Communication Strategy That Works

𝐴𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝐴𝑙𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑚𝑠 & 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑠 𝑆𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 - 𝐸𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑜𝑑𝑒 3 Welcome to the final part in the series. Why are newsletters growing? Why are podcasts continuing to thrive? Why are people spending 20 minutes reading a LinkedIn article or listening to an hour-long conversation when we're constantly told that attention is disappearing? The answer reveals something important about communication in 2026. Because while attention may be fragmented, our appetite for depth hasn't disappeared. In fact, I would argue that it's becoming more valuable than ever. One of the things I've been thinking about a lot lately is the contradiction at the heart of communication today. People scroll faster than ever. Content is shorter. Videos need to hook us in the first few seconds. Every platform seems to reward speed, immediacy, and constant novelty. Yet, at the same time, some of the most successful content right now is long-form. Podcasts are thriving. Newsletters are growing. Thoughtful LinkedIn articles are being shared. People are still reading books. They're still listening to hour-long conversations. They're still investing time in ideas that matter. So what's going on? Let's dive in!

I am kicking off the 2026 podcast with a new series where I'm exploring what it really takes to communicate well in 2026. Attention, Algorithms & Formats is a three-episode series and your guide to crafting messages that cut through the noise, land with clarity, and actually get seen. These three episodes will shape your thinking in the first quarter of the year ahead. Why? Because 2025 was a year defined by AI-shaped attention, personalised content ecosystems, fragile trust, and audiences who decide in seconds whether something is worth their time. And I strongly believe that communication isn't just a skill, it's a competitive advantage. The ability to craft messages that cut through noise, land with clarity, and actually stick is becoming essential for leaders, teams, brands, and creators alike. And while the tools and channels around us have evolved at lightning speed, the foundation of powerful communication hasn't changed. Storytelling is a craft as old as time, at the core of how humans have always connected, and great communication and skilled messaging sit at the heart of what I do today. I'm starting the series with a book review: Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath. It's one of the most practical, timeless books on communication I've ever read, and its insights have only become more relevant as the world around us grows noisier and more algorithmically filtered. In this book review, I'm breaking it down the way I always do: Why I loved this book What makes it so interesting Five key takeaways you can use today So, let's dive in.

This episode was sparked by a recent chat I had with Helen Neal from HN Communications. We covered loads of ground around sustainability and transparency, but one theme really stood out to me - and that was humility in brand communication. It got me thinking: in the built environment, we're often working on big, complex, long-term change. That makes messaging tricky because let's face it, not everything's sorted. And there is a lot of focus on what happens when something is complete, and little focus on progress over perfection. So, what if we took a leaf out of the consumer brand playbook? I thought it would be interesting if we looked at how brands like Patagonia or Tony's Chocolonely talk about progress and imperfection, and applied that to how we communicate about our own sustainability efforts? So, let's dive in!

Today, I'm joined by Helen Neal, founder of the multi-award-winning HN Communications and a leader in sustainability communications. Named Professional of the Year at the PRCA Dare Awards 2024 and invited to speak at COP16 in Riyadh, Helen is redefining how businesses integrate sustainability into their strategies. With a background spanning politics, corporate leadership, and communications, Helen built HN Communications to help companies navigate sustainability messaging with authenticity and impact. She believes that sustainability and profitability must go hand in hand—a vision that has made her a sought-after voice in the field. Whether you're a business leader, a communicator, or just someone passionate about a greener future, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Also check out our myth buster! Let's dive in!

With the bulk of winter behind us, I find that February is the perfect time to start being proactive and setting the tone for a productive year ahead. If you've been waiting for the right moment to shake off the post-holiday slump, this is it! Now is the time to reset, refocus, and build momentum that will carry you into Spring and the rest of the year. In today's episode, we're diving into some of the best productivity tools and strategies of 2025 to help you work smarter, not harder, while keeping a good work-life balance. And it's not all about AI you'll be pleased to hear (although some of it is) Let's dive in!

As we step firmly into 2025, the communication landscape continues to evolve at a breakneck pace. For PR and marketing professionals, staying ahead of trends while effectively connecting with audiences requires not just strategy but precision execution. In my latest podcast episode, I provide a comprehensive communication strategy for 2025, complete with actionable tips and key takeaways. Let's dive in!

