The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis
Words build relationships, ignite interests, and power epic journeys in the business world.
Why it matters: Effective communication is like the secret sauce for strengthening brands, reinforcing viewpoints, and generating revenue. It's about savoring quality and making an impact with every word.
- Words are the magical glue between your business and your customers, capturing interest and driving action.
- Great communication opens doors to opportunities and builds stronger connections.
The big picture: Tune into each episode of WordBirds podcast where we shine a light on the power of impactful messaging, featuring executives, experts, and thought leaders.
- Discover the art of personalization and the need for standout, engaging messaging.
- Learn how to sprinkle some magic into your communication, engaging employees and attracting loyal customers.
What’s next: This season, we're taking a deep dive into corporate communications with insights from CCOs and communication leaders.
- Get the lowdown on strategies to elevate communications and position pros as strategic partners.
- Host Chris Willis, Axios HQ’s Chief Marketing Officer, and his guests share valuable tips on reigniting your impact with fun, actionable discussions.
Episodes
71 episodes
Emergency Episode: How to Actually Get Hired in Comms Right Now
🔍 It’s a tough market. But if you're in comms and looking for your next job, this episode is your playbook.💥 In this episode, recruiter Brooke Kruger breaks down:The top resume red flags and why design ≠ substance
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Season 6
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Episode 21
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24:13
How to Listen: Oscar Trimboli's Method to Better Communication
Oscar Trimboli – best-selling author, award-winning podcast host, and workplace listening expert is on the show! 1 big thing: Most of us listen poorly and that has a surprising impact on leadership, meetings, and productivity.
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Season 6
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Episode 20
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35:21
Plan for the Best, Prepare for the Worst: Mastering Proactive vs Reactive Comms
1 big topic: We're exploring the nuanced difference between proactive planning and reactive responses. In a world where every comms moment counts, understanding when to lead the narrative, and when to pivot, is crucial.Jen...
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Season 6
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Episode 19
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23:59
It's Now or Never: Six Fundamentals to Winning Back Trust
Trust in media, institutions, and corporate comms is eroding. Neil Brown, president of Poynter Institute and founder of PolitiFact, knows why—and how to fix it.🔹 The danger of clickbait & why credibility wins...
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Season 6
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Episode 18
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33:50
Say Less to Say More: How Smart Brevity is Changing the Way We Communicate
Why it matters: Communication is broken. Messages are too long, unclear, and ignored. Smart Brevity is the fix. And Axios HQ's Emily Inverso is here to talk about it. The big picture: Smart Brevity isn’t just a writing...
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Season 6
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Episode 17
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27:26
You’re Not Alone: Expanding Internal Comms by Engaging the Business
Why it matters:Internal communicators often feel like they’re working alone—overwhelmed and under-resourced. But the truth? You’re surrounded by potential contributors who can help extend your reach and impact.What’s happen...
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Season 6
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Episode 16
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21:57
Surviving the Comms Crunch: Lessons in Strategic Positioning
Why it matters: Communications professionals are struggling to keep their seats at the table in a challenging job market. Becca Chambers, a comms exec with a flair for straight talk, joins WordBirds to explore why comms teams are being c...
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Season 6
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Episode 15
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29:03
Align to Thrive: Unlocking the Business Power of Internal Communications
Alignment fuels business success—but it’s hard to achieve.In this episode, Janet Hitchen shares how she used internal comms to:Build alignment across teams.Simplify complex ideas into clear stories.Drive rev...
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Season 6
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Episode 14
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24:17
Future-Proofing Communications: Staying Ahead in a World of Constant Change
Why it matters: Communications leaders face constant change—from evolving technology to shifting workplace dynamics. Staying ahead means mastering new skills, tools, and strategies.The big picture: Trey Sarten CCO at Anywhe...
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Season 6
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Episode 13
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26:23
Engagement Redefined: Moving Beyond Clicks to Real Alignment
What’s engagement, really?In this episode of WordBirds, Doreen Maciak from Takeda challenges the buzzword “engagement” and dives into what it truly means.Why it matters: Engagement isn’t just about clicks and opens...
