Could you describe your current role in internal communication and how you think membership with IoIC might support you in this role?
I’m a Senior Colleague Communications Manager at Centrica, responsible for communications that connect our c.20,000 colleagues to our company’s purpose and strategy. At the heart of my role, I see myself similar to a journalist, constantly on the hunt for stories that will help strengthen understanding, belief and pride in Centrica. We all consume content that we love in one form or another and I feel privileged that I get to take inspiration from this content and translate it into something that works in our business. Membership in the IoIC provides brilliant resources and training, but there is also something less tangible. Just knowing that you’re part of this huge network of people experiencing similar challenges and joys is comforting and somewhat exciting.
What motivated you to pursue a career in internal communication and what do you enjoy most about it?
It really happened the other way around… The career pursued me. I have worked for Centrica for 25 years in a variety of different roles. In all of them I needed to communicate with colleagues, and I think the methods and style in which I did this seemed to stand out and catch people’s attention. I was approached and asked whether a career in communications is something I would be interested in and having succeeded in the application process I was given a lot of creative freedom and trust to innovate and bring a completely new approach to the team. I love that I get to make my own content that is seen by thousands. We have a Centrica brand and feel, but we are also given a lot of freedom within that to explore different formats and styles... So many opportunities to get creative!
How has IoIC membership contributed to your professional development and career growth?
The membership has contributed to helping shift my perception of measurement and impact. As someone who loves to create, the self-satisfaction of that had always been enough for me, but measuring the impact of the communications has supercharged that satisfaction. Truly understanding how many people my content has touched and gaining insight into the behavioural actions as a consequence has not only helped in understanding my audience but also helps to proactively shape the content at creation stage. The IoIC has played an invaluable role in helping me to develop these skills.
Can you name one career achievement or project that you're particularly proud of, and why?
I have a couple… The first is my ‘TV show’ – Centrica Carpool, in which I get to interview colleagues and leaders from the business in my car. Each episode is viewed by thousands on our Intranet, and it has become a key approach in how we show the human side of people in our business and talk about our strategy and purpose in an entertaining and conversational way.
The second is Centrica Connect – a live broadcast that goes out to all of our colleagues a few times a year. My colleague Ashleigh and I host, very much in the style of a chat show – think The One Show. We interview the Group Chief Executive in each event along with the rest of the Centrica Leadership team. Interviews, live call ins – it has it all. I even interviewed UK rapper Professor Green which was fab.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the internal communication profession?
Be brave and don’t lose you. When you start out you will be surrounded by people who are skilled and are really good at what they do. This can be intimidating and as a result you might try to completely emulate them. You don’t need to. Take what works but also know that you have a unique perception that can bring value. Same for the theory and ‘rules’ (as you might see them at the time). They are all guidelines and resources in place to help you, but you can work with them to express yourself and bring your own ideas. Be bold and if you see an opportunity to positively disrupt then give it a go. We work in an area where the possibilities of this are endless. It’ll be easy to stay quiet as ‘you don’t want people to think your idea is silly.’ Give it a go! I think you’ll be surprised at how welcoming of new ideas people can be and how much the audience might love it.
Tell us a fun fact about you that not many people know?
I’m named after a motorbike. I’ve participated in several 50-mile Ultramarathons.