As a new year approaches, there's no better time to start something fresh and exciting. 2025 is the year to take that idea you've been mulling over and turn it into something meaningful — something that connects, inspires, and resonates. Podcasts are a powerful way to do just that, and I created the Start and Launch Your Audio Podcast Coached Programme to guide you through every step of the process, from concept to launch. In this podcast episode, I dive deeper into my bespoke Start Your Audio Podcast Masterclass giving you all the information you need to get started. So, let's dive in.

Why Reading Business Books Matters: Kicking Off a Monthly Book Review episode In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel like there's never enough time to step back and invest in learning. But here's the thing: staying sharp and innovative in any field, especially communications, requires fresh ideas and new perspectives. And one of the best ways to get those? Reading business books. Sure, some might argue that we can pick up tips from blogs, podcasts obviously, or even social media. But there's something different about diving into a well-researched book. It's like having an in-depth conversation with an expert—a chance to explore their ideas fully, understand the stories behind their strategies, and learn lessons that stick. So I am mixing up podcast learning with a book review a 'pook' review? Anyway, that's why I've decided to review a book on this blog once in a while. It's a way to hold myself accountable for making time to read, but also to share the insights I discover with you. Whether you're looking for practical tips, big-picture inspiration, or just a spark of curiosity, I hope these reviews will bring you something valuable. This month, I'm kicking things off with Jonah Berger's "Contagious: Why Things Catch On." It's one of the top 2024 books for anyone interested in marketing, communication, or understanding why some ideas and products take off while others don't. So, let's dive in and explore what makes "Contagious" such a must-read—and how it can help us all create messages that stick.

I've worked with a number of startups both inside and out of the built environment sector. One thing they have in common is an infatuation with media coverage. Don't get me wrong this is essential for a startup, but it's not the only tool in the toolkit. But, public relations isn't just about media coverage—it's about building credibility and trust. For a startup, positive profile-raising activities can boost your visibility, attract investors, increase customer confidence, and open doors for partnerships. The challenge? As a newcomer without a well-known brand, breaking through the noise requires creativity and persistence. The good news is that even on a tight budget, you can build a PR strategy that maximises your resources. Today I share 6 tips for success. Let's dive in!

I wanted to unpack in more detail a topic that I am also very passionate about in my everyday work—issues management. Having worked extensively in communications, I've seen firsthand how vital it is to identify and manage potential problems before they escalate into full-blown crises. It's an area I've dedicated much of my focus to, helping organisations develop proactive strategies to address emerging issues and protect their reputations. In a recent conversation with Amanda Coleman, we discussed some shared experiences in crisis communication, but this is a topic I'm deeply invested in myself. I wanted to share my perspective on why effective issues management is essential for any organisation and what I've learned throughout my career. So, let's dive in!

As someone who started life in Corporate Communications for a famous American credit card brand, I lived through the pain of Internal Communications as posters and internal launches through to a strategic function. Comms under Corporate Comms, but got moved to HR and back again, even 25 years ago. Reflecting on these complexities and inspired by Jenny Field's insightful "Chaos to Calm" model, and the podcast where we spoke about this, I delve into the strategic role of internal communication and its optimal positioning within a business. So, let's dive in! Liked Listening today? What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further. You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

This week we reflect on a recent 'Deep Dive with Adam Driver to unpick a bit more around what SEO is, highlight its numerous benefits for comms folk and businesses, and emphasise how it should be integrated into a broader marketing strategy for optimal results. Why? Well in today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any business looking to succeed. SEO is one of the most effective tools available to achieve this. However, it is often misunderstood and misused, leading to confusion and missed opportunities. So let's dive in! Liked Listening today? What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further. You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

Following on from the topic of self-help coaching and mentoring this month, I thought I would talk a bit this week about how embarking on new projects in podcasting and how self-doubt has impacted this, and how coaching helped unblock me. These challenges, dominated by the whispers of imposter syndrome, have been a significant part of my professional journey. And has led me to talk to you here on my own podcast today So let's dive in! Liked Listening today? What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further. You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.