The Voice
By IABC Ottawa
Join Anu Sharma, VP of digital programming, once a month as she interviews some of the world's leading marketing and communications professionals. If you need expert insights and practical tips on strategy, marketing, social media, crisis comms, and PR, come along for the adventure!
The VoiceDec 07, 2023
Influence and Impact while Mastering the Art of Storytelling. Hear it from the experts- Emily Thorne & Ashish Manchanda.
In today's fast-paced digital world, where people have shorter attention spans, crafting compelling stories is crucial to grab the audience's attention and deliver a lasting message. "The Voice" host Anu Sharma, had the privilege of discussing the art of storytelling with two seasoned industry experts: Emily Thorne, Vice President at Crestview Strategy, and Ashish Manchanda, Senior Group Head at AdFactors PR India.
Episode 146 - Evolving Comms with Emerging Technologies
Discover the future of communications in the latest episode of The Voice from IABC Ottawa. In the episode "Evolving Communications with Emerging Technologies," our host, Anu Sharma, talks to Ross Monaghan and Paroma Datta, who share their insights into the dynamic world of emerging technologies like ChatGPT. In our next episode, we will discuss "Influence and Impact while Mastering the Art of Storytelling" If you have any questions or suggestions for our host, please send an email to vpdigital@ottawa.iabc.com.
Episode 145 - Consulting: a journey to entrepreneurship
Have you considered taking the leap from consultant to entrepreneur? Join us for a radically honest discussion about the fears, potential challenges and benefits to becoming your own boss, with IABC Ottawa’s own past President, Kelly Rusk of Kelly Rusk Consulting. You won’t want to miss this episode full of insights on how to prepare for taking the leap with a glimpse into what a future of owning your own business could look like through her journey.
Episode 144 - The Evolution of Government Relations
Let’s talk government relations (GR). A lot has changed since our last GR episode in 2019, so it’s high time to revisit this sector. In this episode, we discuss changes within the sector due to COVID-19, and the evolution of what work looks like for GR professionals and stakeholders. Joined by Megan Buttle, President of the Government Relations Institute of Canada (GRIC), this is an episode with transferrable tactics you don’t want to miss.
Episode 143 - ChatGPT and the Future of Comms
What is ChatGPT? It's an Artificial intelligence (AI) language bot that can answer all your questions in a conversational tone. While still a fairly new tool, ChatGPT is taking over the internet with its communication abilities and demonstration of technological advancement. In this episode, we talk to Samuel Chen, the head of marketing at Fullintel, about how he’s using Chat GPT as a brainstorming tool for communications work. We talk about what it can do, what it can’t, and what communications professionals should keep in mind if they’re incorporating ChatGPT into their work. If you're a comms professional or curious about technology and where it's headed, this is definitely an episode for you!
Episode 142 - Meet us in the Metaverse? What communicators should know about virtual reality
In this year's first episode we sat down with long-time IABC member, Gold Quill judge, and Wavemakers Co-founder Krista Pawley to talk about the Metaverse and how to leverage it. Krista is a communications professional with more than 20 years of experience and a background that has taken her across sectors, industries, and timezones. Grab your headphones, keys, or workout gear and strap in for a discussion about the Wavemakers program, the Metaverse, or as Krista describes it - The next evolution of the internet.
Episode 141 - Podcasting Best Practices
It's a podcast about podcasting! - Join us as we go behind the scenes of podcast creation with former The Voice host and industry expert Sherrilynne Starkie. As a well-seasoned podcaster and social media specialist, Sherrilynne provides valuable insights on podcasting best practices, faux pas, and continuously evolving technologies. In a market full of opportunity, Sherilynne guides us in how to harness the powerful, economical, and easy-to-produce content engine that is podcasting.
Episode 140 - Take your digital marketing career to the next level
Kicking off this season on a high note we take a deep dive into how you can stay competitive in an industry that is growing and forever evolving. Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned professional you won’t want to miss this alluring conversation with Darian Kovacs, Founder of Jelly Digital Marketing & PR, and Founder of Jelly Academy. As well as Jelly Academy’s Operations Manager, Chris Penner as we discuss some finer details about what hiring managers need to meet employer demands and how simply upskilling or reskilling will take your digital marketing career to the next level.
Episode 139 - Communication and Leadership with Argyle’s Dan Tisch
Argyle, one of Canada’s largest communications firms, added an Ottawa location to its list of offices this year. In this episode, President and CEO Daniel Tisch joins us to talk about the company’s expansion, communicating in a time of decreased public trust, and leadership.
