The WordBirds Podcast With Chris Willis podcast

#Tech #Business #Marketing #Internal Comms #Internal Communications #Corporate Comms #Corporate Communications #Axios HQ #Communication #CCO

1:03:29

Finally, we find out who is unbeatable, unhateable, and unbreakable in the final five episodes of Battle Camp Season One. Host Chris Burns is joined by the multi-talented comedian Dana Moon to relive the cockroach mac & cheese, Trey’s drag debut, and the final wheel spin. The Season One Winner joins Chris to debrief on strategy and dish on game play. Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/WeHaveTheReceipts Text us at (929) 487-3621 DM Chris @FatCarrieBradshaw on Instagram Follow We Have The Receipts wherever you listen, so you never miss an episode. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.…

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

Series home•Feed

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.

71 episodes

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

updated 22 days ago

Series home•Feed

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.

71 episodes

#Tech #Business #Marketing #Internal Comms #Internal Communications #Corporate Comms #Corporate Communications #Axios HQ #Communication #CCO

All episodes

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

1
Emergency Episode: How to Actually Get Hired in Comms Right Now 24:13

22 days ago24:13

24:13

🔍 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 What actually makes you stand out on LinkedIn Why clarity > cleverness in a job search The rise of consulting-as-career in comms How to stop being invisible — and get noticed 👀 Whether you're job-hunting, consulting, or just future-proofing, this is a must-listen.…

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

1
How to Listen: Oscar Trimboli's Method to Better Communication 35:21

10 weeks ago35:21

35:21

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. Why It Matters: Better listening means more effective communication, shorter meetings, and stronger organizational alignment. Simple, research-backed strategies to shift from hearing words to understanding true meaning. Tune in to start transforming how you lead and communicate—because effective listening is the ultimate competitive edge.…

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

1
Plan for the Best, Prepare for the Worst: Mastering Proactive vs Reactive Comms 23:59

11 weeks ago23:59

23:59

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. Jennifer Kaplan, CEO of Evolve PR and Marketing , shares her 25+ years of expertise on turning potential PR disasters into brand victories. What to expect: Real-Life Examples: From pre-launch buzz for museum exhibits to crisis pivots that save reputations, Jennifer breaks down how proactive planning drives results. Actionable Advice: Get practical steps for building a comprehensive communications strategy. Learn how to forecast challenges, craft timely messaging, and maintain authenticity even when the unexpected happens. The Balancing Act: Discover why a touch of spontaneity can be as effective as a pre-scripted planand how to balance genuine voice with structured messaging. Key Takeaway: In today’s real-time media environment, owning your narrative before it owns you isn’t just smart. It’s essential. Tune in now for a candid, no-holds-barred conversation that challenges conventional PR wisdom and empowers you to control your brand’s story from the get-go.…

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

1
It's Now or Never: Six Fundamentals to Winning Back Trust 33:50

13 weeks ago33:50

33:50

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 🔹 How relationships & transparency build trust 🔹 AI’s role in comms & why ethics matter 🔹 Fact-checking: accountability, not censorship Trust is hard to earn, easy to lose. Learn how to get it—and keep it. 🎧 0xWCEYFuHu268Js3PyyQ…

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

1
Say Less to Say More: How Smart Brevity is Changing the Way We Communicate 27:26

14 weeks ago27:26

27:26

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 style—it’s a movement reshaping how professionals, executives, and businesses communicate. With over 250,000 copies of the book in circulation and thousands of companies adopting the methodology, it’s proving that less is more. What’s next: How Smart Brevity started—and why it works The biggest mistakes communicators make (and how to fix them) Why AI won’t replace Smart Brevity, but can enhance it What the future holds for concise, impactful communication 🚀 Want in? Visit smartbrevity.com to join the movement.…

