Earning Your Seat

About Earning Your Seat

The role of communications has changed. The expectations are higher. The margin for error is smaller. Earning Your Seat is a podcast for communications leaders operating under changed expectations without a clear playbook. Hosted by Dino Delic, Stephanie Lerdall, and Genevieve Brammall, the show places the hosts inside an experience many communicators recognize. Smart, capable leaders learning in real time how influence is earned, tested, and sustained. Each episode features candid conversations with leaders across communications, data, media, and technology. Alongside those conversations, the hosts test ideas in real time, question what they have been taught, and confront where common advice breaks down under organizational pressure. This is not aspirational thought leadership. It is a practical look at growth as it happens. How communicators earn trust, collaborate across functions, and lead with authority in a world moving faster than the role itself. Pull up a chair. The work begins now.

Publisher

Meltwater

Category

business · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Jan 2026

Latest episode

14 May 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 May 2026

   Why AI Adoption Dies Inside Most Companies feat. Dan Nestle

   Hear more from Dan Nestle (http://linkedin.com/in/nestle) by listening to his full episode of Earning Your Seat here (https://youtu.be/f-yszabSqmc?si=Jy4-QW7q9q7k4cA3)! In this bitesize episode of Earning Your Seat, Dino Delic revisits his conversation with Dan Nestle, a veteran communications strategist, the Founder and Chief Curiosity Officer of Inquisitive Communications (https://be-inquisitive.com/), host of the podcast The Trending Communicator (https://www.trendingcommunicator.com/), and a leading voice in the discourse around AI. While AI can be a powerful tool for individual use, Dan highlights the significant gaps in AI literacy and the cultural barriers that organizations face when trying to implement AI at scale. Dan has also co-founded Lilypath, a company that’s pioneering AI-powered solutions to help interpret and evaluate professional authority, creating new standards for how authority is understood in the digital age. Dan shares insights on how AI adoption isn’t just about the tools or training, but about creating a culture that fosters experimentation and collaboration. He explains that true AI integration requires overcoming policy limitations, addressing governance friction, and embracing a mindset where learning and failure are part of the journey. This episode is a must-listen for team leaders, communicators, and anyone looking to understand the organizational hurdles of adopting AI and how to overcome them. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat (00:16) Dino’s daily use of AI and the personal workflow challenge (00:34) Scaling AI from personal use to team-wide adoption (00:53) Dan Nestle on moving AI from individual habit to organizational capability (01:00) The gap between individual AI upskilling and organizational readiness (01:20) Addressing AI literacy gaps across teams (01:43) The friction caused by governance and policies in AI adoption (02:12) Cultural barriers hindering AI scaling in organizations (02:30) AI adoption is more than just training; it’s about culture (02:43) Getting the whole team comfortable with AI (03:00) The importance of leadership in creating an AI-friendly environment (03:37) Scaling AI is about culture, not just tools (03:49) Leaders experimenting publicly with AI to reduce barriers for teams Follow Earning Your Seat: Connect with Dan Nestle: http://linkedin.com/in/nestle (http://linkedin.com/in/nestle) Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/) Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/) Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/) Sign up for the weekly “Now What” newsletter: https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribe (https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribe) Resources: Take the Data-Driven Communications Free Assessment Ready to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the DDC Assessment and get your personalized report to explore the framework at https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment (https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment) Join the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc (https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc) Get in Touch With Us If you have any questions about this interview, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.co (mailto:earningyourseat@meltwater.com)

2. 

