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In a world of constant urgency, better work can start with doing less – more deliberately. Host David Pembroke is joined by Mark Hocknell, consultant, author and speaker, to explore why ‘shallow’ work is creeping into organisations and what it is costing performance. They discuss the pressure leaders place on teams to produce more activity faster, how that drives task-focused planning instead of outcomes, and why genuine improvement needs deep thinking, evidence and step-change interventions. Mark also shares practical ideas for carving out time, choosing the right measures and creating a culture where teams can focus on what matters most for communities and customers. KEY POINTS - Shallow work misses what matters: Quick answers and time pressure can crowd out deep thinking, leading to plans that lack insight and fail to shift outcomes. - Leaders set the tempo: When leaders pass down urgency and firefighting, teams lose the space to focus on outcomes and meaningful improvement. - Prioritise outcomes over activity: Clear outcomes help teams stop chasing task lists and instead measure what is changing for communities and customers. - Continuous improvement is step change: Improvement rarely happens by doing the same thing ‘a bit better’ every day; it needs deliberate interventions and learning from evidence. - Focus on one outcome at a time: Limited capacity means teams are more likely to improve performance when they concentrate on a single priority outcome, not dozens of competing goals. Links mentioned in the podcast: Profit by Design: How to Build a Customer Portfolio Full of Profitable Promoters (Mark Hocknell): Book mentioned by Mark Hocknell https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=Profit+by+Design+How+to+Build+a+Customer+Portfolio+Full+of+Profitable+Promoters+Mark+Hocknell PuMP (Performance Measurement Process): Performance measurement methodology mentioned in the episode (developed by Stacey Barr) https://www.staceybarr.com/pump/ Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World (Stanley McChrystal): Leadership book referenced in the discussion https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/231444/team-of-teams-by-general-stanley-mcchrystal/ Mentoring for Growth (Queensland Government): Small business mentoring program Mark referenced https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/growing-business/business-growth/mentoring-for-growth Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – Master of Business Administration (MBA): MBA program mentioned (Mark developed elective subjects for QUT’s MBA) https://www.qut.edu.au/courses/master-of-business-administration Mark Hocknell – website: Mark’s website (blog posts and videos mentioned) https://markhocknell.com/ Mark Hocknell – LinkedIn: Mark’s LinkedIn (contact point mentioned in the episode) https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=Mark%20Hocknell If you enjoyed this podcast then please: Follow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow and rate on SpotifyWatch our videos on the GovComms YouTube pageConnect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram! The GovComms Institute podcast is produced by contentgroup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Modern leadership is being redefined in real time. Host Iris Lisle speaks with Claire Thomas, CEO and founder of Empact Group, about what it takes to build workplaces that deliver results without burning people out. They unpack psychological safety, neuroaffirming leadership and why “being deeply human” is not a 'nice-to-have' – it is a practical way to lift performance, trust and inclusion. Claire shares simple shifts leaders can make, from asking better questions to designing teams where people do not have to mask to belong, and why these changes matter now as workload pressures and AI reshape the public service. KEY POINTS - High performance needs psychological safety: Teams do better work when leaders create environments where people can be honest, ask questions and take reasonable risks. - Neuroaffirming design helps everyone: Adjustments that support one person often improve clarity, focus and accessibility for the whole team. - Curiosity beats certainty: Switching from “here’s what you need to do” to questions first builds trust and leads to better decisions. - Watch for overwork, not just disengagement: Strong output can hide unsustainable workloads, especially in flexible and hybrid settings with less visibility. - Masking has real costs: When people feel they must perform a version of themselves to fit in, it drains energy, increases burnout risk and reduces effectiveness LINKS MENTIONED Empact Group https://empactgroup.com.au/ Australian Financial Review – BOSS Best Places to Work https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/boss/best-places-to-work APS Academy https://www.apsacademy.gov.au/ Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) https://www.dta.gov.au/help-and-advice/digital-service-standard/digital-service-standard-guide/discovery Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/ AI Co-Lab https://www.aicolab.org/ If you enjoyed this podcast then please: ●    Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts ●    Follow and rate on Spotify ●    Watch our videos on the GovComms YouTube page ●    Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram! The GovComms Institute podcast is produced by