The biggest joke in internal communication? Still failing to prove our value

The biggest joke in internal communication? Still failing to prove our value

Internal communication is at a crossroads…again. 

Too many internal communication professionals remain stuck in the cycle of tactics over strategy, missing opportunities to prove their true business value. And when internal communication professionals fail to step up, it fuels dismissive comments like Australian Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton’s recent take that internal communication specialists, “do nothing to help the average Australian.”

And let’s be honest – he’s probably not the only one who thinks that. Across politics and business, leaders everywhere question the value of internal communication – often because we’re not proving it ourselves.

But what’s really going on? 

In this no-nonsense conversation, CSCE co-founder, Sia Papageorgiou FRSA, FCSCE, SCMP and Sharn Kleiss, Strategy Partner for Employee Experience & Insights at Gallagher’s Communication Consulting Practice – the force behind the definitive State of the Sector report, compare insights from two critical internal communication research studies – Gallagher’s global deep dive and CSCE’s recent collaboration with Haiilo.

We’ll unpack:

• The brutal truth about why internal communication still struggles to be seen as strategic
• Exclusive findings from the 2025 State of the Sector and our own research
• What it actually takes to prove internal communication’s business value (and stop being ignored)

If you’re ready for an honest conversation about where internal communication is heading – and how to stop being part of the problem – join us on 1 April. 

Because at this point, sticking to tactics is the real joke.

About Sia Papageorgiou and Sharn Kleiss

Between them, Sia Papageorgiou FRSA, FCSCE, SCMP and Sharn Kleiss have spent years dissecting the state of internal communication – and they’re not afraid to call it like it is.  

Sharn Kleiss is the powerhouse behind Gallagher’s State of the Sector report, keeping her finger on the pulse of what’s happening (and what’s not) in internal communication. She’s spent a decade helping organisations crack the code on employee experience, engagement, and the future of work – and she’s got the data to prove it.  

Sia Papageorgiou is an award-winning strategic communication leader (50+ awards and counting) and a relentless advocate for internal communication professionals stepping up, thinking bigger, and proving their business impact. A globally recognised expert, she’s trained, coached, and challenged communication professionals to stop playing small and start leading.  

Together, they’re here to tell you: if you’re still prioritising tactics over strategy, you’re part of the problem. This isn’t just another internal communication webinar – it’s the reality check the profession needs. Buckle up.