What does it take to navigate a decades-long career in government communications while navigating ethics, changing media landscapes, and building lasting influence?

In this special two-part episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with Michael Player, a communications veteran with nearly five decades experience. From his very first job to his long stint with NZ Police, Michael shares the highs and lows of working in public sector communications.

Join us as Michael reflects on the ethical backbone of the profession, revealing how great communicators must speak truth to power, even when it's uncomfortable. Michael’s journey is full of wisdom for both introverts and extroverts alike, proving that in a people-first profession, it’s the quiet listeners who often make the biggest impact.

This episode is packed with insights on how to navigate the shifting tides of today’s media landscape, where misinformation abounds, and how to maintain influence in an ever-evolving field. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, Michael’s career lessons on leadership, ethics, and crisis management will inspire you to step up, take initiative, and become a true communications leader.

·     Importance of initiative and building rapport

·     Ethical responsibility and speaking truth to power

·     The three A’s: accessibility, affordability, ability

·     Being a good listener

·     The evolving media landscape and digital platforms

·     Career advice: patience and continuous learning

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How can digital communications spark real-world change and drive social impact? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke speaks with Nicholas Bruneau, a global leader in digital advocacy and purpose-led marketing. Together, they explore how Nicholas’ AGILE Framework for social impact communications inspires organisations to leverage digital tools, tell compelling stories, and mobilise communities. Through real-world examples like the “Raise Your Hand” campaign, which raised over $4 billion for global education, Nicholas reveals how digital strategies can inspire lasting movements and revolutionise public sector communications.

·     Digital communications for social impact through advocacy.

·     AGILE Framework empowering public sector organisations.

·     "Raise Your Hand" campaign

·     Storytelling and digital tools to drive community engagement

·     Post-pandemic shifts and growing risk aversion in digital strategy

·     Data-driven strategies for greater communication impact

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In this episode of GovComms, we are joined by Strath Gordon, Head of Public Affairs and Communications at the Australian Olympic Committee.

With the 2024 Paris Olympics starting in July, Strath shares insights into the planning involved in preparing for the Olympic games, including the introduction of 460 Australian athletes to the public and the coordination required to manage media coverage for the event. He emphasises the importance of storytelling in sports communication, and discusses the AOC’s plans for effective on-ground media communication in Paris to ensure all athletes receive appropriate coverage and support.

Reflecting on the Tokyo Olympics, Strath highlights the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, from the postponement of the games to maintaining constant communication with athletes to keep their spirits high. He touches on the lessons learned during this period, such as the critical role of effective communication and the necessity of leveraging technology to stay connected with stakeholders.

Strath outlines how the AOC adapts to the rise of streaming services and digital media by providing content that enhances the viewing experience across various platforms. Additionally, the conversation highlights the AOC's community engagement efforts, such as the Olympics Unleashed Program, which aims to inspire young Australians by connecting them with Olympians.

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On this episode of GovComms, contentgroup CEO David Pembroke and Jordie Kilby discuss the Pacific Region – a dynamic and diverse region that includes countries like Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Somoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea.

Jordie is a communications consultant based in Fiji, but working across the entire Pacific region. Jordie began his career at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation working first in Local Radio in Canberra before a stint as a presenter and senior producer for Triple J. More recently, Jordie was a Communications Team Leader at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Fiji.

Jordie discusses how the Pacific has handled COVID-19, the challenges associated with government communication in many pacific countries and what mediums work best in countries like Fiji. Jordie and David discuss the Pacific’s under-reported measles outbreak in 2019, and how it might have assisted their preparedness for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jordie also discusses what he thinks are the similarities and differences between the Pacific and Australia, whilst also revealing how the Pacific views Australia from a diplomatic perspective.

Jordie explains what Pacific nations like Fiji could teach his home country of Australia, the biggest and most influential country in the region. Jordie makes the point that the biggest lesson in communication that Australia could learn from the Pacific is the power of storytelling and listening.

Discussed in this episode:

• What it is like to be a government communicator in the Pacific region.
• What people in the Pacific understand about listening that Australians do not.
• The importance of storytelling to communications in the Pacific.
• How many Pacific countries handled COVID-19, and how some managed to remain COVID-free.

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On this episode of GovComms, contentgroup CEO David Pembroke and Kellie Riordan looks at podcasts from an entirely new lens. Tune in to listen to a podcast … about podcasts. With the help of Australia’s leading podcast expert, we explore the history of podcasts, as well as their future.

Kellie is Australia’s leading podcast strategist, and the creative lead behind many of Australia's biggest podcasts including Conversations, Ladies We Need To Talk, and Unravel True Crime. She was also the founding Commissioning Editor of ABC Audio Studios.

Kellie recently founded her own independent audio and podcast consultancy, Deadset Studios. In this episode of GovComms, Kellie reveals why she left the ABC to create Deadset Studios.

Kellie leads us through the three phases of podcasting throughout history, explaining why 2020 sparked the third phase. She predicts where the podcasting profession will be five years from now, as well as the trends that will eventually take over the podcasting world.

Kellie explains what makes a good podcast, how to build a podcast audience, what makes podcasts different from radio and television, what the best platforms are to host your podcast and what skills you need to be a good podcast host.

Kellie also gives tips on how to avoid ‘pod fade’, a common trend when people get excited about their podcast, only to lose interest after only a few episodes.

Discussed in this episode:

• The past, present and future of podcasts and the podcasting industry.
• The career of Kellie Riordan, and how she became Australia’s leading podcast guru.
• How to create and sustain a successful podcast in 2020.
• The three phases in the history of podcasting, including the third phase which began in 2020.

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On this episode on GovComms, Amy Arbery shows us the significance of behavioural science and psychology in the policy cycle. With the enormous behavioural changes that have occurred in the COVID-19 period, Amy explains how large an influence this area can have.

contentgroup CEO, David Pembroke, sits down in the studio and learns what a behavioural science team has to offer. Amy has a wealth of experience in the public sector providing expert advice and analysis in understanding, designing, and implementing behavioural change interventions. She currently is the Director of the Behavioural Analysis Team at the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment.

Amy leads us through some of the projects she has undertaken recently and the steps her team took to provide practical solutions. This discussion is indicative of how these teams are necessary in building further capability across a department. By giving these areas more sway, Amy tells us that we can understand what drives the people at the heart of the policy thereby delivering better results

Discussed in this episode:

• The three superpowers in government: Strategical communications, stakeholder engagement and behavioural science
• The EAST (Easy, Accessible, Simple, Timely) Framework
• Human centred design
• COVID-19 as a catalyst for behavioural change

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In this episode of GovComms, we revisit a conversation from a few weeks ago with Rebecca Richter, the Head of the Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Unit at the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Contentgroup CEO David Pembroke and Rebecca explore best practice when it comes to communicating dense and technical information. They also go on to discuss how best to add value as a communications team in a larger organization.