Plus, volunteer of the month Megha Jha joins us for the lightning round and shares her goal for the summer.
Episode 138 - When do hybrid events make sense? (And how to run one)
Hybrid events can offer the best of both worlds by accommodating virtual and in-person needs. But they also create new challenges and opportunities for communications professionals and organizers. In this episode, we talk to Samantha White and Lisa Hewston of Invest Ottawa about their experience running hybrid events at Bayview Yards. Hear their advice on how to know when a hybrid event is the right fit, and how to make sure yours runs smoothly.
Episode 137 - Should I go my own way?
In this episode, we talk to government relations and communications leader Kristina Martin about how and when to make the decision to become your own boss. Kristina shares how she went about launching her new PR firm, Kit PR, and offers advice to anyone thinking about becoming an entrepreneur in the communications industry. Plus, volunteer of the month Pricilia Kabengele explains what she loves about IABC Ottawa’s mentorship program in the lightning round.
Episode 136 - Getting getting your start in communications
Whether you are starting your communications career as a recent graduate or switching into your first communications role as the next step in your career, there are some key skills that can help you along the way.
In this episode, early-career professional Erica Principe and digital marketing professor Karen Kavanagh join us for a joint interview about how to get started in the communications industry. We talk about confidence, balancing technical and soft skills, and what early-career professionals have to offer. Plus, Erica sticks around for a lightning-round segment and shares her tips for managing stress.
Episode 135: Next steps for Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable and Accessible Communications
Did your organization, business or school create a diversity, equity and inclusion committee recently? In Episode 135, host Sherry Aske asks how communicators can keep the conversation going.
Sherry is joined by Pamela Bishop-Byers, a strategic communicator and member of IABC Toronto’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee. Pamela shares personal experiences of questioning the status quo, what inclusive communication looks like, and what organizations and individual communicators can do to keep raising the bar.
Plus, volunteer of the month Patrick Burke tells us about why he recommends the Edelman Trust Barometer as a go-to communications resource in this episode’s Lightning Round.
Episode 134: Top Social Media Trends for 2022
Hootsuite’s Head of Content Sarah Dawley joins us to talk about the social media trends you need to know to plan your 2022 strategy. Hear how social media is expanding beyond the marketing department and advice for how to get buy-in for your next social strategy. Plus, the Lightning Round is back! Volunteer of the month Dozie Anyaegbuna joins us to share his favourite communications resource.
Episode 133: How the National Gallery of Canada and IKEA Ottawa assembled a communications masterpiece
On the latest episode of The Voice, Sherry Aske talks with National Gallery of Canada corporate relations officers Chelsea Osmond and Dina Groulx, as they explain how an innovative collaboration with IKEA Ottawa helped the Gallery engage new families and visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic and bring thousands of people back through its doors.
Check out the Gallery’s Rembrandt-inspired living room at IKEA.
Episode 132: Communicating your future-of-work strategy
On the new episode of The Voice, Sherry Aske talks with Andrea Greenhous, President of Vision2Voice Communications, an Ottawa-based Strategic Internal Communications Company, about communications and the future of work, specially how organizations and companies are communicating with their employees right now about the evolving work situation.
Voice2Vision Communication:
https://www.facebook.com/Vision2Voice.ca/
https://twitter.com/vision2voice
https://www.instagram.com/vision2voice/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vision2voice-communications/
Episode 131: Running an IABC Chapter in a pandemic
We wrap up the season with IABC Ottawa President and Startup Canada CEO Kayla Isabelle and a look back at the highs and lows of managing a volunteer board of directors during the global pandemic. Kayla reflects on how IABC Ottawa worked to engage volunteers and support members during a demanding and unpredictable year.
Episode 130: Building personal and professional resilience
How do we build resilience during the global pandemic, at a time when we’re worn out, isolated, and the communications industry we’re part of is moving at a grueling pace?
In this episode, Tara Sutorius, a leadership and wellness coach and communications director at Export Development Canada, joins us to discuss building resiliency, why it matters, and how it can benefit communicators. She shares how to build healthy habits and put your wellness first. Plus, volunteer of the month Brooke Anderson joins us for the Lightning Round.
Episode 129: Help! I graduated during a pandemic! Hiring advice for employers and early-career comms pros
Landing your first job in the communications industry can be challenging at the best of times. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a whole new set of challenges for both graduates and employers. We talk to Elif Zaimler, a recent communications graduate, about her experience job hunting during the pandemic, as well as Olivia Nixon, a recruiter and communications specialist for the Marler Search Group, about what’s changed for employers. Plus IABC Ottawa’s volunteer of the month Priscilia Kabengele joins us for the lightning round.
