Podcast
Always On
Hosted by Caliber · EN
If it seems like the world’s in permanent crisis mode — that’s because it is. But what does all this mean for the world’s biggest companies?
On Always On — a podcast about branding, communications and corporate reputation — host Shahar Silbershatz searches for the answers.
He meets brand, marketing and communications experts — including Chief Communications Officers (CCOs) and Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) — to learn how they’re steering leading companies through our age of uncertainty.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Tapestry CCO Jennifer Leemann on Weaving the Narrative in the Age of AI
May 100:34:49Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to lead communications at one of fashion's most iconic houses?Jen Leemann, SVP Global Head of Communications, Inclusion and Social Impact at Tapestry, joins Shahar Silbershatz to explore how the CCO role is evolving — from AI's dual impact on brand, reputation and internal workflows, to why transparency is a company's greatest protection, and why the fundamentals of great storytelling matter more than ever in an age of constant disruption.If you've ever had to argue for a seat at the table, or wondered how to prove the commercial value of communications, this one's for you.To stay current with corporate reputation trends and track perceptions of global companies and industries, visit groupcaliber.com.
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Stephanie Roberts on Cross-Cultural Comms within the Hitachi Group
Feb 1300:34:18Tap to summarizeHost Shahar Silbershatz sits down with Stephanie Roberts, Chief Communications Officer at Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems, to discuss what it takes to lead communications in one of the world's most complex business environments.Speaking from Tokyo, Stephanie shares her remarkable journey from a 7,000-person farm town in the U.S. to the helm of communications for a global manufacturing conglomerate. With over 20,000 LinkedIn followers and a career spanning civil engineering, legal, commercial real estate, and manufacturing, she brings a unique perspective on how the communications function has evolved from a "messaging department" to a strategic risk management role.Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:17 Meet Stephanie Roberts02:04 Stephanie's Career Journey03:04 About Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems04:18 A Day in the Life of a CCO05:32 Evolving Field of Communications07:01 Crisis Management and Preparation10:15 Navigating Cultural Differences12:31 Internal Communications and Employee Engagement16:01 Strategic Value of Communications27:00 Challenges and Trends in Communications32:36 Personal Insights and ConclusionTo stay current with corporate reputation trends and track perceptions of global companies and industries, visit groupcaliber.com.
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Data, AI and Human Connection
Jul 2200:29:19Tap to summarizeIn a world of increasing complexity, building trust across cultures has never been more challenging — or essential.In an episode that originally appeared on the Page Society’s podcast — The New CCO — Shahar Silbershatz and Axel Löber share insights on how global CCOs can navigate cultural nuances, leverage AI and data, and foster authentic stakeholder connections.Listen to the conversation to hear how human connection remains at the heart of effective communication, to help build trust with stakeholders, in an AI-driven era.Read Shahar's Page Society blog post:https://page.org/blog/smart-tech-smarter-leaders-the-human-edge-in-ai-driven-stakeholder-intelligence/To stay current with corporate reputation trends and track perceptions of global companies and industries, visit groupcaliber.com.
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Booking Holdings' Leslie Cafferty on Why Comms is a Two-Way Street
Jul 800:40:51Tap to summarizeIn the Season 2 finale, Leslie Cafferty, Chief Communications Officer at Booking Holdings, shares how her team leads communications across brands like Booking.com, OpenTable, and KAYAK in a world that’s always on — and always shifting.From experimenting with AI tools to navigating public backlash during the pandemic, Leslie explains why today’s communications landscape requires constant iteration, cross-functional collaboration, and — above all — listening. She reflects on building internal trust, staying ahead of risk, and offering clear-eyed counsel to the CEO when the pressure is on.For Leslie, communication isn’t just about sending messages — it’s a two-way street that demands curiosity, clarity, and the courage to adjust course.Time stamps00:00 Communication as a Two-Way Street00:21 Meet Leslie Cafferty01:48 Leslie's Career Journey03:52 The Evolution of Communications05:20 AI and Technology in Communications11:24 Experimentation and Data-Driven Strategies20:34 Reflecting on Achievements and Challenges21:05 Navigating the Fast-Paced Communication Landscape23:41 Crisis Preparation and Response26:39 Learning from Public Backlash28:48 Fostering Open Internal Communication33:02 Collaborating with the C-Suite34:25 Deciding When to Speak Out39:09 Personal Insights and Switching Off40:27 Conclusion and FarewellTo stay current with corporate reputation trends and track perceptions of global companies and industries, visit groupcaliber.com.
