Finance Disrupted: Apps, Social Media And People Power
2021-03-16 16:00 - 17:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
12th & 19th August 2026 @ 9:00am - 12:00pm (2 morning sessions + 2x 1:1 sessions)

OverviewDone well, internal comms is one of the most strategic levers an organisation has. It connects people to purpose, shapes culture, and helps employees connect to each other and understand how their work fits into the wider business. But too often it’s treated as a postal service – the person (or team, if you’re lucky) people call when they realise “we need to wrap some comms around that”! This course is designed for practitioners at any level who want to move beyond distribution and into a more strategic, people-centred practice. Across two practical workshops and 1:1 sessions you’ll learn to leverage (and tame!) all the channels available to you, understand your audiences, and design communication that supports alignment and connection. We’ll cover: Strategic capability – positioning internal comms as a strategic advisory function by linking communication work directly to organisational and people goalsUnderstanding people and audiences – analysing different employee groups and tailoring communication to their needs and contextChannels and noise – auditing and organising your channels to reduce noise and create a cleaner, more predictable communication systemLeadership and influence – working effectively with key leaders and teams (hello HR and IT!)Measurement and value – demonstrating the value of internal comms by reporting insights that help leaders make better decisionsThe essence of strategy is making the best moves with limited resources so this course is also designed to ensure you walk away feeling encouraged rather than deflated – you don’t need a massive budget or a small army to get things done! (Ironically, having both of those can sometimes make you less strategic because you have fewer constraints.) To personalise this unique learning opportunity, your investment includes: Pre-course 1:1 (45 minutes)A conversation to understand your context (organisation, challenges, stakeholders) and goals for the course, ensuring a learning experience that is tailored rather than ‘one size fits all’. Two live online workshops (3 hours each)Practical, interactive, and scenario-based sessions covering strategy, channels, audiences, leadership, storytelling, and measurement. Post-course 1:1 (60 minutes)A coaching and mentoring session to help you apply your learning, troubleshoot challenges, and support real-world application.An Emotional Culture DeckPlease note that ticket sales close on Friday 31st July 2026 at 5pm to allow time for the pre-course 1:1.

Your facilitator is..Kathryn Ruge, APRKathryn is an experienced communications leader and strategist specialising in internal communication, organisational change, and the human dynamics that shape how people engage with information – and each other! – at work. She has led internal communications functions in both the private and public sectors and has supported organisations as a consultant and contractor through complex, organisation-wide change. With more than 25 years’ experience across frontline, senior leadership, and governance roles, Kathryn brings a practical, people-centred approach to communication that strengthens trust, reduces friction, and helps teams navigate uncertainty. She has developed internal communication strategies for large, multi-site organisations, advised executives through high-stakes transitions, and coached leaders to communicate with confidence. Kathryn is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors and the founder of Engaging People, a consultancy focused on helping leaders communicate well, understand culture, and manage change. A life-long learner, she has an extensive collection of industry-related qualifications and certifications and is currently completing a Masters in Neuroscience and Psychology through King’s College London alongside becoming an Associate Certified Coach with ICF (International Coaching Federation).

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