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

1
You’re Not Alone: Expanding Internal Comms by Engaging the Business 21:57

16 weeks ago21:57

21:57

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 happening: In this episode, Chris Willis talks with Thereasa Roy, Director of Product and Content Marketing at OffSec, about how internal comms teams can: Activate leaders and department heads to contribute meaningful content. Transition from content creators to strategic editors-in-chief. Build stronger collaboration across departments to enhance alignment. The bottom line: Internal communications is a team sport. Learn how to mobilize your organization’s leaders and unlock hidden resources to drive better engagement and business outcomes. Listen now and discover how to extend your internal comms team—without adding headcount.…

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

1
Surviving the Comms Crunch: Lessons in Strategic Positioning 29:03

17 weeks ago29:03

29:03

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 cut and how they can shift from "cost center" to "business driver." Key takeaways: Post-pandemic priorities have deprioritized brand and engagement efforts. Communicators need to tie their work to outcomes, not outputs. Building alignment internally is critical to long-term success. Becca’s advice: Show your value by speaking the language of business and proving how comms impacts the bottom line. Listen for: Insights into surviving this comms job market and building a personal brand that stands out, like Becca’s viral LinkedIn strategy that took her from 4k to 40k followers in 12 months.…

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

1
Align to Thrive: Unlocking the Business Power of Internal Communications 24:17

18 weeks ago24:17

24:17

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 revenue and growth at Apple, Nespresso, and beyond. 💡 Why it matters: Internal comms aren’t just newsletters. They’re the key to smarter, faster, and more strategic business outcomes. 🎧 Tune in for insights you can put into action today.…

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

1
Future-Proofing Communications: Staying Ahead in a World of Constant Change 26:23

22 weeks ago26:23

26:23

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 Anywhere, and a communications veteran, joins us to explore: The evolving role of communicators as strategic business partners. How to nurture curiosity and adaptability in a remote-first world. Why leveraging AI is no longer optional. What’s next: Hear Trey’s practical advice on navigating challenges, building trust, and positioning your team for long-term success.…

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

1
Engagement Redefined: Moving Beyond Clicks to Real Alignment 29:58

23 weeks ago29:58

29:58

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—it’s about aligning employees to purpose and business goals. What you’ll learn: How to move beyond vanity metrics. Why authenticity and leadership are key to meaningful connections. Practical strategies to measure and improve real engagement. 🎧 Listen now to rethink your approach to engagement.…

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

1
Cutting Through the Buzz: How Plain English Drives Real Communication Impact 26:51

25 weeks ago26:51

26:51

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 communication builds trust, drives engagement, and sets your brand apart. Key takeaway : Prove your value with data and authenticity—not empty claims. 🎧 Listen now to sharpen your message.…

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

1
AI Takes the Mic: Key Insights From the First Half of Season 6 20:19

26 weeks ago20:19

20:19

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 intentional communication, bridging generational gaps, and building trust. Catch up: Perfect for anyone who missed an episode—but don’t stop here. Go back and listen to each conversation in full for the stories behind the insights.…

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

1
From Tactics to Strategic Influence: How Communicators Can Drive Real Business Impact 24:11

28 weeks ago24:11

24:11

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 Netflix and Discovery, and how you can too. Key takeaways: Ask "why" to uncover the strategy behind every communication. Build C-suite relationships by proving the business value of comms. Learn how one strategic move can shift your entire career. Go deeper: Listen to Bronagh’s insights on shaping corporate communication into a business-driving force.…

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

1
Measuring the Impact: Why Internal Comms Needs Hard Data to Thrive 22:26

29 weeks ago22:26

22:26

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 align goals with business strategy, and practical ways to demonstrate value. We also explore how measuring impact can elevate internal comms from a tactical function to a strategic partner. Why it matters: Without clear metrics, internal comms risks being undervalued. Measurement shows leadership the real business impact — from reducing attrition to improving alignment. The big picture: Effective measurement connects comms to outcomes that matter: savings, revenue, or employee engagement. It's not just about people listening — it’s about showing how comms moves the business forward. What’s next: Learn how to build a measurement framework, communicate value to leadership, and start experimenting with data-driven strategies to strengthen your comms career.…

The WordBirds Podcast with Chris Willis

1
Bridging the Gap: Communicating Across Generational Divides in the Workplace 24:26

30 weeks ago24:26