Why is it that leaders still flinch when they hear the word “storytelling”? And why do comms teams so often find themselves fighting to prove it isn’t just fluff? In this episode of Dear Comms…, we sit down with Rachael Warner — comms trainer, writer, and founder of what she calls “zero-bullshit communications” — to unpack the myths, fears, and real opportunities around storytelling at work.Together, we’ll explore why storytelling still gets side-eyed in leadership circles, what a good narrative actually looks like, and how internal comms can move from message service to strategic advisor. Useful links:Follow Rachael on LinkedIn here Subscribe to the Comms Nerd here Imogen Hitchcock and Amanda Pierce have a clear purpose: creating communications (and communicators) that spark action, drive growth, and build lasting influence. Between them, there’s not a question or crisis they haven’t faced. From the everyday “could you just…” to high-stakes challenges, they’re here to share their insights and help you thrive. They'd love your stars, favourites, and follows. Please, give them the social validation they crave ;)
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S5E4: Legal vs. Comms: Coexisting without conflict
Why does it always feel that comms and legal are at loggerheads when we’re meant to be protecting the same business? In this candid chat with Julian Hilton-Johnson (who's both an ex-lawyer and an ex-global comms lead), we unpack the tension. Legal precision vs public clarity, “sign-off” culture vs partnership, and risk avoidance vs opportunity. Expect practical fixes, horror stories, and why your WhatsApps may come back to haunt you. Spoiler: lawyers are humans too.Useful linksFollow Julian on LinkedinRead more about Purple Maze ConsultingGet to grips with Deepwater Horizon https://bryghtpath.com/deepwater-horizon-case-study/https://www.aboutresilience.com/a-deep-dive-into-bps-deepwater-horizon-spill-a-case-study/Get down with the kids and understand the whole Blake Lively discussionhttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cewxj0qw2p9ohttps://www.thecut.com/article/blake-lively-lawsuit-against-justin-baldoni-explained.htmlImogen Hitchcock and Amanda Pierce have a clear purpose: creating communications (and communicators) that spark action, drive growth, and build lasting influence. Between them, there’s not a question or crisis they haven’t faced. From the everyday “could you just…” to high-stakes challenges, they’re here to share their insights and help you thrive. They'd love your stars, favourites, and follows. Please, give them the social validation they crave ;)
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S5E3: What comes after comms?
You’ve spent years leading communications. You know how to shape a message, manage a crisis, coach leaders, bring clarity where there’s chaos. But what if all that experience was just the beginning — and your next chapter looked nothing like your current one? In this episode of Dear Comms…, we talk to Jocelyn Penque-Saunders, a former global comms leader who walked away from the corporate world to become a dating coach. Yes, really. We explore: How comms skills — from storytelling to audience insight — transfer far beyond the boardroom Why identity and purpose matter more than job titles What it takes to leap into something new Whether you’re feeling restless, burned out, or just curious about what’s possible, this conversation is your reminder that there is life after comms — and it might be somewhere completely different to what you imagined. Useful links: Follow Jocelyn on Linkedin hereFind out more about Dating Breakthrough hereDiscover the Dating Classroom hereImogen Hitchcock and Amanda Pierce have a clear purpose: creating communications (and communicators) that spark action, drive growth, and build lasting influence. Between them, there’s not a question or crisis they haven’t faced. From the everyday “could you just…” to high-stakes challenges, they’re here to share their insights and help you thrive. They'd love your stars, favourites, and follows. Please, give them the social validation they crave ;)
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S5E2: Strategy, stories and staying on message: what comms can steal from politics
When you think politician, you don't often think "honesty, transparency, straight answers"... but that doesn't mean that there's nothing to learn from our political friends. In this episode, we’re joined by Daisy Powell-Chandler, political strategist turned corporate comms adviser and host of Why Everybody Hates You. Daisy shares what decades in campaigning have taught her about understanding your audience, building purpose and vision that actually drive action, and communicating the unpopular stuff with integrity. We also explore the mistakes political and corporate communicators both make (yes, not answering the question is on the list), the tactics worth stealing, and why your audience doesn’t need to share your purpose to trust you. Useful linksConnect with Daisy on LinkedinCatch up on Why Everybody Hates You hereImogen Hitchcock and Amanda Pierce have a clear purpose: creating communications (and communicators) that spark action, drive growth, and build lasting influence. Between them, there’s not a question or crisis they haven’t faced. From the everyday “could you just…” to high-stakes challenges, they’re here to share their insights and help you thrive. They'd love your stars, favourites, and follows. Please, give them the social validation they crave ;)
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S5E1: Decisions, decisions...
Some people excel at making choices. Others freeze. Or, worse, overthink their decision to death. In the world of comms, too often we're stuck in an endless feedback loop with no one willing to actually give the ok. But it doesn't have to be this way! In this episode, we’re joined by journalist, author, and decision coach Nell Wulfhart to talk about how to cut through the noise and choose a path forward. We explore why some decisions feel so hard, how to avoid getting bogged down in groupthink, and what to do when a choice backfires.Whether you’re facing a high-stakes comms dilemma or just tired of overthinking, this one’s for you. Links: Follow Nell on LinkedinBook a session with The Decision CoachListen to her podcast on AudibleImogen Hitchcock and Amanda Pierce have a clear purpose: creating communications (and communicators) that spark action, drive growth, and build lasting influence. Between them, there’s not a question or crisis they haven’t faced. From the everyday “could you just…” to high-stakes challenges, they’re here to share their insights and help you thrive. They'd love your stars, favourites, and follows. Please, give them the social validation they crave ;)
Portugal