Less Chatter, More Matter: The Communications Podcast

Effective communication isn’t a nice-to-have for leaders, it’s essential. But here’s the problem: 9 out of 10 employees say their leaders aren’t cutting it when it comes to communication, and 6 out of 10 new managers receive zero training in this space. No wonder so many leaders are overwhelmed and underperforming.In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we explore five practical, no-cost ways leaders can improve how they connect, share, and support their teams. Even if you're in your first leadership role or mentoring someone who is, these strategies will help cut through the noise and bring more clarity, trust, and impact to your comms.What you'll learn:How to ask your team what they actually want from communication (and keep asking)Why setting a predictable rhythm builds trust and reduces confusionThe value of short, sharp messaging (and the danger of email overload)Why it’s okay to say “I don’t know”—as long as you follow upHow showing up authentically builds stronger relationships and drives change Leadership communication isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional, consistent, and human. Let’s get into it.Enrol now for early bird pricing!Our 2025 Crisis Communication Skills Virtual Bootcamps are open for enrolment. Get in quick to secure your spot and discounted pricing. Find out more here.Links mentioned in this episode:90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

The return-to-office debate is back, and a lot of businesses are all but making their employees return to the workplace. However, are these organisations giving the right reasons as to why employees need to return... or are they still communicating in a way that doesn't resonate?In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we ask culture and comms expert, Anshuman Kumar, how he's seen leading organisations across Asia Pacific manage the return to office shift and what they've done right... or wrong.He highlights the shift away from rigid mandates and a new focus on the purpose of in-person work. The emerging undertone? It’s not about filling seats—it’s about solving problems, building culture, and making time together count.From here, we share fresh insights on making office days more intentional, the power of creative internal communications like gamification and immersive experiences, and the emerging role of AI as a true thought partner for communicators. Join us on this week's episode to challenge the status quo and find great new ways that you can reframe your hybrid work comms with clarity and purpose.Enrol now for early bird pricing!Our 2025 Crisis Communication Skills Virtual Bootcamps are open for enrolment. Get in quick to secure your spot and discounted pricing. Find out more here.Links mentioned in this episode:Anshuman’s LinkedIn90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

In this episode of the Less Chatter, More Matter podcast, we are joined by Kate Neilson, a Senior Editor and Content Strategist at Mahlab, to explore how change fatigue happens in an organisation, and what comms can do to essentially, fix it.With extensive experience writing for the Australian HR Institute and working closely with business leaders, Kate offers a unique perspective on the challenges organisations face in adapting to a fast-paced, technology-driven environment.As businesses continue to grapple with hybrid work models, mental health issues, and the increasing pace of change - traditional communication strategies are no longer working to foster the engagement and connection needed. Which is why Kate discusses the growing importance of a more human-centred approach to communication—what she calls belonging communications. This approach helps to mitigate change fatigue and reduce resistance to new initiatives, all while giving practical strategies for communicators to thrive in a world full of change.This episode is a must-listen for communicators looking to adapt their practices, stay ahead of the curve, and navigate the complexities of modern org-wide change with a focus on people and connection. Tune in now to get the low down.Enrol now for early bird pricing!Our 2025 Crisis Communication Skills Virtual Bootcamps are open for enrolment. Get in quick to secure your spot and discounted pricing. Find out more here.Links mentioned in this episode:Kate’s LinkedInTraditional vs Belonging Comms slide90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

When your team is 250 people strong, morale is shaky, and no one’s in the same physical location, how do you communicate a major organisational change—let alone get people on board with it? In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we get a behind-the-scenes look at an award-winning change communication project Mel Loy delivered for a local government client navigating a complex transformation.With multiple senior leadership changes, ongoing remote work due to office renovations, and a lack of clarity around what the change meant in practice, the challenge was clear: connect and engage people effectively without face-to-face interaction. You get the step by step strategy developed to turn this situation around—starting with a clear focus on outcomes and a commitment to simple, practical, and human-centred communication.Along the way, you’ll pick up key tips on strategy versus tactics, making virtual events more interactive, and supporting speakers to deliver with confidence. Whether you’re a change leader, communicator, or team manager trying to reach and engage dispersed teams, this case study is full of actionable insights to help you do it better. Tune in to learn what worked, what could be improved, and how creativity, clarity, and collaboration can turn a tough communication challenge into a big win.Enrol now for early bird pricing!Our 2025 Crisis Communication Skills Virtual Bootcamps are open for enrolment. Get in quick to secure your spot and discounted pricing. Find out more here.Links mentioned in this episode:90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