   30 Apr 2026

   Becoming a Trusted Advisor in Communications by Challenging Assumptions

   Hear more from Johna Burke (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gojohnab/) by listening to her full episode of Earning Your Seat here (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPME8DkftSfga2iGZmHk2la4Ww7tqc73R)! Most communications leaders think credibility with leadership comes from better data, stronger dashboards, and more polished reports. But what if the opposite is true? In this bitesize episode of “Earning Your Seat,” Dino Delic is joined by Johna Burke (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gojohnab/), CEO of AMEC (https://amecorg.com/), to challenge one of the most common assumptions in communications. Johna argues that credibility isn’t built on the certainty of your data, it’s built on your willingness to question it. Johna shares practical ways communicators can move from simply reporting numbers to becoming trusted advisors. From auditing past reports and challenging flawed methodologies to inviting contrarian perspectives, she explains how intellectual honesty and scrutiny can strengthen both your data and your influence. We also hear a real-world example of how small inconsistencies in measurement can lead to misleading results, and how applying the right discipline can transform the way teams evaluate success, especially in areas like social media and influencer engagement. This episode is a must-listen for communications leaders and practitioners who want to build credibility, challenge assumptions, and earn greater trust at the leadership table. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat (00:16) The credibility question every comms leader faces (00:31) Why more data doesn’t build leadership trust (00:41) Credibility comes from challenging your data (01:03) Shift from reporting data to advising leaders (01:19) Stop being overly attached to your data (01:30) Audit your last five reports for credibility gaps (01:50) Why “perfect” data isn’t realistic (02:12) Connect data to real business outcomes (02:28) Use contrarians to pressure-test your data (03:40) Example: flawed campaign measurement (04:30) Fix inconsistent methods and briefings (05:27) Why reach fails for social and micro-influencers (06:24) Move from reporting numbers to owning the truth Connect with Johna Burke: Follow Johna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gojohnab/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/johna-burke/) Discover AMEC: https://amecorg.com/ (https://amecorg.com/) Follow the Hosts of “Earning Your Seat” on LinkedIn: Dino Delic, Head of the Research Lab at Meltwater: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/) Genevieve Brammall, Head of Consumer PR & Talent Relations at News Corp Australia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/) Stephanie Lerdall, Head of Corporate Communications at Morningstar, Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/) Resources: Take the Data-Driven Communications free Maturity Assessment: https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment (https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment) Join the Data-Driven Communications Meltwater Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc (https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc) Sign up for the weekly “Now What” newsletter: https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribe (https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribe) Get in touch with us: If you have any questions about this interview, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com (mailto:earningyourseat@meltwater.com)

3. 

   6 Apr 2026

   Using Data to Drive Strategic Communications Decisions with Philippe Barillon

   In communications, we often focus on data, but how can we use it to make better decisions and drive real impact? In this episode of Earning Your Seat, Philippe Barillon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippebarillon/), Executive Director, Predictive Platforms and AI Enablement at Novartis (https://www.novartis.com/), breaks down how to use data more effectively. He walks us through a simple, four-step process that takes us from looking at past results to giving actionable recommendations for the future. Philippe also dives into the role AI is playing in communications, how to manage relationships with key stakeholders, and why it’s important to build trust, especially in times of crisis. He shares valuable lessons from his own experience, like why learning the language of business is essential for communicators who want to be seen as trusted advisors. If you’re looking for practical ways to use data, build your influence, and drive better communication strategies, this episode is for you. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat (01:00) Philippe’s Background and Career in Communications (04:00) AI and the Future of Communication Roles: A Bold Statement by Stephanie (05:00) The Role of Critical Thinking in AI-Driven Decision Making (08:00) Descriptive vs. Diagnostic Analytics: Understanding the "Why" (13:00) Moving from Predictive to Prescriptive Analytics: A 4-Step Methodology (17:00) The Importance of Audience Understanding in Communications (20:00) Building Reputation: Why Trust and Consistency Matter (23:00) How Data Can Link Communication Efforts to Business Outcomes (28:00) The Super Bowl Ad: A Case Study in Effective Communication Strategy (34:00) The Value of Stakeholder Management and Building Trust (37:00) Learning the Language of Business to Earn a Seat at the Table Connect with Philippe: Philippe Barillon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippebarillon/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippebarillon/) Discover Novartis: https://www.novartis.com/ (https://www.novartis.com/) Take the Data-Driven Communications Free Assessment Ready to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the Maturity Assessment and get your personalized report to explore the framework at https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment (https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment) Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/) Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/) Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/) Sign up for the weekly “Now What” newsletter: https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribe (https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribe) Join the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc (https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc) See DDC LIVE at Meltwater Summit in NYC on May 5-6, 2026: https://bit.ly/ddc-summit-26 (https://bit.ly/ddc-summit-26) (Save $100 using code: MSDDCRC) Get in Touch With Us If you have any questions about this interview, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com (mailto:earningyourseat@meltwater.com)

4. 