Episode 128: Strategic comms in uncertain times
As we approach the one year anniversary of the shift to working-from-home, so much about the world we live and work in remains in a state of flux. How can communications professionals work and plan effectively during the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic? In this episode, Tammy Scott, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Export Development Canada, shares her takeaways from the past year as well as advice for keeping communications objectives on track. Plus, IABC Ottawa volunteers Khatia Odzelashvili and Erica Principe answer questions in a double-feature of the lightning round.
Episode 127: How to host accessible meetings and events
What does the shift to working from home, video calls and virtual events mean for accessibility and inclusion? While some barriers have been eliminated, there are new considerations for managers, event planners and communications professionals to think about. In this month’s episode, strategic designer Jordana Globerman shares accessible approaches to hosting meetings and events. Plus, accessibility advocate Zachary Weeks offers advice on what platforms to use and services to include to improve accessibility for everyone.
Episode 126: Self-care for your career: How to set goals and keep growing
Setting career goals doesn’t have to be about chasing achievements. It can be about prioritizing work that brings you joy. In this episode, IABC Ottawa member and mentor Benoit Laplante walks us through his process for setting short and long term goals. We also talk about the benefits of career coaching and mentorship programs, whether you’re a senior manager or just starting out. Plus, Volunteer of the Month Melissa Adey joins us for the lightning round.
Episode 125: Changing Comms Trends in 2020
In many ways, the pandemic put the communication and marketing industry on fast-forward in 2020. Campaigns are being updated and adapted at twice the speed to keep pace with shifting values, opportunities and uncertainties.
In this episode, Media Launch creative director Sharif Virani joins us to share the comms trends he’s observed this year, including his thoughts on the viral video app TikTok, and whether your brand needs to be on it.
Plus, November’s Volunteer of the Month, Rafael Dezordi, joins us for the lightning round.
Episode 124: Navigating your career in a global pandemic
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been felt in every aspect of our lives, especially our careers. In this episode of The Voice, digital manager and entrepreneur Amanda Bernardo speaks to us about weighing the risks of switching jobs, finding "the glue" that keeps teams connected, and making a go-of-it when you're just starting out.
Also featured is a lightning round with our Volunteer of the Month for October, Samantha Rae Ayoub.
Episode 123: Balancing the personal with professional with IABC Member, Entrepreneur & Mom, Caroline Kealey
The months-long pandemic has had an immense impact, often adversely, on women. Not only have women been hit hard by job loss, but those who have been lucky enough to keep their jobs are struggling to balance child care with professional duties.
We speak to entrepreneur, communications expert, IABC member, and mother Caroline Kealey about this.
Episode 122: Mental Health & the Workplace during COVID-19
COVID-19 is changing the way employers think about mental health. In honour of Mental Health Week, we talk to Dr. Bill Howatt, Chief of Research for Workplace Productivity at the Conference Board of Canada, about how the coronavirus is helping to reduce stigma around mental health in the workplace. He shares best practices for checking in with staff, colleagues and what employers can do to connect workers with quality resources.
Guest: Dr. Bill Howatt, Chief of Research, Workforce Productivity for the Conference Board of Canada. Dr. Howatt has been posting “daily video conversations about the impacts to our mental health as a result of these stressful and unprecedented times.” These are now available as podcasts on Spotify/iTunes
https://www.conferenceboard.ca/insights/covid-19
Episode 121: The Role of Employers & Brands during COVID-19
A special report from the PR and marketing firm Edelman suggests people trust their employer on COVID-19 more than any other source. In this episode, we talk to Darcy Walsh, the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Edelman’s Ottawa office, about what people want to see from employers and brands during COVID-19, and how the crisis can serve as a defining moment for companies big and small.
The Voice: Episode 120 - When reputation’s on the line: Crisis Comms 101
In this episode, we chat with Director of Strategy and Public Affairs at Syntax Strategic, Michelle Coates-Mather, about the fundamentals of crisis communications and how this aspect of the industry is rapidly changing with the demands of social media. Coates-Mather unpacks the steps to mitigate a disaster and uses practical, relevant case studies to do so.
