I've been back home for a week now, and despite the lingering jet lag from those 20+ hours on a plane, I’m still buzzing with excitement!

Attending the IABC World Conference in Chicago was an incredible experience – and the city itself was a feast for the senses! So much to see, do, and taste.

My trip to Chicago had two main purposes: presenting the findings of the joint Haiilo and CSCE study on strategic internal communication and running a certification masterclass for the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC). If you know me, you know how passionately I advocate for certification – it's invaluable for both individuals and our profession.

I was also fortunate to spend quality time with my many IABC and GCCC colleagues, and our amazing CSCE partners, Mike Klein and Ann-Marie Blake. It was a true honour to witness my friend, Theomary Karamanis, receive her IABC Fellow recognition.

The highlight of my trip, however, was spending time with seven of the eight wonderful individuals I had worked with over the past three months through the GCCC concierge program – a program providing tailored training, coaching and assistance with application and exam preparation.

Hearing them announce they had passed their CMP and SCMP exams and achieved certification was beyond heartwarming. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. These individuals embody the spirit of community, friendship, and support. They are among the loveliest people you will ever meet, and I will cherish our time together forever.

Congratulations Allison Dietz, Arek Gazda, Michael Blackburn, Rebecca Shaffer, Vicki Wolpoff, Amie Silverwood and Kari McLean.

Here’s a photo of us on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile after they treated me to a lovely dinner to thank me for working with them. In truth, I should be thanking them. Their warmth, kindness, and love made my time in Chicago unforgettable. I look forward to our next gathering in Vancouver for IABC’s 2025 World Conference!

Why do I champion certification? Because it’s more than just a credential; it’s a commitment to excellence. Our profession is vital, and our work makes a significant impact every day. As communication professionals, we are the architects of connection, the builders of trust, and the champions of clarity in a world that desperately needs our skills.

I’m dedicated to promoting GCCC certification because I believe in the power of unity and the immense value it brings to our profession. In 2020 and 2023, I conducted research on the value of these credentials for the GCCC. Through this work, I’ve seen firsthand how certification elevates our profession and enhances our credibility.

My late friend, Deb Ganderton, who became certified in her early 60s while serving as CEO of her organization, summed it up perfectly: “If we don't respect our profession, why should anyone else?” Her words resonate deeply with me and underscore the importance of what we do. By becoming certified, you are making a statement about your commitment to the highest standards of strategic communication.

If you're curious about certification or want to learn more, please reach out. I’d love to chat.

We are delighted to announce that Oliver Stelling, author of CommunicAsian: How Asia’s Rise is Shaping the Future of Communications, will be joining us as a guest speaker at our next AI Forum.

Oliver is a senior adviser and author with three decades of international experience, including over twenty years of developing communications strategies and managing regional teams in the fast-moving environments of East and West Asia. Oliver specialises in resolving top priority communications challenges, building and protecting reputations and preparing for sustainable growth in a more connected world.

We can’t wait to hear his insights! You can join us at our free monthly AI forum on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 10:00 AM AEST | Thursday, July 11, 8:00 PM EST.

*Please note that this image was created using OpenAI's DALL·E.*

Recently, a peculiar image of a headless flamingo won an award in the AI category at the 1839 Awards’ Colour Photography Contest. But here’s the catch: this image wasn’t AI-generated. The contestant had taken a photo of a flamingo they saw in Aruba and heavily edited it to remove the flamingo’s head, creating an uncanny valley effect (when humanoid objects or characters appear almost, but not exactly, like real humans.)

Surprisingly, the jury selected this image as the winner. This decision shocked the winning contestant, who then informed the jury that the image wasn’t AI-generated. While concerns about ethical AI-generated content remain strong, this incident ironically involved human content used unethically.

Click here to read the whole story!

If you want to learn more about responsible AI usage, the CSCE has an informative guide: "Responsible AI for the Communication Profession." This resource is tailored to communication professionals and offers detailed insights on ethically using AI.

THRIVE Luxury Wellbeing Retreat for Business Leaders (Ubud, Bali).

October 20 2024, 12:00 p.m. - October 26 2024, 11:00 a.m. WIT

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the relentless pace of business life? Could you use a break? If so, you could benefit from our THRIVE Luxury Wellbeing Retreat in beautiful Ubud, Bali.

This totally immersive healing experience is for professionals who:
💚Are feeling lost or lack clarity or motivation in their life and their purpose and want to follow a new path of health and wellness.
💚 Don't feel like themselves but want to get their “mojo” back.
💚 Want to change their life to detox and have more energy
💚 Want to be free from chronic stress and anxiety.
💚 Realise that now is the time to take care of themselves instead of spending all their time taking care of everybody else.
💚 Are ready to take a break from their fast-paced life and spend some time slowing down and refocusing on themselves.
💚 Want to give themselves permission to relax, so that they can expand their mind, and look at their professional life from the sidelines, instead of being right in the middle of the whirlwind of their work.
💚 Have an opportunity to give back and share their knowledge and insight with the local business community.

Join Adrian, and Sia for six days that will have you thinking clearer, feeling wonderful and ready to thrive again.

Due to the intimate nature of this retreat, spaces are very limited.

Register today and get ready to thrive again!

The CSCE proudly presents the next #WeLeadComms debate, which will feature an engaging discussion about the future of internal communication.

There's no question that organisations will need to communicate with and engage their employees. 

But does that mean that today's internal communication practitioners and the current culture of the profession will surmount, or even survive, the fierce challenges currently being faced?

That's the subject of the next #WeLeadComms debate which will will feature participants from three sharply different perspectives:

• Kevin Keohane
• Kerry-Ann Betton Stimpson
• Monique Zytnik

#WeLeadComms founder Mike Klein will moderate the debate.

Join us on Wednesday, 7 August, at 4:00 p.m. London/11:00 a.m. Eastern.

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