The IABC EMENA Podcast

What does gardening have to do with internal communication? A lot, according to Tony Stewart. In this episode, we explore how internal communities—when cultivated with intention—can spark transformation from the inside out. From digital “gardens” that bridge silos to quiet revolutions that challenge the status quo, Tony shares practical wisdom and real-world examples on why internal community management is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a vital function in future-ready organizations.

Human leadership and communication coach Chaya Mistry joins Chared Verschuur to explore regenerative leadership—what it is, why it matters, and how communicators can drive real transformation by creating space for reflection, connection, and change.

How do the words we use shape our workplaces and societies? In our latest IABC EMENA Podcast episode, Dr. Claudia Gross shares her expertise on green words—language that fosters inclusion, collaboration, and positive action. If you're a communicator or leader looking to refine your messaging and make language more impactful, this episode is for you.

The IABC EMENA Podcast enters an exciting new chapter! In this special handover episode, longtime host Monique Zytnik passes the mic to the new host, Chared Verschuur. Tune in to hear: ✅ Chared’s inspiring journey from journalism in the Philippines to inclusive leadership & communication consultancy in Europe. ✅ Her insights on belonging at work, featuring the ACES framework (Authenticity, Care, Empowerment, Support). ✅ Monique’s reflections on her years as host, her proudest moments, and behind-the-scenes podcasting stories. ✅ Chared’s vision for the future of the podcast: amplifying underrepresented voices, tackling rapid change, and unlocking fresh ideas. This episode is packed with inspiration, insights, and exciting plans for the podcast’s next chapter. Don’t miss it! 🌐 Learn more about IABC EMENA: https://iabcemena.com/ 💡 Share your guest suggestions or feedback: chared@goodcomms.nl

Find out what is important in building a strong global communication team with Christopher Wade. In this podcast hosted by Monique Zytnik, we delve into how his team works and what is important for a team to be successful. Christopher Wade is the VP of Internal & Employee Engagement Communications at Fresenius Medical Care. He is a bilingual, C-suite comms professional with 20+ years' experience in delivering measurable results at embedding company culture and strategy in Fortune 500 companies - contributing to a positive reputation and securing long-term relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Dialing in from New York City, our next guest is Pinaki Kathiari, a podcast host and CEO of Local Wisdom, a digital communication agency. With a focus on internal communication and technology, this is a great conversation that will inspire you. Pinaki is a fellow IABC member and is currently the Vice President of Professional Development for the IABC New York Tristate Area Chapter.

Authors Rachel Miller and Monique Zytnik discuss their books on Internal Communications, emphasizing the shift towards strategic approaches, immersive strategies, understanding business, overcoming challenges, and shaping the future of communication.

With four communication experts from four countries, this episode looks at hot topics globally and what Lisa Riemers, Michael Nord and Adrian Cropley will present on at the IABC World Conference in Chicago 2024. Lisa is dialing in from London today and is an accessible content, communications, and digital workplace specialist. She is on the IABC EMENA UK&I chapter board. She has been selected to talk about communicating with impact: how to make your comms more accessible. Michael is a change and transformation communication specialist based in the Netherlands, is a key member on our IABC EMENA board and a long-term IABC member. His session is on mindfulness. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Adrian is the Founding Partner of the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence and is focused on helping leaders and organisations communicate purposefully. He will be running a dialogue den with Bonnie Caver on: Ethics, Governance, and Responsible Use of AI in a Changing World, where they will discuss AI and responsible use. He is an APAC member and past IABC Chair. Hosted by Monique Zytnik, we hope you enjoy the show. 1) Register for the IABC World Conference; https://wc.iabc.com 2)Register for the UK&Ireland chapter webinar Lisa mentioned: Fact or fake? Verifying content in the age of AI https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fact-or-fake-verifying-content-in-the-age-of-ai-tickets-887040711647 3) Find out more about IABC EMENA: https://iabcemena.com. Consider joining us WE welcome new members.

In today's episode host Monique Zytnik speaks with Simon Lancaster, who shares his secrets on speechwriting and what it is like to do a TEDx talk. Simon is based in London and became a speechwriter working for Tony Blair’s Cabinet in the 1990s. Since then he has written speeches for CEOs of some of the biggest global companies including Unliever, HSBC and InterContinental Hotels Group. Additionally, in the last years, his books have won awards and he has kept himself busy lecturing at Henley Business School and Cambridge University on creative writing. We hope you enjoy the show. Find out more about IABC EMENA at https://iabcemena.com. Reach out to Simon and Monique on LinkedIn. Thank you to our podcast editor Michael Kümritz. www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lancaster-speechwriter www.linkedin.com/in/moniquezytnik

Welcome to the International Association of Business Communicators EMENA region podcast hosted by Monique Zytnik. Based in the Manchester area of the UK, Advita Patel is the Director of CommsRebel who helps organisations build a culture that thrives. Advita recently published her book, which she co-authored with Priya Bates. Called: Building a Culture of Inclusivity, it helps Internal Communication professionals, HR and business leaders engage employees in driving culture change to ensure everyone feels valued and like they belong. Today we’re lucky to also be joined by Priya Bates, who is joining us from her office in Ontario, Canada. She is the president of Inner Strength Communication, IABC Fellow and also a huge influencer in the internal communication space.