Rebecca has a wealth of experience operating as a communications executive across both the public and private sectors. In addition to her current role, she has worked at the Australian Sport Commission as the director of Strategic Communications, and as media and communications advisor to Australia’s Chief Scientist.

Discussed in this episode:

• How to effectively communicate technical information
• Increasing engagement through social media and bite sized content
• Focusing content creation to your audience
• Broadcast to Narrowcast and how to adapt

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On this week of GovComms, contentgroup CEO David Pembroke speaks with Georgia Wright, the Director of Attention+Influence, a PR agency which is part of the CHE Proximity.

In this episode we get a new perspective on working through the pandemic and how we can make the best out of a bad situation. In this time of rapid change, Georgia reveals her secrets to maintaining and achieving long-term success.

Georgia has a wealth of Communications experience working with the biggest brands and organizations in sectors including Consumer Goods, Tech, Travel & Tourism, Luxury & Beauty and Consumer Entertainment. She is also a member of Women in PR, a membership body for senior women in the communications industry.

In her current role as Director of Attention+Influence, she aims to combine public relations, influence, social media, and content as areas of specialization in order to offer clients an excellent communications experience. This is part of CHE (Clemenger Harvie Edge) Proximity.

Discussed in this episode:

• How the pandemic has altered the workplace
• The importance of transparency
• Adapting campaign in the COVID era
• How to deal with a blocked news cycle
• Tips for long-term success

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This week on GovComms, we speak with Professor Selena Bartlett who is a Research Capacity Building Professor in the School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health at the Queensland University of Technology.

Contentgroup CEO David Pembroke learns everything you need to know about the brain and how to train the brain from Professor Bartlett.

In addition to her aforementioned role, Professor Bartlett is a Group Leader in Translational Neuroscience and has been awarded the Lawrie Austin Award for her contributions to Neuroscience by the Australian Neuroscience Society in 2019.

Professor Bartlett is also the CEO and Founder of MiGFiT Inc, a start-up company spun out her research lab that is focused on brain training for resilience, fitness and to reduce addiction and obesity. She has won the Outstanding Achievement Award and the Biotech Research Award and was an Ambassador for the Women in Technology organisation. Professor Bartlett recently launched three books to raise awareness about the brain health and to make neuroscience neuroplasticity actionable. Additionally, she has presented a TEDx talk about the brain fitness and neuroplasticity revolution underway focused on neuroplasticity for brain health.

Discussed in this episode:

• The evolution of the brain and how it affects us now
• How you can train your brain
• Prevention vs Treatment to improve mental health
• Mental health in the workplace
• Doomscrolling

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In this episode of Govcomms, we interview Michelle Chant who is the Managing Director of the Change Collective, a consultancy group that deliver business transformation and service delivery within government and private organisations.

Contentgroup CEO David Pembroke and Michelle discuss the nature of change and how it is fast becoming the new norm.

Michelle is highly experienced in the field having worked as an Organisational Change Manager with Services Australia, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. In these positions, Michelle was influential in implementing significant change programs after identifying the blockers and drivers of change.

She is passionate about change, using the power of ‘story telling’ to improve stakeholder buy in, and encouraging people to embrace change by putting the user at the centre of everything they do.

Discussed in this episode:

• Government response to the pandemic
• Change as the new norm
• The importance of having communications come in on the ground floor
• Empathy
• Interventions you can implement as a change manager

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This week on GovComms, we talk with Professor Sora Park, the Associate Dean of Research and Professor of Communication at the Faculty of Arts & Design at the University of Canberra.

Professor Sora Park chats with contentgroup CEO David Pembroke about the rapidly changing media market during and post the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges of effectively communicating throughout.

Sora was the former Director of the News & Media Research Centre at the University of Canberra and the Chair of Media Industry Studies Interest Group, International Communication Association (ICA). She is currently the President of Australian and New Zealand Communication Association (ANZCA). 

She has extensive experience in policy research and consultancy regarding digital media in South Korea. In the private sector, she has had various consultancy experiences for major internet and media companies such as KBS, NHN Corp and MBC. She also has lots of education experience, teaching at Hanyang University and Kwangwoon University.

Discussed in this episode:

• Trends in the consumption of Government media and content
• The impact of citizens being able to access content direct from Government
• Current issues in the media market such as anti-trust regulation and misinformation
• The future of media companies

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Today, we chat with Professor Michael Cardew-Hall, the current Pro Vice-Chancellor of Innovation at the Australian National University. Here, he leads strategic initiatives to build growth in research and education outcomes through partnerships with industry, government and not-for-profit organisations.

Contentgroup CEO David Pembroke and Professor Cardew-Hall sit down and discuss the difficulties that the ANU has undergone during this pandemic and how they keep pushing through.

Michael is also a Chartered Engineer and a fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. He has previously held the position as CEO of ANU Connect Ventures, a pre-seed venture capital fund associated with ANU.

During this podcast, we learn about the importance of transparency and two-way communication in innovation. We also discuss the future of higher education after the pandemic. Professor Cardew-Hall takes us through communicating with students, staff and partners and what to prioritise when things aren’t going your way.

Discussed in this episode:

• The future of higher education post COVID-19
• The art of story telling
• The importance of innovation during a crisis
• Connecting the business and public sectors

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This week on GovComms, we revisit a discussion between contentgroup CEO David Pembroke and Mitch Joel, a leading thinker in all matters content.

At the time of this conversation, Mitch was president of Mirium, a global marketing agency operating in over 20 countries with 2,000 employees. He has since founded Six Pixels Group, which is an advisory, investing and content producing company. Significantly, he also hosts his own podcast, Six Pixels of Separation, which has run for over 500 consecutive weeks.

Discussed in this episode:

• How businesses and marketers can capitalize on the interconnections of modern society
• The strategy behind growing your audience
• The evolution of published content: from magazine to podcasts and beyond
• How to go about converting viewers into consumers

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In this episode of GovComms, we are joined by Mardi Stewart, the Branch Manager of Campaigns and Strategic Communication at the Department of Social Services.

As a leader with extensive experience in strategic communication and public campaigns, Mardi shares insights on creating impactful and award-winning campaigns. From the foundational aspects of embracing a learning mindset to the intricacies of campaign management, she highlights the multifaceted approach required to navigate and excel in government communications.