The Voice: Episode 119 - Need-to-Know Comms Trends for 2020
In this episode, the senior government lead at LinkedIn, Jennifer Urbanski, shares her insights on need-to-know marketing and communications trends for 2020. From how to stand out in today's content-saturated world, to the benefits of highlighting your brand or organization's human side, Jennifer's got words of wisdom for comms professionals in the private and public sector.
The Voice: Episode 118: Back in Session
IABC Ottawa’s The Voice Podcast is BACK! We are incredibly excited to be kicking off 2020 with the relaunch of our podcast covering the multi-faceted world of communications!
First up, we’ll be talking strategic communications for engaging a minority government. This episode is a must-listen for those who work in public affairs or government relations or anyone who wants to sound impressive in their next work meeting.
Take a listen to our hosts and communications experts Sarah Turnbull, and Sherry Aske, as they recap IABC Ottawa’s latest panel event in partnership with the Government Relations Institute of Canada (GRIC). Panelists Jeremy Wittet, Director of Government and Public Affairs at Edelman; Rachel Curran, Senior Associate at Harper Associates; and Ken Polk, Public Affairs Counselor at Compass Rose break down what’s been happening since October’s federal election, and much more...
The Voice Episode 117: Measuring what Matters
Sherrilynne Starkie, host of The Voice, facilitated an IABC Ottawa Special Interest Group discussion about the major trends in communications measurement and social media evaluation. In this members' only event, a dozen communicators came together in the lunchroom at CIRA. They had a lively conversation which began with goal setting and included tools, analytics and some of the more nuanced aspects of measuring communications impact.
Everyone around the table contributed to the wide ranging conversation. Senior communicators Dyna Vynk and Tanya O'Callaghan each spoke at length. Dyna shared some insights from her recent work for the cannabis industry. Tanya explained the role that measurement plays in agile marketing communications.
Connect with Sherrilynne and IABC Ottawa.
Leave a comment or question below and please rate the show on iTunes.
IABC Ottawa's The Voice Podcast is a proud member of the FIR Podcast Network.
It's sponsored by Thornley Fallis Communications and this episode was produced by IABC volunteer Abby Radovski
The Voice Episode 115
Sherrilynne Starkie, host of the voice chats with Kelly Rusk, digital director and partner at Banfield, about her recent IABC Gold Quill Award win for a social media campaign for Export Development Canada (EDC).
In this episode we learn how Banfield helped EDC integrate social media into its marketing communication with the Ocean Rodeo campaign.
Kelly explains how social media allowed EDC speak to their clients on a different level. They wanted to talk about why small business and entrepreneurs do what they do. Video content anchored the campaign and a smart social media strategy promoted to great effect.
Kelly also discusses industry awards and why she participates in IABC's awards programs locally, nationally and worldwide. She says, “I gain personal validation. I particularly like the IABC awards because they structure them around strategic planning.”
The campaign won an Ottawa IABC Bronze Quill Award, IABC Canada Silver Leaf Award of Excellence as well as the IABC Gold Quill Award of Excellence.
Connect with Sherrilynne Starkie, Kelly Rusk, and IABC Ottawa.
Leave a comment or question below and please rate the show on iTunes!
IABC Ottawa's The Voice podcast is a proud member of the FIR Podcast Network.
It's sponsored by Thornley Fallis Communications and this episode was produced by IABC volunteer Abby Radovski
The Voice
Angela Prokopiak, host of The Voice, chats with two seasoned communications professionals to uncover how they earned a seat at the senior management table, a feat often deemed difficult for those in the communications profession.
In this two-part episode, we hear from Cate Murray, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Stem Cell Network, and Leah Jurkovic, Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement for Colleges and Institutes Canada.
Leah and Cate share their thoughts on why communications should have a seat at the senior leadership table. They also share some sage advice on how to eventually earn a seat at that table, including these two key overarching ideas:
- Understand the entire business, the corporate objectives and how your organization fits into a broader context. When you can excel at this, that is when you can provide real value.
- Demonstrate that you consider the external connection, that you see the bigger picture. Think holistically and strategically versus tactically.
While both Leah and Cate agreed that one of the most important ways to set yourself apart is by fully understanding the business and its objectives, Cate concluded the episode with a great point about understanding yourself: "Have confidence. Know what you bring to the table, and then surround yourself/work with a team of people that can fill in the gaps. Nobody expects you to know everything."
The Voice
Angela Prokopiak, host of The Voice, chats with two seasoned communications professionals to uncover how they earned a seat at the senior management table, a feat often deemed difficult for those in the communications profession.
