Circle of Fellows

The pressure’s on — deadlines, stakeholders, and the ever-present need to deliver. According to data, half of PR, marketing, and comms professionals reported experiencing severe stress, anxiety, or burnout multiple times each year. Two in five PR professionals feel pressure and/or anxiety from their job every day. And 60 percent of PR professionals have experienced mental ill-health, while 89 percent have struggled with mental well-being. In episode 108 of the “Circle of Fellows,” the September panel will dive deep into mental wellness in the communication profession. Join us as a panel of seasoned IABC Fellows shares their insights and strategies for navigating the unique challenges of our profession. Discover how to cultivate resilience, manage stress, and lead with compassion, not only for your teams but also for yourself. Whether you’re an aspiring communicator or a seasoned pro, this conversation is essential for anyone seeking to thrive in the dynamic world of organizational communication. Brad Whitworthmoderated the panel, joined by Amanda Hamilton-Attwell, Andrea Greenhous, Ginger Homan, and Mark Schumann.Continue Reading → The post Circle of Fellows #108: Thriving in the Spotlight — Mental Wellness for Communication Leaders appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

The headline reads that Google’s Olympics ad went viral for all the wrong reasons and is fueling the growing concerns about using generative AI apps in people’s personal and work lives. Gartner’s Peer Insights offers Generative AI Apps Reviews and Ratings to guide your foray into foreign territory. And, Capgemini’s Harnessing the Value of Generative AI, 2nd edition report details where Generative AI is adding value to organizations throughout the world. So, what are strategic communication professionals doing with generative AI? How does it add value to the communication function? Most importantly, what are communication professionals learning about generative AI? Learn from this outstanding panel of International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Fellows. Continue Reading → The post Circle of Fellows #107: Raising AI appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

An international panel of IABC Fellows shared thoughts on how to structure and lead effective organizational teams in today’s global landscape. The panel explored various team structures that lead to positive outcomes aligned with business goals. The panel also shared insights on fostering a space where diverse voices are shared with respect and acceptance while addressing the challenges of leading communication teams.Continue Reading → The post Circle of Fellows #106: Structuring and Leading a Communications Team appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

Three IABC members comprise the 2024 class of IABC Fellows. In this special Circle of Fellows episode, you'll meet Andrea Greenhous, Juli Holloway, and Theomary Karamanis as they discuss their career paths and views on the day's pressing communication issues. Continue Reading → The post Circle of Fellows #105: Meet the 2024 Class of IABC Fellows appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

  The need to promote ethical behavior in communications has never been greater as the volumes of misinformation and disinformation continue to rise with the growing use of AI fueling the speed with which unethical behavior intensifies. Marketers debate whether using AI in marketing is ethical in the first place, and when it is used, and whether and when it needs to be disclosed. And all the ethical dilemmas communicators faced before AI remain as challenging as ever. Four International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Fellows discussed ethics in today’s communication environment in the latest Circle of Fellows episode, moderated by Brad Whitworth.Continue Reading → The post Circle of Fellows #104: Communication Ethics appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

Four distinguished IABC Fellows discussed the myriad benefits of earning the Communication Management Professional (CMP) or Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) certification offered through the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC). The panel shed light on how becoming a CMP or SCMP not only elevates your credibility but also significantly enhances your strategic communication skills. Whether you’re looking to advance in your career, expand your network, or stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of corporate communication, this conversation is tailor-made for you. Our panelists shared insights into the certification journey— from preparation to examination and beyond. They will also share personal anecdotes and professional advice on leveraging this certification to its fullest potential for individual career growth and organizational success.Continue Reading → The post Circle of Fellows #103: IS IT WORTH THE TIME AND EFFORT TO GET A PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION CERTIFICATION? appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

Maintain a flexible approach to professional growth by joining IABC Fellows as they explore key topics essential for communication professionals at any career stage. Delve into important areas like the IABC Global Standard, Career Self-Assessment, and the IABC Proficiency Matrix. Learn from experts about negotiating salary, bonuses, and job titles when considering a new role, collaborating with recruiters, and effectively showcasing your skills in interviews and resumes. Discover strategies to enhance your expertise through library resources, partnerships, lectures, and university engagement opportunities. Focus on aligning personal values with career decisions, setting clear goals, utilizing support systems for knowledge expansion, embracing change, prioritizing certification, and committing to continuous learning.Continue Reading → The post Circle of Fellows #102: Research, Plan, and Manage Your Communication Career appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

In the 100th episode of “Circle of Fellows,” Brad Whitworth and Shel Holtz presented short video and narrative contributions from many Fellows of the International Association of Business Communicators, each of whom will present their best advice, most meaningful insight, useful observation, significant memory, or whatever they felt like sharing. The program of short Fellows contributions wraps up in episode 101 with more ideas, suggestions, recommendations, and guidance for communicators from this group of skilled and experienced professionals.Continue Reading → The post Circle of Fellows #101: More IABC Fellows Share Their Best Insights and Advice appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

It's hard to believe, but this is the 100th "Circle of Fellows." To celebrate, we opted to try something new. (Don't worry, we'll return to our panel discussion format in March.) We asked our Fellows to contribute their best insights and/or advice in a short video or as text. We got more than we could fit in a single episode! The first batch are in this 100th episode, with the rest set for debut in episode 101, scheduled for February 15 at noon ET. Sharing their thoughts in this episode are Priya Bates, Lee Hornick, Jennifer Wah, Martha Muzychka, Dave Orman, Mary Ann McCauley, Rajeev Kumar, Brenda Siler, Barbara Gibson, Stephanie Griffiths, Alice Brink, Ned Lundquist, Neil Griffiths, Suzanne Salvo, Ian Hawkins, Jim Lukaszewski, John Finney, Cindy Schmieg, Amanda Hamilton-Attwell, Zora Artis, Mark Schumann, Robin McCasland, Les Potter, and Barbara Puffer. It's a remarkable collection of learning from some of the best organizational communicators in the world.Continue Reading → The post Circle of Fellows #100: Insights and Advice from IABC Fellows appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.

The past year has been — to put it mildly — consequential. If nothing else, the rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence has dramatically altered the communication landscape. But AI isn’t the only issue that faced communicators in 2023. From remote and hybrid work communication and the evolution of social media (as Twitter flails and younger demographic groups move away from the big dominant networks) to attacks on corporate DEI initiatives and rising levels of misinformation and disinformation, it has been a busy year! Moderator Shel Holtz, SCMP, joined four IABC Fellows for a look back on these issues and trends and how they will shape communication practices in the years ahead.Continue Reading → The post Circle of Fellows #99: A Look Back at 2023 in Communications appeared first on FIR Podcast Network.