contentgroup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Creating a strong future STEM workforce starts with helping young people see what is possible. Host David Pembroke is joined by Dr Melanie Bagg, CEO of the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), to talk about how NYSF connects students with real STEM people, workplaces and pathways they cannot always access at school. They discuss what changed through Covid, how a small team works with a large volunteer network, and how NYSF tailors communications across channels while keeping the “human” experience at the centre. Melanie also shares what their long-term evaluation reveals about confidence, belonging and career direction, plus practical lessons for government communicators on testing, listening and staying audience-led. KEY POINTS - Make STEM real, not abstract: Young people respond when they meet real people in real workplaces and can see multiple pathways into careers. - Design for inclusion, not ‘elite’ performance: A friendly, youth-led approach can reduce imposter syndrome and widen participation, particularly for young women and regional and remote students. - Use data to prove impact and shape programs: NYSF surveys students on day one, day nine, one year and five years to track shifts in confidence and options, and to inform new offerings. - Match channels to audiences: NYSF adjusts tone and content by platform (eg Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn) and uses feedback loops to keep learning. - Adopt AI carefully and ethically: AI can speed up external-facing work, but sensitive information needs clear boundaries, checks and governance. Links mentioned in the podcast:●    National Youth Science Forum (NYSF): Youth-led STEM programs including the Year 12 Program https://www.nysf.edu.au/ ●    National Youth STEM Summit: NYSF’s program for early-tertiary/VET and early-career STEM participants https://www.nysf.edu.au/programs/national-youth-stem-summit/ ●    Rotary International: NYSF’s founding partner mentioned in the episode https://www.rotary.org/ ●    Science & Technology Australia: Professional membership organisation mentioned as part of the STEM ecosystem https://www.scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/ ●    Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE): Learned academy mentioned https://www.atse.org.au/ ●    Australian Academy of Science: Learned academy mentioned (and Melanie’s previous organisation) https://www.science.org.au/ If you enjoyed this podcast then please:●    Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts ●    Follow and rate on Spotify ●    Watch our videos on the GovComms YouTube page ●    Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram! The GovComms Institute podcast is produced by contentgroup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Measurement should make our work clearer, not harder. Host David Pembroke is joined by Stacey Barr, a specialist in organisational performance, measurement and evidence-based leadership, to unpack why evaluation still feels elusive in government, even when toolkits and frameworks are readily available. They discuss the hidden “missing pieces” that undermine many measurement approaches, how to strip out vague “weasel words” from strategy, and how Stacey’s PuMP methodology helps teams define results, identify credible evidence, and report performance in a way that supports better decisions. The conversation also explores the role of leadership, the reality of public accountability pressures, and where AI can (and cannot) help. KEY POINTS - Start with results, not activity: Be clear about the outcome you want to improve before you decide what to measure, otherwise you end up tracking busywork instead of impact. - De-weasel your strategy language: Replace vague terms such as “quality”, “transparency” or “diversity” with plain, specific wording that everyone can interpret the same way. - Define evidence before choosing measures: Ask what you would see, hear or observe that proves progress, then work out how to quantify that evidence. - Report performance to reveal real signals: Move beyond traffic-light reporting and focus on patterns that show meaningful change, so you don’t overreact to noise or miss early warnings. - Tie initiatives directly to the KPI they shift: Keep actions and results connected, so you can prove whether an initiative actually closed a performance gap. SHOW NOTES: ●     PuMP® (Performance Measurement Process): Stacey Barr’s practical methodology for performance measurement mentioned in the episode https://www.pump.academy/ ●     Practical Performance Measurement (book): Book by Stacey Barr mentioned in the episode https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Practical+Performance+Measurement+Stacey+Barr ●     Prove It! (book): Book by Stacey Barr mentioned in the episode https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Prove+It%21+Stacey+Barr ●     Australia Centre for Evaluation (ACE): Australian Government evaluation initiative mentioned (including toolkit/library resources) https://www.pmc.gov.au/resources/australia-centre-evaluation ●     Harvard Business Review (website): Stacey notes her content has appeared on HBR’s website https://hbr.org/ ●     ManageMentor (platform): Program Stacey describes as featuring her content https://www.managementmentor.com/ ●     OKR Institute: Organisation mentioned in relation to the OKR Institute World Summit https://okrinstitute.org/ ●     Objectives and Key Results (OKR) framework: Framework explicitly referenced (“OKRs, objectives and key results”) https://www.whatmatters.com/faqs/okr-meaning-definition-example/ ●     State Library of South Australia: Organisation cited in Stacey’s case example https://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/ ●     Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Organisation cited in Stacey’s case example https://www.faa.gov/ ●    [email protected]: Email Stacey provides for arranging a “discovery discussion” mailto:[email protected] If you enjoyed this podcast then please:    ●     Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts ●     Follow and rate on Spotify ●     Watch our videos on the GovComms YouTube page ●     Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram! The GovComms Institute podcast is produced by contentgroup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When technology speeds up, trust and truth are put under pressure. Host David Pembroke is joined by Sree Srinivasan, who reflects on what he learnt broadcasting daily from New York during the early days of Covid, and how those lessons apply to today’s AI-driven information environment. They discuss what consistent, two-way communication can achieve in a crisis, why misinformation spreads so easily, and the risks of leaving AI decisions to a handful of powerful companies. Sree also shares practical guidance on building AI strategy and policy inside organisations, with an emphasis on transparency, staff input and regular review.     KEY POINTS  - Consistency builds trust: Turning up at the same time every day helped create a reliable source of information people could return to during uncertainty.  - Two-way communication matters: Making space for audience questions and comments improved clarity, relevance and engagement.  - AI policy needs shared ownership: Don’t leave it to tech teams alone; involve the whole organisation and build guidance people will actually use.  - Plan for constant change: AI tools and risks evolve quickly, so policies and governance need frequent review, not set-and-forget documents.  - Use AI to lift quality, not just cut costs: The best use cases focus on improving work and capability, rather than simply reducing headcount.  FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SREE: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sreenivasanSubstack: https://sreenet.substack.com/Sree's Presentation: https://bit.ly/sreeaibrochureNYTReadalong: https://www.digimentors.group/nytreadalong LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST: StreamYard: Live-streaming tool Sree used to broadcast across multiple platforms https://streamyard.com/ Don’t Look Up (Netflix): Film Sree referenced as an analogy for ignoring looming crises  Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC): Organisation Sree mentions running a workshop with Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI): Institute referenced (Fei-Fei Li) Columbia Journalism School: Institution Sree mentions teaching at Stony Brook University: Institution Sree mentions teaching at Sebastian Mallaby: Author referenced (book about Demis Hassabis mentioned)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Government comms has shifted from crafting messages to shaping meaning in a fast-moving digital world. Host David Pembroke is joined by Brenda Duran, director of external affairs at LA County’s Justice Care and Opportunities Department, to reflect on what has changed since they last spoke in 2019. They discuss the COVID-19-driven digital acceleration, the rise of direct-to-public communication, and how misinformation has become a high-volume, targeted threat. Brenda also shares practical approaches to faster approvals, building trusted messenger networks, and creating content that earns attention, before looking ahead to why storytelling and public trust matter even more in an AI-shaped environment. KEY POINTS:COVID-19 accelerated digital government for good Government teams had to pivot quickly to virtual briefings, real-time updates and direct-to-public channels, permanently changing how service information is delivered.Treat misinformation as a trust and security problem Countering false narratives now requires proactive “pre-bunking”, real-time monitoring and partnerships with trusted community messengers, not just reactive corrections.Fix approval bottlenecks by redesigning decision rights Define preauthorised “lanes” for routine updates, rapid approvals and high-risk crisis content so teams can move at the speed of public need.Act like a publisher, not a noticeboard Build weekly content plans, create evergreen explainers, use subject matter experts on camera, and turn government data into meaningful stories people can use.In an AI-driven world, storytelling becomes the differentiator As content volume increases, trust becomes scarcer—public sector communicators add value by creating narratives that restore context, clarity and humanity. Links mentioned in the podcast:AMEC Barcelona Principles: Measurement principles for communication (outputs, outtakes, outcomes) https://amecorg.com/barcelona-principles-3-0/AMEC (International Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of Communication): Organisation behind the Barcelona Principles and comms measurement resources https://amecorg.com/Latinas in Public Relations: Shaping Communications, Communities, and Culture (edited by