I had the opportunity to sit down with Ragan Communications for a conversation about multimedia storytelling, crisis communications, and the role of authentic narratives in building organizational trust and employee engagement.
What We Discussed
The interview covered several topics that are central to how I think about communications strategy:
Multimedia storytelling: How organizations can move beyond text-heavy communications to engage audiences through video, audio, visual content, and integrated digital experiences. The most effective communicators today are thinking like media companies—creating content that meets people where they are.
Crisis communications: What separates organizations that handle crises well from those that struggle. Speed, transparency, and empathy remain the cornerstones—but the channels and expectations have evolved significantly in the social media era.
Authentic narratives: Why corporate-speak and overly polished messaging often backfire. Audiences—whether employees, customers, or the public—respond to genuine stories told by real people. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a strategic advantage.
Building organizational trust: Trust is earned through consistent, honest communication over time. It can’t be manufactured in a crisis—it has to be built before one happens.
Employee engagement: Internal communications is often undervalued, but it’s one of the most important functions in any organization. When employees feel informed and heard, they become your strongest advocates.
You can read the full interview and explore more communications insights on the Ragan Communications website.