Happeo Unmuted

About Happeo Unmuted

Welcome to Happeo Unmuted – a podcast where industry experts share insights, best practices, and the latest trends in internal communications and intranet management.

Publisher

Happeo Unmuted

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Aug 2025

Latest episode

9 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Jul 2026

   The Accidental Knowledge Manager & the Human Search Box | Happeo Unmuted Episode 16

   The Accidental Knowledge Manager & the Human Search Box | Happeo Unmuted Episode 16Welcome to Happeo Unmuted, the podcast where we go beyond best practices to explore what really connects people at work. In this episode, Jesse Bourgeault-Trickey sits down with Jonathan Ralton, a digital transformation consultant with more than two decades of experience spanning technical consulting, product management, business analysis, and change leadership — with a career that began in the early days of SharePoint.Jonathan specializes in information architecture and taxonomy design, and is an active voice in the knowledge management community. In this conversation, he breaks down what good knowledge management actually looks like, why it's so often mistaken for content management, and why the hardest part of KM isn't the technology — it's getting people to make time for it.In this episode, Jonathan shares:✅ Why "content precedes design" — and what that means for every deliverable, not just websites✅ The difference between knowledge management and content management, and why conflating them holds organizations back✅ The "accidental knowledge manager" problem: why professional services teams struggle to make time for KM when it isn't billable✅ The "watermelon projects" story — how uncovering hidden risk across client projects became a real KM win✅ Why legacy content shouldn't sit stagnant, even when the underlying knowledge stays the same✅ The "best of breed" vs. "best of suite" tooling debate, and how to know which one fits your organization✅ Why some employees become a "human search box" instead of using the tools built for them✅ Why single source of truth applies to data and procedure, but not always to knowledge✅ Why enterprise search never delivered on its hype — and what it exposed instead✅ Why tools can never fix culture on their own — and what Field of Dreams gets wrong about technology adoption✅ Why AI recommendations need to show their reasoning to earn trust✅ The best practices Jonathan thinks we should actually unlearn — including "sprint zero"Whether you're a knowledge management professional, an internal communicator, or someone trying to build a genuine learning culture inside your organization, this episode is full of practical, hard-won perspective.🔗 Learn more about Happeo: https://www.happeo.com🎧 Subscribe for more episodes on internal communications, knowledge management, employee experience, and AI in the workplace.

2. 

   5 May 2026

   Message Mapping, Asking the Difficult Questions, and What Consultation Looks Like | Happeo Unmuted Episode 15