Melissa Vela-Williamson): Book mentioned (Brenda Duran contributed) https://www.routledge.com/Latinas-in-Public-Relations-Shaping-Communications-Communities-and-Culture/Vela-Williamson/p/book/9781032547805 If you enjoyed this podcast then please:Follow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsFollow and rate on SpotifyWatch our videos on the GovComms YouTube pageConnect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram! The GovComms Institute podcast is produced by contentgroup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Governments cannot afford to keep talking about AI as a future challenge when citizens are already expecting better, faster, and more human-centred services. In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke speaks with Pete Williams (Chief Edge Officer at Deloitte) about why the real risk is not moving too fast, but moving too slowly. Together, they explore how AI can help government shift from clunky documents and static websites to conversational, accessible and practical service delivery. From internal capability and leadership to chatbots and global examples, this episode is a clear-eyed look at what government needs to do next and why the right time to act is now. #GovComms #AI #government #communication #Deloitte Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Governments are full of data, but it’s insight that drives real change. In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke joins Garrett Tyler-Parker, Director of Analysis and Insights at Tourism Research Australia. Together, they break down how good research transforms spreadsheets into strategy. Garrett shares why formative research should shape a campaign from the start, how human stories give meaning to dashboards, and what’s changing fast as mobility data and AI enter the mix. Find out how to make evidence easier to understand, harder to ignore, and far more useful for the people who need to act on it.  Key Points Insight beats information: government (and tourism) are awash with data, but the real job is turning the ‘what’ into the ‘so what’Start research early: use formative research to shape the campaign, rather than using it to evaluate afterBlend big data with human context: numbers show patterns, but storytelling makes evidence more memorable Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we step into 2026, now's the time to ensure everyone's voice is heard. In this episode of GovComms, we revisit host David Pembroke's conversation with Richard Etienne: internal communications expert, author of The Introvert’s Survival Guide, and founder of The Introvert Space. Together, they explore how introverts can lead, influence, and thrive in workplaces that often reward volume over value. From overcoming self-doubt to navigating hybrid work, Richard shares powerful, practical strategies to help introverts find their voice without having to shout. He also offers advice for leaders on how to build inclusive teams where every personality type can succeed. Whether you identify as an introvert, manage one, or simply want to create more inclusive and effective teams, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and actionable tips. Discussed in this episode:Why introverts often go unheard and how to change thatHow to build your personal brand without self-promotionThe hidden strengths introverts bring to leadershipWhat Theresa May taught Richard about quiet influence at the top Show notes:The Introvert Space | Richard EtienneThe Introvert’s Survival Guide | Richard EtienneQuiet | Susan CainBlog | GovComms Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an era of constant disruption, government communicators are being asked to lead without all the answers. In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke is joined by leadership experts Dr Marianne Broadbent and Adam Kyriacou to explore how communications teams can navigate AI and rising expectations, whilst building trust and impact. It’s an insightful discussion revealing why comms professionals are no longer at the ‘end of the line’, but rather central figures in enterprise performance. Join David, Marianne and Adam as they pull back the curtain on how to lead in the face of transformation. Discussed in this Episode How to integrate AI responsibly while maintaining a human-centred approachWhy trust, purpose, and psychological safety are now core leadership capabilities in the public sectorPractical ways comms teams can support senior leaders and build public trust Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if better communication starts with listening, not telling? In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Natasha Plowman: a communications strategist, advisor, and founder of Spinning Red. Together they explore how listening, empathy, and authentic storytelling can transform the way governments engage citizens. From unpacking the ineffectiveness of the old ‘broadcast’ model to examining the use of buzzwords in sustainability conversations, Natasha urges listeners to imbue their stories with honesty, empathy, and curiosity. In a world where government communicators are facing rapid transformation, this episode offers a timely reminder. Meaningful change begins with understanding your audience — not just speaking louder. