30 plus years in comms and loving it more than ever by Misty Oosthuizen

I’m employee of the month Dad!

Truth be told, I've always wanted to be the person who makes others feel important, heard, and like they belong. Plus, I’ve always loved writing, so discovering a career in Internal Communications (IC) was perfect, even though I initially had no idea such a career existed!

My first experience with the power of IC was way back in the early 90s. I was just 17 and started working at a bank, having graduated fresh out of school. I won’t bore you with my endless days of SWIFT...but you get the point, it was not engaging work. I did my bit. Clocked off. Repeat. I had no emotional connection to the company.

Things changed when I won "Employee of the Month." I remember feeling incredibly proud seeing my photo up on the notice board and in the newsletter. Taking the newsletter home to show my dad, well, I was made up! It was powerful.

I felt a shift in me. I felt increased pride in my work and for the company I worked for, and although I was still doing uninteresting work...I’d had a mind shift that doing a job well would give me personal satisfaction, as would being recognised for my efforts. That award was just a small nod, but it made a huge difference to me.

You’re a terrible credit manager Misty, but…

Later in the 90s, I left the bank and worked my way up to be a credit risk manager on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Back in the days when the ‘floor’ was packed with shouting dealers trying to buy and sell shares - it was an amazing, crazy time!

But sadly, it didn't go well for me career-wise. My boss gently pointed out I was too soft-hearted when it came to handing out credit. However, they’d noticed something about me - I had a knack for communication.

They liked the letters I sent to customers and the stuff I put in our office newsletter. They suggested a career in communications. So, I switched gears, studied PR, and thought I'd get into marketing for the creativity. But I soon realised it wasn't quite right for me as I felt it missed the human connection.

I moved into various communication roles – mostly back at banks! I learnt everything I could about internal communications, people change management, and employee engagement. I surrounded myself with people much smarter than me and soaked up their knowledge. And I’m still doing the same...30 plus years on.

I do love some HR with that IC

Moving with my family to the UK in 2012, I landed my first ‘Blighty’ job with a bank (figures!) and dived wholeheartedly into the world of HR communications. Every day was a learning day. I took part in all the training I could, attended loads of courses, went to every seminar I could, and joined the Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC), of which I am now a Fellow.

Although my time in banking has shaped me, I’ve also worked in industries like rail, charity, housing association, an airport, and a gigantic logistics company. Now you’ll find me in tech, back doing HR communications that I love so much.

This varied journey with different workplaces, cultures, and ways of working has helped me to keep my skills sharp and to keep learning. As different as these employers have been, they all want the same thing: for their people to enjoy working for them, to care about the work they do, and how they do it. This only happens when there is an emotional connection with the company.

Over 30 plus years, I've been privileged to do this work. It’s been extremely hard but rewarding. I mean, sprinkling all that glitter takes energy 😉 but what’s made me keep at it, is remembering what it felt like all those years ago when I first realised that employers and employees can have a trusting, respectful, and rewarding relationship through good communication.