EP#184: Communicators in the driver’s seat: Leading with AI and trust
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 | IABCPanuara South community benefits from new Optus mobile tower | OPTUSAI Workshops | Ross MonaghanHypeCloudAI podcast | Ross MonaghanRoss Monaghan | LinkedInBlog | GovComms PodcastLinkedIn | GovComms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EP#183: Context is key: Behavioural science in Government communication
What if everything you thought you knew about effective communication was wrong?In this episode, host David Pembroke speaks with James Healy, founder of The Behaviour Boutique and co-author of BS at Work. James has worked in more than 60 countries and brings deep insights from behavioural science, anthropology, and psychology to the challenges facing modern organisations and governments.James unpacks why so much of work is “BS” and why policies often fail to change behaviour. He shows how context shapes decisions, why storytelling matters, and shares the simple EAST framework to help communicators cut through.Discussed in this episode:James’s path from economics to behavioural scienceLessons from the global financial crisisWhy massive handbooks never change behaviourHow culture and incentives drive decisionsWhere governments use behavioural science wellQuick wins for communicators on timing and deliveryShow notes:BS at Work: Why So Much of Modern Work is BS and How Behavioural Science Can Make It Better | James HealyThe Behaviour BoutiqueAdopting AI: The People First Approach | James Healy, Paul GibbonsThe EAST framework | The Decision LabJames Healy | LinkedInThe B Word | Podcast by James HealyBehavioural Science | OECD ReportBlog | GovComms PodcastLinkedIn | GovComms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EP#182: From crisis to TikTok: Rethinking Government comms
What do bushfires, TikTok, and police comms have in common?For Kendall Masters, they’ve each shaped a sharp, no-nonsense approach to government communication.In this episode, she joins David Pembroke to unpack what it really takes to build trust, cut through the noise, and connect with the public — especially when time and attention are in short supply.Kendall shares lessons in agility, authenticity, and strategic clarity, from rolling out TikTok with Victoria Police to managing emergency comms during the 2019–20 bushfires and COVID-19. They explore the limits of video, the myth of reach-for-the-sake-of-it, and why good reporting is about more than numbers — it’s about telling the right story to the right people.Discussed in this episode:Moving from traditional media to digital-first commsLessons from bushfire and COVID-19 emergency responseWhen video works — and when it doesn’tLaunching TikTok with Victoria PoliceDitching vanity metrics for meaningful reportingBuilding skilled, strategic comms teamsShow notes:TikTok | Victoria PoliceBlog | GovComms PodcastLinkedIn | GovComms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EP#181: Beyond the brand: Building trust in local government comms
Is your comms team keeping up, or just keeping busy?In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with Mitchell Dye, the dynamic voice behind the City of Greater Geelong’s external communications. From community radio to leading digital strategy, Mitchell shares a front-row view of how local government is reinventing the way it engages with citizens—one authentic story at a time.David and Mitchell unpack what it takes to stand out in the crowded digital landscape, why the best communicators aren’t always in the comms team, and how to build trust through relatable, local voices. With fresh insights from years of hands-on experience, Mitchell offers a practical roadmap for future-proofing local government communication.Discussed in this episode:Reinventing comms in local governmentAuthentic storytelling vs polished brandingWhat community radio taught Mitchell about public commsFinding trusted voices beyond the comms teamManaging 24/7 comms without burning outShow notes:Planner | Microsoft94.7 The Pulse | Geelong Community RadioBlog | GovComms Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EP#180: How AI is changing Government comms (and what to do about it)
How will AI reshape the future of government communications—and what skills will you need to thrive?In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke is joined by Wayne Aspland, expert in public sector communication and AI strategy, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the role of communicators today and into 2030.Wayne shares how government teams can build AI capability, drive strategic alignment, and stay trusted in an era of rapid technological change. He also explains why human creativity, leadership, and critical thinking will be even more essential as automation accelerates.Discussed in this episode:How AI is reshaping communication rolesAchieving alignment across complex teamsBuilding AI skills as a teamManaging AI risks with clear guardrailsShow notes:Day in the life of a comms person in 2030 | Wayne AsplandState of the Sector report | GallagherBlog | GovComms Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About GovComms: The Future of Government Communication
Through conversation with industry greats, experts and innovators from around the world, GovComms delivers the latest insights and best practice in government communication. We provide the resources to help you, the government and public sector, communicate policies, services and regulations with impact. A podcast by contentgroup, leaders in government communication.Watch our episodes in video on contentgroup's YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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