   Welcome to Happeo Unmuted, the podcast where we go beyond best practices to explore what really connects people at work. In this episode, Jesse Bourgeault-Trickey sits down with Roxanne Deevey, owner and chief strategist of DB Strategic Communications and two-time Gold Quill award winner, to discuss why internal communications keeps getting treated as an afterthought — and what it actually takes to change that.Roxanne brings decades of award-winning experience in the education and healthcare nonprofit sectors, and she doesn't hold back on the assumptions, habits, and organizational blind spots that quietly undermine even the best-intentioned comms teams.In this episode, Roxanne shares: Why communications gets cut first when budgets get tight — and how to prevent it How message mapping became one of the most quietly powerful tools in her practice Why organizations consistently overestimate how much employees care about executive activity What genuine consultation looks like versus just ticking a box — and why the difference matters The recognition-based inclusion campaign that won Gold Quills and got replicated by other school boards Why plain language is the advice everyone agrees with and almost nobody follows Why the CEO isn't always the best person for the interview Whether you're an internal communications professional, a people leader, or someone trying to get leadership to take comms seriously, this episode is full of things worth writing down. 🔍 Timestamps ⁠00:00⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP0J_OXf09E) Intro ⁠00:01⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP0J_OXf09E&t=1s) Roxanne's background and DB Strategic Communications ⁠00:03⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP0J_OXf09E&t=3s) Why communications gets treated as a "nice to have" ⁠00:04⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP0J_OXf09E&t=4s) The power of asking "why this, why now?" ⁠00:05⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP0J_OXf09E&t=5s) What makes the chaos of the job worthwhile ⁠00:07⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP0J_OXf09E&t=7s) Message mapping: what it is and why it works ⁠00:11⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP0J_OXf09E&t=11s) How organizations overestimate employee interest in leadership ⁠00:12⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP0J_OXf09E&t=12s) Red flags that signal a difficult project ahead ⁠00:15⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP0J_OXf09E&t=15s) Why approval processes muddle communication ⁠00:19⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP0J_OXf09E&t=19s) The "graa" inclusion campaign: recognition over moralizing ⁠00:24⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP0J_OXf09E&t=24s) What genuine consultation actually looks like ⁠00:27⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP0J_OXf09E&t=27s) The democratization of video and what it changed ⁠00:29⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP0J_OXf09E&t=29s) AI's role in communications — and what it can't replace ⁠00:34⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP0J_OXf09E&t=34s) Why plain language is harder than it sounds ⁠00:37⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP0J_OXf09E&t=37s) Why the CEO isn't always the right interview subject ⁠00:39⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP0J_OXf09E&t=39s) Closing thoughts 🔗 Learn more about Happeo: ⁠https://www.happeo.com⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbDkwLTlVeTZnUHYzNGRhQVJ5d2t3VjV1cDVEUXxBQ3Jtc0tuNTBGdXFOd05QOFAwcE9PVE1zRDZ5WERMUjRmV3hOQmppOF8wRFNueWJPa0Y0ZWhsWmdlNldobXRRQldYdmR6RjRMbUg3VEM0VW0zSDZOU0FzeWlBVDZOMk14anBsMlM0blVTdWxGUnJrZ0ZHRE1TWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.happeo.com%2F&v=kP0J_OXf09E) 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes on internal communications, knowledge management, employee experience, and AI in the workplace.

3. 

   2 Apr 2026

   Ready for Change: Communication, Culture, and Leading Transformation | Happeo Unmuted Episode 14

   Ready for Change: Communication, Culture, and Leading Transformation | Happeo Unmuted Podcast | Episode 14Welcome to Happeo Unmuted, the podcast where we go beyond best practices to explore what really connects people at work. In this episode, Jesse Bourgeault-Trickey sits down with Andrea Greenhous, founder and president of Vision to Voice, to rethink how organizations approach change, communication, and transformation.From moving beyond outdated “change management” frameworks to building cultures that are truly ready for change, Andrea shares powerful insights on how communication, leadership, and human behavior shape successful transformation.In this episode, Andrea shares:✅ Why organizations should focus on being “ready for change,” not just managing it✅ Why communication must be valuable, purposeful, and worth employees’ time✅ How poor communication creates “change trauma” — and how to fix it✅ Why leaders must take ownership of communication and lead change from the top✅ How storytelling creates authentic, compelling reasons for change✅ Why modern intranets and knowledge management are critical for supporting transformation✅ How emotional intelligence, trust, and psychological safety drive successful changeWhether you’re an internal communications professional, HR leader, or transformation strategist, this episode offers practical advice on building a culture that can adapt, learn, and thrive through constant change.🔍 Timestamps00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0) Intro01:25 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=85s) Why communication must be valuable02:28 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=148s) A change communication blooper03:42 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=222s) Understanding your audience and making messages stick04:52 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=292s) Why change management feels broken06:02 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=362s) Moving beyond outdated frameworks07:12 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=432s) The concept of “change readiness”08:12 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=492s) Why organizations forget the human side of change09:32 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=572s) Building people-first communication systems10:57 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=657s) Anchoring change to organizational purpose12:05 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=725s) Why employees resist change13:12 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=792s) Understanding “change trauma”14:20 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=860s) Rebuilding trust after failed change15:22 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=922s) Emotional intelligence in communication16:57 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=1017s) How leaders undermine change17:55 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=1075s) The role of humility and failure in leadership20:01 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=1201s) Supporting employees after implementation25:54 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=1554s) Knowledge management’s role in change27:09 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=1629s) Creating valuable, lasting content29:47 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=1787s) The power of storytelling in transformation30:57 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=1857s) Using stories to shift behavior32:21 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=1941s) Why authentic stories need tension and failure33:28 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=2008s) Getting leadership buy-in for real communication36:58 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=2218s) The role of modern intranets38:28 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=2308s) Why comms teams need better tools39:54 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=2394s) Supporting managers as communicators41:14 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=2474s) Creating message permanence42:31 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=2551s) The human challenge of AI in change45:07 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=2707s) Measuring success in transformation47:14 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=2834s) Staying agile and adapting quickly48:31 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=2911s) The communicator’s role as “ear to the ground”50:24 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=3024s) Why emotions are data55:04 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=3304s) Building a culture ready for change56:13 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZdBpZ4qHl0&t=3373s) From knowing culture to learning culture🔗 Learn more about Happeo: https://www.happeo.com (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbW1qOVJhVDRjSHl3SVI5VmNTeHkzdkRNNlkwZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsYjU3RXE4QkZYTm56aVQwMG9jWVZmQ3BfY19WNEdjOUhyMU5YZm1WcEpFbklXNWpGWWxhMmxreG95SDdWSXNfaTIxZG5Cck1KYUxWYlNjcVdTY1VuY29pbE84em9hcmxnbkFTNjZ6ZS16cFpNYTN2TQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.happeo.com%2F&v=aZdBpZ4qHl0)🎧 Subscribe for more episodes on internal communications, knowledge management, employee experience, and AI in the workplace.