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Becca Chambers on the End of ‘Shapes and Colors’ Comms
Jun 2400:40:06Tap to summarizeShahar sits down with Becca Chambers—aka “Becca from LinkedIn”—a communications powerhouse with over 80 million views on the platform and CMO at Scale Venture Partners.Becca shares how she rose from a spontaneous start in comms—via a rogue wave—to becoming a leading voice in data-driven communications. With deep experience across cybersecurity, VC, and brand strategy, Becca explains why comms pros need to shed the “shapes and colors” stereotype and start proving their business impact with smart, contextualized data.Becca dives into how communicators can earn a seat at the leadership table by being strategic, saying no when needed, and translating qualitative and quantitative signals into compelling business stories. She challenges comms leaders to get scrappy with data—tapping into tools like Google Analytics or Salesforce—and emphasizes that it’s not about the metrics per se but how they connect to real business outcomes.She also discusses the burnout risks of an “always on” mindset, especially in high-stakes industries like cybersecurity, and the importance of boundaries to preserve creativity and stamina.Finally, Becca makes a compelling case for why all communicators must build their personal brands. In a world moving toward hyper-authenticity and digital-first impressions, Becca argues that showing up online consistently (even imperfectly) will be a key differentiator. From leadership visibility to message consistency and analyst sentiment tracking, she shares practical ways to “see around corners” and ensure comms is not just reactive but proactive in shaping reputation and driving business strategy.Time stamps00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:27 Guest Introduction: Becca Chambers01:03 Becca's Career Journey04:21 Evolution of Communications08:19 Data-Driven Communications13:46 The Importance of Consistency and Sentiment18:05 Data-Driven Storytelling19:31 The Always-On Dilemma22:50 Measuring Success in Communications27:02 Leadership Visibility and Influence33:09 Building Personal Brands35:47 Quickfire Questions and Final ThoughtsTo stay current with corporate reputation trends and track perceptions of global companies and industries, visit groupcaliber.com.
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DSV's Pia Stoklund on How Data Builds Trust and Creates Headspace
Jun 1100:38:57Tap to summarizeIn episode four, host Shahar Silbershatz sits down with Pia Stoklund, the Global Head of Corporate Marketing and Communication at logistics powerhouse DSV.Fresh off DSV’s massive acquisition of Schenker — doubling its workforce to 160,000 — Pia reflects on her 25-year journey through corporate communications and marketing, and how data has become a strategic cornerstone of her work.From her early days in finance to her current role at a global logistics giant, Pia shares how data-driven insights don’t just support better decisions — they create the headspace needed for creativity, strategic clarity, and trust-building across stakeholders.🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:What “creating headspace” means in the context of leadership, creativity, and communication strategy — and why it's critical in an “always on” world.How corporate communication has evolved — and why visibility, vulnerability, and frequent dialogue matter more than ever.How Pia builds comms at scale — enabling thousands of employees to align around a consistent message and brand narrative.Why data is essential to decision-making in modern communicationsTimestamps00:00 Teaser Clip About Headspace00:29 Welcome to Always On Podcast00:41 Meet Pia Stockland01:04 Pia's Career Journey02:26 Transition from Finance to Communications03:09 Benefits of Diverse Industry Experience05:22 Evolution of the Communication Landscape07:04 Always On: The Need for Real-Time Data07:56 Tools and Structures for Always On Communication15:40 Balancing Data and Creativity17:33 Leadership Visibility in an Always-On World23:05 Effective Internal Communication30:28 Future Trends in Communication33:10 The Role of the CCO and CMO36:09 Common Myths About Communications37:15 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsTo stay current with corporate reputation trends and track perceptions of global companies and industries, visit groupcaliber.com.