In this two-part episode, we hear from Cate Murray, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Stem Cell Network, and Leah Jurkovic, Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement for Colleges and Institutes Canada.
Leah and Cate share their thoughts on why communications should have a seat at the senior leadership table. They also share some sage advice on how to eventually earn a seat at that table, including these two key overarching ideas:
- Understand the entire business, the corporate objectives and how your organization fits into a broader context. When you can excel at this, that is when you can provide real value.
- Demonstrate that you consider the external connection, that you see the bigger picture. Think holistically and strategically versus tactically.
While both Leah and Cate agreed that one of the most important ways to set yourself apart is by fully understanding the business and its objectives, Cate concluded the episode with a great point about understanding yourself: "Have confidence. Know what you bring to the table, and then surround yourself/work with a team of people that can fill in the gaps. Nobody expects you to know everything."
The Voice Episode 113
Sherrilynne Starkie, host of The Voice, chats with Annie Marsolais, BDC’s marcoms vice president following her recent presentation to IABC Ottawa. In this episode, we learn how BDC – Canada’s only bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs – is transforming perceptions about its brand.
Annie walks us through the why, who, what and how of BDC’s complete brand overhaul, which began in October 2015.
The nine-month rebrand process was rigorous and intensive, and involved the following key elements, among others:
- A collection of all the brand assets and evidence of how the brand is demonstrated in the marketplace;
- Close to 200 hours of employee interviews across the country’s various offices; and
- An industry analysis to understand how comparative organizations were conveying brand messages.
A number of key findings were identified, but among the most important was that BDC is the only bank exclusively devoted to entrepreneurs, a fact that is central to BDC’s roots and identity.
Annie said, “A cultural transformation is frightening for most people, so the rebranding exercise that we undertook was a way to help our people to understand what we wanted to stand for in the marketplace and how we could act differently, take bolder steps, be out there. The rebrand was a driver of cultural change.”
The Voice Episode 112
Host Sherrilynne Starkie volunteers as Professional Development Director, IABC Canada East Region and invited Priya Bates to attend a recent meeting to discuss member engagement and engagement strategies generally.
Priya is an award-winning professional communicator and president of Inner Strength Communication. Her practice focuses strategic internal communication, engagement, branding and transformational change. In her 20+ year career, Priya has led communication for organizations including Loblaw Companies Limited, HP Canada and Compaq Canada.
Priya is an Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) and a Certified Communication Management Professional (CMP). In 2010, she was named an IABC Master Communicator (MC) and in 2016, she became an IABC Fellow. She was the driving force behind the IABC’s global rebrand.
In this edition of The Voice, we listen in on Priya’s presentation where she explains her engagement process right from strategy development to evaluation.
She said: “Most people look at engagement as a program. I look at it as a system. Most look at is as tactical. But if we start with the tactics…we often miss the bigger picture. Communication is operational as opposed to philosophical. I like to make it very clear. Really define what it is we are trying to do?”
Listen Now!
Join the conversation!
Connect with Sherrilynne Starkie, Priya Bates, IABC Ottawa and IABC.
Leave a comment or question below and please rate the show on iTunes!
IABC Ottawa’s The Voice podcast is part of the FIR Podcast Network.
It’s sponsored by Thornley Fallis Communications and this episode was produced by IABC volunteer Abby Radovski.
The Voice Episode 111: A fireside chat with Novelist Terry Fallis
Host Sherrilynne Starkie sits down with Terry Fallis, Canadian author and founder of Thornley Fallis Communications to talk about how he manages two successful, yet demanding, careers.
Terry, a two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, is the award-winning author of six national bestsellers, including his most recent, One Brother Shy. Along with Joseph Thornley, he founded Thornley Fallis in 1995. Since 2006, Terry has juggled his life as a writer and as a communications agency leader (he also teaches, sits on a number of boards and enjoys living in Toronto with his wife and two sons).
Sounds busy right? He handles it all with grace and aplomb. And as he continues to write great novels, he continues to win industry awards. Terry has recently been awarded an IABC Canada Silver Leaf, a Toronto Ovation Award and an Ottawa Bronze Quill.
In this edition of the IABC Ottawa’s The Voice, Terry explains how he manages priorities and finds ways to blend his two paths, to the benefit of both.
Join the conversation!
Connect with Sherrilynne Starkie and IABC Ottawa.
Leave a comment or question below, and please rate the show on iTunes!
IABC Ottawa’s The Voice Podcast is part of the FIR Podcast Network. Find the One Brother Shy podcast here.