4. 

   12 Mar 2026

   Authentic Leadership, Strategic Seats,& Why Silence Isn't a Comms Problem | Happeo Unmuted Episode 13

   Welcome to Happeo Unmuted, the podcast where we go beyond best practices to explore what really connects people at work. In this episode, Jesse Bourgeault-Trickey sits down with Nekolina Lau to challenge how internal comms teams think about their role, and where they're spending their time. 1. Leaders are the most trusted communication channel, not the comms team.Employees trust people, not logos or titles. Leaders have been outsourcing their voice for too long, and simply approving a drafted message isn't the same as communicating.2. Silence isn't a comms problem.When nobody asks questions in a town hall or engagement is low, the instinct is to blame the channel. More often than not, it's a trust and psychological safety issue, and no new tool or feature will fix that.3. Stop measuring vanity metricsPost views and likes don't tell you much. The metrics that matter are the ones tied to real business outcomes — changed behavior, training completion, tool adoption.4. Build your reputational piggy bank before you need it.Transparency and honest communication are deposits. When a difficult decision or crisis hits, organizations that have built up that trust recover faster and with far less damage.5. Comms professionals need to stop being gatekeepers.The goal should be setting up frameworks, templates, and guardrails that empower leaders and employees to communicate within appropriate lanes, freeing the comms team to focus on work that's actually strategic.

5. 

