Our latest interview – Breaking down silos and understanding nuances in the water industry is with Matthew Knowles, Head of Employee Communications, Thames Water.
Matthew moved from a long career in journalism around a decade ago and so fascinating to hear how that transition was and what he has learned along the way. If you are new to internal comms (IC) or indeed a seasoned employee engagement professional, please do take a 20 minute break and enjoy this most convivial and illuminating interview.
In this interview we asked:
- Describe what it was like making the transition from working as a journalist to being in-house in internal communications (IC)?
- What skills would you say you need to be a great IC practitioner? What advice would you give to someone starting their career in IC?
- Can you tell me what some of the challenges you identified when you first came into the role at Thames Water?
- What was your approach -what worked well and what in hindsight would you have done differently?
- How do you approach crisis comms and what are the top three scenarios you might plan for in the water sector?
- What did you learn during the pandemic and what of those lessons have you carried into 2023?
- How do you manage your mental health and wellbeing?
- Who or what are your influences/mentors that keep you motivated?
Bio
Matthew is a former award-winning newspaper journalist working on national, regional and local papers throughout his career. He joined Thames Water in 2014 as the editor of its internal magazine and within three months was thrown into the world of internal communications.
He became head of employee communications and engagement in 2019 leading a strong, supportive team of brilliant professionals after holding team leader roles in wastewater and operations communications. He won the Institute of Internal Communications best in-house team in 2021.
He has seen a progressive and rapid shift in attitude within the business to internal communications through the power of great employee communications. He is looking forward to seeing how this industry will grow in the next five years and beyond.
If you are a business owner or leader in an organisation and would like to be interviewed for the Q&R Listen.Better vodcast series in 2023 please do get in touch for an initial chat: tellmemore@questionandretain.co.uk