Linda Thomas

Understanding the #problem is only the first step. Admitting it openly is equally crucial—it’s half of the #solution. It is key to: Reassess goals and #strategies Encourage open #dialogue Be open to new #ideas & #change

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In this recent article with Authority Magazine, I discuss the barriers women face in advancing to leadership roles and share actionable strategies to overcome these challenges. It's an honor to be part of this conversation and to continue advocating for a future where equity is not just an aspiration but a reality. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dXx-XWxK 💪🏽 #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #Equity #DEI #HopeForTheFuture #AmiraBarger

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Looking for a great read that explains the interconnections between emerging technologies? Sick of lazy tech writers who ask which technologies will "win" without understanding that they're all connected? Want deep dives into the future of work and VR; how to think like an AI native; and the future of experiences and mobility, among many other topics? Check out the Fast Future Blur, a collection of collaborative essays written by the faculty of the The Fast Future Executive! Available now wherever books are sold. https://lnkd.in/e2YsEa2T

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Good article on the value of original quality content and risks of GenAI’s generics & distortions today when AI volume is everywhere online. The image simulation is cool example!

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Excellent analysis

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If we thought 2024 was the year of AI...buckle up. Because 2025 is already shaping up to outpace it in innovation, experimentation, and application. Take, for instance, OpenAI's announcement they sneaked in just before everyone tuned out for the holidays: ChatGPT is now accessible via landline. That's right -- just call in, ask a question, and get an answer. They've also made it available via texting in WhatsApp. This arguably opens up accessibility for some. Though, I'm curious if the majority of people who call will use it for something productive or if it'll turn into a gag. Evolution and time will tell. What applications and new uses are AI are you most looking forward to becoming a reality in 2025? You can read more in TechCrunch: https://lnkd.in/gBYKg6ev

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Bravo to Julie Crabill and the team at Fathom.org for this eye-opening, nuanced take on #AI's impact on American society. The research indicates not just the business and productivity impacts of AI we like to talk about, but also impacts on public policy, bipartisan viewpoints, and the growing lack of trust in the tech companies who are on the forefront of AI development. A great read and something for me to keep in mind as I work with organizations grappling with AI. Marie Gill, Gina Jeneroux, MBA FLPI, Mark Wayman, Allie K. Miller ORG AI Download the report from the Fathom site. https://fathom.org/

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FREE internal comms plan to engage frontline workers ⬇️ Having trouble reaching and engaging your deskless workers? 🤔 While I wrote this blog about airline companies, which face specific challenges when it comes to internal communications and engagement, I believe the message could apply to all deskless workers. 👷‍♂️ 👷‍♀️ On average, around 85% of an airline's workforce is frontline, and all the data shows that these people are less engaged than desk-based workers. 🥱 While this disparity isn't unique to the aviation industry, the impacts of employee disengagement on customer service, brand experience, and public safety can be huge. 😬 In my latest blog for Workvivo - by Zoom (link below and in the comments) I share an internal comms plan to help you create your company's unique plan. What do you think of the plan? What have I missed? --- 📈 With extensive experience on both sides (in-house and independent), I help companies with Communications strategy and delivery to stand out from the crowd, cut through the noise, and get results. 🔔 Follow Simon Rutter for useful, thought-provoking content on Corporate Communications, EVP/Employer Brand, and Employee Experience, and ring the bell icon at the top of my profile so you don't miss any of my posts.   📭 DM me if you're looking for support with your Communications Strategy, Delivery, Coaching/Mentoring, or need a speaker on any of the above topics. Slots open now. #EmployeeExperience #EmployerBranding #CorporateCommunications #InternalCommunications #ChangeCommunications #EVP #EmployerValueProposition #CommunicationsCoaching

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This post reads as change management 101. My favorite line is, “you can't solve what you won't name.”

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My early takeaway from PRSA Oregon #CommCon2024 is that the public is facing a real trust issue when it comes to innovations like AI and other emerging tech (and in general). Which raises the question: how do we address the trust crisis in a way that is both authentic and effective? #communications #publicrelations

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As I'm getting ready to be in Santa Clara to connect with people Face to Face, there's something pretty cool digitally- Matcha.so 🍵 pods and what Melissa Moody 🍵 is working on Small groups are the most effective way to tap into your valuable network. And we can all use support to reach our goals- this is where Matcha Pods come in Matcha Pods make it smooth (and fun) to invite, schedule, message async, and meet live with small groups of your peers around a shared goal or topic of interest. How it works- 1. Pick a shared goal or focus area. 2. Invite up to 5 other people who are working on or interested in the same thing. 3. Set a timeline and cadence that works for your group. 4. Up-level each other with async messaging and recurring virtual video chats.  5. High-five each other because, finally, your meetings are aligning with your key business goals. Want to try it? Right here ⤵ https://lnkd.in/gsGxN_2M Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored, but I'll get rewards at no additional cost to you if you use the referral link :-)

