What if better communication starts with listening, not telling?

In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Natasha Plowman: a communications strategist, advisor, and founder of Spinning Red. Together they explore how listening, empathy, and authentic storytelling can transform the way governments engage citizens.

From unpacking the ineffectiveness of the old ‘broadcast’ model to examining the use of buzzwords in sustainability conversations, Natasha urges listeners to imbue their stories with honesty, empathy, and curiosity.

In a world where government communicators are facing rapid transformation, this episode offers a timely reminder. Meaningful change begins with understanding your audience — not just speaking louder.

• How listening creates more effective and trusted communication
• Ways to communicate across five generations in the workplace
• How storytelling connects people and drives understanding
• Why transparency builds credibility during complex change
• How curiosity and self-awareness improve leadership communication

• Spinning Red | Natasha Plowman
• Break the Silence Collective | Natasha Plowman
• Emily’s List | Emily’s List Australia
• Higher Ground | Alison Taylor
• Blog | GovComms Podcast
• LinkedIn | GovComms

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when authenticity becomes your greatest communication strategy?

In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Oluchi Ezeugo, a leading corporate communications professional from Lagos, Nigeria, who’s helped organisations across Africa navigate change, crisis, and culture.

Oluchi reveals how authentic storytelling transforms workplaces — building trust, inspiring teams, and connecting people to purpose. From guiding leaders through tough moments to rebuilding confidence after crisis, she shares practical lessons every communicator can use.

For public sector and government professionals, this episode is a masterclass in real, human communication — showing that when you lead with honesty and empathy, trust follows.

• Discover why authentic storytelling is the foundation of trust
• Learn how to communicate change with empathy and clarity
• Explore the power of internal comms to shape culture
• Hear how great leaders build psychologically safe teams
• Understand how to rebuild confidence after professional setbacks
• How AI and social media are reshaping communication

• Blog | GovComms Podcast
• LinkedIn | GovComms

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to thrive as a communicator in a rapidly changing world?

In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke speaks with Ross Monaghan, award-winning educator and communications leader from Deakin University. From his early days as a teenage journalist in Warrnambool to senior roles at Optus and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association, Ross has seen the profession evolve from every angle.

Ross shares why persistence and curiosity matter, how communicators can show leadership at any stage of their career, and why “dreaming big” is vital. He also unpacks the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence, urging communicators to take the lead on its ethical use.

Discussed in this episode:

• Lessons from Ross’s early career in journalism and industry.
• Building confidence to chase opportunities others might not.
• Why leadership is about action, not job titles.
• Creating stronger workplace culture through human connection.
• Open, honest communication as a tool for solving conflict.
• The communicator’s role in guiding ethical AI adoption.

Show notes:

• International Association of Business Communicators | IABC
• Panuara South community benefits from new Optus mobile tower | OPTUS
• AI Workshops | Ross Monaghan
• HypeCloudAI podcast | Ross Monaghan
• Ross Monaghan | LinkedIn
• Blog | GovComms Podcast
• LinkedIn | GovComms

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.