Leadership in public communication not only involves the strategic dissemination of information but also encompasses fostering resilience and passion among communication professionals. Mardi emphasises the importance of loving what you do, and that passion fuels perseverance and success in any professional endeavor.

Mardi also explores the role of public communication campaigns in addressing societal issues and enhancing community well-being. She outlines the structured processes behind successful campaigns, from initial research to creative development and rigorous evaluation.

Discussed in this episode:

• Mardi Stewart's journey and passion in public sector communications.
• Key campaigns like "Stop it at the Start" and community awareness initiatives.
• Importance of mentorship and professional networks in communications.
• Challenges and shifts in media landscapes impacting government communication.

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Our guest today has a mission to use her communications expertise to help bring state, county, and city government agencies together, learn from one another and expedite positive change.

Today on GovComms, contentgroup CEO, David Pembroke, is joined by chief evangelist at GovQA, Jen Snyder to discuss how trends in business and consumer worlds can apply to the government space.

GovQA is the leader in enterprise workflow automation for government requests, mainly focused on Public Records (FOIA).

Jen is interested in meaningful conversations that look both at the big picture, as well as dig deep into nitty-gritty best-practice working sessions on all government challenges and opportunities including those related to technology, transparency, security, procurement, legislative mandates, compliance, staffing challenges, and more.

Not only has she spent 15 years in the Government realm, she also spent ten years managing local and international business development initiatives for b2b companies.

Discussed in this episode:

• How technology is advancing record management
• The value of change management
• Adapting to the COVID-19 new normal
• The trends that support effective government

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This week on GovComms, we dip into the archives to a conversation between contentgroup CEO David Pembroke, and Head of ‘City Communications’ for the City of Vienna’s Press and Information Services, Martin Schipany.

They reflect upon how the City of Vienna has developed their communications approach across Martin’s career. The city is now working across multiple media projects and using content communications to create a strong relationship with their citizens.

Discussed in this episode:

• How do you get the attention of the political media officers
• Why all government departments need to discover their citizen’s journey
• Where Europe is in their adoption of content marketing
• Why communications team should be close to the leadership
• How do you convince government to adopt digital?

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Our guest today understands the media landscape like the back of his hand.

Today on GovComms, contentgroup CEO David Pembroke and Chief Strategy Officer at OMD, Ian Czenz discuss how the media landscape has evolved over the past 20 years.

With plenty of enthusiasm, Ian and his team work with clients to deliver creative and innovative content.

His goal is to create good content that entertains, and important delivers results for his clients.

From starting his career as a media buyer at J. Walter Thompson and working on big blue-chip clients then moving into the media strategy, Ian has covered lots of ground in the industry.

In this episode of the podcast, they examine how speed continues to characterise the digital media landscape.

From diversifying a media strategy, to working quickly within an agency, Ian is making sure narratives come first – at scale and at speed.

Discussed in this episode:

• Reflecting on change in the media landscape
• Embracing creativity in media
• What is does a media strategy look like?
• The evolution of measuring campaign success
• The future of print, radio and television

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Today on GovComms, we dip into the archives, when in 2016, contentgroup CEO David Pembroke was joined by a very special guest, Trish Johnston, who was then the Assistant Secretary of Communications at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet in Canberra, Australia.

Trish has been in the communications game for over two decades. She's worked on some of the government's most complex policy issues including domestic violence, cyber security, indigenous affairs, climate change, resources and energy and preventative health.

Her experience spans large scale advertising campaigns, strategic communications, public relations, media, issues management and digital strategy.

Today, Trish is Assistant Secretary at the Communications Advice Branch at the Australian Government Department of Finance. That means that she runs the show on behalf of the very important policy department here in Australia.

Discussed in this episode:

• A typical day in an Australian Government Department
• Creating a high level of strategic interface
• Embedding the communications strategy in every conversation
• How to communicate a policy effectively
• Pitching your communications strategy

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On this episode of GovComms, contentgroup CEO, David Pembroke, sat down in #studio19 with CEO of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, Kylie Walker. She gives us a masterclass of advice.

Kylie works everyday to open doors and create opportunities for people in STEM. She specialises in connecting technologists, engineers and scientists with governments, business, media and society – skills built over many years in senior federal communication and advocacy roles in the science, technology and health sectors.

Kylie teaches us how to build communications plans into the workforce from day one.

Her secret tip – repeat your message until you throw up.

Listen to the episode to find out exactly how to build relationships that create meaningful dialogues, empower change, and promote sustained engagement.

Discussed in this episode:

• Providing advice to government
• Building relationships between academia and the private sector
• How to create authentic connections in the workplace
• The importance of repeating your message, again… and again…
• Kylie’s strategic oversight framework
• Why we need to invest in digital skills

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In Australia, government is harnessing digital platforms to create engaging and informative content.

Today on GovComms, contentgroup CEO, David Pembroke is joined by the Head of Digital Experience at the Australian War Memorial, Amanda Dennett.

Amanda is an experienced communication professional, specialising in digital communication strategy, crisis communication, and media issues management.

We investigate what Amanda found when she researched the way Australian Government is using social media. Amanda highlights industry success stories and the future direction of online communications.

Discussed in this episode:

• How to measure a social media strategy
• Getting permission from senior leaders to deliver communication strategies
• Where has social media been used successfully in the public sector?
• The key skills of a communicator
• Creating credible and consistent information for online platforms

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Today on GovComms, we discuss the importance of looking to design methods to create strong and targeted communication.

Our guest is Dan Formosa, a design wiz living a couple of miles north of Manhattan. His research focus is accessible design. Dan’s expertise is knowing how to design to directly engage and fit the needs of their user.

contentgroup CEO, David Pembroke and leading design consultant and researcher, Dan Formosa sit down to discuss the importance of embracing complexity in all types of work.

Dan explains why communicators need to start thinking like designers.

Dan works with companies, organisations, and internal creative teams to develop products and services in a wide range of categories. Dan’s background is in product design, and he holds a Masters and a Ph.D. in Ergonomics and Biomechanics.

Dan based his career on the idea that design should focus on people, not things. His work has received numerous design awards and has been selected for national and international exhibits. In 1977, invited to work with the Eliot Noyes studio, Dan became the junior member of a design team that helped IBM conceive how a computer could possibly fit into a home.

Discussed in this episode:

• Looking to the edges rather than the average
• Developing ideas – how to research and ask smart questions
• Maintaining the momentum to innovate – plan for small successes
• The minimum requirements of branding

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What are our possible futures? How can government plan for increased digital technology? Is government leading the way for change?

