. To get in contact with Sonia, contact her on LinkedIn. To learn more about Agile Delivery, visit either Sonia’s company website, Redgrass Communications or the IABC Discussed in this episode: What is Agile Delivery and how can it assist you in communications. How the communications landscape is changing in regard to ICT. The importance of an effective company vision and mission statement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the GovComms Podcast, contentgroup CEO David Pembroke speaks to communications coach, mentor and speaker, Chris Huet. Chris is based here in the Nation’s Capital where he works as a Communications Coach for Understood Consulting Services and a Speaker Coach for TEDxCanberra. As well as this, Chris has also led a fighter jet squadron and performed his very own poetry on stages across the globe. Taking all his skills and experiences into account, in this podcast Chris speaks to David about how people should communicate from ‘the COCKPIT’, a terminology her gained from his time in the air force. Chris explains the importance of reflection and how people, particularly those in business, don’t take enough time to reflect on their meetings, conversations or days in general, and how this is potentially damaging to them. He shares with David tips on how to fix this and how to fit reflection into your everyday schedule. Further breaking down his COCKPIT terminology, Chris talks about the importance of being considered and consistent in your communications message.  He explains the role that emotion plays in messaging and why we must utilize it in order for our messaging to be successful. Chris finishes off the terminology by describing how to use trust and how to build it for the long term in order to bring all of the steps of COCKPIT together. Trust is the key to communication and is what Chris believes will unlock the full potential of any communication plan or strategy. David and Chris finish off the episode by discussing some quick tips for speaking in front of crowd, such as an ‘iron man’ posture, and how to project your voice. To get in contact with Chris for tips on your own communications, engage with him on LinkedIn or contact him through Understood Consulting Services website. Discussed in this episode: How the COCKPIT terminology will assist you in communications. The importance that trust and relationships play in maintaining strong communications with stakeholders. Why communication skills are vital for every career, not just someone who works in comms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cognitive psychologist Barbara Tversky discusses the importance of gestures in communication, highlighting how they aid in understanding and memory recall. She explores the challenges of virtual communication during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for effective changes in video conferencing platforms. The podcast also delves into the role of movement and space in cognition, emphasizing the power of visual communication in government roles for improved citizen understanding.

On this episode of the GovComms Podcast, contentgroup CEO David Pembroke speaks to the Founder and President of the Gen Z Identity Lab, Anya Dua. Living in Miami Florida, Anya is the youngest guest to have ever joined us on the podcast. At just 15 Anya has appeared in The New York Times and Forbes, sharing her views on an array of political and social issues that the world faces. She is determined to change how the media views her generation and works hard to educate, inspire and empower her peers. In this podcast, Anya discusses the purpose and mission of the Gen Z Identity Lab. She also shares her thoughts on how Generation Z is viewed by the rest of the world and explains why they should be an integral part of government communications. From an idea in year 8, to the business it is now, Anya shares her story of how the Gen Z Identity Lab came to be and what the important research that the Lab conducts on Generation Z, means for government communications. Anya also touches on how the political landscape has changed globally and as a result their generation cares about and is involved more than ever in politics, and what this will mean for the future. David asks Anya what Generation Z can bring to the political table. Anya explains that no one understands Generation Z, like Generation Z, meaning that their role in a business can help create messages that target the audience best, especially when it comes to creating content for social media. Finally, we end the episode with an important message from Anya, to decision makers from around the world, on what you can do to help make their generation be heard. Discussed in this episode: What the Gen Z Identity Lab is and why it is important to the world of government communications. Why Generation Z care more about politics than they ever have before. How decision makers can utilize this generation to create more targeted messages to their audience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the GovComms Podcast, contentgroup CEO David Pembroke speaks to the Principal Advisor to Proximity, Kerri Hartland. Before joining Proximity, Kerri was the Secretary of the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business. Throughout her thirty-year APS career, Kerri was also the Deputy Director General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). In this podcast, Kerri discusses her new role in government consulting at Proximity. She gives her thoughts on the evolving role of consultants in the public sector. Kerri explains how her background and skills as a journalist and a communications professional translated into her role as the Secretary of a major government department in Australia. Kerri reveals what it is like being a Secretary in the Australian Public Service (APS), shining a light on the job of some of the most important people in government. What skills are needed to become a Secretary? What is it like briefing a government minister? How do you get a Secretary’s attention? Kerri discusses what she enjoyed most about her career in the APS, including what her favourite roles were. She reflects on what she did well as Secretary, and what she could have done better. She gives some advice on how public servants should interact with department heads, and how communications professionals can get their foot in the door of a Secretary’s office. Kerri and