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
62 episodes
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
Synchronizing PR and Marketing: A Blueprint for Newsworthy Messaging
With such a crowded digital marketplace, how can your organization cut through the noise and build relationships with your messaging? Amanda Proscia has the answers in t...
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Season 4
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Episode 12
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27:27
Championing Success: Strategies for Unlocking Customer Stories and Advocacy
How can we get customers to share their stories with us? For this conversation, Chris spoke to Christine Bottagaro, Chief Marketing Officer at
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Season 4
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Episode 11
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32:10
Marketing, Partners, and the Community-First Content Nexus
This week’s guest, Chip Rodgers, Chief Partner Officer at WorkSpan, believes that content is all about...
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Season 4
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Episode 10
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29:27
The Art of Brand Recognition: Consistency in Content
Branding is more than just a logo or a catchy slogan; it's the personality and identity of a company. It's what distinguishes your brand from your competitors and connects you with your target audience.In today's episode, <...
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Season 4
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Episode 9
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27:01
The Content Conundrum: Is Long-Form Losing Its Luster?
In today's conversation, we delve into the evolving dynamics between long-form and short-form content, guided by the expertise of our guest, Isabelle Papoulias — SVP ...
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Season 4
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Episode 8
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26:06
AI-Driven Content: From Guesswork to Governance
How do we move from guesswork to governance in the AI generated content era? How can we ensure the quality and relevance of content while harnessing the power of AI to scale production?For this episode, we’re turning the tables...
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Season 4
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Episode 7
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31:30
Brand Building: Why Marketing Should Report to Communications
Is it time to rethink the value of press releases? And what if marketing reported to communications instead of the other way around?In this episode, we delve deep into the intricate world of communications and market...
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Season 4
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Episode 6
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21:33
Beyond Gating Content: The Thought Leadership Approach to Demand Gen
In the ever-evolving landscape of B2B marketing, we want to know: Is the primary goal of content marketing to generate leads and conversions, or does it encompass a more profound awareness mission? We dive into ...
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Season 4
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Episode 5
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29:33
Why 'Good Enough' Might Be Your Best Marketing Strategy
Are you asking the right questions to find out the reasons why you’re creating a piece of content? And once you’ve created that piece of content, is good enough good enough?In this captivating interview, we delve into the world...
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Season 4
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Episode 4
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29:40