This episode was produced by IABC volunteer Amanda Speroni.
The Voice Episode 110: Live from MARCOM Canada 2017
Host Sherrilynne Starkie visited MARCOM 2017 in Ottawa a couple of weeks ago to capture some of the presentations and speak to presenters.
MARCOM is Canada’s only marketing and communications conference developed exclusively for the non-profit and public sectors and for several years IABC Ottawa has partnered with MARCOM to bring its professional development opportunities to our members and our community.
Sherrilynne attended a full-day workshop: Connecting with the Changing Canadian Population presented by the team from Environics Analytics including Rupen Seoni, senior vice president and practice leader, Doug Norris, senior vice president and chief demographer, Nader Shureih, consultant and Tony Coulson, vice president corporate and public affairs at Environics Research.
This workshop spotlighted Canada’s new demographic portrait and its impact on marketing communications. It highlighted changing demographics, mindsets and values, and their implications for audience segmentation, channel selection and message customization.
The opening keynote speaker, Ron Tite spoke about the battle for time and how to thrive in the expression economy. His energetic and amusing talk explained how marketers in the public and social profit sectors aren’t competing for donations, budgets, or social change. They are competing for time. Often, marketers blame devices – mobile phones, tablets, and more. But it’s not the thing. It’s the stuff on the thing.
Sherrilynne attended a roundtable discussion about the keys to success in marketing programs designed to change attitudes and behaviours. Jay Kassirer, president of Cullbridge and Jim Mintz, managing partner at the Centre of Excellence for Public Sector Marketing facilitated. It was a discussion of the common mistakes organizations make when trying to develop and implement a marketing strategy to change attitudes and behaviours. The session also introduced the resources provided by the Social Marketing Association of North America (SMANA).
Her afternoon began with a session by the National Capital Heavy Construction Association’s executive advisor Dale Harley and Ken McIntyre, president. Together they presented a case study on how managing relationships has transformed the National Capital Heavy Construction Association from a sleepy social club into a highly-regarded and effective powerhouse that punches well above its weight.
Backstage, she got a chance to speak to Jeremy Harley, communications strategist for the Treasury Board of Canada and Alex Jasperse, senior communications advisor for Public Services and Procurement Canada. The presented a session on the modern public sector marketing toolkit. The practical session focused mapping and applying the essential tools for the modern public sector communicator. With a focus on low-cost and no-cost tools, the objective was to help identify opportunities to strengthen the current toolkit to increase the return on investment.
Join the conversation!Connect with Sherrilynne Starkie and IABC Ottawa.
Leave a comment or question below, and please rate the show on iTunes!
The Voice Episode 109: From Communications Director to Executive Director – What It Takes
Jody Brian, a PR graduate from Mount Saint Vincent University, enjoyed an illustrious and varied communications career spanning 18+ years, during which time she worked in the private, non-profit and government sectors for organizations including Nortel and Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, and departments such as International Trade and Correctional Service of Canada within the federal government. Jody’s first surprise move (a surprise to many, that is) was to quit government for the non-profit sector. Her second bold move was leaving her position as Communications Director to take on a new challenge – as Executive Director for a small but important non-profit, Hopewell Eating Disorder Support Centre of Ottawa.
In this episode of The Voice, Jody shares with Tina Barton the shock of the transition, and yet how her communications experience both prepared her for the role and continues to enhance her perspectives and contributions she is able to bring. Jody also offers advice to communications professionals considering a similar move. Additionally, we learn about the range of eating disorders affecting youth (particularly young women), the shortcomings of Ontario’s health system, and the support Hopewell makes available to those suffering and their families.
Join the conversation!
Connect with Tina Barton and IABC Ottawa.
Leave a comment or question below, and please rate the show on iTunes!
Contact Jody Brian or learn more about the Hopewell Eating Disorder Support Centre at www.hopewell.ca.
This episode was produced by Amanda Speroni of Thornley Fallis Communications.
The Voice Episode 108: Goal setting and collaboration within a team
IABC Ottawa has a strong focus on professional development for our community, our members and our volunteers and our board members are some of our most dedicated volunteers.
Catherine Fair, a business coach from Rhapsody Strategies, visited a recent board meeting for a short session on goal setting and collaboration, two key areas for the volunteer boards. The Voice’s host Sherrilynne Starkie was on hand and to capture the session.
Join the conversation!
Connect with Sherrilynne Starkie on Twitter and LinkedIn and IABC Ottawa on Twitter.