On this episode of GovComms, contentgroup CEO, David Pembroke, joined Dr Lucy Cameron to discuss digital transformation and future communications possibilities.

Lucy is a leading proponent of foresight, digital transformation, and innovation in the Asia Pacific region.

As a previous Queensland Government Smithsonian Fellow, she has a special interest in policy leading to innovation hot-spots.

Prior to working at CSIRO's Data61 Lucy worked for 10 years in digital economy and productivity policy in the Queensland Government. Her PhD from the University of Queensland studied the impact of broadband on regional development.

Discussed in this episode:

-          Understanding the medium to long-term future

-          Black swan events - how has the pandemic changed the course of Australia?

-          What is digital transformation?

-          The digital skills communicators need

-          Creating priorities for Australian digital development

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“There is so much to be told in Australia’s history, and there are terrible truths that need to be spoken about but there is also much to celebrate, and I hope we continue to build on that celebration.”

A poignant closing from our guest this week, CEO of the Lowitja Institute, Australia’s national institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research, Dr Janine Mohammed.

On this week’s episode of GovComms, Dr Janine Mohammed sits down with our host, David Pembroke to discuss closing the health gap, creating a culture of safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the role of the Lowitja Institute as the only health research that has a sole focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues.

Dr Janine Mohamed (née Dutschke) is a proud Narrunga Kaurna woman from Point Pearce in South Australia who has dedicated her career to the Indigenous health through roles in nursing, management, and policy for over two decades. 

Recently, Janine has contributed to the establishment of the Close the Gap campaign and was part of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Peoples’ delegation that participated in the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in 2011 and 2012.  

Janine was appointed CEO of the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINatM) in 2013 and led the organisation for five years. 

Janine has been recognised for her contributions on multiple occasions, including a University of South Australia Alumni Award in 2016, the ACT Health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander “Individual” NAIDOC Award in 2018 and the 2019 NATSIHWA Lifetime Achievement Award due to her integral role in establishing a national professional association for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners.  

She has also been awarded an Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Fellowship and an Honorary Doctorate from Edith Cowan University.

Discussed in this episode:

-          Finding the language to discuss racism

-          Creating systems that support cultural safety and lifelong learning

-          The magic ingredients of effective communication

-          Navigating unintended consequences of media coverage

-          Ensuring research is relevant and accessible to those who need it

-          The legacy of Lowitja O’Donoghue

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In this episode of GovComms, we continue our conversation with Bevan Hannan, General Manager of the Communications Division at Services Australia.

Bevan delves into the complexities of government communication, drawing on his extensive experience to explore how crises like the Bali bombings have shaped public narratives and the role of media in managing these narratives.

Bevan reflects on the human aspects of communications and shares lessons learned from coordinating the government's response and supporting affected families. He explains how he strategically used media to maintain control over the public discourse and ensure sensitive handling of the aftermath.

The conversation also ventures into the future of communication in public service, particularly the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Bevan discusses the potential for AI to enhance service delivery and improve the accessibility and efficiency of government communications.

The episode takes a reflective turn as he addresses the Robodebt scandal, considering its impact on public trust and the essential role of integrity in government communications.

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How is COVID changing the way we operate? Some researchers are pivoting their focus, and looking at how people are coping with lockdown.

With a background in psychology, our guest this week is researching the wellbeing of Australians during COVID and how government needs to adapt communications strategy in this time.

In this episode of GovComms, contentgroup CEO, David Pembroke, is joined by Garrett Tyler-Parker in #studio19, to discuss research during a health crisis. As a second wave hits, Garrett stresses the importance of creating communications strategy that is engaged with the world, and reflects how people are feeling.

Garrett is the Canberra Managing Director of Pollinate Research, an independent market and social research company. With research experience in Australia and South East Asia and previous experience in The Parliament House Federal Press Gallery, Garrett brings a well-rounded, real-world perspective to research, incorporating human behaviour and systems thinking, to deliver actionable results.

Garrett’s experience covers a broad range of categories; from small not-for-profit organisations to local, state and federal government agencies, through to nation-leading companies and multi-national organisations. Garrett’s specialisation is strategic Government research, and bringing the voice of the public into the decision making process.

Garrett is also a guest lecturer at ANU and UNSW on Market Research and was recently published in The Australian Journal of Psychology.

Discussed in this episode:

• How are Australians dealing with COVID-19?
• Using research to ensure wider systems approaches
• Why psychographics drive engaged government communications
• The importance of rich picture exercises
• Understanding the why behind decision making
• The disruption of COVID and the why research is vital

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From Glasgow to Pennsylvania State, Rose Cameron is a well-travelled communicator who brings curiosity, perspective, and resilience to her communications strategies.

She has created success in her career by using her ingenuity. Like many Scots, Rose is driven by questioning the norm; why is it that way? Is it really needed anymore? And what do we need next?

Rose’s interest in cultural anthropology has led her to a long career in delivering communications strategies that transfer value to individuals.

In this episode from the 2015 archives, contentgroup CEO David Pembroke sits down with Rose Cameron to talk about the importance of elasticity in the workplace, staying young, learning and being real in the advertising industry.

Discussed in this episode:

• Knowing what topics fascinate people, and what will keep people engaged in your conversation
• Communicate by listening first
• Contextualising your communications strategy
• Transferring value – the new way of marketing
• Advice to government communicators in the digital age

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In this week’s episode of GovComms we go back to 2015 when contentgroup CEO, David Pembroke sat down with Executive Manager, Communications & Engagement for the City of Boroondara, Deb Ganderton.

Deb is the Executive Manager Communications and Engagement for one of Australia’s most innovative local council areas, the City of Boroondara in Melbourne. Her work at the City of Boroondara has seen the creation of a matrix style department successfully blending traditional communications and customer service roles with community and employee engagement and research. She has led projects achieving national and international recognition for strategy and evaluation.

Currently, Deb is the President of International Business Communicators, an industry association dedicated to excellence in government communication.

Deb is a legend of Australian municipal government communications. Her and David discuss Boroondara’s communication structure and how her team has implemented an award-winning content marketing strategy.

In this conversation, we discuss building capacity within teams to add value to government departments and share their important work with the community.

Discussed in this episode:

• Developing a strong internal communications network
• Consulting early and widely to ensure a smooth policy roll out
• The importance of co-creating
• Measuring the impact of an activity by knowing your goals and desired outcomes
• Creating autonomy within your team

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Content communication can come with a minefield of legal issues. How do you identify legal issues? Who owns the content you are distributing? What happens when there is an intellectual property claim?

