In this episode of REWIRE, we sit down with Emmma Young, Group Corporate Affairs Director at MONY Group, the parent company of well-known brands such as MoneySuperMarket, MoneySavingExpert, TravelSupermarket, and Quidco.

Emma shares her insights on the dynamic world of corporate communications, where she seamlessly integrates external and internal communications to craft a compelling corporate narrative.

Emma discusses the challenges and rewards of leading high-performing teams across various functions, and how she navigates the complexities of building and inheriting teams in different organisational contexts. She emphasises the importance of hiring the right people, fostering a positive team culture, and investing time in team-building activities to create a cohesive and motivated workforce.

Emma also delves into the innovative initiatives at Money Group, such as the launch of the Household Money Index, which aims to help households save money by providing valuable insights and data. She highlights the importance of being dynamic, taking calculated risks, and iterating on ideas to achieve impactful results.

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In this episode, we sit down with Joyce Baz, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Middle East & North Africa, at Google, to explore her remarkable career and the evolving landscape of communications in the tech industry.

Joyce shares her experiences of working at Google for over 10 years, navigating the dynamic world of tech communications, and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing environment.

We delve into the critical role of innovation and technology in shaping the future of communications, the challenges of crisis management in a global tech giant, and the impact of AI on the industry. Joyce provides insights into Google's approach to AI, the importance of maintaining ethical standards, and the balance between technological advancements and human creativity.

(Note: Since recording this episode a few months ago, there have been evolutions in Gemini and Search).

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In this insightful episode, we sit down with Steve, the Global Head of Internal Communications and Engagement at Pret. Steve shares his journey from a design student working at Blockbuster Video to leading global internal comms at one of the world’s most beloved food chains.

We dive deep into the intricacies of his role, including developing internal comms strategies, managing global campaigns, and the unique challenges of engaging a diverse, global workforce. Steve also opens up about the impact of COVID-19 on Pret’s culture, the innovative ways they adapted, and how they are now fostering a vibrant, inclusive work environment.

Tune in to hear his thoughts on the importance of listening, the evolution of internal communications, and his advice for anyone looking to start a career in this dynamic field. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at Pret’s ‘Joyful Journey’ and how they’re balancing digital and face-to-face interactions in a post-pandemic world.

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Join us for this episode of REWIRE as we sit down with Neal Cummins, Head of Communications at Sky Ireland.

Neal shares his fascinating career journey, bringing a wealth of experience from both agency and in-house roles. He delves into the intricacies of managing communications for a major brand, discussing the importance of understanding media dynamics, the role of effective internal communications, and the challenges of balancing proactive strategies with reactive crisis management.

We explored the impact of COVID-19 on the industry and the future role of AI in enhancing efficiency and creativity. Neal also offered his invaluable advice on building a successful career in communications.

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In our first live recording of the REWIRE podcast, we sit down with Aimen Dean, a distinguished security and counter-terrorism advisor and former MI6 spy. Aimen played a pivotal role in the global campaign against terrorism for the British Secret Intelligence Service, gathering critical intelligence on al-Qaeda and other extremist groups. Post-MI6, he has consulted for HSBC and numerous other major private and public entities, offering expert guidance on international security and counter-terrorism.

Aimen's profound insights provide a deep understanding of geopolitical risks and their implications for international business. In this compelling conversation, we delve into the unique security challenges businesses face in the Middle East and how to navigate them. We explore the evolving landscape of terrorism, anti-money laundering, and counter-terrorism finance, as well as the broader geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East, including significant reforms in Saudi Arabia over the past decade.

Drawing from his extensive experience in intelligence and security, Aimen offers a unique vantage point for navigating complex regulatory environments, developing robust risk management frameworks, and understanding the impact of global security trends on business operations. He emphasises the importance of logical, dispassionate conflict resolution and its far-reaching implications for global security and business resilience.

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In this episode of REWIRE, we sit down with James Barge, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at Asda, and delve in to the multifaceted role he plays at Asda. From managing a diverse range of issues - be that staff relations and community engagement to government interactions and media relations - James offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to steer a major retail giant through both everyday challenges and transformative changes.

James shares his insights on Asda's ongoing transformation journey, which includes doubling their store estate, integrating new IT systems, and expanding into new retail formats. He also discusses the importance of balancing proactive strategies with reactive crisis management, especially in a business as dynamic and complex as Asda.

We explore the evolving role of corporate communications, the impact of political changes, and the increasing importance of ESG initiatives. James also reflects on his varied career path, which spans politics, agency work, and in-house roles, and offers valuable advice for those looking to enter the field of communications.

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In this compelling episode, we welcome Paul Osgood, former Global Head of Internal Communications, for an insightful conversation with our Corporate Director, Sinead Bell. With a career spanning from the 1980's to recent roles at global giants like Philips and Clifford Chance, Paul brings a treasure trove of experience and insights to the table.

Gain an insider's perspective on Paul's pivotal involvement in BG Group's integration into Shell, and the innovative strategies he employed to manage this monumental change. His understanding of leadership buy-in and values-driven leadership during times of change helped to ensure employees felt guided and supported throughout the process.

Paul also shares his unique "Have I Got a Job" curve and other groundbreaking approaches to managing change, including creative ways to help employees find closure during transitions.

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In this episode of REWIRE, we sit down with Director of Global Corporate Communications at Merlin Entertainments, Chloe Couchman to discuss what it’s like to manage corporate communications for one of the world’s leading entertainment companies.

With 140 attractions worldwide and a mission to be the greatest place to work and play, Chloe shares the highs and lows of her role, from storytelling for 30,000 employees to handling crises with a human touch.

Discover how Merlin Entertainments navigated the challenges of COVID-19, the importance of internal comms, and the creative campaigns that keep the magic alive.

Chloe also opens up about the emotional connections they foster with guests and the resilience needed to manage crises in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

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