   6 Apr 2026

   Why Business Acumen Is the Missing Skill in Communications with Katie James

   In communications, many teams are highly skilled at creating content and managing channels. But what does it really take to move from being a tactical executor to a trusted strategic advisor? In this episode of Earning Your Seat, Katie James (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-james-35abb723/) joins us to discuss the capability gaps holding communications teams back and the skills that help leaders earn real influence inside their organizations. Katie is the Commercial Director at Kademy (https://www.linkedin.com/company/kademygroup/), where she helps upskill communications teams through training, assessments, and advisory support. Bringing insights from surveying thousands of communicators, she explains the capability gaps holding teams back and what it takes to become a more strategic, trusted advisor inside the business. Katie talks about what separates high-performing teams from reactive ones, why communicators often fall into the trap of jumping straight to outputs, and how asking better questions can change the role communications plays across the business. We also dive into how AI is reshaping the profession, where human judgment still matters most, and why building stronger internal relationships may be one of the most practical ways to earn a seat at the table. This episode is a must-listen for communications leaders and ambitious practitioners who want to become more strategic, more proactive, and more valuable to the business. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat (02:07) The critical skills holding communicators back from strategy (06:52) Why leaders aren't coming to you and how to fix it (11:13) The default role that keeps comms teams stuck (14:22) Why asking the right question is a superpower in comms (19:33) Why slowing down first pays off later (23:53) The stat that changed how Dino thinks about AI adoption (27:20) How a comms leader used AI agents to reclaim her time (29:36) Why one big announcement beats six small ones every time (34:35) How Kademy built a custom AI readiness survey with a client (38:36) The surprising truth about comms teams and AI confidence (45:23) The one competitive advantage AI can't replicate (49:43) One thing you can start doing today to earn a seat at the table (50:44) Map your stakeholder stack not just your tech stack Connect with Katie: Katie James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-james-35abb723/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-james-35abb723/) Discover Kademy: https://kademygroup.com/ (https://kademygroup.com/) Take the Data-Driven Communications Free Assessment Ready to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the DDC Assessment and get your personalized report to explore the framework at https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment (https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment) Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/) Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/) Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/) Sign up for the weekly “Now What” newsletter: https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribe (https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribe) Join the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc (https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc) See DDC LIVE at Meltwater Summit in NYC on May 5-6, 2026: https://bit.ly/ddc-summit-26 (https://bit.ly/ddc-summit-26) (Save $100 using code: MSDDCRC) Get in Touch With Us If you have any questions about this interview, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com (mailto:earningyourseat@meltwater.com)

5. 