This week go back to 2015 when contentgroup CEO, David Pembroke, sat down with leading commercial lawyer, Shaun Creighton, to discuss the copyright implications of creating and curating content.

Shaun Creighton has specialist expertise in the identification, protection, and commercialisation of intellectual property rights. He has expertise and experience negotiating technology, broadcasting and commercial agreements. Previously, he has provided in-house Legal Counsel for the Australian Sports Commission and Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporation.

As a dual Olympian, Shaun has an extensive network in the sports and events industries. As part of ARETE Group’s thriving sports law practice group, he represents professional athletes, national sporting organisations, media outlets and event organisers on matters ranging from drafting sponsorship and merchandising agreements to broadcasting rights disputes, copyright advice, trade mark registration services, selection appeals, privacy, governance advice and Competition and Consumer Act issues.

Discussed in this episode:

• Intellectual Property Law – what is it?
• Why we need contracts - indemnity and liability
• How content marketing fits in with law
• The legal questions that arise when distributing content
• Resolving issues by identifying them upfront
• The potential risks of using social media channels

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Communications is about going with your gut. Our guest today, uses core values to create marketing campaigns that she knows will stand out. She understands when to use speed and when to be strategic and insight led.

In this episode of GovComms, City Marketing Coordinator at the city of Ballarat, Lucy Ibrahim, joins contentgroup CEO, David Pembroke, to discuss the importance of delivering communications plans that connect with community members.

Working in a city that shows genuine care and compassion for their community in the toughest of circumstances, Lucy talks about how to take those values and deliver effective communications solutions to big problems.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lucy has led her community by engaging with stakeholders and supplying the city of Ballarat with accurate and accessible resources.

Today, we dive back to when Lucy delivered and launched a marketing campaign, Be Kind Ballarat, in less than 24 hours. The campaign was a kindness initiative launched in response to COVID-19, which she reflects on as one of the toughest and most rewarding campaigns she has worked on.

Lucy Ibrahim has over 18 years’ experience covering brand strategy, marketing, events and tourism. Prior to working for the City of Ballarat, Lucy served as Head of Marketing at Visit Ballarat, and Managing Director of PLAY communications.

Work produced under Lucy’s direction has been recognised at over 15 international and local awards. She has most recently been recognised for the 2020 Ad Campaign of the Year at the Mumbrella Travel Awards for her campaign Made of Ballarat. Lucy is passionate about insight-led creative, efficient execution and measurement to optimise outcomes.

Discussed in this episode:

• Using core principles within government policies to develop clear communications plans
• Delivering an effective campaign in less than 24 hours
• Using communications to support residents and provide relief
• Responding and recovering from the fallout of COVID-19
• The nature of work for a communications professional
• Using hard metrics to measure effectiveness within industry and media sentiment

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We are coming into the golden age of communications. Perhaps the most important thing a government can do, is communicate effectively with their citizens. Communicators are the people in control. They make sure that information is available and importantly, accessible, to citizens. The technology has increased the visibility of communications system, but what are the challenges that come with these advances? What are the challenges facing government departments? Where does change comes from in the public sector? In this episode of GovComms, contentgroup Founder and CEO, David Pembroke, is joined by the Head of GovCom Group, Alun Probert. Before heading GovCom Group, Alun spent nine years as the Executive Director of Strategic Communications in the NSW Government, with the responsibility for advertising and digital policy including managing the NSW Governments and Premier’s website, overseeing approval of Government and all advertising campaigns and managing whole of Government media contracts. Alun’s global communication experience spans 25 years. In this conversation from the archive, Alun shares valuable insights on adopting new media and the opportunities within content marketing.    Discussed in this episode: -          Opportunities for content marketing in government - what does success look like? -          Understanding how people consume government media -          Aligning a communication plan to strategic objectives -          Setting ambitions and achieving measurable targets -          Clear communication - removing barriers that connect government to citizens -          The evolution of information and communications technology

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In this week’s episode of GovComms, contentgroup Founder and CEO, David Pembroke, sits down with business and technology innovator, Michelle Melbourne, to discuss how technology is impacting the communications. They talk using data to create a personalized experience for your audience, the importance of learning and where technology is headed.

This episode is a must listen for leaders in any sector, with valuable insights into how to harness and use technology in a manageable and workable way.

With 30 years’ experience in government technology, Michelle Melbourne, Co-Founder of Australian software maker Intelledox (now SmartIQTM, a product of Smart Communications), has a long history delivering better online process for citizens. Michelle evangelized the term Digital Transformation years before it was commonplace, and her company pioneered the use of AI to automate business processes. She has helped many large and complex customers to modernise their processes, and more importantly, to transform their team culture and behaviours to maximize the outcomes for citizens.

In 1998, Michelle started a highly successful technology, communications and logistics company - The Communication Link - working on behalf of corporate and government VIPs from around the world. This involved arranging official visits to Australia by Madeleine Albright for senior U.S Government officials and the management of various Sydney Olympic and Paralympic projects. She is currently a Board Member of Smart Communications, Governor of the ANU Foundation Board and an Entrepreneur In Residence for the Canberra Innovation Network.

Discussed in this episode:

-       Translating an inspiration into reality

-       The importance of understanding technology

-       How to apply personalized services to your customers

-       Adopting new technology during COVID-19

-       The future public service as automation takes hold and AI matures

-       The skills we need to enable digital transformation

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From the Archives:

This week on #GovComms, we are going back to a very special episode. In 2015, contentgroup Founder and CEO David Pembroke, met with guests Inga Davis and Richa Arora to discuss rebuilding the University of Canberra website. This episode takes us through the whole journey. They tells us how they met their objectives and managed to bring more than 15,000 pages of content under one umbrella.

Inga Davis gave this interview on the eve of her last week at University of Canberra. Having spent the last 10 years working her way through the ranks at UC; as a marketing manager, alumni manager, Director of Vice-Chancellor Stephen Parker's Office, Director of Advancement and finishing up as Director Advancement, Marketing and Communications.

Working closely with the Vice-Chancellor, Inga has led projects integral to building the University's profile; including the university's 40th anniversary celebrations in 2008, the latest "breakthrough" re-brand, content marketing strategy and most recently an enterprise-wide upgrade of UC's 10,000 page website. A project with 15,000 staff and student users, 50 stakeholder representatives, 25 senior managers and 3 million annual visitors.

