Schedule of Events

What does it really take to build a fulfilling, future-proof career in communication, one that thrives amid disruption?  In this energising and deeply personal session, award-winning podcaster and agency leader Katie Macaulay shares surprising insights from more than 200 interviews with the pioneers, change-makers, and rebels redefining our profession.  First presented to rave reviews at the 2024 IABC World Conference in Chicago, this session has been fully revised and updated after another two years of interviews and research, offering fresh perspectives and new lessons from leading voices in our field.  Drawing on six years of The Internal Comms Podcast — nearly 300 hours of conversations — Katie reveals six timely lessons for communicators seeking to stay curious, courageous, and relevant in a rapidly changing world.  You’ll explore how to “institutionalise curiosity,” speak truth to power, build networks that last, and turn failure into fuel for growth.  Expect stories and audio clips from industry luminaries, along with moments for reflection and peer conversation. Designed for communication professionals at every level, this interactive session will equip you with practical tools, proven habits, and renewed confidence to navigate disruption and shape the future of communication from the inside out.

• Identify six key traits and mindsets, including self-awareness, honesty, curiosity, courage, and interdisciplinary thinking, that define the most fulfilled and successful communication professionals.
• Apply practical strategies to build stronger professional relationships, such as cultivating generosity in networking, institutionalizing curiosity, and speaking truth to power to enhance their influence and impact at work.
• Reflect on and reframe their approach to professional growth by embracing experimentation, learning from failure, and defining success in alignment with their personal purpose and values.