   30 Mar 2026

   Leadership Lessons from Five-Time CCO Becky Edwards

   Communications leadership requires trust, initiative, and knowing when to let go of the “doing” to empower others. In this episode of Earning Your Seat, Becky Edwards (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rledwards/), a five-time Chief Communications Officer (CCO) and a renowned leadership advisor, shares her insights on how to rise to the highest levels of comms leadership. Becky’s career journey, from foreign service to becoming a trusted CCO, has equipped her with a unique perspective on leadership. She talks about the importance of trusting your team, encouraging curiosity, and how good leaders find new problems to solve for the company. Becky also discusses how self-promotion, empathy, and building alliances are key to breaking through barriers, especially for women in leadership roles. This episode will give you the tools to rethink leadership and embrace the trust and creativity necessary for success. This episode is essential for aspiring leaders, communications professionals, and anyone interested in making an impact in the evolving world of corporate communications. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat (02:34) The Importance of Trust in Leadership (03:09) Self-Promotion: Balancing Humility with Advocacy (08:11) Occupying White Space to Solve Unarticulated Problems (09:51) Leading with Curiosity and Empathy (15:24) How to Build Alliances and Break Through Barriers (18:12) Measurement as a Leadership (22:59) Building a Data Nutrition Plan (27:21) Measurement Cadences: Daily, Monthly, Quarterly (31:59) Dashboards: Shame vs. Strategic Tool (37:23) Becky’s Approach to Effective Communications Leadership (41:11) CCOs Are Business People First Connect with Becky: Becky on LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-edwards)https://www.linkedin.com/in/rledwards/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rledwards/) Take the Data-Driven Communications Free Assessment Ready to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the DDC Assessment and get your personalized report to explore the framework at https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment (https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment) Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/) Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/) Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/) Sign up for the weekly “Now What” newsletter: https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribe (https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribe) Ready to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the free maturity assessment and get your personalized report: https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment (https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment) Join the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc (https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc) See DDC LIVE at Meltwater Summit in NYC on May 5-6, 2026: https://bit.ly/ddc-summit-26 (https://bit.ly/ddc-summit-26) (Save $100 using code: MSDDCRC) Get in Touch With Us If you have any questions about this interview, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com (mailto:earningyourseat@meltwater.com)

6. 

   23 Mar 2026

   Transforming Brand Measurement from Metrics to Meaning with Evan Escobedo

   In the fast-paced world of brand measurement, the focus has traditionally been on numbers, reach, and impressions. But is that enough to truly influence business decisions? In this episode of Earning Your Seat, Evan Escobedo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-escobedo/), founder of Measured.io (https://measuredio.com/) and author of Reputation Intelligence: A Practitioner's Guide from Data Provider to Strategic Advisor (launching Q1 2026), takes us through the evolution of brand measurement and how communications leaders can move beyond basic metrics to drive meaningful insights. With years of experience in media analytics at Western Union, Evan shares his expertise in creating the Brand Equity Score, a revolutionary way to quantify brand reputation and impact. Evan discusses how AI can accelerate research but emphasizes that strategic decisions still rely on human intelligence. He also dives into the importance of understanding stakeholder needs, building a center of excellence in brand measurement, and the shift from volume to valuable, actionable insights. This episode is perfect for communications leaders and marketers looking to rethink how they measure success and use brand intelligence to shape business outcomes. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat (03:00) The Shift from Volume Metrics to Brand Intelligence (06:30) Building a Center of Excellence in Brand Measurement (12:00) The Role of AI in Brand Measurement and Strategy (18:00) Moving Beyond Data to Drive Business Impact (25:00) How to Build Smarter, Actionable Insights for Stakeholders (30:00) Evan’s Approach to Evolving Brand Measurement Connect with Evan: Evan Escobedo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-escobedo/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-escobedo/) Explore Measured.io: https://measuredio.com/ (https://measuredio.com/) Take the Data-Driven Communications Free Assessment Ready to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the DDC Assessment and get your personalized report to explore the framework at https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment (https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment) Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/) Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/) Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/) Sign up for the weekly “Now What” newsletter: https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribe (https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribe) Ready to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the free maturity assessment and get your personalized report: https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment (https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment) Join the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc (https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc) See DDC LIVE at Meltwater Summit in NYC on May 5-6, 2026: https://bit.ly/ddc-summit-26 (https://bit.ly/ddc-summit-26) (Save $100 using code: MSDDCRC) Get in Touch With Us If you have any questions about this interview, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com (mailto:earningyourseat@meltwater.com)

7. 