If you’ve ever opened LinkedIn, stared at the blank post box, and thought, “What do I even say?”—this episode is for you.Fady Ramzy is an international digital communications consultant, LinkedIn top creator, and trainer for LinkedIn Top Voices. He’s passionate about helping professionals and leaders stop lurking and start leveraging LinkedIn to build an authentic, strategic personal brand.In this episode, Fady shares practical, no-fluff advice on how to show up online without feeling like a self-promoter. He unpacks his signature frameworks for consistent, human-first content—including the “3 specifics” and “3 Cs”—and shares how AI tools can support your creativity and workflow (without sounding robotic).We talk about:Overcoming the fear of judgment and perfectionismWhy value matters more than volumeHow to find your content sweet spot by blending personal stories with professional insightsThe mindset shifts that help you stay consistent and connected on LinkedInWhether you're a communicator, executive, small business owner, or just someone ready to show up more intentionally online, this episode will help you feel more confident, clear, and aligned in your content.Enrol now for early bird pricing!Our 2025 Crisis Communication Skills Virtual Bootcamps are open for enrolment. Get in quick to secure your spot and discounted pricing. Find out more here.Links mentioned in this episode:Fady’s LinkedInFady’s website90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

Restructures are often chaotic and stressful, but they don't have to be! The discussion highlights why organizations repeatedly mishandle these transitions, pointing to poor communication as a major culprit. Listeners will learn about the critical role of empathy and transparency in helping employees navigate change. The hosts share innovative strategies to create clarity and trust during these tough times. With practical insights for communicators and leaders alike, this chat is a must-listen for anyone looking to ease the bumpy ride of corporate shake-ups.

What would you do if a client came to you and said they no longer needed your services, because they’re going to use ChatGPT instead?This is the situation today’s guest, Ana Pista, faced recently.If you don’t know Ana, start now! She’s the founder and CEO of Ardent Communications based in the Philippines. She’s a seasoned PR expert with more than two decades of experience, having honed her skills while working for big companies like HP and Microsoft.In this conversation, we cover how to deal with clients who want to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) instead of our services, using AI in our own practices, the ethical considerations, and so much more.If you work in comms, PR or marketing, and AI is encroaching on your world, you want to  listen to this one!Links mentioned in this episode:Follow Ana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-pista-apr-871742108/Ardent Communications Inc. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ardent-communications/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/ArdentPR AI Centre of Excellence (ACE) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aicentreofexcellence/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AICentreofExcellence/ArticlesArdentComm advocates for responsible AI use in PR practices (Inquirer): https://technology.inquirer.net/140011/ardentcomm-advocates-for-responsible-ai-use-in-pr-practicesArdentComm founder and CEO pushes ethical AI in PR (Inquirer): https://technology.inquirer.net/138713/ardentcomm-founder-and-ceo-pushes-ethical-ai-in-pr Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

Reputation takes years to build and only moments to break... and a lot of the time, it's due to something fairly simplistic that many wouldn't have planned for. In other times, it can be as signficant as a media storm, unethical behaviour or even worldwide crises. No matter the issue, the real work comes after the crisis has been managed and dealt with. This is where the reputational recovery starts, and with it, the long-term work of rebuilding trust and restoring credibility.In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we unpack the critical phases of reputation recovery, alongside giving you five key strategies to help organisations repair their reputations and reset for the future.With it, we show you how to navigate the recovery phase in a way that effectively rebuilds your brand rep, and sometimes, helps it emerge stronger. So, tune in now for the big tips!Crisis Communications Virtual Bootcamps Open for enrolment now! Get early bird deals here.Links mentioned in this episode:90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

The Asia Pacific region is a powerhouse of growth and opportunity, and for communication professionals, that means a lot of exciting trends to watch. In this episode of Less Chatter, More Matter, we share key insights from the IABC Asia Pacific Fusion 2025 Conference in Manila.We dive into the five biggest trends shaping the future of comms and PR in the region, such as how the conversation around AI is shifting—no longer just about tools, but about ethics, accountability, and the economic impact. Change remains a constant, but the real challenge now is tackling change apathy. How can communicators re-engage employees and drive meaningful transformation?We discusses how professional communicators can step up to support and guide them. The importance of local representation in media and comms also takes center stage, highlighting the need for on-the-ground professionals to uncover authentic stories. We also explore the research behind some key trends and what can be done to support women in the profession.If you’re a comms pro, change manager, or PR consultant, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the evolving landscape. Tune in now!Links mentioned in this episode:90 minute Strategy Power SessionPublic workshops and trainingLess Chatter, More Matter - Mel’s bookTopic in Ten - have your say!Template packsChange Isn't Hard! - Mel's bookSign up here to the fortnightly mail out of free resources!Say hi!Follow me on LinkedInFind out what I'm up to InstagramCheck out my websiteAsk a question

Lata Hamilton, a change leadership and confidence expert, shares her insights on navigating workplace transformations. She discusses the essential role of confidence in change management and offers practical tools like process mapping to engage employees. Lata emphasizes that true change isn't just about new systems, but what they enable for people. She also highlights the importance of empathy in communication and the need for adapting styles to foster collaboration and understanding. A treasure trove of tips for anyone facing career transitions or change!