Richa was the project manager for the redevelopment of University of Canberra's website and closely worked with marketing and content producers on the content strategy for the new website. Richa believes that the aesthetics of a website are important for a friendly user experience, but people visit a website when they need information. The up to date content targeted to its audience is the key to a functional and engaging website. 

Richa has worked in public and private sector leading user workshops, stakeholder engagements and managing change and communications. Richa is a specialist in business process analysis, process re-engineering, solution design and implementation and project management. Richa is currently a Deloitte Consulting Manager in Technology Advisory team at Deloitte.

Discussed in this episode:

-         Operating a website and using a distributed authorship model

-         Using health checks to keep websites clean

-         SMART website goals

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The internet has changed the way we consume content, has it also impacted the way we advertise?

In this week’s episode of GovComms contentgroup Founder and CEO, David Pembroke, sits down with industry leader, Bob Hoffman, to discuss how traditional advertising remains the primary income for internet platforms such as Facebook.

Bob Hoffman is the author of five bestselling books about advertising. He is one of the world’s most sought-after speaker on (this topic/subject) advertising and marketing. Indeed, one of his books, ‘Bad Men: How Advertising Went From A Minor Annoyance To A Major Menace’ exposed many of the dangerous data abuse practices that are leading to a re-evaluation of the role of the major platforms around the world.

Discussed in this episode:

·       Transformation of media and advertising

·       Using creative methods to create strategic advertising campaigns

·       Eroding of local media platforms

·       Dominant major advertising platforms

·       Is antitrust on the backburner?

·       The future of traditional paid advertising  

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Fresh from the Archives

Russell Grossman wears many hats; he is Director of Communications at the Office of Rail and Road, Head of Government Internal Communications Profession for the UK Government and Director at Engage For Success.

In this episode from the archives, Russell Grossman and David Pembroke discuss the best practices in government communication.

We hear about Russell’s experience as Director of Group Communications at the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, as well as International Chair of the IABC and Director of Engage for Success.

Discussed in this episode:

·       Maximising communications budgets

·       Using a project management approach to reform communications

·       Creating long-term marketing strategies

·       Strong bold leadership and sharp project management

·       Adapting to digital platforms

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In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, we are joined by Bevan Hannan, General Manager of the Communications Division at Services Australia.

Bevan shares insights into the nuances of crisis communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, and outlines the strategies and technologies employed by Services Australia to manage public information needs effectively.

Bevan also discusses the challenges and strategies of maintaining team dynamics in a remote and hybrid work settings, and emphasises the importance of a supportive and collaborative culture. He highlights how his team adapted to ensure productivity and engagement despite the distance.

Furthermore, Bevan explores the significant role of government spokespeople in delivering complex information to the public. He stresses the importance of trusted, non-political figures in building public trust and ensuring clear communication from the government.

Discussed in this episode:

• Impact of mentorship and networking in Bevan's early career development.
• Bevan's lessons from transitioning from sports journalism to the public service.
• Balancing between in-person and remote work for team effectiveness.
• Evolution of government communication practices pre and post-COVID.

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A communications professional with more than 15 years of experience working in busy and demanding media relations and communications environments, Farooq has a range of experience having worked both in the public and voluntary sector. 

Having trained as a journalist, during his career in UK Government he has been media adviser to several UK Prime Ministers and senior ministers. Farooq has led teams and delivered high-profile communications campaigns for key government domestic policies including the major housing building programme, a review of the public broadcaster BBC and controversial reforms to teachers’ pay and pensions. He has also dealt with international issues such as the UK’s military operations in Afghanistan and was part of the UK Government Olympics Communications team for London in 2012.

Farooq led the crisis communications response for UK Government following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, where he led a team of 40 plus professionals to deliver an effective communications strategy. 

Having recently relocated to Sydney, he brings this wealth of experience to his current role supporting Transport for NSW with its communications response to the current Coronavirus outbreak.

Discussed in this episode:

• A human-centric approach to government communications
• Farooq's advice on crisis management
• The importance of planning
• The current state of government communications
• Developing evidence-based communications
• Building trust - being accurate and realistic
• Measurement and evaluation

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Fresh from the Archives

Gina is a senior digital marketing professional with successful experience in product management, social media strategy and integrated marketing campaigns for the City of Bryan.

In addition, Gina has also developed brand ambassador and employee ambassador programs online to reinforce branding goals, drive loyalty and amplify the message. 

Working for the City of Bryan, she has put her non-government experience to work to boost economic development, city programs, and tourism across all online channels. In addition to marketing, she serves as the PIO for the City of Bryan and Bryan Texas Utilities.

Discussed in this episode: 

• A grass-roots approach to content
• The essentials of content marketing 
• How content marketing served the City of Bryan
• Gina's advice for government communicators 

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Tony Bradford is the co-founder and Managing Director of the Centre for Corporate Health, an organisation that specialises in helping workplaces of all shapes and sizes to better manage mental health, psychological safety and workplace stress.

Originally a country boy from the Riverina, he ran away from home and joined the Navy at the age of 17 and started his career as a navigation officer driving ships and patrol boats. Fascinated by what happens in workplaces and the dysfunction and stress that often results, he developed his passion for understanding and transforming workplace cultures especially through building leadership capability.

Following his service in the Navy and a short stint with EY’s change management consultancy division in the late 90’s, Tony has spent the past 20 years consulting to organisations of all shapes and sizes and industries, including Government.

Rachel Clements is the co-founder and Director of Psychological Services and Principal Organisational Psychologist at the Centre for Corporate Health

For over 25 years Rachel has focused on building individual and organisational resilience, and minimising risk of workplace mental health.  She has worked across a range of industries and has carved a niche especially in professional services organisations such as law firms, banking, finance as well as government (at all levels).

Rachel is often the go-to subject matter expert when it comes to workplace mental health and is a regular keynote presenter at national and international conferences. Rachel is frequently consulted by media organisations from around the world and is regular contributor to the Huffington Post

Discussed in this episode:

• Characteristics of a mental health conscious organisation
• The biggest predictor of workplace wellbeing
• The impacts of isolation
• Preparing for the 'new normal'
• Why Australia leads the way in workplace wellbeing
• Why 'givers' do better than 'takers' during a crisis
• Tony and Rachel's advice for staying mentally well

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Fresh from the Archives

Carmel McGregor forged a highly successful and notable career in the Australian Public Service. She is a psychologist by training and is intrinsically interested in how people think and what makes them tick.

Before her retirement in 2014 Carmel was the Deputy Secretary Defence People in the Department of Defence. Prior to joining the Department of Defence in 2012 Carmel held a position as the Deputy Australian Public Service Commissioner where she was a member of the Advisory Group on Reform of Australian Government Administration (Blueprint) and led a review of Pathways for APS Women in Defence.