Leave a comment or question below, and please rate the show on iTunes!
Connect with Catherine Fair of Rhapsody Strategies.
This episode was produced by Amanda Speroni of Thornley Fallis Communications.
The Voice Episode 107: Canada's 150: Driving Communications Excellence
IABC Ottawa held an event at which representatives from six Canadian organizations talked about how they were planning to celebrate Canada’s 150th. Each speaker presented a short case study on the national campaign they were responsible for and then went into detail about how they were building creative heritage campaigns, how they came up with innovative ideas and more.
If you couldn’t make the event, fear no more. For this podcast, host Angela Prokopiak spoke with the communications professionals from three of those organizations—Kristina Martin of Actua, Elizabeth Jarvis of 4H Canada and Sophie Babinski of Apathy is Boring. And what is inspiring, these three organizations are joining in the 150 celebrations with a bit of a twist: their work with Canadian youth could make the next 150 years even brighter.
Find out how they plan to work with youth for their 150th events and what instigated those activities. We’ll also ask them how they plan to reach their audiences as well as track and evaluate their campaigns.
Listen, learn and be inspired!
Listen now!
Join the conversation!
Connect with Angela Prokopiak and IABC Ottawa.
Leave a comment or question below, and please rate the show on iTunes!
Connect with Kristina Martin of Actua, Elizabeth Jarvis of 4H Canada and Sophie Babinski of Apathy is Boring on Twitter.
This episode was produced by Amanda Speroni of Thornley Fallis Communications.
The Voice Episode 106: Differentiating between IABC’s vision and mission in the Lone Star State
Join Sherrilynne Starkie in Dallas, Texas as she attends the IABC 2017 Leadership Institute! Ginger D. Homan, Treasurer of IABC, presents ideas for the organizations’ mission, vision, purpose and values statements.
And, Sherrilynne catches up with Sara Taylor, regional chair of IABC Canada East, and Jennifer Wah, IABC Fellow and chair of IABC Canada West, to discuss the roles of regional boards and the volunteers that are the lifeblood of IABC.
Join the conversation!
Connect with Sherrilynne Starkie and IABC Ottawa.
Leave a comment or question below, and please rate the show on iTunes!
Connect with Ginger Homan, Sara Taylor and Jennifer Wah on Twitter.
This episode was produced by Amanda Speroni of Thornley Fallis Communications.
The Voice Episode 105: Algonquin College Communications Dynamic Duo
If Algonquin College is a small city, Cheryl Jensen is the Mayor. Past president of IABC Ottawa and host Sherrilynne Starkie sits down with Scott Anderson, Director of Marketing, Communications and External Relations and Cheryl Jensen, CEO of Algonquin College in an “Ask Me Anything” segment.
At a recent IABC Ottawa senior communicators event, Sherrilynne led a round table discussion where Cheryl and Scott answered questions about the hot topics of CEOs on Twitter, the online presence of President Trump and how shrinking newsrooms are contributing to circumventing the media. Cheryl and Scott give insight on what inspires them and what they think about the Millennial workforce.
Join the conversation!
Connect with Sherrilynne Starkie and IABC Ottawa.
Leave a comment or question below, and please rate the show on iTunes!
Connect with Cheryl Jensen and Scott Anderson on Twitter.
This episode was produced by Amanda Speroni of Thornley Fallis Communications.
The Voice Episode 104: Hacking Health (and Communications)
Hacking Health is a global network nowadays. It all started in Montreal a mere five years ago and grew out of a desire to put patients at the centre of health innovations, using technology as a lever. But like many non-profit organizations, attracting the right knowledge base within the volunteer ranks remains a challenge, and for whatever reason, attracting communications support is particularly difficult.
Two Hacking Health members share with host Tina Barton their remarkable progress in five years – growing from a single chapter to a multi-continent movement – what they’ve learned about communicating effectively with a “bootstrap” budget, strategies to build influence, and their invitation for IABC listeners to help Hacking Health better communicate their efforts and rally more people to improve health outcomes.
For more information visit www.hackinghealth.ca, and to get involved email: contact@hackinghealth.ca.
The Voice Episode 103: Internal Communication Management Success with Intact Insurance
ONTRACK LIVE is a unique video presentation created by Intact Insurance to share with its employees its third-quarter financial results and priorities in its five geographic regions. Host, Sherrilynne Starkie and Karin Basaraba and Jim Jackson from Intact Insurance discuss how they turned ONTRACK LIVE into a Gold Quill award-winning internal communication management.