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Google’s Election Night Ad Ban: Better Than Nothing... A couple of weeks ago, Google announced its election night ad ban. While it’s a step forward, it falls short in some major ways. The most significant vulnerabilities lie in what the policy doesn’t cover—and where Google’s broader disinformation efforts have missed the mark. 🚩 Bad actors will exploit the gaps ⚠️ Government websites aren’t always neutral 🤖 AI moderation isn’t foolproof Google’s ban feels like patchwork at best—it might address a few obvious ads, but it overlooks the sophisticated ways disinformation spreads today. 👉 Read the full post here:

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Only 32% of business leaders say that their company has broadly adopted AI. How can leaders overcome the fear of missing out on AI? Lorraine Twohill shares in Fortune how we can help our teams experiment with AI and help shape our future. How do YOU use AI at work or in life? Read on in Fortune 👉 https://lnkd.in/eawRgUWc #CannesLions2024 #GoogleBeach

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AI tools have sparked both curiosity and concern among communications professionals. This article highlights that AI isn't here to replace us; instead, it's transforming our roles into that of "communications engineers." By blending art and science, communicators can use AI to drive strategy, enhance productivity, and craft interesting content in a matter of minutes. From streamlining tasks like drafting pitches and conducting research to predicting trends and fostering stronger client relationships, AI offers opportunities for innovation and efficiency in the field of communications. How can we leverage AI to deliver greater value to our clients and stakeholders? #AI #pr #communication

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The Best C-Suite Communicators Keep it Real – and Meaningful 4 Ways Authentic Leaders Break Through As a comms pro, I’ve worked with many execs in a variety of industries. Those who do it best know leader communication isn’t as much about polished speeches and carefully crafted emails (what you say); it’s about how much of yourself you’re willing to reveal. These authentic behaviors create meaning while enhancing an organization’s culture and results. 1) Embrace your quirks and be human | Your quirks aren’t flaws, they’re features. Whether it’s a love for 80s rock or a penchant for cheesy puns, letting your personality seep into your communication makes you relatable and memorable. Authentic leaders make sure their true selves aren’t lost in translation. REAL DEAL: The most memorable leaders dig deeper than a favorite sports team or vacation spot. One leader talked about his struggles with training for a marathon and another shared about a new puppy’s impact on the family dynamic.  2) Share the struggles before congratulating the successes | C-suite leaders can seem untouchable and removed from the day-to-day. Break that illusion by sharing your failures and lessons learned. Admitting you don’t have all the answers doesn’t make you look weak, it makes you look real. Vulnerability breeds trust, and trust builds teams that perform. REAL DEAL: Leaders with a learning mindset build in a standing meeting agenda item that highlights recent missteps and celebrates learnings before recognizing the wins. 3) Be spontaneous and accessible | Scheduled town halls and prepared Q&A sessions have their place, but the most authentic leaders know the value of impromptu interactions. Drop into a virtual coffee chat or have a no-agenda meeting. Show up where your team doesn’t expect you. REAL DEAL: One CEO regularly popped on screen unexpectedly during small team Zoom calls, much to the surprise and delight of participants. When working from home, he would often have one of his children make an on-screen appearance. 4) Don’t just tell a story, tell your story | We all know that stories are stickier than facts and figures. Storytelling is a communication fundamental. But even more important to leadership communication is telling your story – revealing something about your history and experience that aligns to where your organization is going just hits differently. REAL DEAL: A retail CEO relates to 200k+ employees by talking about coming from frontline through the ranks and doing every job along the way… knows and understands your struggles. Authentic communication is your greatest tool as a leader. Keep it real, keep it human, and watch your influence and relationships grow. >>> What real examples would you add?

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Conversations I’ve had with media leaders and peers this year have centered around a common theme: the need to break out of traditional bubbles. The focus is shifting toward more human-centered engagement—listening directly to those impacted by the work we do and fostering trust through authentic dialogue. This highlights a critical point: trust is built not just through what we say, but through how well we listen and adapt. I’ve been prioritizing three words to inspire me this year: 🎯Clarity 🤝Connection ✍️Authenticity These words continue to guide how I approach every conversation, decision, and story. What words have inspired your work this year, and how have they shaped the way you lead and communicate? I completed my last business trip of the year; here I am outside my bubble and in the bubble of NYC. :)

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Want to know what the future of travel planning looks like? It's right here: StayWatch by Sponstayneous is like Google Flight alerts but for Airbnbs. This new request just came in for a last-minute stay this weekend in Santa Cruz. Tina is looking for a 3 bed, 2 bath stay for 5 guests between $100-$500/night. There's so much choice...too much choice... Her "ideal" 3 bed/2 bath stay is wildly different from her brother Tom's. Plus, she's flexible by 1-2 days on either end and wants stays that match her criteria emailed to her every 12 hours. Run-of-the-mill filtering options across the OTAs are just too broad. Today's travelers will leverage agents to do the research and filtering for them and send them the right stays at the right time — agnostic of booking platform. Agents will learn what "luxury" means to Tina... They'll learn the type and even the BRAND of amenity that she cares most about and serve her listings that feature Fellow products and Brooklinen sheets. AI won't kill curation businesses — it'll fuel them. This is just the first step for StayWatch, folks! Keep watching 👀

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“Proximity bias refers to how people in power positions favor employees who are physically closer to them.” How Remote Workers Can Overcome Proximity Bias https://lnkd.in/gPRf7Fpf via Instapaper

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