   16 Mar 2026

   Leadership Strategies from a Female Founder in Communications with Natalie Moran

   In communications, work often speaks for itself. But does it? Many women leaders in communications—especially those working behind the scenes—struggle with visibility. The key to earning credibility is simpler and more uncomfortable than most might think. In this episode of Earning Your Seat, Natalie Moran (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliecmoran/), Founder of Comms Futurist (https://www.commsfuturist.com/) and an experienced communications strategist, challenges the idea that the work will speak for itself. As a leader who works closely with executive teams, Natalie shares her experience advocating for visibility, leveraging personal wins, and connecting communications efforts to business outcomes. Leadership in communications involves more than reporting metrics and crafting the perfect message. It’s about building trust in a world where audiences are skeptical of polished corporate messaging. Natalie discusses how leaders can balance humility with the need to self-promote, why authenticity is essential in leadership, and how to embrace AI without losing human connection. In this episode, we celebrate the power of women who are breaking through the noise, advocating for their value, and leading with authenticity. This conversation is a must-listen for communications professionals who want to step out of the shadows, communicate their worth, and build trust in an increasingly skeptical era. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat (01:00) The Importance of Self-Promotion in Communications Leadership (03:07) Documenting Wins and Making Them Visible to Decision Makers (07:15) The Gendered Experience of Self-Promotion in Leadership (12:30) The Impact of AI on Communications and the Importance of Human Oversight (18:00) Building Trust in a World Skeptical of Corporate Messaging (24:00) Managing Burnout While Leading Communications Teams (28:00) Addressing the Challenges of Team Culture and Standards Connect with Natalie: Natalie Moran on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliemoran (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliemoran) Discover Comms Futurist: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comms-futurist/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/comms-futurist/) Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/) Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/) Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/) Subscribe to the Earning Your Seat Newsletter: Ready to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the free maturity assessment and get your personalized report: https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment (https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment) Join the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc (https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc) Sign up for the weekly “Now What” newsletter: https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribe (https://ddc-research-lab.beehiiv.com/subscribe) See DDC LIVE! At Meltwater Summit in NYC on May 5-6, 2026: https://bit.ly/ddc-summit-26 (https://bit.ly/ddc-summit-26) (Save $100 using code: MSDDCRC) Get in Touch With Us If you have any questions about this interview, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com (mailto:earningyourseat@meltwater.com)

8. 

   9 Mar 2026

   The Hidden Power of Social Listening Revealed by Nathan Carpenter

   The landscape of influence is constantly evolving, and understanding who’s shaping the conversation is key to crafting effective strategies. But how do you tap into this ever-shifting dynamic? In this episode of Earning Your Seat, Nathan Carpenter (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-carpenter-phd-654140a), the visionary behind Atlas Lab (https://www.jou.ufl.edu/atlas-lab/), takes us inside the world of social media influence. With over 20 years of experience, Nathan has been at the forefront of studying how networks drive communication and how to listen beyond the surface noise to uncover the real drivers of change. Nathan shares his insights on why traditional methods of social media tracking often miss the bigger picture, how influence is mapped in the digital age, and why understanding the ecosystem is essential for creating smarter, data-driven strategies. This episode is perfect for marketers, communicators, and anyone looking to decode the complexities of influence in today’s digital world and use that knowledge to lead with purpose. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat (02:30) The challenge of understanding influence in today’s digital landscape (06:15) How Nathan’s lab is mapping influence and what it reveals (12:00) Why traditional social media listening methods fall short (16:30) The importance of knowing the ecosystem, not just the data (21:00) Why influence is more about networks than followers (25:00) Practical steps to listen smarter and stay ahead of trends (30:00) Nathan’s advice for communicators looking to stay relevant in an ever-evolving digital world Connect with Nathan: Nathan Carpenter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-carpenter-phd-654140a (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-carpenter-phd-654140a) Explore Atlas Lab: https://www.jou.ufl.edu/atlas-lab/ (https://www.jou.ufl.edu/atlas-lab/) Take the Data-Driven Communications Free Assessment Ready to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the DDC Assessment and get your personalized report to explore the framework at https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment (https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment) Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/) Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/) Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/) Join the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc (https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc) Get in Touch With Us If you have any questions about this episode, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com (mailto:earningyourseat@meltwater.com)

9. 