   26 Feb 2026

   Metrics, Human Champions, and Decentralized Comms | Happeo Unmuted Episode 12

   Welcome to Happeo Unmuted, the podcast where we go beyond best practices to explore what really connects people at work. In this episode, Jesse Bourgeault-Trickey sits down with Janna Stam to unpack the realities of measuring internal comms, the emotional weight of the role, and why communication is far more than a “soft skill.”Top 5 takeaways from Janna Stam on Happeo Unmuted:1. There’s no universal metric for internal comms successInternal communications remains a “black box” when it comes to measurement. There’s no industry-wide gold standard, only internal benchmarking. Whether it’s open rates, click-throughs, or engagement signals, progress is measured against your own historical data. Even a 2–5% lift can be meaningful. The real key is setting intentional goals and tracking movement over time, rather than chasing a mythical silver bullet metric.2. “Can you send an email?” is the biggest misunderstanding of commsThe most common request Janna hears is: “I need an email to go out.” But internal comms is far more than message distribution. It’s governance, psychology, stakeholder alignment, and cultural translation. It’s about understanding influence networks, building trust with business partners, and identifying human champions who can make a message resonate in ways a single executive email never could.3. Communication is infrastructure, not a soft skillOne of Janna’s boldest takes: communication is organizational infrastructure. It’s the framework that creates coherence between strategy, culture, and day-to-day work. When business objectives are clearly translated into department, team, and individual goals, employees feel part of something bigger. Without that connective tissue, organizations struggle with alignment.4. AI is powerful, but human judgment is the differentiatorJanna sees AI as a creative and analytical accelerator, not a final decision-maker. Yes, it hallucinates. Yes, it can sound overly confident. But that’s precisely why the “human in the loop” matters. Tone, empathy, contextual awareness, and ethical judgment remain uniquely human strengths. AI can brainstorm, summarize, and spot patterns, but it can’t sense emotional risk or navigate cultural nuance on its own.5. The emotional labor of comms is real (and rarely discussed)Internal communicators sit between executive urgency and employee uncertainty. They absorb ambiguity, misalignment, and pressure, while projecting calm and clarity. As Janna puts it, it’s like a duck gliding smoothly on the surface while paddling frantically underneath. The role requires resilience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to translate complexity into meaning, often without recognition of the toll it takes.Throughout the conversation, Jesse and Janna return to one core idea: tools, platforms, and AI matter, but people matter more. Whether it’s leveraging champions on platforms, personalizing “comms packs” across regions, or repeating foundational messages until they stick, sustainable communication is built on human trust and accountability.

6. 

   12 Feb 2026

   Responsible AI Use, Executive Champions, and Solving Communication at the Root | Happeo Unmuted Episode 11

   Welcome to Happeo Unmuted, the podcast where we go beyond best practices to explore what really connects people at work. In this episode, Jesse Bourgeault-Trickey sits down with Maliha Aqeel to discuss several key aspects of internal communications, knowledge sharing, and digital transformation. Top 5 takeaways from Maliha Aqeel on Happeo Unmuted:1. Technology doesn’t fix communication, strategy doesOne of the biggest internal comms mistakes is relying on tools to solve people problems. Effective communication starts with understanding the audience, the purpose, and the real business impact, not launching another channel or platform.2. Comms must be strategic, not downstreamCommunications teams already have a seat at the table, but they need to use it. Comms should be involved from the start, connecting executive goals, company culture, and employee realities, and educating leaders on the strategic value they bring.3. Executive champions make or break changeSustainable communication change requires strong executive alignment. When leaders and comms teams agree on the problem—and model the behavior themselves—communication becomes clearer, simpler, and far more effective.4. Use AI responsibly with “Trust but Verify”Generative AI works best when it handles the first 70–80% of the draft, with humans refining the rest. Maliha’s “Trust but Verify” framework ensures AI output is accurate, on-brand, ethical, and accountable through systematic verification and documentation.5. Simplicity and audience focus drive real impactThe most effective communication is often the simplest. Overcomplicated campaigns fall flat, while clear priorities and a deep understanding of the audience—including the often-overlooked “silent majority”—lead to meaningful engagement and change.

7. 