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IKEA's Belén Frau on Building Brand Trust From the Inside Out
May 28, 202500:42:55Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode of Always On, host Shahar Silbershatz sits down with Belén Frau, Chief Communication Officer of Ingka Group — the largest IKEA franchisee — to explore how one of the world’s most beloved brands uses purpose, insights, and data to stay deeply connected with customers, coworkers, and society.Belén shares her journey from finance and retail operations to leading global communications, and explains how IKEA’s obsession with understanding life at home — through data, dialogue, and trust — shapes everything from product design to brand activism.With refreshing candor and clarity, she opens up about the structure behind IKEA’s unique brand ecosystem, how communication leaders can gain influence in the C-suite, and why being “always on” is essential in today’s complex, fast-moving world.🔑 What you’ll learn in this episode:How IKEA connects purpose with action — and why affordability, sustainability, and accessibility are central to its brand promiseWhy “Life at Home” is more than a slogan — and how insights from 55,000+ homes drive innovation, campaigns, and connectionHow IKEA built an econometric model to link brand trust directly to visitation and salesWhat it takes to lead comms across 30+ markets — balancing global consistency with local creativityWhy communication is now a business lever — not a support function — and how to prove its value through performance and dataHow IKEA responds to crises, social issues, and misinformation while staying anchored in humility and valuesTimestamps00:00 Introduction to Life at Home00:30 Welcome to the Podcast00:54 Meet Belén Frau: Career Journey01:41 Transition from Retail to Communications04:05 The Power of Purpose-Driven Brands05:47 Understanding IKEA's Complex Structure12:40 Life at Home: Insights and Innovations21:41 Positive Outlook on Global Branding22:16 Balancing Global Consistency with Local Freedom23:40 Support Over Control in Global Operations24:35 Leveraging Local Innovations Globally25:31 Data-Driven Communication Strategies26:29 The Role of Data in Communication27:34 Weekly Data Review and Feedback Loop28:10 Importance of Happy Customers and Employees28:39 Brand Metrics and Business Growth28:58 Building Brand Trust Through Data33:04 Always On: The Need for Constant Engagement34:33 Crisis Communication in a Fast-Paced World36:22 Navigating Social and Political Issues39:17 The Future of the CCO Role41:32 Switching Off: Personal Time and Relaxation42:20 Conclusion and FarewellTo stay current with corporate reputation trends and track perceptions of global companies and industries, visit groupcaliber.com.
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Recruiter Michael Patino on Turnover and Talent Gaps in Corporate Comms
May 22, 202500:43:07Tap to summarizeIn this bonus episode, Shahar Silbershatz is joined by executive search veteran Michael Patino, founder of Patino Associates, to unpack their latest Global CCO Turnover Study. From turnover trends to succession planning gaps, Mike offers a candid, data-backed view of the evolving corporate communications landscape — and what companies (and aspiring leaders) must do to keep pace.Drawing on over 25 years in executive search and talent advisory, Mike shares eye-opening stats, regional comparisons, and practical guidance for navigating a fast-changing communications environment shaped by AI and shifting CEO expectations.🔑 What you’ll learn in this episodeWhy CCO turnover surged post-COVID — and why it’s stabilizing nowWhy 60% of CCO hires are external — and what that says about succession planningWhy communications leads the way in gender balance at the C-levelHow tenure and turnover differ across the US, UK, Germany, and France — and what cultural and structural factors play a roleWhy AI isn’t replacing CCOs — but those who can use it wisely will stand out📉 Why the “CCO+” trend is overstated — and the real shift is toward strategic advisory, not empire-buildingTimestamps00:00 Introduction to AI in Strategic Operations00:37 Welcome to the Podcast00:49 Meet Michael Patino01:16 Mike's Career Journey01:50 About Patino Associates03:57 The Global CCO Turnover Report05:15 Key Trends in CCO Hiring06:53 Gender Balance in Communications09:39 External vs. Internal CCO Hires14:46 Challenges in Succession Planning24:39 Regional Differences in CCO Turnover30:36 Impact of AI on the CCO Role35:49 Future of the CCO Role38:48 Advice for Aspiring Communicators41:03 Surprising Findings from the Study42:26 Conclusion and FarewellVisit https://patinoassociates.com/ for more.MusicAlex Guz from PixabayTo stay current with corporate reputation trends and track perceptions of global companies and industries, visit groupcaliber.com.