Kim Basaraba and Jim Jackson share with Sherrilynne Starkie their filming strategy, comedic breaks to staff inclusion and their experience winning a Gold Quill award.
The Voice Episode 102: How to Build an Award-Winning Communications Plan
Former president of IABC Ottawa and host Sherrilynne Starkie caught up with Caroline Kealey, principal of Ingenium Communications, to chat about Caroline’s recent Gold Quill award at the IABC World Conference in New Orleans. Ingenium Communications is a boutique firm here in Ottawa, specializing in strategic communications, change management, and training.
Caroline Kealey shares with Sherrilynne Starkie on how to build an award-winning communications plan, from the beginning to the end and where her communications career has brought her today.
The Voice Episode 101: The Art of Podcasting: Lessons from the CBC
An episode on podcasting - how meta, we know! The popularity of podcasts is on the rise - in Canada and around the world. People love them for their intimate nature, the convenience of listening to a good story - any time, any place. But podcasting isn't for everyone, and nobody knows this better than Neil Morrison, founding producer of CBC Radio's The Current. Over the course of fifteen years in radio, Neil led several high-profile CBC Radio programs including, The House, As It Happens and The Current.
Neil shares with Tina Barton what his time with the CBC taught him about podcasting and storytelling, what makes or breaks a story (or a guest!), and where his journey has brought him today.
The Voice Episode 100: Crisis Communications with Ottawa Police Service
On October 22, 2014 shots rang out downtown Ottawa, killing Corporal Nathan Cirillo as he stood guard at the National War Memorial. This unthinkable act devastated and sparked fear in citizens’ minds, causing a frenzy of conversations and rumours. Where did the assailant flee and where was he headed? Was there also an active shooter at the Rideau Centre? As these very questions and numerous other claims flooded the Internet, Ottawa Police Service (OPS) had already undertaken a number of crisis communications measures, with public safety as its number one priority.
Anat Cohn, corporate communications specialist at Ottawa Police Service, recently sat down with our producer Ashlea McGrath at MARCOM Professional Development Annual Forum to discuss her experience in crisis communications on that tragic day in 2014, and the vital role social media played in helping OPS communicate with the public at such a crucial moment.
The Voice Episode 99: Why A Communications Career Offers the Knowledge and Skills for the Jobs of the Future
Ursula Gobel, Associate Vice-President, Future Challenges, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) was a seasoned and successful communicator with many achievements under her belt. Then she decided to change her career’s strategic orientation. Along the way she learned many lessons and had numerous insights. As a result of her experiences, she contends that a career in communications offers the knowledge and skills for the jobs of the future. Recently Ottawa IABC members were treated to a talk with Ursula over dinner about her career path and how the experience and skills developed in communications can help you in other potential strategic positions.
So that a wider audience might benefit from this conversation, host Angela Prokopiak, caught up with Ursula to recapture some of the highlights from that evening. If you are thinking about spreading your wings and moving beyond the communications world, take advantage of Ursula’s words of wisdom. But, caution communicators: After listening to this podcast, you might end up with the sneaking suspicion that the person most responsible for stopping you from making your next career move is looking back at you in the mirror.
Join the conversation!Connect with host Angela Prokopiak and IABC Ottawa.
Leave a comment or question below, and please rate the show on iTunes!
This episode was produced by Angela Prokopiak, and Ashlea McGrath of Thornley Fallis Communications.
The Voice Episode 98: Gamification for Social Good with United Way
With more than 85,000 charities competing for people’s hearts and purse strings in Canada, cutting through the noise to seize people’s attention is increasingly tough for charities, especially with the rise of crowdfunding platforms that now allow anyone to make a direct appeal.
United Way Ottawa knew they had to try something different, an approach that would meet people where they were - on mobile devices, on the move, or looking for fun – with an experience that delivered value to them personally, while being non-intrusive in the call to assist others.
These two new strategies from United Way Ottawa deliver experiences that make the issues relatable, educational and spur users to engage – but only if desired – all the while being enjoyable to navigate.
What’s also interesting about this new direction is that the appeal to donate is secondary. The focus with the Small Change App is to help the user learn to budget better and save more money, while Make the Month, somewhat of a pick-your-path game, helps people to understand the decisions and conditions people living in poverty go through – a “walk a mile in their shoes” revelation.
It’s a new approach for United Way to the age-old question of how to move people to care.
Brendan Mullen, Director of Product Marketing for United way, talks host Tina Barton through these two new products being trialed in the Ottawa market.