   29 Jan 2026

   Courage, Strategy, and Breaking the Cycle of Communication Gaps | Happeo Unmuted Episode 10

   Welcome to Happeo Unmuted, the podcast where we go beyond best practices to explore what really connects people at work. In this episode, Jesse Bourgeault-Trickey sits down with Priya Bates to discuss the strategic evolution of internal communications. From building courage and credibility to measuring real business impact, Priya shares her career-defining moments, common pitfalls organizations face, and why internal communicators must position themselves as part of a system for success. Top 5 takeaways from Priya Bates on Happeo Unmuted: 1. Internal communicators need courage and accountability, not more complaintsPriya emphasizes that the profession must shift focus from complaining about lack of resources and respect to being accountable for real results. Internal communicators should focus on contributing to bottom-line outcomes and engaging employees to deliver on brand promises. She uses the quote from Albert Einstein: "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result," encouraging professionals to do things differently to achieve different results. 2. Strategy must come before tactics in communicationThe biggest challenge organizations face is the knee-jerk reaction to jump immediately to tactics when communication is identified as a problem, often skipping strategy. This leads to assigning communication tasks to junior or administrative staff who lack strategic training, perpetuating recurring issues. A holistic internal communication audit provides the strategic roadmap needed to identify gaps and create consistent employee experiences. 3. Tool adoption requires more than just availabilityUsing the Field of Dreams analogy, Priya warns that simply making a tool available does not guarantee effective use or contribution to efficiencies without proper process implementation. Successful adoption requires thinking about how the tool will be used, providing training and governance, maintaining relevant content, and measuring success beyond mere clicks to focus on organizational impact. 4. Survey fatigue is actually lack of action fatigueWhat organizations call survey fatigue is really frustration over failed follow-through. Organizations either fail to act on survey results or neglect to inform employees of the actions taken. Effective reinforcement means consistent actions from leaders, highlighting recognition for achievements, and connecting requested actions with actual results—a process of showing and showcasing, not just repeating the same message. 5. Measurement is the biggest opportunity for internal communicatorsPriya advocates for using metrics to demonstrate value and build credibility, even if it starts by showing what went wrong. This includes tracking often-overlooked outcomes like improvements in safety records, reduced liability or lawsuits related to non-compliance with policies, and better alignment with organizational goals. Building credibility involves delivering on strategic projects, measuring results, and creating case studies that demonstrate the link between successful communication and business results.

8. 

   15 Jan 2026

   KM Strategy, Storytelling, and the Future of Organizational Knowledge | Happeo Unmuted Episode 9

   Welcome to Happeo Unmuted, the podcast where we go beyond best practices to explore what really connects people at work. In this episode, Jesse Bourgeault-Trickey sits down with Claude Baudoin to discuss the intricacies of knowledge management. From identifying experts to facilitating knowledge sharing, Claude Baudoin shares common misconceptions, his real-world successes, and the importance of motivating employees and leadership.

9. 

   18 Dec 2025

   Creating a Learning Organization with Knowledge Management, AI, & Culture | Happeo Unmuted Episode 8

   Welcome to Happeo Unmuted, the podcast where we go beyond best practices to explore what really connects people at work. In this episode, Jesse Bourgeault-Trickey sits down with Martin Hobratschk to discuss the evolving world of knowledge management. From the balance between centralizing knowledge and empowering experts, to leveraging AI for real-time insights and driving measurable impact, this episode is packed with actionable tips for anyone looking to make knowledge work for their organization.Top 5 Takeaways from Happeo Unmuted with Martin Hobratschk1. Start with a thorough assessment and a clear strategyBefore diving into tools or processes, it’s crucial to understand what you already have. Martin emphasizes, “The first step always has to be do a real good thorough assessment of what you've got now… really understand what tools are out there, what is in those tools, what is the state of the content, and what problems it solves.” Once you’ve identified gaps, focus on solving the highest-impact problem first. Start simple and iterate. Build a roadmap not just for the next six months, but with a vision stretching out multiple years.2. Centralize knowledge but empower decentralized expertsA single source of truth is essential, but the content should come from those who have the expertise. Martin explains, “The true experts are the ones who should be responsible for maintaining that knowledge… making knowledge sharing as much as possible a function of everybody’s job.” By integrating KM into the daily workflow of subject matter experts, organizations ensure accuracy and relevance without overburdening staff.3. Measure impact, not activityCreating knowledge isn’t enough—you must track how it drives real outcomes. Martin highlights, “You can put metrics in place to say we created 2,000 new knowledge articles this year, but were they actually used? Measure how things are being used… that’s a better measure than just counting articles created.” Focus on KPIs like first contact resolution, average handle time, and customer satisfaction to demonstrate tangible ROI.4. Leverage AI to enhance, not replace, human knowledgeAI can be transformative, from surfacing relevant content to identifying knowledge gaps. Martin notes, “AI is so much more than just creating and sharing. You can use it to analyze your knowledge base, find areas for improvement, and suggest ways to improve that… but always keeping a human in the loop.” AI-powered tools can also provide real-time guidance during customer interactions, highlighting contextually relevant updates without relying solely on search.5. Cultivate a learning and knowledge-sharing cultureThe most successful KM programs come from mindset change, not just systems. Martin says, “Knowledge management is something you do for people, not to them… continuous learning is continuous improvement.” Organizations need to incentivize knowledge sharing, celebrate champions, and make learning part of everyday work. A culture that values employee knowledge translates into better service for customers and higher engagement internally.