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GEA's Jill Meiburg on the Power of Purpose-Led Comms
Apr 30, 202500:38:26Tap to summarizeIn episode two of the new season, Shahar Silbershatz speaks with Jill Meiburg, Head of Group Communications and Brand at GEA Group, one of the world’s leading technology suppliers for the food, beverage, and pharma industries.Based in Düsseldorf but global in scope, Jill shares what it means to lead with purpose, navigate complexity, and prove the impact of communications in a data-driven, always-on world.From building a custom impact score across 20+ KPIs to storytelling about cows that outperform all other content, Jill blends strategic clarity with grounded insights into what it takes to communicate effectively — and creatively — in today's fast-moving environment.Jill also opens up about the role of sustainability, the importance of stakeholder alignment, and why communicators must learn to speak both the language of business and authenticity.🔑 What you’ll learn in this episode:🧭 Why having a clear purpose is the best defense against an unstable, noisy world📊 How GEA built its own “impact score” — measuring internal and external comms equally🐄 Why cow content crushes it on engagement (yes, really)⚖️ How to balance speed with strategic focus when reacting to external developments🧠 Why every communicator today needs a data scientist — and a deep understanding of sustainability🗣️ What makes CEO visibility effective — and why “weighing in” isn’t always the right move🎯 How to claim a seat at the table with the right data, format, and persistenceTimestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:02 Meet Jill Meiburg: Personal and Professional Background02:21 Life in Germany as an American03:42 Journey into Communications06:24 Evolution of Corporate Communications08:18 Strategic Communication in a Complex World10:23 Data-Driven Communication Strategies14:23 Impact Measurement and Tools18:35 The Secret to Successful Internal Dashboards19:32 The Importance of Internal Data Scientists19:48 Reputational Risks in the Industry21:49 Leveraging Data to Anticipate Risks23:16 Defining and Engaging Stakeholders24:20 Communicating Complex Engineering Solutions25:57 Structuring the Communication Team27:37 The Role of Creativity and AI in Communications30:11 CEO Visibility and Communication Strategy32:51 The Evolving Role of the CCO34:52 Achieving a Seat at the Executive Table37:00 Balancing Work and Personal LifeMusicAlex Guz from PixabayTo stay current with corporate reputation trends and track perceptions of global companies and industries, visit groupcaliber.com.
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Microsoft's Frank X. Shaw on Trust and Transparency in Tech
Apr 17, 202500:45:38Tap to summarizeWe're back! Season 2 kicks off with one of the most respected voices in global communications: Frank X. Shaw, CCO at Microsoft. In this wide-ranging conversation, Frank discusses how a company as vast and complex as Microsoft manages trust, innovation, and influence in an increasingly fragmented and volatile world. He explains why doing nothing is sometimes the smartest move, how Microsoft navigates “permacrisis” with speed and precision, and why alignment between internal perception and external reputation is key to resilience.From the evolution of influence to the rise of AI, from comms-marketing collaboration to internal consensus-building, Frank offers an unvarnished look at what it takes to lead communications at a company where everyone’s watching—and why staying grounded in purpose matters more than ever.🔑 What you’ll learn in this episode🧭 Why trust and innovation are the twin pillars of Microsoft’s brand identity—and the risks that threaten each🧠 How to detect weak signals and decide when to stay silent in the face of emerging crises🧰 The systems and structures Microsoft uses to stay “always on”—from 24/7 global issues management to predictive dashboards🏗️ Why comms needs as much internal relationship-building as external influence🧬 How Frank's team uses AI for measurement, insight, and experimentation—without losing the human judgment that matters most🛠️ What it really means to “own” communications in a decentralized, highly matrixed enterprise🎯 How to stay aligned on brand without being rigid—especially when your stakeholders span governments, gamers, and global developers🌍 What it takes to navigate stakeholder expectations around societal issues without getting performativeTimestamps00:00 Frank Shaw on the Core Values of a Tech Brand00:35 Welcome to Season Two of Always On00:48 Meet Frank Shaw: Chief Communications Officer at Microsoft02:46 Frank's Journey: From Journalism to Microsoft05:05 The Evolution of Influence in Communications08:44 Navigating the Complex World of Modern Communication14:33 Microsoft's Approach to Risk and Reputation Management23:31 Handling Crisis Communication24:21 The Role of Company Values in Public Statements26:49 The Importance of Company Culture27:47 Understanding Microsoft's Stakeholder Universe31:24 Organizing the Communications Team34:24 The Impact of AI on Communications36:12 Marketing and Communications Collaboration40:44 The Evolving Role of the CCO43:41 Balancing Work and Personal Life44:53 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMusic by Alex Guz from Pixabay. To stay current with corporate reputation trends and track perceptions of global companies and industries, visit groupcaliber.com.
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