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODEHow listening creates more effective and trusted communicationWays to communicate across five generations in the workplaceHow storytelling connects people and drives understandingWhy transparency builds credibility during complex changeHow curiosity and self-awareness improve leadership communication SHOW NOTESSpinning Red | Natasha PlowmanBreak the Silence Collective | Natasha PlowmanEmily’s List | Emily’s List AustraliaHigher Ground | Alison TaylorBlog | GovComms Podcast LinkedIn | GovComms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when authenticity becomes your greatest communication strategy? In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Oluchi Ezeugo, a leading corporate communications professional from Lagos, Nigeria, who’s helped organisations across Africa navigate change, crisis, and culture. Oluchi reveals how authentic storytelling transforms workplaces — building trust, inspiring teams, and connecting people to purpose. From guiding leaders through tough moments to rebuilding confidence after crisis, she shares practical lessons every communicator can use. For public sector and government professionals, this episode is a masterclass in real, human communication — showing that when you lead with honesty and empathy, trust follows. Discussed in this episode:Discover why authentic storytelling is the foundation of trustLearn how to communicate change with empathy and clarityExplore the power of internal comms to shape cultureHear how great leaders build psychologically safe teamsUnderstand how to rebuild confidence after professional setbacksHow AI and social media are reshaping communication Show notes:Blog | GovComms PodcastLinkedIn | GovComms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to thrive as a communicator in a rapidly changing world? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke speaks with Ross Monaghan, award-winning educator and communications leader from Deakin University. From his early days as a teenage journalist in Warrnambool to senior roles at Optus and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association, Ross has seen the profession evolve from every angle. Ross shares why persistence and curiosity matter, how communicators can show leadership at any stage of their career, and why “dreaming big” is vital. He also unpacks the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence, urging communicators to take the lead on its ethical use. Discussed in this episode:Lessons from Ross’s early career in journalism and industry.Building confidence to chase opportunities others might not.Why leadership is about action, not job titles.Creating stronger workplace culture through human connection.Open, honest communication as a tool for solving conflict.The communicator’s role in guiding ethical AI adoption. Show notes:International Association of Business Communicators | IABCPanuara South community benefits from new Optus mobile tower | OPTUSAI Workshops | Ross MonaghanHypeCloudAI podcast | Ross MonaghanRoss Monaghan | LinkedInBlog | GovComms PodcastLinkedIn | GovComms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if everything you thought you knew about effective communication was wrong? In this episode, host David Pembroke speaks with James Healy, founder of The Behaviour Boutique and co-author of BS at Work. James has worked in more than 60 countries and brings deep insights from behavioural science, anthropology, and psychology to the challenges facing modern organisations and governments. James unpacks why so much of work is “BS” and why policies often fail to change behaviour. He shows how context shapes decisions, why storytelling matters, and shares the simple EAST framework to help communicators cut through. Discussed in this episode:James’s path from economics to behavioural scienceLessons from the global financial crisisWhy massive handbooks never change behaviourHow culture and incentives drive decisionsWhere governments use behavioural science wellQuick wins for communicators on timing and delivery Show notes:BS at Work: Why So Much of Modern Work is BS and How Behavioural Science Can Make It Better | James HealyThe Behaviour BoutiqueAdopting AI: The People First Approach | James Healy, Paul GibbonsThe EAST framework | The Decision LabJames Healy | LinkedInThe B Word | Podcast by James HealyBehavioural Science | OECD ReportBlog | GovComms PodcastLinkedIn | GovComms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do bushfires, TikTok, and police comms have in common? For Kendall Masters, they’ve each shaped a sharp, no-nonsense approach to government communication. In this episode, she joins David Pembroke to unpack what it really takes to build trust, cut through the noise, and connect with the public — especially when time and attention are in short supply. Kendall shares lessons in agility, authenticity, and strategic clarity, from rolling out TikTok with Victoria Police to managing emergency comms during the 2019–20 bushfires and COVID-19. They explore the limits of video, the myth of reach-for-the-sake-of-it, and why good reporting is about more than numbers — it’s about telling the right story to the right people. Discussed in this episode:Moving from traditional media to digital-first commsLessons from bushfire and COVID-19 emergency responseWhen video works — and when it doesn’tLaunching TikTok with  Victoria PoliceDitching vanity metrics for meaningful reportingBuilding skilled, strategic comms teamsShow notes:TikTok | Victoria PoliceBlog | GovComms PodcastLinkedIn | GovComms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.