10. 

    4 Dec 2025

    Knowledge Management, Human Oversight, and the End of Hoarding Culture | Happeo Unmuted Episode 7

    Welcome to Happeo Unmuted, the podcast where we go beyond best practices to explore what really connects people at work. In this episode, Jesse Bourgeault-Trickey sits down with Taylor Paschal to discuss the real foundations of responsible AI in knowledge management, from dismantling knowledge hoarding culture, to empowering SMEs, to keeping a human in the loop.

11. 

    23 Oct 2025

    Tools, Trust, and the Future of Internal Comms | Happeo Unmuted Episode 6

    Welcome to Happeo Unmuted, the podcast where we go beyond best practices to explore what really connects people at work. In this episode, Jesse Bourgeault-Trickey sits down with Kait Gillen to discuss common misconceptions, getting a seat at the table, and the challenges that come with overlapping tools. Top 5 Takeaways from Kait Gillen on Happeo Unmuted:1. Tools can’t fix culture, but they can facilitate itKait emphasizes that culture is fundamentally intangible—it’s the shared stories, experiences, and narratives that form the “fabric” of an organization. While technology platforms can help facilitate communication and engagement, they cannot create culture from scratch or fundamentally change it. The effectiveness of tools depends on how they’re implemented, and without thoughtful use, they can even harm culture by creating misalignment or confusion. Tools are enablers, not replacements, for intentional culture-building practices.2. Simplicity and focus beat feature overloadKait notes that many platforms today offer an overwhelming array of overlapping features—HR systems that handle rewards, swag platforms that manage recognition, and knowledge tools that attempt to do everything. This can lead to confusion over which tool should be used for what purpose and reduce adoption. Her advice is to focus on doing a few things exceptionally well, rather than trying to cover every possible use case. Strong governance and clarity on scope are essential for efficiency, adoption, and preventing redundancy.3. Employee experience is a force multiplierKait frames employee experience as more than just perks or “nice-to-have” initiatives. She argues that it directly contributes to a strong, healthy culture and amplifies the impact of other strategic initiatives, similar to how diversity, equity, and inclusion act as force multipliers. Businesses often deprioritize employee experience during challenging times, but doing so diminishes engagement, inclusivity, and overall effectiveness. Investing in experience creates an environment where employees can thrive, which in turn drives better business outcomes.4. Clear communication is an act of kindnessOne of Kait’s guiding principles is “clear is kind.” She stresses that communicators must intentionally craft messages that are understandable to all stakeholders, especially non-communicators. This involves distilling complex strategies, peeling back jargon, and ensuring that messaging is actionable and accessible. Clear communication reduces confusion, fosters alignment, and builds trust, while also helping leaders send intentional signals to employees about priorities, values, and expectations.5. Every action sends a signalKait reminds us that every decision, policy, or communication sends signals to employees—whether intended or not. She encourages leaders and communicators to step back and examine the broader implications of their actions: What does this policy signal about the organization’s priorities? Does this communication reinforce the culture we want to build? By being intentional about the signals they send, leaders can ensure alignment between strategy, culture, and employee perception, avoiding unintended messages that might undermine trust or engagement.

