Speakers
Andy Holt
Talk
With over 20- and 30-years’ experience surfing the choppy seas of IC, Andy and Damon of Definition share their unique perspectives and experiences of the journey and evolution of the internal communicator. Exploring themes that direct our future path, the pitfalls of the past and those IC constants that remain on the communicators sh*t to sort out list!
Drawing on experience of working with many of the world’s global brands, in conversation they’ll tackle contemporary themes of the shape-shifting role of IC and employee experience. Through practical examples, stories, insights and anecdotes they’ll discuss themes that are shaping organisations and the employee experience. Examples include the impact of generational change, the need for psychological safety in a world that’s on fire and the search for relevance in a world of competing priorities, as well as how new principles of leadership can help address these. Phew! Sounds heavy but there will be fun and creativity along the way.
Takeaways from the session:
If you pull up a chair, be prepared to explore subjects such as the role of communication, purpose and belonging in today’s (and tomorrow’s) workspaces, as well as how managers and leaders can navigate this new reality in support their teams.
Aimed at the following practitioner levels:
Andy Holt is MD of Engagement and employee experience. He’s been plugging away at the IC and EE stuff for 30yrs and loves it! An accidental communicator, he kicked off his illustrious career drawing stuff (a big claim to fame is he drew owls for Scary Spice!) then swiftly made his way into creative, comms and strategy. He’s had the privilege of working with some awesome brands, impressive IC types and a talented team. Together they’ve knocked out some cracking comms together!
Actively involved in the IC profession, he was IoIC North Director and board director for seven years and is proud to be an IoIC fellow.
More importantly though, he’s helped organisations connect, communicate with their people through innovation, engaging and human ways.
Oh, and did we tell you, he loves winning gongs (especially IoIC ones)!
An award-winning internal communications specialist, Damon Bowles is Definition’s Head of Strategic IC and Content. After stumbling from the world of fashion journalism into internal communications (a rabbit hole for another time), he’s since developed an obsessive fascination with the nature of human connection, communication and engagement at work.
Over 20+ years he’s collaborated with a wide range of UK and International brands, from automotive, airline and retail to professional services and not-for-profits. This has included planning and creating award-winning campaigns and content, reviewing channel effectiveness and delivering strategic consultancy. Most recently, he has focused on supporting leaders as communicators in a fast-changing workplace and the psychological/neuroscience aspects of employee engagement.