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Season 6
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Episode 12
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29:58
Cutting Through the Buzz: How Plain English Drives Real Communication Impact
Cut the jargon. Boost the clarity.Jolene Peixoto, Relex Solutions’ anti-marketing comms leader, joins WordBirds to challenge buzzwords and embrace plain English messaging.Why it matters: Clear, concise commu...
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Season 6
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Episode 11
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26:51
AI Takes the Mic: Key Insights From the First Half of Season 6
This special episode brings you the top insights from WordBirds Season 6, hosted by AI voices Lance and Audrina (from NotebookLM).Why it matters: This AI-powered and hosted recap dives into must-hear lessons on intentiona...
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Season 6
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Episode 10
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20:19
From Tactics to Strategic Influence: How Communicators Can Drive Real Business Impact
Why it matters: Communicators often get stuck in tactical roles, but real value comes from strategic influence. In this episode, Bronagh Hanley, Partner & CCO at Preface Global, shares how she built influence at companies like Netfli...
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Season 6
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Episode 9
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24:11
Measuring the Impact: Why Internal Comms Needs Hard Data to Thrive
In this episode (part 2 of 2), we talk with Joanna Parsons about the power of measurement in internal communications. Joanna, author of Innovative Internal Communications, explains why many comms teams avoid measurement, how to ...
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Season 6
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Episode 8
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22:26
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Bridging the Gap: Communicating Across Generational Divides in the Workplace
Chris Willis and guest Michael Franklin, founder and executive director of Speechwriters of Color, dive into the complexities of communicating across a multi-generational workforce and navigating evolving workplace expectations.Why it...
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Season 6
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Episode 7
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24:26
AI and the Future of Internal Communications: Enhancing Strategy and Influence
Chris Willis and guest Monique Zytnik author of Internal Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, and Chairman of IABC EMEA as they explore the changing landscape of internal communications in an AI-driven world.Why it mat...
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Season 6
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Episode 6
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29:30
Messaging That Matters: How Strategic Communications Drive Brand Success
Chris Willis sits down with Rachel Adam, Head of Brand and Communications at Sonar, to explore the critical role of strategic communications in shaping and amplifying brand identity.Why it matters: Strategic communications are vit...
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Season 6
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Episode 5
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25:32
The Strategic Path: Becoming a Chief Communication Officer
In this episode of WordBirds, Chris Willis interviews Dave Guarino, Head of Global Communications at Wolters Kluwer.What it's about: Understanding the journey to a C-suite position in communications provides invaluable lessons for...
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Season 6
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Episode 4
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24:26
Innovative Internal Communications: A Curious Route
In this episode of WordBirds, Chris Willis interviews Joanna Parson, CEO of The Curious Route and author of Innovative ...
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Season 6
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Episode 3
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23:44
Communicating in a Crisis: Leading with Clarity & Purpose
Navigating crisis communicationsIn this episode of WordBirds, Chris Willis sits down with communications expert Roberto Munoz (Fannie Mae, HSBC, Tesco) to explore the critical role of crisis communications.Why it matters...
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Season 6
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Episode 2
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29:17
Reimagining Communications: From Tactical Function to Strategic Powerhouse
We're back with Season 6! And we're kicking off with Eleanor Hawkins, Axios Communications Strategist and writer of the Communicators newsletter. Eleanor spent years as a communicator in media and politics and now covers the topics and trends t...
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Season 6
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Episode 1
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31:23
Beyond Favors: Tactics for Customer Marketing
In this episode, we're thrilled to have Kristine Englert, Director of Customer Marketing at Mirakl
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Season 4
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Episode 14
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23:11
From Web Pages to Prompt Fields: The Future of Digital Content Experiences
We consider the existential future of content on this week’s episode, with Phyllis Davidson — VP, Principal Analyst at
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Season 4
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Episode 13
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36:13