12. 

    9 Oct 2025

    Clarity, Authenticity, and Emotional Translation in IC | Happeo Unmuted Episode 5

    Welcome to Happeo Unmuted, the podcast where we go beyond best practices to explore what really connects people at work. In this episode, Jesse Bourgeault-Trickey sits down with Penny Crane to discuss the role of emotional translation, coordination, and how to protect your human touch when using AI.1. Internal comms is orchestration, not just messaging. Penny likens her role to conducting an orchestra—aligning people, timing, and content so teams receive the right information at the right moment. Effective communication creates clarity, connection, and confidence, enabling employees to make faster, better decisions while staying aligned to organizational priorities.2. Empathy is a strategic tool, not just a soft skill. Understanding how messages will be perceived through multiple lenses—across teams, roles, and seniority levels—helps prevent miscommunication and builds trust. Empathy guides timing, tone, and delivery, ensuring communications resonate even in high-stress or complex situations.3. Consistency and structure amplify impact. Using templates, repeatable processes, and clear frameworks—like structured all-hands agendas or a plug-and-play newsletter—helps employees know what to expect, making communications more engaging and efficient. Small changes, such as categorizing agenda items, can significantly improve attendance, comprehension, and alignment.4. Internal comms requires emotional translation. Penny emphasizes the unseen work of translating organizational strategy and emotion into clear, actionable messages. By anticipating reactions, addressing potential questions, and balancing multiple perspectives, communicators help employees navigate change while reducing confusion and friction.5. AI and tools are accelerators, not replacements. Penny uses AI to streamline tactical tasks like formatting, summarizing, and drafting, but stresses that judgment, tone, and audience understanding cannot be automated. Tools succeed only when paired with thoughtful strategy, strong governance, and ongoing human oversight to maintain trust and relevance.

13. 

    25 Sept 2025

    The Human Centric Power of Internal Communications | Happeo Unmuted Episode 4

    In this episode, Denisa Karfikova shared how internal communications is a strategic driver of alignment—not just newsletters or updates. She explored the role of storytelling in making strategies and leaders more relatable, the importance of measuring true impact beyond clicks, and how AI can serve as a helpful tool without replacing human empathy. She also touched on how clear, consistent, and empathetic communication shapes the employee experience, building trust, engagement, and long-term commitment.

14. 

    11 Sept 2025

    Communicating the 'Why', Buy-In, and Unlearning Best Practices | Happeo Unmuted Episode 3

    In this episode of Happeo Unmuted, Jesse sits down with Casey Bolduc, Director of Marketing & Technology at Ace Solar, to talk about the evolution of internal communications in the construction industry and the role of AI in knowledge sharing. Casey shares lessons from his career shift from financial services to solar energy, where he’s helping teams move from ad hoc updates to structured communication strategies. He explains why the toughest part of comms is getting organizational buy-in, and how even small changes—like carving out time for formal conversations about communication—can have a huge impact. You’ll also hear Casey’s perspective on AI as an enabler, not a replacement, plus a personal story about teaching his grandmother to blog that shows how the right tools can unlock creativity at any age.

15. 

