Episode 117 – From humanising a prime minister to empowering the quietest voices

What does it take to make one of the most scrutinised leaders in the world feel relatable? And how do we build internal comms that truly include everyone — especially the quieter voices?

In this episode, Katie Macaulay is joined by personal brand expert, storytelling strategist and award-winning filmmaker Richard Etienne. Richard shares the remarkable story of being summoned to 10 Downing Street and handed a single-line brief: make the Prime Minister more personable. As Theresa May’s official videographer, he used empathy, authenticity and storytelling to reveal the human behind the headlines.

But this episode goes beyond politics.

Richard explores how to build a bold career in comms, why speed and trust matter more than ever, and how storytelling remains a vital leadership tool. He also shares the mission behind The Introvert Space, his community interest group and his mission to ensure even the quietest voices are heard in the workplace.

Expect honest reflections, practical insights — and a timely reminder that powerful communication starts with listening.

Share your thoughts on this or any other episode of The Internal Comms Podcast using the hashtag #TheICPodcast. Thank you for listening.

The Internal Comms Podcast

Call it a shift. Call it a revolution. Whatever name you give it, it’s clear internal communications is no longer the poor cousin in the media family tree. At a time when your organisation’s products and services can seemingly be replicated at the touch of a button, the one thing that is hardest to copy – your organisation’s collective wisdom – is fast becoming its most important asset.

In one of the UK’s first internal communications podcasts, Katie Macaulay sits down with IC thought-leaders every other Wednesday to better understand how we can improve communications at work. After all, it’s what’s inside that counts.

• No. of episodes: 141
• Latest episode: 2025-05-28
• Business

Where can you listen?