Could you describe your current role in internal communication and how you think membership with us might support you in this role?
I am an Internal Communications Officer at EMBL (the European Molecular Biology Laboratory), an intergovernmental organisation headquartered in Heidelberg, with more than 1,800 scientific and support staff across six sites—Barcelona, Grenoble, Hamburg, Heidelberg, Rome, and Cambridge.
Based in Cambridge, my role is split equally between site-specific internal communications for Cambridge and pan-EMBL internal communications, ensuring that staff across all six sites stay informed, engaged and aligned with our missions.
Internal communication at a large, multi-site institute like EMBL comes with unique challenges. Our workforce is incredibly diverse, spanning multiple nationalities and professional disciplines. With staff from over 80 countries, cultural perspectives can differ widely. Our sites also have distinct scientific specialisms - some roles rely heavily on collaboration, while others require deep individual focus, which influences how people engage with internal communication. Additionally, time zone differences, hybrid working models, and differing communication channels across sites, add complexity, requiring a tailored approach to ensure that messages reach the right people at the right time and in the right way.
Being a member of the IoIC is invaluable in navigating these communication challenges. It provides access to best practices, research, and a network of experienced professionals, helping me refine and evolve our approach. Through IoIC events, learning resources, and mentorship, I stay up to date with industry trends, ensuring EMBL’s internal comms are strategic, effective, and inclusive across our diverse, multi-site workforce.
What motivated you to pursue a career in internal communication and what do you enjoy most about it?
I transitioned into internal communications after a career as an Executive Assistant, where I saw first-hand how effective communication—or the lack of it— can impact employee engagement and organisational success. As an EA, I often acted as the bridge between leadership and employees, and I realised that so much of what I was doing—crafting clear messages, managing relationships, and anticipating communication needs—was already rooted in internal comms.
What I enjoy most about my role is the ability to make a tangible difference—ensuring people feel informed, connected and purposeful.
How has IoIC membership contributed to your professional development and career growth?
IoIC membership has been a key part of my professional development. I attained my MA in Internal Communications Management through the IoIC and Solent University in 2023.
Beyond formal education, being part of the IoIC community has given me invaluable opportunities for learning, networking and professional growth. I’m fortunate to have an IoIC mentor, whose support has been essential as I’ve navigated the transition into internal communications from a different profession.
The IoIC Profession Map has also been a great tool, ensuring I continue to grow in line with industry standards. I’m particularly excited to use the IC Diagnostic tool this year to evaluate my skills against the profession map and access personalised learning resources.
Can you name one career achievement or project that you're particularly proud of, and why?
Though I’m early in my internal comms career, one of my proudest moments so far was supporting a building opening in my first month on the job. It was a fast-paced, high-pressure project, but seeing it all come together made it incredibly rewarding.
As part of the launch, I introduced a branded plant giveaway, as a ‘house warming gift’ for staff. It was a huge hit, not only creating a welcome atmosphere in the new space, but also including a QR code linking to our wellbeing resources on the intranet. It was a simple yet effective way to build connection and promote staff wellbeing.
This baptism by fire really tested my abilities from the outset. I had to stay (mostly) composed under pressure, and my team acknowledged my efforts by awarding me the “Golden Hexagon Award for Self-Discipline”… for only swearing once throughout the entire process!
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the internal communication profession?
For those transitioning from another career - especially from an EA role to Internal Comms - it's important to acknowledge that the shift may not happen immediately, and not to put undue pressure on yourself. I found it challenging to pivot overnight, but soon realised that the skills I already had - stakeholder management, problem-solving, and anticipating organisational needs - were incredibly value in internal comms. Having previously served as Executive Assistant to EMBL’s Deputy Director General, I was also able to step into my internal communication role with an immediate understanding of the institute’s culture, leadership priorities, and ways of working. That foundation has been invaluable, and I’d encourage anyone starting out to take every opportunity to learn how their organisation operates at all levels—it will make a real difference in shaping effective communication strategies.
If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to talk to your manager—be open about where you need support, and lean on your network for advice and reassurance. We’ve all been there, and internal comms is a wonderfully supportive community.
Most importantly, give yourself the time and space to adjust. Don’t be afraid to lean on your existing strengths and continue building your knowledge by engaging with the internal comms community. Ask plenty of questions and embrace every opportunity to gain hands-on experience.
Tell us a fun fact about you that not many people know?
As a teenager, my bestfriend and I decided to go full-on detective mode and track down the boy band, New Kids on the Block, in Boston. We booked flights, stayed at the Boston YWCA, and went all in on our mission. Our efforts paid off – we spotted Danny washing his car outside his house and ended up having a chat with him. We also saw Joe at his house, and his dad kindly treated us to a coffee. This was way before smartphones, so every day, we’d take our film reels to the developers in Boston, eagerly anticipating the photos we’d captured of our adventures!