    29 Aug 2025

    Strategy, Belonging, and the Human Side of Internal Comms | Happeo Unmuted Episode 2

    In this week’s episode, Jesse sat down with Frank van de Koppel of Hotwire Global, and expert in internal and external communications. This conversation explored the evolving landscape of internal communications, touching on strategy, engagement, technology, AI, and the human side of keeping employees informed, connected, and valued. Here are the five key takeaways: Strategy is more than a plan: it builds accountability and connection Frank emphasized that communication strategy goes beyond creating a plan, and rather, is about connecting the dots between the organization, the message, and the audience. It creates accountability by asking the uncomfortable but important questions and guiding communication efforts to optimize engagement and belonging. Even small actions, such as recognizing hard-working teams, can have a significant impact. Strategy ensures that communications are intentional, rather than assumed, and helps prevent messages from being lost in the noise. Creating a sense of belonging is central to internal comms Internal communications are most effective when it fosters genuine connection and belonging. Frank shared examples, such as Hotwire’s Eurovision-inspired live stream, where creative approaches made corporate updates engaging and impactful. The key is to make employees feel involved in the story, encouraging two-way feedback, and continuously adapting messages to meet audience needs. Repetition, creative formats, and personalized communication all contribute to helping employees feel valued and heard. Technology is only effective with proper implementation and governance While tools like Teams or AI are often touted as solutions for communication challenges, Frank highlighted that overhyped technology without proper setup can fail. Successful adoption requires clear governance, change management, and integration into workflows. Tools cannot fix company culture: skills, processes, and shared ways of working are what shape organizational culture. Technology should support human connection and efficiency, not replace strategy or empathy. AI has transformative potential, but human judgement remains critical The conversation explored AI’s growing role in internal communications, from improving knowledge sharing to dynamically generating content or providing TLDRs summaries. AI can enhance relevance, making meetings more digestible through transcription, and help communicators provide proactive insights. However, Frank stressed that AI is not a replacement for thoughtful strategy: humans must still focus on relevance, clarity, and minimizing information overload. Future tools may blur the line between colleague and AI, but kindness and consideration remain essential. Kindness, safe spaces, and continuous learning underpin effective communication Beyond strategy and technology, Frank repeatedly highlighted the importance of empathy, kindness, and creating safe spaces for teams. This allows employees to contribute creatively without fear of immediate judgement, and supports professional growth. He also addressed the widening technology skills gap, accelerated by AI, underscoring the necessity for continuous learning and adaptation. Successful communicators must balance complexity with simplicity, consider audience needs, and foster environments where people feel recognized, capable, and safe to innovate.

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    14 Aug 2025

    Measuring Comms Tactics with Regine Nelson | Happeo Unmuted Episode 1

    Welcome to Happeo Unmuted — the show where we speak openly about what it really takes to connect people at work. In this episode of Happeo Unmuted, host Jesse Bourgeault-Trickey interviews Regine Nelson, Internal Communications and Employee Engagement Lead at Couchbase. An awkward “unmuted moment” Regine opens with a jaw-dropping story from a virtual all-hands that underscores why “mute on entry” should be a golden rule. Smart Brevity Model At Couchbase, Regine has helped implement the Smart Brevity framework, focusing every message on three questions: What’s happening? Why now? What’s in it for me? This employee-first approach has boosted engagement, inspired leaders to adopt the same style in meetings, and ensured communications cut through noise. Measuring internal communications success For Regine, success is about whether messages drive the intended actions. She shares strategies for reinforcing messages across multiple channels and tracking impact through Slack engagement, reduced support tickets, and eventual behavior change. Can tools fix culture? Regine believes tools can support culture, but they can’t create trust. Culture change is a people problem, not a software problem. She discusses the role of AI in the workplace, including experimental ideas like AI “leader clones,” and explains why trust and transparency are essential for adoption. Feedback loops and employee trust Regine warns against asking for feedback without acting on it, which erodes trust. She advocates for an “always-on” feedback culture, timely communication of survey results, and predictable systems that reduce change fatigue—such as annual event calendars and coordinated messaging schedules. A systems-first philosophy Regine is intentional about reducing cognitive overload by limiting organization-wide emails, using governance for comms requests, and creating repeatable systems. Listeners will leave with actionable strategies for internal communications, change management, and employee engagement—plus a few laughs from Regine’s real-world experiences (including life with 26 backyard chickens).

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