David examine the changing media landscape in Australia, and what this means for government and communications professionals. They also discuss the coming COVID-19 vaccination campaign, and what communications professionals and APS leadership should know about the road ahead. Discussed in this episode: What it is like working as the Secretary of a major government department in the APS. The skills of a journalist, and their relevance to a career in the public service. The career of Kerri Hartland, a journalist and communications professional who ascended to the highest rungs of the public service ladder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special episode of GovComms, contentgroup CEO David Pembroke speaks to listening expert Oscar Trimboli. Oscar Trimboli is the host of the award-winning podcast Deep Listening and is also the Author of Deep Listening: Impact Beyond Words. He is considered one of Australia’s foremost experts on the topic of interpersonal listening. He is also a consultant to organisations such as Google, Qantas, News Corp, PayPal and TripAdvisor. As a consultant, Oscar helps executive teams perfect their listening skills to the benefit of their customers and employees. In this episode, Oscar discusses the importance of interpersonal listening. He explains how improved listening skills can lead to a more positive and collaborative workplace. Oscar also explains the five levels of listening and how to improve each of these in order to reap their rewards. Oscar goes on to talk about the listening skills required to be a great leader and gives advice for government communicators about how they can improve their practice by advancing their listening techniques. This interview is a recording from the 2020 GovComms Festival, which featured hundreds of speakers from around the world. To view more content from the GovComms Festival, please visit the GovComms Institute website. Discussed in this episode: The five levels of listening and how to unlock them. The importance of listening within government, and how government communicators can improve their listening skills to the benefit of citizens. Practical advice on how to become a better listener. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of GovComms, contentgroup CEO David Pembroke speaks to Howard Parry-Husbands about how systems thinking can be used to solve complex problems. Howard is the CEO of Pollinate, one of Australia’s consulting and market research leaders in the world of branding, innovation and communications. In his spare time, he is studying a Masters in Systems Thinking and Forestry at the Australian National University. Howard and David discuss the definition of systems thinking, which Howard believes is: the recognition that everything is related to everything else. This means that a solution to one problem can inadvertently create another problem. In order to use systems thinking to solve these complex issues, Howard explains how we first must understand the key parts of the complex system which we are working with. He explains this using the Murrray Darling Basin as an example. Howard believes that humans are bad at understanding complexity, and better at understanding cause and effect. Therefore, we need to use metaphors, visuals and storytelling to communicate your complex message to the public. As an example, Howard compares how the COVID-19 pandemic was dealt with in Australia, New Zealand and the US. Howard believes that this comparison highlights the effects of what happens when systems thinking is put in place, compared to when it’s not. Howard also gives his opinion on the single-message strategy, and how it is incompatible with an understanding of systems thinking. According to Howard, governments regularly make the mistake of giving one message to multiple audiences (the single-message strategy). Discussed in this episode: What is systems thinking, and how can it be used by communications professionals? The benefits of understanding systems thinking from a policy perspective. What is the single-message strategy, and why do governments need to stop using it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of GovComms, contentgroup CEO David Pembroke speaks to Shey Dimon about the role that government communicators need to play in communicating cyber security messages. Shey is the Marketing and Communications Manager at Penten, an Australian cyber technology company based in Canberra. Shey has over a decade’s worth of experience working in communications in and around government. In the past she worked for the Head of Australian Defence in Washington DC, as well as the Marketing and Communication Manager at BMT. Shey and David discuss the best resources that communicators can use to understand the world of cyber security. Shey explains the value the government’s official cyber security strategy document that was released in August last year. Shey runs through some tips that everyone can use to minimise their chance of being the victim of cyber security attacks in the future. Shey explains why it is important to tell someone immediately if you have experienced a cyber-attack, whether it is in the workplace or at home. Shey states that government workplaces need quarterly updates about what they should do to avoid cyber-attacks, as well as information on recent attacks that may have happened nearby. To make things interesting, Shey recommends using other companies who have been breached by a cyber-attack as a case-study that you give to employees for them to learn from. This podcast also explores the work of the company that Shey works for, Penten. In 2020, Penten created technology to all those who work in Defence to communicate both securely and flexibly. These technologies allow Defence staff to work from home, which in the past was seen as a near impossible scenario. Shey also discusses her opinion on Artificial Intelligence (AI), and how AI can be used as an offensive and defensive tool. Shey believes that AI is something that Australians should not be scared of. For more information about Penten: https://www.penten.com/ Discussed in this episode: What communications professionals need to know about cyber technology. How we can all shield ourselves against the threat of cyber-attacks, in the workplace and at home. The work and achievements of Australian cyber-technology company, Penten. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.