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Could you describe your current role in internal communication and how you think membership with IoIC might support you in this role?
I feel incredibly fortunate to head up the global internal comms teams across Super Group's online sports betting and casino companies. With well-known brands like Betway and Jackpot City, entertainment is at the heart of how we support our global colleagues, and our team are constantly thinking about how to up our game to make sure they receive that same superclass experience - just like all of our customers!
Despite being in my role for less than a year, we've already launched a global brand refresh - bringing to life the new look and feel across our digital channels while also hosting epic celebrations across all our offices! We've reinstated our global townhalls, launched Viva Engage, had fun events to bring both our casino and sponsorships to life, and supported our HR teams to revolutionise our performance reviews and launch their new graduate programme. That said, I feel like we're only getting started. We have many more exciting projects planned to supercharge 2025, so keep an eye on our Linkedln accounts!
Being an active member of the IoIC opens a wealth of possibilities. In a role where we never have enough hours in the day, having a library of new ideas, tried-and-tested approaches, and a network that is keen be a sounding board, means that we can be much more agile in applying best practice in our companies. From nailing the basics to improving our leaders' visibility and maximising our channels, we're able to spend our time wisely while also sharing our learning and aligning our global approaches.
What motivated you to pursue a career in internal communication and what do you enjoy most about it?
Moving to the UK and working in a Patient and Public Involvement role, I found that I enjoyed the creative and practical elements of helping specialists to bring their projects to life.
I was then given an incredible opportunity to be the Comms and Engagement Lead in an NHS trial programme, transforming children and young people's health through specialist care. Although I thought I was joining a comms team, I quickly realised that I was the team. Not one to back down from a challenge, I bought a textbook about communication in healthcare, literally opened up page one, and the rest is history!
Since then, I feel very fortunate to have worked in incredible companies and with fantastic leaders and team members. They've guided and shaped my career in ways which I never expected, and have enabled me to work on some pretty special projects that I'm really proud of.
What keeps me in IC is really the people. That, along with the nods of appreciation when you help someone by applying psychological theory and the right mechanisms to bring their project to life - it's priceless.
How has IoIC membership contributed to your professional development and career growth?
Much of internal comms feels like 'common sense.' However, when you're working on high profile projects and with C-suite executives, 'common sense' just doesn't cut it.
While I was working at the Ministry of Defence, I completed the Advanced Diploma of Proficiency in Internal Communication. It was more in-depth than I expected and it enabled me to focus on areas that bolstered my technical development (like change comms and working in complex organisations), as well as professional development (such as honing soft skills, including techniques of a trusted advisor). Applying the theory and personal growth catapulted the change projects that I was leading on. I'm also proud that I dedicated time to share my learning with my team, with the ripple effects evident across their projects too.
Through the IoIC course, I also had a remarkable mentor. Her time and encouragement boosted my confidence and gave me the courage to take on my next challenge - the private sector. Since then, I try to attend networking events and make the most of other opportunities - because as we all know, learning never stops.
Can you name one career achievement or project that you're particularly proud of, and why?
One?! There are too many! I think all projects and initiatives are important, and they all play a role in developing us as individuals.
However, if I can only pick one, it was when I was in the Ministry of Defence and was called up to work on Her Majesty the Queen's funeral. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience to see all the government departments (military, transport, police, and so many more!) working together to coordinate and implement 'Operation London Bridge'. Yes, that bit in The Crown is true - it was a detailed plan for when Queen Elizabeth II passed away.
While the nation had a week of mourning, I was at work absorbed in how all the preparations were meticulously coordinated, and then went home to watch all the planning unfold. It was seeing our government departments at their absolute best, while the world said goodbye to an incredible monarch and female leader who inspired many generations.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the internal communication profession?
First and foremost - life is precious, so make the most of it. Give your best to your family and friends, and give your best to your job. It's more fulfilling to see your impact, and your smallest gesture can mean the world to someone else.
If you're starting your career in IC - don't be afraid to take the leap. If you like people, enjoy creative thinking and thrive on figuring out how all the pieces of the puzzle work together - it's a rewarding profession to be in.
Tell us a fun fact about you that not many people know?
For the life of me, I cannot whistle. It's physiologically impossible.