   2 Mar 2026

   Building a Winning Social Media Strategy with Kirsten Echeverry

   Social media waits for no one. Social was the Wild West. Now, it’s one of the most powerful tools for business growth. The question is: how do you keep up and craft a social strategy that actually wins? In this episode of Earning Your Seat, Kirsten Echeverry (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenmberg/) reflects on the unique challenges of running social media marketing globally. Kirsten is the Director of Social Media and Influence at IBM, a leading voice in B2B marketing for tech with a decade’s worth of experience in communications roles for consumer brands. A successful social media strategy rests on finding the right balance between building brand equity and promoting products. Behind the scenes, marketers must learn how to navigate the friction between marketing and comms teams, translate executive vision into content that sticks, and manage corporate caution to drive creativity. Kirsten comes with a wealth of valuable insights on the most effective social media plays today, from the professionalization of content creators to using social listening as a tool for building data-driven comms strategies and navigating crises. This episode is for anyone who is looking to step into marketing leadership roles and build a playbook for owning social media in today’s fast-paced landscape. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat (03:16) Balancing Marketing and Comms Priorities on Social Media (07:16) Navigating Risk on Social (12:30) Juggling the Different Pieces of a Corporate Social Media Strategy (23:55) Driving the Conversation About Your Brand (26:02) How Creators are Shaping Social (45:23) The Science and Business of Social (47:28) Using Data to Build a Social Media Strategy (55:45) How Social Listening Insights are Driving a Different Marketing Strategy Connect with Kirsten: Kirsten Echeverry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenmberg/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenmberg/) Get a Glimpse of IBM’s Social Media Strategy: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ibm/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ibm/) Take the Data-Driven Communications Free Assessment Ready to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the DDC Assessment and get your personalized report to explore the framework at https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment (https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment) Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/) Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/) Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/) Join the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc (https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc) Get in Touch With Us If you have any questions about this episode, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com (mailto:earningyourseat@meltwater.com)

10. 

    27 Feb 2026

    Carmen Simon Explains Why People Remember What They Feel

    The success of a campaign or piece of content isn’t measured by how viral it goes. Real influence comes from crafting messages that appeal to emotion and stick to memory using an intentional data-driven approach. In this episode of Earning Your Seat, Carmen Simon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarmensimon/) takes listeners behind the science of persuasive messaging. As Chief Science Officer at Enhancive, Carmen uses neuroscience to create memorable content and train teams to use the same principles in their own comms strategies. For Carmen, effective messaging comes down to “controlling the 10%”, or anchoring a message on a simple core idea, then supporting it with more complex concepts. When done right, this deliberate balance between simple and complex messaging helps people remember the most important ideas, no matter how long or packed a piece of content might be. Carmen also gives a crash course on the way the human brain works: how memories can be reshaped by talking about them, how ideas stick with us when we can apply them to other contexts, and how emotions help audiences connect with content. This episode will leave you with actionable insights on communicating with intent, presenting new ideas through tried and tested techniques, and creating impact through emotion. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Connect with Carmen: Carmen Simon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarmensimon/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarmensimon/) Take the Data-Driven Communications Free Assessment Ready to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the DDC Assessment and get your personalized report to explore the framework at https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment (https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment) Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/) Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/) Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/) Subscribe to the Earning Your Seat Newsletter: https://bit.ly/newsletter-ddc (https://bit.ly/newsletter-ddc) Join the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc (https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc) Get in Touch With Us If you have any questions about this interview, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com (mailto:earningyourseat@meltwater.com)

11. 