Before joining the Australian Public Service Commission, Carmel was Deputy Secretary Client and Corporate Services in the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). During her time with DIAC she led global client service reform and a major organisational and cultural change program.

Discussed in this episode:

• The role of communications
• Communicating for success
• The revolution of listening
• Understanding why public servants need to be able explain their work to the public
• Carmel's advice for government communicators

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Sree Sreenivasan is the inaugural Marshall Loeb Visiting Professor of Digital Innovation at Stony Brook School of Journalism. During the COVID-19 crisis, he is hosting a daily global conversation with experts - and helping companies adjust to the newly virtual world. 

Sree is a leading social and digital media consultant and trainer, working with nonprofits, startups, companies and executives from around the world. He has served as Chief Digital Officer of New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Columbia University (where he was a full-time professor of journalism for 20+ years).

He has also been a paid on-air tech expert for the three largest news stations in NYC. He taught a course on entrepreneurship at Columbia for four years with Ken Lerer, the co-founder of Huffington Post, chairman of Buzzfeed and co-founder of venture firm LererHippeau.

In 2015, Fast Company named him one of the 100 most creative people in business and in 2010, he was named one of the 35 most influential people in social media by the Poynter Institute. In 2014, he was named most influential CDO by CDO Club.

Check out Sree’s Daily Global COVID-19 Show here

Discussed in this episode:

• How COVID-19 has changed New York City
• Sree’s views on the U.S response to the pandemic
• How Sree develops content for his daily show
• Why now is the perfect time to upskill and try something new
• Sree’s approach to editorial calendars and guest pipelines
• Platforms for live streaming
• The importance of transparency in government
• Following passion over expectation

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Stacey Barr is the creator of the PuMP methodology for measuring organisational performance and developing meaningful KPIs. Stacey is one of the world’s leading specialists performance measurement field. She is author of two books - Practical Performance Measurement and Prove It! – and writes the weekly Measure Up blog. Her content also appears on Harvard Business Review’s website and in their acclaimed ManageMentor Program.

Stacey has specialised in the field of performance measurement since 1993. This gave her a deep insight into the transformational power of measuring the right things well – and revealed the most common struggles people have with performance measurement. The most common obstacles she observes include immeasurable goals, meaningless measures, lack of buy-in, and KPI dashboards that aren’t useful. The root cause, she found, is that common KPI practice is fraught with bad habits. So she created PuMP to replace those bad habits.

PuMP is known for its practicality in making performance measurement faster, easier, engaging, and meaningful. Strategy and performance professionals say it’s made it easy to engage people and align their work to the strategy. Stacey has also received feedback from teams, saying that it’s the first time they’ve found measurement exciting.

Discussed in this episode: 

• Why PuMP is different to other measurement tools
• An example of PuMP in action
• Defining measurable goals and avoiding 'weasel' words
• Bringing physicality to concepts
• Identifying relevant stakeholders
• Where to learn more about the PuMP methodology

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Andrew’s 20 years of experience cover a broad range of communication and public affairs practice. His experience ranges from proactive and responsive media handling to strategy, operations and team leadership.

Most recently, Andrew was the Director of Media and Social Media with a major NSW Government Department, building and leading teams of media and content specialists to support the Department and its Ministers on issues including: Planning, Energy, Water, Mining, Resources, Skills, International Trade, Small Business, Regional Economic Development, Infrastructure, Housing, Tourism, Industry Support, Crown Lands, Indigenous Affairs, Liquor Gaming and Racing, and the Arts. 

Prior to Government, Andrew held senior positions in financial services and not-for-profit organisations. He began his career as an industry advocate and lobbyist in London. He was Head of Communications for the British Chambers of Commerce as well as Campaigns and Government Relations Manager for MAKE UK, the peak body for engineering, manufacturing and technology companies. Alongside his undergraduate degree, he has a Masters in Public Administration.  

Discussed in this episode:

• How Government might move to better meet citizen expectations
• The implications of the 24/7 news cycle
• Moving to a more agile, digital Government
• Fast tracking great ideas and navigating complex approval processes
• Minimising risk and maximising opportunity in government communications
• Moving from a broadcast to narrowcast channels
• Andrew's advice for all Government communicators

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Melanie is a PhD qualified medical research scientist and award winning professional science communicator. Currently CEO of the National Youth Science Forum, Melanie is focused on delivering transformative youth-led experiences for young Australians to encourage life-long participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course and having experience in higher education, media and NFP sectors, Melanie brings over 15 years of expertise in STEM management, fundraising, science communication, outreach, publishing and media for the not-for-profit and higher education sectors.

Melanie is particularly interested in using digital platforms to help connect wide audiences with STEM. In 2016 Melanie was awarded the Unsung Hero of SA Science Communication for her commitment to translating complex science into something we can all understand. Recently, Melanie led the establishment of a video production and social media distribution capability that has connected over 1.5 million people with evidence-based science on Facebook alone.

Melanie is a member of the Advisory Board for the ARC Centre for Nanoscale Biophotonics (CNBP) and is Chair of their Education and Outreach Committee.

Discussed in this episode: 

• Coronavirus, from a communicator’s perspective
• ‘Fake news’ and misinformation
• Communicating for decision-makers and the public
• Knowing your field, when to communicate and when not to
• Keeping a focus on audience needs
• Communicating accurately while meeting tight deadlines
• Melanie’s approach to changing the brand image of the Australian Academy of Science
• Building an audience from 9,000 to 1,000,000
• Using communications to achieve business objectives

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With more than 20 years’ experience in news and current affairs, Ben worked as a camera operator and video editor for several Australian TV networks including Seven, Sky News, and SBS. He covered national and international news based in the Parliamentary Press Gallery in Canberra, and later worked on the ABC “Stateline” program.

Ben is also experienced in audio production and has composed music for various television current affairs programs.

Prior to joining contentgroup as Senior Videographer, Ben worked in media production for the Commonwealth Public Service. As Senior Editor at the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Ben oversaw the technical and aesthetic aspects of video content for the various portfolio areas of the Department. This role included delivery of web video campaigns and live streaming Ministerial events.

