How To Become an IC Superstar: Advice From the Best in the Field – Part 3

Welcome to the third part of our internal communications advice series designed to help internal communications professionals unleash their superstardom.

Internal communications professionals truly are superstars. Now is the time to fully unleash your superstardom - and be recognized for it!   

We asked our ICON Podcast guests who are experts in the field of internal communications to share their best advice for internal comms pros who want rise to the top.   

Here’s who they are and what they had to say: 

Shan Chatoo on Active Listening 

Communications Warrior in Leading Global Law Firm

Expert Advice 

Despite being sometimes underrated, active listening in effective communication is crucially important as it serves as the primary tool for internal communicators. It helps them understand the challenges and different perceptions of the organization before jumping into solution mode. Through her experience, Shan confirms that without this initial step of active listening, it becomes challenging to develop a comprehensive communication strategy.  

“There is something really important about listening. I think it is overrated; people overrate it. But it's the primary tool you have as a communicator.” - Shan Chatoo 

Source: https://www.sparrowconnected.com/icon-podcast/episode-2 

About Shan 

Shan Chatoo is an international communication professional based in London, England. She recently joined a leading global law firm as a senior internal communications manager where she constantly strives to connect the audiences, to the leaders and the leaders to their people, and therefore to the business, thus being a true “Communication Warrior.”

Deborah Speed on Being Creative 

Executive Communications Manager at Intermountain Healthcare

Expert Advice 

In the current landscape, creativity is crucial in capturing attention and delivering impactful messages. Deborah points towards the numerous distractions vying for the attention of colleagues, team members, and employees, and emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box. Even though it may sound basic, if you fail to grab someone's attention from the start, all the effort put into a well-crafted message can go unnoticed.  

“I think we're constantly being pushed to be more and more creative. If you're not hooking someone from the beginning, you are kind of dead in the water. So, we have to constantly think outside of the box.” - Deborah Speed 

Source: https://www.sparrowconnected.com/icon-podcast/episode-4 

About Deborah  

Deborah Speed is a communications and marketing professional with experience in developing and implementing strategies for branding, content management, internal and external communications, public relations, social media engagement and community outreach. Deborah spent quite a few years in the financial services industry and now has made a jump to health care. She is currently working as an executive communications manager at Intermountain Healthcare.  

Jenni Field on Expanding Horizons  

Founder and Director, Business Communications Strategist at Redefining Communications 

Expert Advice 

To maximize influence and create positive change, it is crucial for internal communicators to expand their horizons, navigate the socially aware world, and connect the dots between internal and external realities. Embracing this broader organizational landscape opens new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and enhanced communication strategies. 

“Some of our biggest opportunities come from understanding a little bit more about what's going on outside of our organization. Because it is bringing internal communicators into the space of the broader organization.” - Jenni Field 

Source: https://www.sparrowconnected.com/icon-podcast/episode-5 

About Jenni 

Jenny Field is an international speaker, author, podcaster, and business communication strategist. She founded her company Redefining Communications in 2017 to help organizations be less chaotic by improving communication internally. The experience Jenny has gained during her 20-year career in defense, retail, hospitality, and non-profit has contributed to the development of the field model and her book influential internal communication, which she published in April 2021. 

Erik S. Meyers on Workplace Flexibility  

Head of Corporate Communications at Lohmann & Rauscher 

Expert Advice 

Erik emphasizes the need for an individualized approach when it comes to remote work and office work, as every company possesses a unique culture. The key lies in understanding where individuals work best, considering factors such as available digital workplaces and company culture. The future of work revolves around customization and adaptability, with each company finding the approach that best suits its unique needs and workforce. 

"Employees shouldn't feel like they're being forced to do something, there should be a flexibility around it. The workspace or future of work is flexibility.” - Erik S. Meyers 

Source: https://www.sparrowconnected.com/icon-podcast/episode-3 

About Erik 

Erik S. Meyers is the head of corporate communications at Lohmann & Rauschers. He is a digital/communications expert with 25 years of expertise in a variety of corporate roles, including a broad range of communications disciplines, technical writing and translation, and corporate strategy. He bridges the gap between communications and IT, by being fluent in both worlds. He is also a change leader who doesn’t shy away from diligent, long-term and persuasive arguments to ensure the best communications and collaboration for a company. 

Looking for more great advice from IC pros? Get more here.  

What’s Next: 

• Discover how organizations can benefit from Sparrow Connected. 
• Read Company-Wide Benefits of IC Platforms 
• Book a Demo of Sparrow Connected