    16 Feb 2026

    Tim Marklein on Building Data-Driven Brand Strategies

    As a brand grows, driving and proving its impact becomes increasingly important. The challenge many marketers face is figuring out how their brand is currently seen and how exactly they want it to be seen. In this episode of Earning Your Seat, Tim Marklein (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmarklein/) breaks down the key elements for pushing brand awareness, reputation, and demand. His expertise is the driving force behind Big Valley Marketing (https://bigvalley.co/), a data-driven marketing and communications firm for tech companies. Tim pinpoints a common roadblock for many brands looking to prove their impact: many of them seek to do so without an informed starting point or a clear objective. Additionally, the process can break down when cross-functional departments are not aligned on common goals, creating data silos. On the other hand, he sheds light on low-cost ways for companies to gather data about their impact, the people every marketing and communications team needs to succeed, and the soft skills that help marketers win. By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a clear roadmap for defining what impact looks like for your brand, finding data that paints a real picture of influence, and preparing your teams to work with data that defines the business. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat (01:57) Building Awareness, Driving Demand, and Improving Reputation (02:31) Defining Objectives in Proving Brand Impact (08:23) Budget-Friendly Ways to Gather Data (11:05) Navigating Data Silos in the Organization (17:30) Why Marketing and Comms Teams Need Researchers and Analysts (20:03) The Soft Skills Every Marketer Should Have (22:41) The Experts Marketing and Comms Teams Need to Have (26:12) Bringing AI Into the Comms Workflow (28:59) How Alignment Makes the Work Easier (19:54) Closing Thoughts: A Roadmap for Proving Brand Impact Connect with Tim: Tim Marklein on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmarklein (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmarklein) Explore Big Valley Marketing: https://bigvalley.co/ (https://bigvalley.co/) Take the Data-Driven Communications Free Assessment Ready to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the DDC Assessment and get your personalized report to explore the framework at https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment (https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment) Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/) Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/) Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/) Subscribe to the Earning Your Seat Newsletter: https://bit.ly/newsletter-ddc (https://bit.ly/newsletter-ddc) Join the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc (https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc) Get in Touch With Us If you have any questions about this interview, email us at earningyourseat@meltwater.com (mailto:earningyourseat@meltwater.com)

12. 

    9 Feb 2026

    Dan Nestle Unpacks the Future of Data-Driven Comms

    There’s no denying that AI is in everything now, from countless LinkedIn posts on your feed to corporate workflows. But that doesn’t mean that it has to drive the conversation. In this episode of Earning Your Seat—a Meltwater podcast, Dan Nestle (http://linkedin.com/in/nestle) gives us a practical approach to leveraging AI in communications. He’s a veteran communications strategist, the Founder and Chief Curiosity Officer of Inquisitive Communications (https://be-inquisitive.com/), host of the podcast The Trending Communicator (https://www.trendingcommunicator.com/), and a leading voice in the discourse around AI. Dan zooms in on the use of AI to drive thought leadership and how it has led to a rise in generic content. He cites Andy Crestodina’s definition of thought leadership as something that people can disagree with, stressing that high-quality work built on domain expertise will continue to stand out. From there, he urges AI users to go beyond automating menial tasks and instead leverage the tech to innovate and upskill. Most importantly, Dan highlights the role of the human in managing AI use in high-stakes fields, like journalism. For Dan, the human can’t just be “in the loop”. The human must act as a manager for AI, seeing ideas through from start to finish and taking full accountability for the output. You’ll hear Dan talk about the idea of AI as a “PhD in your pocket”, navigating AI visibility on search, and how teams in organizations can become AI-literate together. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat (01:33) Thought Leadership and PR in the Age of AI (05:15) How AI Changes the Way You Work (09:27) Using AI to Surround Yourself With Expertise (11:20) The Human as the Driver of AI (13:52) Leveraging AI in Search (17:36) How Teams Can Master AI Together (19:54) Closing Thoughts: Making Sense of AI at Work and Our Lives Connect with Dan: Dan Nestle on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nestle (http://linkedin.com/in/nestle) Explore Inquisitive Communications: https://be-inquisitive.com/ (https://be-inquisitive.com/) Listen to The Trending Communicator: https://www.trendingcommunicator.com/ (https://www.trendingcommunicator.com/) Take the Data-Driven Communications Free Assessment Ready to see where you stand with Data-Driven Communications? Take the DDC Assessment and get your personalized report to explore the framework at https://bit.ly/meltwater-ddc-assessment Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/ Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/ Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/ Subscribe to the Earning Your Seat Newsletter: https://bit.ly/newsletter-ddc Join the Data-Driven Communications Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc

13. 