Discussed in this episode:

• Ben’s background in videography
• The elements of video production that have stood the test of time
• The importance of storytelling
• Why everyone can now make video content, but few can make it well
• Identifying when to use video and when not to
• Using video to evoke emotion and produce action
• Keeping authenticity at the heart of video storytelling
• Producing content that won’t be scrolled past in a news feed
• Why all videos should have video captioning
• Ben’s tips for producing quality audio and lighting for video

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A highly sought-after keynote speaker, educator and author, Gabrielle has worked with thousands of high-profile leaders from around the world and helped several of Australia’s top 50 companies and multinationals to humanise their communications - These have included Telstra, EY, Accenture, VISA, Australia Post, National Australia Bank, ANZ, Vodafone and the Obama Foundation just to mention a few.  

She holds a master’s degree in Management and Leadership from Swinburne University, an associate diploma in Education and Training from the University of Melbourne, and is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education in both the Art and the Practice of Leadership Development and Women and Power: Leadership in a New World.

Gabrielle is also the bestselling author of Real Communication: How to be you and lead true, and a finalist in the Australian Business Leadership Book Awards for 2019. Her other published books include Stories for Work: The Essential Guide to Business Storytelling (2017), Storytelling for Job Interviews (2016) and several other renowned works.

Discussed in this episode:

• Why storytelling is a skill in growing demand
• Finding a balance between vulnerable and professional
• How to influence without manipulation
• Using the heart to reach the head – the affective power of stories
• The benefits of keeping stories and data separate
• Why all leaders should strive to be authentic
• The risks of jargon and acronyms
• Keeping messages as simple as possible
• Gabrielle’s top tips for communicators

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In this episode of GovComms, we are joined once again by Stephanie Speck, who is now the Head of Communications for the Green Climate Fund, for a conversation focusing on effective climate change communication.

With extensive experience in public sector communication globally, Stephanie shares insights into empowering climate-impacted communities to tell their authentic stories through "Story Sovereignty." This approach humanises climate change and grounds narratives in real-life experiences.

Stephanie also delves into the strategic evolution of the Green Climate Fund's communication, moving from output-focused tactics to strategies that prioritise reputation, return on investment, and relationship building, aiming to enhance global impact and drive effective climate action.

The conversation explores the challenge of misinformation in climate discourse, with Stephanie highlighting strategies to counter false narratives and the emphasising the importance of accurate communication in building trust and consensus on climate issues.

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Elise Davidson is the General Manager of Strategic Communications at the ACCC in Sydney. There, she leads a team responsible for the agency’s media, social media, content & digital production. Her team is also responsible for employee communications, speechwriting, library & research services.

Prior to joining the ACCC, Elise was General Manager of Corporate Affairs at Vodafone where she helped to rebuild its reputation post ‘Vodafail’. She also has a strong consumer advocacy background, having led communications and media teams at ACCAN from 2010-13, and Choice from 2007-2010.

Elise has a Bachelor’s degree in Media from Macquarie University, co-authored Weird and Wonderful Jobs, and was awarded PR of the Year (in house) at the Mumbrella CommsCon Awards in 2014.

Discussed in this episode:

• Using communications to overcome the ‘Vodafail’ crisis
• Communications as a crisis management tool
• Practical tactics for relationship building and public relations
• Elise’s advice for building a great team
• Operating in a dynamic, high activity environment
• An ACCC social media success story and the benefits of paid advertising
• Making a winning business case for more resourcing

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James joined Faster Horses Consulting in 2019 as head of its Social & Government Division after previous social & government research roles with Colmar Brunton, Ipsos & Eureka Strategic Research. He has over 20 years’ experience in the Australian Federal Government sector as both a buyer and a supplier to Government across nearly every portfolio at the Federal level. He is MBA qualified and has been granted Qualified Practicing Researcher (QPR) status.

James has been at the forefront of the evolution of market & social research over his 21-year research career, including pioneering the use of online research communities in government with the Australian Taxation Office, the Murray Darling Basin Authority and the Royal Australian Mint. Just as we’ve moved from paper to phone to online data collection, he sees advancements in artificial intelligence and the effective leveraging of ‘big data’ as rapidly reshaping the industry – not sometime into the future, but right now. He believes the key challenge for researchers lies in retaining their ability to connect with people in order to tell clients the true, evidence-based human story.

Discussed in this episode:

• The skills required to be a great researcher
• A new model for data acquisition – UBDI
• How technology has effected research, and where it’s going next
• The disruption of artificial intelligence
• Why the future of data will always require a human touch
• The importance of linking research to objectives
• James’s advice for government communicators working with researchers
• Developing a ‘no surprises’ mantra

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Kym has enjoyed an interesting career, beginning as a print journalist in regional New South Wales after a career advisor suggested she was cynical enough to be in the media. 

Her career has taken her around the world and given her entre into some of the highest profile political, public safety and disaster response incidents of her generation.

She started with the Department of Immigration on the day they opened Woomera Detention Centre, and spent the next six-and-a-half years dealing with a rather dynamic work environment.

Kym has since managed a range of impactful campaigns. One of which being the internationally recognised efforts of Queensland Police Services' use of social media as a public information channel in 2010-2011. Kym has always taken an integrated approach to issue and media management, public relations and reputation management, using new and owned media as a crucial and effective plank.

These days she is Director of her own public relations and communications agency: The Fasterhorse Company, where she deals with culture building within government departments, juggling niche clients, and running the occasional marathon or ultra and upsetting Spanish food Twitter for fun.

Discussed in this episode:

• Kym's early career as a regional journalist
• Being mindful of your energy when communicating
• The impact of democratised media
• Finding the right stories to tell
• Why content has to be connected to a strategic objective
• Influencing sentiment to effect mainstream reporting 
• Understanding your organisations risk appetite
• Finding authentic storytellers (and where to look)

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Dr Michelle Harrison is the global CEO of Kantar Public and the founding CEO of WPP Government and Public Sector Practice. She is responsible for the effectiveness of Kantar Public’s work around the world, and supports the delivery of major projects. Michelle has worked with government and corporate clients in every continent across all aspects of public policy and public affairs. Her career to date has included time in academia, international development, strategy, marketing and social research. She is a Davos speaker, book author and the founder of the WPP Executive Education Programmes in Public Communications and Behaviour Change. She has also led the establishment of WPP Government Practice Hubs in London, Brussels, Sydney, Beirut, Singapore and Nairobi.

Discussed in this episode:

• How great campaigns can fail without adequate research and testing
• Methods of combining policy and communications
• Why the best communications outcomes are produced through a united approach
• Learning to embrace rapid technological change
• Avoiding audience isolation
• Why there is no replacement for face-to-face interaction
• What behavioural change campaigns will look like in 5 years
• The pains and gains of working with multiple communications channels
• The current opportunity for government communications

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