    2 Feb 2026

    Johna Burke on Why PR Data Needs a Reality Check

    In a world that is increasingly led by data-driven communications, how do you prove the true value of a story, a message, or a media hit? In the first episode of Earning Your Seat — a Meltwater podcast, Johna Burke (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gojohnab/) pulls back the curtain on an often-overlooked area of communications: measurement. As the CEO of AMEC (https://amecorg.com/)(the Association for Measurement and Evaluation of Communication), Johna is at the forefront of redefining how we assess the impact of public relations, media coverage, and messaging. Johna challenges us to rethink traditional metrics, like Advertising Value Equivalency (AVE), which have long been used to equate media value with advertising spend. Johna pulls no punches, explaining why AVE is a flawed metric that fails to capture the true essence of PR efforts. What’s most refreshing about Johna is her humanity. While she’s an expert in metrics, she never loses sight of the fact that communications is about relationships, building trust, and creating value for audiences. You’ll hear Johna’s unique take on the intersection of communications and measurement, why she believes that "data leads" are more than just a trend, and how breaking down barriers in communications isn’t just about proving value, it’s about making real impact. Earning Your Seat is a Meltwater podcast. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Welcome to Earning Your Seat (02:30) Rethinking Communications Metrics (06:10) The Trouble with AVE (12:00) The Power of Data-Driven Insights (16:40) "So What?" and "Now What?" (21:15) The Art and Science of Measuring Impact (25:30) Trust and Bias in Data (31:50) How to Build Credibility Through Measurement (37:00) The Pitfalls of Over-Solutioning (41:30) Moving Beyond Outdated Metrics (45:00) Closing Thoughts: Calibrating and Iterating Measurement Connect with Johna: Johna Burke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gojohnab/ Explore AMEC: https://amecorg.com/ Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/ Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/?skipRedirect=true Stephanie Leradall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/ Subscribe to the Earning Your Seat Newsletter: https://www.meltwater.com/ Join the Data-Driven Comms Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc

14. 

    26 Jan 2026

    Earning Your Seat Didn’t Start As A Podcast. Here’s What It Became

    This episode is the origin story for the Earning Your Seat podcast. In this pilot episode, Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab at Meltwater, takes you behind the scenes of how Earning Your Seat came to life, and why it never really felt like a podcast. Along the way, you’ll meet the voices at the table: Genevieve Brammall, Head of PR at News Corp Australia, and Stephanie Lerdall, Head of Corporate Communications at Morningstar. What started as a series of conversations about data-driven communication quickly became something else. A place to test ideas in real time. To ask questions without neat answers. To talk honestly about confidence, leadership, data, and what it actually means to show up in rooms where decisions get made. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing strong work but struggling to prove it, questioning your confidence, or wondering if you’ve truly earned your seat at the table, you’re not alone. This show is for you. Welcome to Earning Your Seat, a Meltwater Podcast. Follow Earning Your Seat: Dino Delic, Head of the Data-Driven Comms Research Lab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/ Genevieve Brammall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-brammall/?skipRedirect=true Stephanie Lerdall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesheppard/ Subscribe to Earning Your Seat Newsletter: https://www.meltwater.com/ Join the Data-Driven Comms Community: https://community.meltwater.com/p/ddc

15. 

    16 Jan 2026

    This is Earning Your Seat, a Meltwater podcast

    Communications leadership rarely comes with clear answers. Expectations shift, stakes rise. And at some point, the room starts looking to you. Earning Your Seat is a podcast about learning how to lead in that moment. Hosted by Dino Delic, who leads Meltwater’s Data Driven Communications Research Lab, alongside Genevieve Brammall, Head of PR at News Corp Australia, and Stephanie Lerdall, Head of Corporate Communications at Morningstar, the show brings together three distinct perspectives on modern communications leadership. Each episode is built around real experience. The decisions that shape trust and the moments that test credibility. You can expect conversations with communications, marketing, and insights leaders who have earned their seat and are willing to share how they did it. What they learned the hard way. What they wish they had known sooner. If you work in communications and want to show up prepared and credible when it matters most, this show is for you. Listen to Earning Your Seat. Available now on all major streaming platforms.

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